News | AUGS

President's Perspective: Advocacy in Action at PFD Week

As we enjoy the summer season and indulge in well-deserved vacations, it's incredible to realize that PFD Week, AUGS annual meeting, is only three months away! Our community of clinicians and researchers will convene in Washington, DC in October to exchange ideas, hear inspiring presentations, participate in interactive workshops, and network with experts. It promises to be an exceptional event.

President's Perspective: Support the Urogynecology Journal

Urogynecology is the premier publication for urogynecology and reconstructive pelvic surgery research, and as our organization’s journal, it is important that we support Urogynecology. I also want to highlight that because of the journal’s name change in 2022, to reflect our specialty’s new name, there will be a decrease in the journal’s impact factor. Here is some information on what occurs after a journal name change...

President's Perspective: Announcing AUGS CEO

On behalf of the AUGS Board, Dr. Jen Wu is delighted to share that as of April 1, 2024, Stacey Barnes is officially the new CEO of AUGS. Stacey has worked as the interim CEO of AUGS for the last year and has done an outstanding job. Stacey has extensive experience in working with non-profit organizations and brings a new perspective to the Society. The Board could not be happier that Stacey agreed to take on this role permanently.

President's Perspective: Announcing Linda Brubaker Prize Paper Award

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President's Perspective: Celebrating 2023 Accomplishments

President's Perspective from Cate Bradley, MD, celebrating 2023 accomplishments

State of Society

state of society

Urogynecology Editor-in-Chief Departure

Dr. Linda Brubaker, Urogynecology journal’s Editor-in-Chief, will end her term at the conclusion of this year. Over the past seven years, Dr. Brubaker has led the journal through monumental transitions and many achievements. We are grateful for her exceptional leadership and dedication.

Announcing the National Urogynecology Research Agenda

President's Perspective Announcing the National Urogynecology Research Agenda

President's Perspective: PFD Week

PFD Week is our annual opportunity to spend time with so many of our friends, colleagues, mentors, and mentees, and to meet new people who are also passionate about urogynecology surgery, evidence-based care, and research. This year in Portland, PFD Week promises to be an exceptional event and a lot of fun!

President's Perspective: Introducing Interim CEO, Stacey Barnes

Apr 10, 2023 03:30 PM

On behalf of the AUGS Board, I would like to officially introduce our Interim CEO, Stacey Barnes, as well as provide additional information on our staff leadership transition plan.

President's Perspective: 2023

Jan 31, 2023 01:13 PM

You may remember from recent AUGS communications that our volunteer terms are now linked to the calendar year, beginning in January, and ending in December. Given this, I’d like to thank each and every volunteer whose term has just ended. Your commitment, service, and hard work have made such a difference in every facet of the organization.

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President's Perspective: 2022 Recap

Dec 15, 2022 09:50 AM

In addition to Board nominations, this is also the time of year when we issue a call for committee volunteers. AUGS has over 250 volunteers who commit their time and talent to our organization through their service on the Board, committees, writing groups, and the Urogynecology journal. The deadline for the call for volunteers is August 12.

FPMRS Transitions to an Electronic Format with the Name UROGYNECOLOGY

Apr 18, 2022 01:35 PM

Thank you for your continued support and engagement with our journal, which is continuing to set the GOLD STANDARD for publishing in urogynecology. Thank you to the authors and reviewers who submit increasingly impactful manuscripts. As you know, starting in July 2022, the journal transitions to an electronic format with the name UROGYNECOLOGY.

President's Perspective: AUGS/IUGA Scientific Meeting 2022

Apr 08, 2022 03:59 PM

As the AUGS/IUGA joint meeting approaches, I’d like to address our board’s decision to meet in Austin. It has been nearly seven months since Texas signed into law Senate Bill 8 (SB 8), which applies significant restrictions on abortions, impacting reproductive healthcare for women and exposing healthcare providers to litigation risk. The contract for the AUGS/IUGA joint meeting was signed in 2019 long before the actions of the Texas state leadership.

