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LONG
BRANCH, NEW JERSEY- To the benefit of one in four
women over the age of 18 who experience episodes of leaking
urine involuntarily, Betsy Greenleaf, D.O., Urogynecologist,
performed New Jersey’s first minimally invasive procedure
using the MiniArc Single Incision Sling System to treat female
stress urinary incontinence, also referred to as bladder leaking,
as part of a clinical evaluation.
“Women with urinary incontinence may not be able to prevent
leaking urine when they cough, sneeze or exercise. Others experience
a strong urge to urinate but are unable to make it to the bathroom
in time,” said Dr. Greenleaf. “The MiniArc Single
Incision Sling System is the least invasive sling to date and
is groundbreaking technology for female patients. It is the next
evolution of sling procedures.”
The MiniArc Single Incision Sling System treats female stress
urinary incontinence by placing a narrow strip of mesh to support
the urethra. The MiniArc system is not performed with external
incisions, but rather with a minimally invasive vaginal incision,
to place the supportive mesh. This approach also avoids the retropubic
space, the area of loose connective tissue between the bladder,
pubic bone and abdominal wall, and narrow mesh carriers are passed
through, attached and pulled into place under the urethra. Once
placed, the mesh cradles the urethra and gives it a point of
support.
“The procedure provides relief for most patients with
decreased recovery time and post operative pain. Patients can
resume normal, non-strenuous activities within a few days. It
truly enhances a female patient’s quality of life,” adds
Dr. Greenleaf. “MiniArc’s uncomplicated design makes
it very easy to use and its slim needle profile allows for placement
of the sling with minimal insertion force, resulting in very
little bleeding. The fixation tips provide strong holding force
and eliminate the need for incisions in the abdomen or groin.
This is a very safe and effective procedure.”
Dr. Greenleaf is one of only 70 physicians world- and nationwide
currently trained to perform the new minimally invasive sling
procedure as part of American Medical Systems clinical evaluation
process. She is also the first doctor in New Jersey trained to
conduct the procedure, as well as the state’s first physician
to perform the procedure.
Urinary incontinence describes the condition of not being able
to control the flow of urine from your body. Incontinence usually
occurs because the urethra cannot close tightly enough to hold
urine in the bladder. It is often an after effect of childbirth.
Seventeen million Americans cope with urinary incontinence and
the problem is more common in women than men.
Dr. Greenleaf, who joined Monmouth Medical Center’s medical
staff in January 2007, is fellowship trained in Urogyncology
from McKinney Teaching, Inc., Athena Women’s Medical Center
in Turnersville, New Jersey, and completed her residency in Obstetrics
and Gynecology at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of
New Jersey’s program at Kennedy Memorial Hospital in Stratford,
New Jersey. She earned her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine at
University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in Stratford.
Dr. Greenleaf has also participated in several research projects
and conducts literature reviews for professional medical journals.
For more information about the incontinence treatment programs
or a referral to a Monmouth Medical Center urogynecologist, please
call
1-888-724-7123.
CONTACT: Dennis Wilson, Jr.
dwilson@barnabashealth.org
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