By Joseph Gauta, MD, FACOG
Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery
Urogynecology is a rapidly evolving specialty focused on addressing complex conditions of the pelvic floor. At the Florida Bladder Institute, we strive to provide advanced, evidence-based care that prioritizes patient outcomes and quality of life. Among the innovative treatments we offer is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy—a novel approach that holds significant promise for a variety of urogynecologic conditions.
What Is PRP?
PRP is derived from your own blood, which is processed to concentrate platelets and growth factors. These components play a critical role in healing and tissue regeneration. Originally utilized in orthopedics to enhance recovery, PRP has now found applications in urogynecology, demonstrating its potential in managing conditions like stress urinary incontinence (SUI), interstitial cystitis (IC), fistulas, and lichen sclerosus.
How PRP Works
The process begins with a simple blood draw performed in our office. Blood is processed using proprietary technology to extract a concentrated solution of platelets. This PRP solution is then injected or instilled into the targeted tissue to promote healing, reduce inflammation, and encourage regeneration. Because PRP is autologous—derived from your own body—the risk of adverse reactions is minimal.
Current and Emerging Applications
PRP therapy has shown promise in addressing various urogynecologic conditions, including:
• Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI): Particularly in cases caused by intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD), PRP injections can strengthen and regenerate periurethral tissues, potentially reducing the need for surgical intervention.
• Interstitial Cystitis (IC): PRP may alleviate pain and inflammation when instilled into the bladder or injected into the bladder wall, often in conjunction with other treatments.
• Lichen Sclerosus: Emerging studies suggest PRP can improve symptoms and promote healing in affected areas.
• Fistulas: PRP can be used preoperatively to enhance healing or injected directly into the fistula site to promote closure, potentially avoiding surgery for smaller fistulas.
Evidence Supporting PRP in Urogynecology
While more research is needed to establish long-term efficacy, the current literature highlights the benefits of PRP therapy:
• Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI): Studies show that PRP injections significantly improve symptoms, especially when combined with pelvic floor muscle therapy. Results often extend up to 12 months.
• Interstitial Cystitis (IC): Meta-analyses reveal reduced pain scores in patients receiving intravesical PRP instillations. Improvement is typically noted after a series of monthly treatments.
• Fistulas: Research suggests PRP enhances healing and reduces recurrence rates, particularly when used in combination with surgical repair.
The Procedure: What to Expect
PRP therapy is a straightforward process that can be completed in our office. Here’s what you can expect:
1. Preparation: The treatment area, such as the periurethral or vaginal tissues, is prepped for injection.
2. Injection: PRP is injected into targeted areas using precise techniques tailored to the condition being treated. For example:
• In SUI, PRP is injected circumferentially into periurethral tissues.
• For IC, PRP may be instilled into the bladder or injected into the bladder wall.
• In fistulas, PRP can be administered preoperatively or directly into the site of the fistula.
3. Post-Treatment Care: Patients can return to normal activities immediately. Most individuals notice improvement within 4–6 weeks, though multiple sessions may be required for optimal results.
Costs and Insurance
As PRP is still considered experimental by insurance providers, including Medicare, patients are responsible for the cost of treatment. Pricing for Arthrex PRP treatment at the Florida Bladder Institute ranges from $800-$1200.
While insurance coverage is not yet available, we anticipate this may change as demand grows and additional research substantiates PRP’s efficacy.
A Vision for the Future
At the Florida Bladder Institute, we are committed to staying at the forefront of urogynecologic innovation. PRP represents a significant step forward in the management of conditions that can profoundly impact a patient’s quality of life. Though ongoing research is needed, early results are encouraging, and we are proud to offer this cutting-edge therapy to our patients today.
If you’re interested in learning more about PRP therapy and how it could benefit you, schedule a consultation with our team. Together, we can explore personalized treatment options to address your needs.
References and Further Reading
For patients interested in the research behind PRP therapy, we can provide a detailed list of studies supporting its use in urogynecology. Ask our team for the “PRP References for FBI” handout.
Florida Bladder Institute
239-449-7979
www.FloridaBladderInsitute.com
Naples:
1890 SW Health Pkwy., Suite 205
info@floridabladderinstitute.com