Congress Addresses Medicare Payment Cuts and Government Funding to Avert a Shutdown Before Adjourning for the Year

Dec 15, 2021 01:27 PM

On December 10th President Biden signed into law S. 610, “Protecting Medicare and American Farmers from Sequester Cuts Act”, which Congress approved hours earlier addressing the looming 9% Medicare payments cuts scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2022. The legislation also provided a legislative pathway for the Senate to raise the debt ceiling limit. The bill includes the following Medicare provisions:

Tell Congress to Stop the Medicare Cuts: Congressional Action Still Needed Before the End of This Year!

A Continuing Resolution (CR) to avoid a government shutdown and provide current level funding for federal programs through February 18th was approved by Congress on December 2nd, just a day before the previous CR was set to expire at midnight December 3rd.

President's Perspective: Looking Ahead and Hoping for A Return to a Normal 2022

Nov 16, 2021 12:56 PM

The last month has brought to mind a phrase from American critic, Dorothy Parker, “What fresh hell is this!” Who of us could have imagined this ending to 2021 that started with such hope with the COVID-19 vaccine? I, like most of you, am setting realistic goals for this new year and learning to embrace uncertainty. To help us continue navigating during this difficult time, AUGS is also evolving its programs and activities.

President's Perspective: Seeking Your Nominations for the Raymond E. Lee Lectureship

Nov 16, 2021 12:56 PM

While PFD Week 2021 is only 30 days past, AUGS volunteers and staff are already starting to prepare for our AUGS/IUGA 2022 Joint Scientific Meeting in June. An important part of our meeting is the recognition of our outstanding teachers/surgeons and research coordinators.

Consensus Statement: Vaginal Energy-Based Devices (May 2020)

This clinical consensus statement on vaginal energy-based devices (EBDs) reflects statements drafted by content experts from the American Urogynecologic Society’s EBD writing group.

Frequently Asked Questions by Providers Mid-urethral Slings for Stress Urinary Incontinence

The purpose of this Frequently Asked Questions document is to provide factual information for healthcare providers who are involved in the care of women considering such treatment.

Clinical Guidance Document: Pregnancy in Women With Prior Treatments for Pelvic Floor Disorders

Although the peak incidence of surgery for pelvic floor disorders does not occur until after menopause, an increasing number of younger women are seeking treatment for these problems. Whereas most surgeons would recommend delaying surgery until the completion of childbearing, published cases and case series address outcomes after subsequent pregnancies in women who have been treated for urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse.

Position Statement on Restriction of Surgical Options for Pelvic Floor Disorders

In July 2011, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a white paper [1] and safety communication [2] on the safety and effectiveness of transvaginal placement of surgical mesh for pelvic organ prolapse. Since then, some state medical organizations, healthcare systems, and insurance companies have considered, or adopted, complete restrictions on the use of transvaginal mesh for pelvic organ prolapse or stress urinary incontinence.

Frequently Asked Questions by Patients Mid-urethral Slings for Stress Urinary Incontinence

A summary of patient FAQs for mid-urethral slings.

Midurethral Sling Supplemental Information Checklist

In order to optimize the quality and consistency of information reviewed with patients, and make it easier for health care providers to document this information exchange, AUGS has developed this Supplemental Information Checklist.

Microscopic Hematuria as a Screening Tool for Urologic Malignancies in Women

Most causes of microscopic hematuria (MH) are benign but may indicate an underlying malignancy. Current MH evaluation guidelines are reflective of male urologic malignancy risks. The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate whether the finding of MH predicts subsequent urologic malignancy in women.

Joint Report on Terminology for Surgical Procedures to Treat Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Surgeries for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) are common, but standardization of surgical terms is needed to improve the quality of investigation and clinical care around these procedures.

Joint Report on Terminology for Surgical Procedures to Treat Stress Urinary Incontinence in Women

Standardized terminology for surgical procedures commonly performed to treat stress urinary incontinence in women is needed to facilitate research, clinical care, and teaching in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery

Joint Position Statement on the Management of Mesh-Related Complications for the FPMRS Specialist

The scientific approach to categorizing mesh complications and optimal methods to address them have been complicated by the rapid proliferation and evolution of materials and techniques that have been used over the past 20 years in surgical treatment of pelvic floor disorders.

