Urogynecology practice patterns among Air Force obstetricians and gynecologists: survey results

Abstract

The objective of this study was to describe the practice patterns of physicians in the United States Air Force regarding the evaluation and treatment of female pelvic floor disorders including urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. A self-administered survey of 22 questions was electronically mailed to all active duty Air Force obstetricians & gynecologists. Fifty-one surveys were returned for a 51% response rate. Eighty-four percent of physicians treat urinary incontinence. A smaller percentage perform advanced reconstructive techniques, using biomaterials (35%), colpocleisis (39%), overlapping sphincter repairs (45%), and abdominal sacrocolpopexy (27%). When questioned about urogynecology training during residency, most respondents report inadequate training in advanced pelvic surgery techniques. In conclusion, the majority of Air Force obstetricians and gynecologists feel comfortable treating uncomplicated urinary incontinence but do not routinely perform advanced urogynecology surgeries. There is a continued need to train physicians in female pelvic medicine to treat a unique patient population.