January 21, Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India]: A state-of-the-art Department of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (Urogynaecology) has been opened at Saveetha Medical College and Hospital (SMCH), a division of Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS). This department is fully equipped to provide comprehensive surgical and non-surgical care for women with pelvic floor disorders.

This exclusive department was inaugurated by film actor and entrepreneur Poornima Bhagyaraj and Prof. Dr. N. Rajamaheshwari, former Head of Department of Urogynaecology, Madras Medical College, Chennai. Dr. N. M. Veeraiyan, Founder & Chancellor, and Dr. Deepak Nallasamy, Pro Chancellor, SIMATS, were present. Dignitaries that participated in the ceremony were Dr. Ponnambalam, Medical Superintendent, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital; Dr. J. Kumutha, Dean; and Dr. K. Seethalakshmi, HoD, Department of Urogynaecology.

Common female pelvic floor conditions such pelvic organ prolapse, persistent pelvic discomfort, UTIs, interstitial cystitis, and incontinence are treated by urrogynecology, a subspecialty of gynecology. These disorders often develop as a consequence of menopause, gynecological procedures, pregnancy, or delivery.

The recently opened department is expected to become into one of the nation’s top referral hubs for women with pelvic floor issues. It will provide comprehensive care and cutting-edge diagnostics that are comparable to those found in Western nations, including conservative non-surgical treatments and minimally invasive surgical techniques. It will cover pelvic floor issues in older women, which have become a public health concern owing to the increasing life expectancy of women worldwide, with an emphasis on geriatric urogynaecology.

“Pelvic floor conditions are more common than depression, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension,” Dr. N.M. Veeraiyan said in his comments. One in two adult women have pelvic floor dysfunction, while one in ten have diabetes, one in three have hypertension, and one in twenty have depression. Many women are not even aware that these issues have a name, despite the fact that they are so prevalent. Because these disorders are stigmatized, many people are also unwilling to seek care. We established this specialized division to provide women with pelvic floor issues top-notch, considerate, and cutting-edge treatment. For women who lack the skills or resources to seek specialized treatment on their own, our section seeks to lessen their pain and improve their quality of life.

Dr. K. Seethalakshmi, Head of the Department of Urogynaecology, noted in her remarks that 54.7% of Chennai’s 25.95 lakh female residents are at risk for pelvic floor problems. Furthermore, 54% of women have sexual dysfunction and 62% have urine incontinence. “Gynecologists should be trained in the basics of female urological issues due to the high prevalence of these conditions.” The medical curriculum does not presently cover this topic, and there are still far too few urogynecologists qualified to handle these problems. By providing top-notch instruction to medical students and residents, the new department will close the knowledge and skill gap and improve their comprehension of female pelvic floor problems. Additionally, it will lead cutting-edge and creative research and organize conferences with experts from across the world who will share their expertise of cutting-edge surgical methods.”