White Paper: Guidance for Improving Surgical Care and Recovery in Urogynecologic Surgery

Enhanced Recovery and Surgery (ERAS) programs aim to improve perioperative patient care. The goal of any enhanced recovery program is to decrease the physiologic stress of surgery and to help the body mitigate the consequences of that stress.

Research Report: Generic Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients Seeking Care for Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Using the American Urogynecologic Society multicenter Pelvic Floor Disorder Registry for Research, we (1) compared generic quality of life (QOL) in women planning pelvic organ prolapse (POP) treatment (surgery vs pessary), (2) correlated generic and condition-specific QOL scores, and (3) identified associations between generic QOL and other factors.

Research Report: Developing an Advanced Alternative Payment Model for Stress Urinary Incontinence

Historically, our health care system has been based on a fee for-service model, which has resulted in high-cost and fragmented care. The Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services is moving toward a paradigm in which health care providers are incentivized to provide cost effective, coordinated, value-based care in an effort to control costs and ensure high-quality care for all patients.

Deciding Our Future: Consensus Conference Summary Report

There are few quality measures that allow for optimization of care for pelvic organ prolapse (POP). In coordination with the American Urogynecologic Society (AUGS), a prior group agreed upon health care provider–reported data elements that are important for large-scale quality measurement

Consensus Definitions and Interpretation Templates for Fluoroscopic Imaging of Defecatory Pelvic Floor Disorders

Proceedings of the Consensus Meeting of the Pelvic Floor Consortium of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, the Society of Abdominal Radiology, the International Continence Society, the American Urogynecologic Society, the International Urogynecological Association, and the Society of Gynecologic Surgeons

Clinical Consensus Statement: Association of Anticholinergic Medication Use and Cognition in Women With Overactive Bladder

Overactive bladder affects a significant portion of the overall population and has substantial impact on daily activities and quality of life. First-line treatment of overactive bladder includes behavioral therapies, which may be combined with pharmacologic management as indicated.

Research Report: Baseline Characteristics, Evaluation, and Management of Women With Complaints of Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections

The aims of this study were to determine the proportion of women presenting for recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) who met the diagnostic criteria (culture-proven UTI ≥3 in 1 year or ≥2 in 6 months) and to assess advanced testing utilization, preventive therapy use, and risk factors.

Position Statement: Mesh Midurethral Slingsfor Stress Urinary Incontinence

The purpose of this position statement by the American Urogynecologic Society (AUGS) and the Society of Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine and Urogenital Reconstruction (SUFU) is to support the use of the midurethral sling in the surgical management of stress urinary incontinence, the type of urine leakage generally associated with coughing, laughing and sneezing.

Consensus Statement: Cystoscopy at the Time of Prolapse Repair

Injury to the urinary tract is a known risk of surgical repair of anterior and apical pelvic organ prolapse. Cystoscopy at the time of surgical prolapse repair is a low-risk procedure that can identify genitourinary tract injury by inspecting the bladder and urethra as well as by visualizing the ureters and ureteral efflux.

Best Practice Statement: Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection in Adult Women

Female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery (FPMRS) specialists provide care for women with recurrent urinary tract infection (rUTI).

Consensus Statement: Measuring Pelvic Floor Disorder Symptoms Using Patient-Reported Instruments

Proceedings of the Consensus Meeting of the Pelvic Floor Consortium of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, the International Continence Society, the American Urogynecologic Society, and the Society of Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine and Urogenital Reconstruction

Systematic Review: The Impact of Weight Loss Intervention on Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms and Urinary Incontinence in Overweight and Obese Women

Obesity can contribute to urinary symptoms such as urgency, frequency, and incontinence. In addition to classic treatments, weight loss interventions offer a unique clinical opportunity to improve these symptoms.

Practice Bulletin: Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a common, benign condition in women. For many women, it can cause vaginal bulge and pressure, voiding dysfunction, defecatory dysfunction, and sexual dysfunction, which may adversely affect quality of life.

