Urogynecology is an independent specialty on the borderline between gynecology and urology, which deals with diseases of the pelvic organs, such as the bladder, the uterus, the rectum and the muscle and ligament system that supports these. According to experts, the proportion of women affected by stress urinary incontinence (SUI) exceeds fifty percent, which means that every second woman faces this kind of problem at least once in her lifetime. What only few people know though is that these complaints indicate not just physical discomfort.
- Urinary incontinence, urinary urgency or pelvic floor prolapse have significant influence on everyday life by affecting the quality of life in a negative way. A lot of women with these symptoms gradually withdraw from social life, avoid taking longer trips, doing sports and participating in social occasions. Prolonged complaints can also cause anxiety, depression and a significant deterioration in working capacity. It is not by chance that pelvic disorders are considered one of the most significant – and most neglected – health problems affecting the quality of life. Urogynecology offers solutions to precisely these complaints, from the most modern diagnostic methods to surgeries – explained Associate Professor Bence Kozma, Head of the urogynecology profile of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic of the Clinical Center of the University of Debrecen.
The Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic of the University of Debrecen is home to the only urogynecology profile in the region, which has now become a true regional reference center. In recent years, the department has introduced nine completely new or renewed types of surgery, while the consistent application of the minimally invasive approach has shortened the length of hospital stay after procedures to an average of one to two days.
- The trinity of smaller intervention, faster recovery and lasting results is no longer exclusively the privilege of large Western European centers. In parallel, the diagnostic toolbox is also constantly expanding: from pelvic floor ultrasound to nerve stimulation methods, options have become available in Debrecen that the department not only applies, but also researches and develops – added Bence Kozma.
In addition to high-quality patient care and research activities, the staff of the Debrecen urogynecology department also takes an active role in medical and specialist training. From the undergraduate education of medical students to the postgraduate training of specialists, the palette is wide and the training is of interest not only to domestic but also to specialists from neighboring countries: the department has gradually become an international academic attraction.
The scientific performance is also noteworthy: five doctoral degrees have been awarded within the profile so far and three more dissertations are in progress. The research work has resulted in forty-nine scientific publications – including some that have been recommended for reading by the American Society of Urogynecology – as well as one hundred and twenty congress presentations and posters.
The recognition of urogynecology in Debrecen is further evidenced by the fact that the International Urogynecological Association (IUGA) recently honored Bence Kozma, the head of the department, with the InSpIRE Award.
- It is an immense honor to be the first Hungarian to receive this recognition, which recognizes the high level of expertise and long-term professional commitment in the field of pelvic dysfunctions. I am grateful for the continuous professional support and cooperation of my colleagues and the international community. I am consistently working to ensure that urogynecology in Hungary gains an official framework through a state-recognized licensing exam, and the InSpIRE award provides a steadfast commitment to this - emphasized the awarded specialist.
Bence Kozma currently holds the position of president of the Hungarian Continence and Urogynecology Society (MAKUT), and as a member of the board of the European Urogynecology Association (EUGA), he represents the Hungarian position at the most prestigious forums on the continent.
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