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For Immediate Release
3/13/2007
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Those suffering from urinary and fecal incontinence can now find treatment at
the Continence Center at Northwest Hospital in
Randallstown. The center is led by Andrew M. Shapiro, M.D. , and Justin C. Somerville, M.D.
"More than 13 million Americans suffer from the inability to control bowel
movements or urination," explained Somerville, co-director of the Continence
Center at Northwest Hospital. "While these symptoms often impact older
patients, it is not an inevitable part of aging."
Many times associated with getting older, incontinence is often a symptom of
another medical condition. Neurological injury, birth defects, strokes or
multiple sclerosis can cause urinary incontinence. Additionally, women are twice
a likely than men to suffer from urinary incontinence due to pregnancy and
childbirth. Fecal incontinence can be caused by a variety of reasons, including
constipation, diarrhea, muscle damage, nerve damage or loss of storage capacity
in the rectum. The Continence Center at Northwest Hospital performs a
complete medical assessment to determine the cause of incontinence, an important
step to finding the best treatment possible.
"Incontinence can have negative social, psychological and sexual impacts,"
said Shapiro, co-director of the Continence Center. "With new treatment options,
there is no reason for anyone to suffer silently from either urinary or fecal
incontinence."
Erik Wexler, president of Northwest Hospital, added, "Patients will be provided with
this care in a comfortable environment with respect for dignity and privacy.
Drs. Somerville and Shapiro are leaders in the use of the most advanced
treatments for incontinence, and we are proud to have them co-leading the
program at Northwest Hospital."
Doctors offer a wide range of treatment options, which are both effective and
minimally invasive. Treatment for urinary incontinence can include drug therapy,
pelvic muscle strengthening, behavior modification techniques, injectable
bulking agents, Botox injections, nerve stimulation or minimally invasive
surgery. For a minority of patients, a catheter or absorbent products may be
recommended. Treatment for fecal incontinence can include dietary changes,
medication, bowel training or surgery.
Eugene Meyer, M.D. , a specialist in colon-rectal
surgery, will also see patients in the newly formed clinic.
For more information about the Continence Center at Northwest Hospital,
or to schedule an appointment, call 410-601-WELL (9355).
Northwest Hospital is a member of LifeBridge Health, a
regional health organization, which includes Sinai
Hospital, Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center and Hospital, Jewish Convalescent & Nursing Home, and related
subsidiaries and affiliates
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