Best Practice Statement: Evaluation and Counseling of Patients With Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Women with prolapse should have an examination to quantify the loss of anatomic support and should be evaluated for associated bladder, bowel, and prolapse symptoms as well as associated bother. Treatment options should be tailored to meet the patient's medical health and personal functional goals. In most cases, women should be informed of the range of treatment options including observation as well as nonsurgical and surgical management.

Committee Opinion: Asymptomatic Microscopic Hematuria in Women

Asymptomatic microscopic hematuria is an important clinical sign of urinary tract malignancy. Asymptomatic microscopic hematuria has been variably defined over the years. In addition, the evidence primarily is based on data from male patients. However, whether the patient is a man or a woman influences the differential diagnosis of asymptomatic microscopic hematuria, and the risk of urinary tract malignancy (bladder, ureter, and kidney) is significantly less in women than in men.

Guidelines for Privileging and Credentialing Physicians for Sacrocolpopexy for Pelvic Organ Prolapse

The adoption of new technology or procedures into a clinician’s surgical armamentarium is driven by multiple factors. Patient safety and anticipated long-term improvement in outcomes should be the primary objective that guides a surgeon’s decision to deliver care involving new procedures.

Committee Opinion: Management of Mesh and Graft Complications in Gynecologic Surgery

This document focuses on the management of complications related to mesh used to correct stress urinary incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse.

Practice Bulletin: Urinary Incontinence in Women

Urinary incontinence, the involuntary leakage of urine, is caused by a variety of factors and may result in a wide range of urinary symptoms that can affect women’s physical, psychological, and social well-being and sometimes can impose significant lifestyle restrictions. Identifying the etiology of each woman’s urinary incontinence symptoms and developing an individualized treatment plan is essential for improving her quality of life.

Committee Opinion: Evaluation of Uncomplicated Stress Urinary Incontinence in Women Before Surgical Treatment

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a condition of involuntary loss of urine on effort, physical exertion, sneezing, or coughing that is often bothersome to the patient and frequently affects quality of life. When women are evaluated for SUI, counseling about treatment should begin with conservative options.

Practice Advisory: Possible Drug Induced Retinal Maculopathy Secondary to Long-term Use of Pentosan Polysulfate Sodium (Elmiron)

Pentosan polysulfate sodium (PPS) was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1985 for the relief of bladder pain or discomfort associated with Interstitial Cystitis (IC)/Painful Bladder Syndrome (PBS). Currently, it is the only FDA approved oral agent for the treatment of IC/PBS. Due to the limited availability of alternative treatments for IC/PBS, many patients may rely on long-term continuation of this drug for relief of symptoms.

President's Perspective: Brief Amicus Curiae Filed

Sep 30, 2021 12:13 PM

As you may recall, in January 2020, the California Department of Justice announced that Johnson & Johnson (Ethicon, Inc) pay $344 million for “falsely and deceptively” marketing mesh devices used to treat stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse.

AUGS Joins ACOG to Oppose Texas Legislation That Threatens Access to Reproductive Patient Care

We note particular concern and strongly oppose any laws and regulations that interfere in the confidential relationship which exists between a patient and their physician. This new law endangers this relationship by giving private citizens the unprecedented ability to interfere in women’s reproductive health decision-making.

Remembering Past President Charles deProsse

Sep 08, 2021 03:19 PM

A cherished colleague passed away at his home on September 10, Charles A. deProsse, MD. He was 95. Dr. deProsse was AUGS’ 14th President serving in 1992-1993.

Remembering Past President Stephen B. Young, MD

A cherished colleague and friend to many of us passed away this past weekend (September 4, 2021), Stephen B. Young, MD. Dr. Young was AUGS’ 26th President serving in 2004-2005. He was an advocate of excellence in gynecologic surgery and was pivotal in the establishment of the AUGS-SGS Fellows Pelvic Research Network (FPRN).

