Biofeedback - A behavioral technique in which a person learns how to consciously control involuntary responses such as muscle contraction. The patient receives a visual, auditory, or tactile signal (the feedback) that indicates how well the patient’s muscles are responding to the commands of the nervous system. The signal is from a measurable physiologic parameter and displayed in a quantitative way. The patient is taught to change it and thus control the physiologic process. The technique is used most often to teach pelvic muscle control.

Bladder - A muscular organ that lies in the pelvis and is supported by the pelvic floor muscle. The bladder has two functions: to stretch to allow urine storage and to contract to enable urine to be expelled.

Bladder Neck - Area of the bladder where the bladder joins the urethra. This area contains the internal sphincter (a tiny layer of muscle fibers).

Bladder Suspension - Used to treat stress urinary incontinence. Also called bladder neck suspension. A term for several surgical procedures to treat urethral hypermobility by elevating and securing the bladder to its proper position in the body.

Bladder X-Ray (VCUG) - Simple test that studies the position of the bladder while the patients stands (impact of gravity) and the urethra during straining and voiding.

Catheter - A narrow, flexible tube that is inserted into the urethra and into the bladder for the purpose of draining urine or performing diagnostic tests of bladder or urethral function.

Estrogen - A hormone in women produced mainly by the ovaries. It is believed to play a major role in keeping the strength and tone of the urethra and the pelvic floor.

Hypermobility - A term applied to the urethra. When the urethra becomes hypermobile it drops from its normal position during physical activity and may cause stress urinary incontinence.

Incontinence - Accidental or involuntary loss of urine.

Pelvic Floor - A muscular structure that plays an important role in maintaining continence in males and females. It forms a “hammock,” slung from the front of the pelvis to the back, and supports the pelvic organs (bladder, uterus, rectum).

Prolapse - Protrusion or dropping of the uterus, rectum, or bladder into the vagina.

Ultrasound - A technique that uses ultrasound to make visual images of the urinary tract for the purpose of assessing its anatomic status.

Urethra - A narrow tube through which urine flows from the bladder to the outside of the body.

Urodynamics - Tests designed to duplicate as nearly as possible the symptoms of incontinence in the way they are actually experienced. These tests determine the functional status of the bladder and urethra.

For more information about the Department of Urology, contact:

Phone: 214-648-4765, FAX: 214-648-4789

Mailing Address:  5323 Harry Hines Blvd., J8.148, Dallas, TX  75390-9110