A work Illustrated Urogynecology, authored by professors Paulo Palma and Nelson Rodrigues Netto Jr., from the Faculty of Medical Sciences (FCM) at Unicamp, has, since last December, a version in Italian, entitled “Uroginecologia Illustrata”. The launch was made during a congress held by the Italian Society of Urodynamics, in the city of Bologna. The work is richly illustrated. “This is an expanded and revised version. Accompanying the book is a CD with 20 step-by-step surgical procedures, carried out at the Hospital de Clínicas da Unicamp”, explained Palma. Several techniques are presented, including the implantation of the mini sling – a small polypropylene mesh, fully developed at Unicamp, whose highlight is the minimally invasive procedure. Published by Verduci Editore, the work had a circulation of two thousand copies.

English version should come out in 2009

Palma explained that urogynecology is, in fact, reconstructive pelvic surgery, which is very important for women. “Twenty-five percent of women after menopause experience urinary incontinence, resulting from efforts such as sneezing and coughing. Furthermore, there is a global trend towards longevity for women, which is increasing more and more. Currently, the life expectancy of Brazilian women is in the 70s,” she emphasized.

As time passes, explains the urologist, the collagen, structure and ligaments that support the pelvic organs begin to weaken and what is popularly known as a “drooping bladder” occurs, and even the uterus exits through the vagina. . “This situation negatively impacts women’s quality of life,” said Palma.

The book, which also has a Spanish version released in 2006, should have an English version in 2009. “We are working on that. Having the English version means entering the Asian continent”, he highlighted. The last edition in Portuguese is from 2005 and, according to Palma, does not include the new techniques, therefore, a new revised and expanded edition in Portuguese is also in the process of being published. Palma made a point of highlighting the important participation of specialized staff from TV Unicamp, especially Jorge Calhau, in capturing and editing the images available on the CD that accompanies the book.