Important COVID-19 Health and Safety Update for PFD Week 2021

Aug 30, 2021 09:29 AM

The recent increase in COVID infections has prompted discussions with the AUGS Board and we have made the decision to continue to plan for an in-person PFD Week 2021, October 12-15 in Phoenix, AZ with the option for virtual for those who cannot or choose not to attend in -person. This will be done with the top priority of the safety of all attendees, our industry partners, and AUGS staff.

Welcome Our New Board Members

Aug 18, 2021 11:25 AM

I hope you will join me in congratulating our new AUGS Board members!

Juneteenth 2021

Jun 19, 2021 04:06 PM

I think that many of us exhibited both surprise and a sense of relief to the news of the declaration of Juneteenth as a new federal holiday. Although sporadically celebrated prior to this, the recognition and validation of this sentiment at the national level is overdue. I have asked our DEI leadership on behalf of the Committee to provide some words of recognition and resonance that will help to inspire all of us in AUGS.

Seeking Program Champions for Mind Over Matter: Healthy Bowels, Healthy Bladder

Jun 11, 2021 09:52 AM

In alignment with our mission to increase awareness in the US about pelvic floor disorders, I am soliciting potential interest from AUGS members in bringing an educational program about incontinence self-management to your local communities.

President's Perspective: Call for Volunteers and Board Nominations

May 27, 2021 11:34 AM

We continue to get closer to seeing each other again at the upcoming PFD Week 2021. As I noted a few weeks ago, the programming for this year’s meeting will highlight excellence in the latest research, updates in clinical care approaches and translational initiatives, as well as many social and networking opportunities to reconnect.

New Location and Dates for PFD Week 2021

Apr 27, 2021 03:47 PM

I hope that you are all as excited as I am to finally have a firm plan for PFD Week 2021! Although we could not make Montreal work this year, the alternative location at the Arizona Grand Resort and Spa just outside of Phoenix is going to be a great venue to see each other again. AUGS will be the only meeting at the resort and our attendees will take over 95% of the guest rooms. This allows us to practice appropriate social distancing and to utilize all the meeting space – inside and outside.

President's Perspective: AUGS Launches New Corporate Council

Apr 01, 2021 10:46 AM

I think that we have all been ready for the coming of spring with an extra hour of sunlight in most parts, the budding of flowers and trees, and making plans for spring break. Hopefully, as we get deeper into this season and looking forward to summer, we see less of tornados and other storm destruction that has recently occurred. I hope that you are all keeping safe in this regard.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness (DEI) Task Force Efforts

Mar 02, 2021 01:59 PM

It appears that COVID has not been the only concern that is affecting us as a country, but global warming and its winter sequelae is also visiting many of us with a vengeance! I hope that everyone continues to keep themselves and family healthy and happy despite these and other challenges.

Remembering W. Glenn Hurt: Gentleman, Surgeon, Mentor and Friend

Feb 26, 2021 01:35 PM

It is with great sadness that we recognize the passing of one of the fathers of modern urogynecology, Waverly Glenn Hurt.

Cheers to a New Year and Excitement for 2021

Dec 30, 2020 06:08 PM

For most of us, this past year has been like no other with challenges to both our home and work lives.

Looking Ahead – AUGS Strategies and Areas of Focus

Nov 20, 2020 10:00 AM

We certainly have a striking new reality from our PFD Week in Nashville, 2019 to the virtual PFD Week 2020 just past. I want to put a shout out to the PFD Week 2020 Program Committee where under the leadership of Peter Jeppson, we nimbly pivoted from an in-person meeting in Vancouver to an all virtual meeting. Although not perfect, no meeting is, there was high satisfaction overall and the science was stellar.

AUGS Diversity and Inclusion Task Force Call for Volunteers

Jul 07, 2020 03:00 PM

After my President’s Perspective on racial equity and diversity, AUGS received numerous letters expressing thoughts on our sub-specialty history, member concerns, and the health care disparities related both to our patients and research within our field. I was able to listen and talk with many members and this was a powerful experience for me personally and confirmed the need for all of us to make sure that AUGS is a welcoming society for all our members.

