My clinical training and translational research background has prepared me to care for genitourinary tract dysfunction in all levels from conservative management to medical, and surgical treatments including complex reconstructive urologic surgeries. This background also has prepared me to recognize and investigate gaps of current knowledge in lower urinary tract dysfunction, build a skillset, and develop relationships with mentors and collaborators that will allow me to successfully complete research endeavors.
I have been meticulously trained during my residency and fellowship for the evaluation and management of neurourology, female urology and pelvic reconstructive surgery by experts of these fields. My surgical skills and ability to utilize endoscopic, open, laparoscopic robotic, vaginal and abdominal surgery enables me to offer you all the available surgical options and help you pick the potentially best available option for your care through shared decision making.
Lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) is common in both men and women, and the incidence and prevalence increase as people age. The effects of LUTD on individuals and the nation are enormous. People with LUTD face a number of social, mental and physical health effects as a result of their symptoms, and treatments for LUTD are not always effective, have significant side-effects, and are costly. The financial burden of this disorder is expected to increase dramatically as the population ages. (Ref: https://nih-lurn.org/)
Pelvic organ prolapse happens when pelvic floor muscles or connective tissue weakens or tears. When this prolapse becomes bothersome to the patient, or if it induces symptoms and dysfunction in other neighboring organs (like bladder or rectum), it is the time that you can discuss the management options with your physician. At UCI's female and reconstructive urology division, we evaluate your condition and help you decide from conservative and surgical options available to alleviate these symptoms and recover from this condition. You can learn further about the condition at: https://www.augs.org/assets/2/6/POP.pdf
Urodynamic testing is a series of tests to evaluate how your bladder, urinary sphincter, urethra and pelvic floor functions. You may learn further about it at: https://www.augs.org/assets/2/6/Urodynamics.pdf
This condition’s name obviously indicates specific nerve problems causing urinary troubles. Patients with neurogenic bladder lack bladder control due to a brain, spinal cord or nerve problem. This nerve damage can be the result of diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's disease or diabetes. It can also be caused by infection of the brain or spinal cord, heavy metal poisoning, stroke, spinal cord injury, or major pelvic surgery. People who are born with problems of the spinal cord, such as spina bifida, may also have this type of bladder problem. Nerves in the body control how the bladder stores or empties urine, and problems with these nerves cause overactive bladder (OAB), incontinence (leakage of urine), and underactive bladder (UAB) or obstructive bladder (blockage of urine stream).
Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is loss of urine (urine leakage) that happens at the same time of increased exertion. When SUI is bothersome to the patient, we can offer conservative, non-invasive and surgical treatments. At UCI we provide all treatment options for SUI, including synthetic mesh sling, and patient’s own native tissue fascia sling. We also manage prior mesh obstruction and erosion surgical complications. You may learn more about it at: https://www.augs.org/assets/2/6/SUILargePrint.pdf