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Reconstructing a Healthy Life
After having her second child six
years ago, Cindy Tortorici, 43,
of Freehold started having some
bladder problems. Because laughing,
coughing, sneezing, and exercise caused
leakage of urine (stress incontinence),
she underwent a procedure to correct her
condition. Recently, though, Cindy began
experiencing a recurrence of symptoms.
"My gynecologist suggested I go to Dr.
Conner, probably one of the most amazing,
competent doctors I know."
Cindy recalls her first appointment
with Ellen Conner, M.D., a urogynecologist
affiliated with Jersey Shore University
Medical Center. "I never felt that a doctor
gave me as thorough an exam as I
received from Dr. Conner," recalls Cindy.
"She made sure that she was seeing everything
and diagnosing me correctly."
In addition to stress incontinence,
Cindy was diagnosed with pelvic organ
prolapse, which occurs when one or more
of the pelvic organs — bladder, rectum,
or uterus — drop from their natural position.
Normally, the vagina and uterus are
secured to the pelvis by connective tissue
that forms a strong envelope around
the vaginal walls. As pelvic floor muscles
weaken or are injured, usually from childbearing,
the connective tissue gives way.
This displacement from prolapse results
in symptoms such as the feeling of pelvic
pressure or bulging, urinary frequency, difficulty
emptying the bowel or bladder, and
discomfort with intercourse. One solution
is pelvic reconstructive surgery.
"Synthetic meshes, commonly used
in abdominal wall hernia repair, are now
being used in pelvic reconstructive
surgery," states Dr. Conner. "During this
procedure, a soft, synthetic mesh
is used to support the particular organ
that has prolapsed. This procedure can
bring about resolution of all the symptoms
of prolapse."
A hysterectomy, or removal of the
uterus, is not required in many cases
with this procedure. Another significant
benefit is that it is performed vaginally,
so there are no big abdominal incisions.
This means that patients are typically
discharged the day after surgery and can
return to work and their regular activities
within one to two weeks.
Cindy couldn’t be happier with the
outcome of her treatment. "I am back
to living a happy, active life," she says.
"I was amazed by the care I received
from Dr. Conner and her staff. I trusted
her completely. Thanks to her, I have my
life back."
 – Beth Price
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