A Message to the AUGS Community on Racial Equity

Jun 09, 2020 03:41 PM

I am personally saddened and angered by the blatant inequalities, racism, and senseless loss of precious lives, most recently of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery, that have captured the attention of our country and the world. From a place of privilege, as healthcare providers, we are reminded daily of the powerful social determinants of health and the striking disparities that follow skin color.

Call for Volunteers and Board Nominations

Jun 02, 2020 12:50 PM

We are making our annual Call for Volunteers and Board Nominations to move our Society forward. Now more than ever we need our members to engage and participate in AUGS. It is in large part because of the numerous committed volunteers over the years that AUGS and our specialty are where we are today.

Joint Statement on Re-introduction of Hospital and Office-based Procedures in the COVID-19 Climate for the Practicing Urogynecologist and Gynecologist

Apr 29, 2020 04:49 PM

Traditionally, surgical procedure prioritization depends on illness acuity and resource availability after shared decision making with patients. During an emergency such as the COVID-19 pandemic, decisions must take into consideration new influences on the safety of benign gynecologic procedures. Prioritization of patients must be fluid as the pandemic waxes and wanes and is likely different in the peaks than the troughs of infection incidence.

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Joint Statement on Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Mar 27, 2020 04:57 PM

The surgical care of gynecologic patients during the COVID-19 pandemic presents numerous challenges regarding not only patient and community safety, but that of the physicians and operating room personnel. Guidance around minimally invasive gynecologic surgery is a rapidly evolving topic, and the information presented below is subject to change as new data become available.

Joint Statement on Elective Surgeries

Mar 17, 2020 09:35 AM

ACOG, AAGL, ASRM, AUGS, SFP, SGS, SMFM, and SGS join in providing the following recommendations for obstetrician-gynecologists regarding the American College of Surgeons’ statement on elective surgery and the U.S. Surgeon General’s recommendation that hospitals suspend elective surgeries during the COVID-19 pandemic.

PFD Week 2020 Vancouver

Feb 20, 2020 01:16 PM

As many of you are preparing your abstracts for PFD Week 2020, I wanted to update everyone on a few changes to the annual meeting structure. In an effort to be responsive to attendee and member feedback on the annual meeting, the Board created a task force to take a closer look at how we could retain the meeting’s excellent reputation, while allowing for new ideas and concepts to ensure the meeting continues to be our flagship event each year.

Announcing the AUGS Innovation Lectureship Award

Jan 06, 2020 03:53 PM

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year and looking forward to a great 2020 for our society. It is with excitement that I announce on behalf of the AUGS Board the inaugural AUGS Innovation Lectureship at PFD Week 2020 in Vancouver. Looking toward our future, this award is intended to honor members of the society and national/global community at large who have made major innovative contributions to the field of female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery.

Looking Towards 2020

It is with great pleasure that I write my first President’s Perspective. First, I want to thank everyone for contributing to the successful AUGS/IUGA Joint Scientific Meeting in Nashville. This meeting was our largest to date, with 2,237 in attendance.

State of the Society

Oct 17, 2019 10:32 AM

As I complete my Presidency of AUGS, I would like to bring to you a summary of the State of the Society. 2019 has been a busy year with many developments that impact our specialty but are outside of our direct control.

AUGS Creates a Patient Advisory Group

Aug 02, 2019 01:18 PM

The American Urogynecologic Society was founded to serve the needs of medical professionals serving women who suffer from pelvic floor disorders. Patients have always been at the center of AUGS' mission, but have not been directly involved in the conversation.

AUGS Code of Conduct for Expert Witnesses

Jun 06, 2019 10:50 AM

In recent months many members of AUGS have been frustrated by misinformation related to surgical technologies and materials that creates fear and anxiety in our patients. Media reports are often superficial and polarizing. For example, coverage of FDA decisions often fails to distinguish between transvaginal mesh for prolapse, and other forms of pelvic mesh (such as slings or sacrocolpopexy mesh). Even more alarming are those who employ misinformation and fear to seek personal profit.

Call for Volunteers and Board Nominations

May 22, 2019 10:57 AM

Have you ever thought about volunteering to help AUGS? It is that time of year for our annual Call for Volunteers and Board Nominations, so maybe you should.

Update on FDA Announcement on Transvaginal Mesh for Prolapse

I write today to update my last Presidential Message from April 18, 2019 on the April 16th FDA Announcement ordering both manufacturers of the three surgical mesh products for transvaginal repair of prolapse to stop selling and distributing their products in the U.S.

FDA Announcement on Transvaginal Mesh for Prolapse

Apr 18, 2019 10:40 AM

AUGS received notice from the FDA on Tuesday, April 16, of the simultaneous public notice, “FDA Takes Action to Protect Women’s Health; Orders Manufacturers of Surgical Mesh Intended for Transvaginal Repair of Pelvic Organ Prolapse to Stop Selling All Devices”. The notice orders all manufacturers of surgical mesh products for transvaginal repair of prolapse to stop selling and distributing their products in the U.S. immediately.

AUGS to Testify at FDA Advisory Committee Meeting

On February 12, 2019, the FDA plans to convene an Advisory Committee Meeting to share the available evidence and seek expert opinion on the evaluation of the benefits and risks of trans-vaginal mesh devices for anterior pelvic organ prolapse. This will provide an opportunity for the FDA to hear directly from the public, including patients, about their experiences, and consider additional regulatory actions.

President’s Perspective: Statement on Gender Identification

Oct 31, 2018 12:49 PM

The U.S. Administration recently notified the media that they are considering the adoption of a narrow definition of gender. The new definition limits gender to male or female, based entirely on an assessment of genitalia at birth.

President’s Perspective: Meeting Code of Conduct for AUGS Members

Sep 11, 2018 01:00 AM

PFD Week is just around the corner, and Chicago in the early autumn is beckoning! The Program Committee has put together an outstanding lineup of all of the science, updates, addresses, and networking that you have come to expect from our annual meeting. Bring your energy, curiosity, enthusiasm, and an open mind to this exchange of expertise and ideas. Bring your concerns and your solutions to the many AUGS Volunteer meetings and activities that go on around the meeting.

Energy-Based Devices and Vaginal Rejuvenation

Aug 08, 2018 04:16 PM

As you may already know, the FDA released a Safety Communication on July 30 which provided a public warning regarding the use of “Energy-Based Devices to Perform Vaginal 'Rejuvenation' or Vaginal Cosmetic Procedures.” It was very clear in addressing this warning to patients considering undergoing the treatments, and to health care providers who offer them.

AQUIRE Expansion Focuses on SUI Surgery

Jun 06, 2018 11:23 AM

“May you live in interesting times,” goes the somewhat mischievous blessing. These are indeed interesting times, when many of us face the daily paradox of taking care of women with stress incontinence, seeing the benefits most women enjoy from midurethral sling procedures, and then witnessing the public assault leveled at them nationally and internationally.

Gynecare TVT Abbrevo and TVT Obturator

Jun 05, 2018 04:37 PM

The U.S. FDA recently reclassified the manual surgical instruments (Helical Passers and Winged Guide) utilized for the Gynecare TVT Abbrevo and TVT Obturator from Class I to Class II. Accordingly, Ethicon is now required to obtain a 510(k) clearance to distribute and market these instruments. Ethicon has filed a 510(k) submission and it is currently under review by FDA.

The Role of Volunteers in AUGS

May 22, 2018 12:47 PM

Have you ever logged on to the AUGS website and really looked around at all the things that AUGS is doing? It is a truly impressive array of activities and services; I hope you will take a moment to peruse the site and learn about some project, committee or member benefit of which you had not previously been aware. And what makes all of that happen? It’s our volunteers.

AUGS is Neither Pro-Mesh; nor Anti-Mesh - AUGS is Pro-science and Science and Evidence Must Lead the Way

May 16, 2018 04:46 PM

AUGS advocates for evidence-based options that enhance the choices available to members and their patients who suffer with pelvic floor disorders.

Mesh and the Court of Public Opinion

May 11, 2018 10:54 AM

AUGS recently became aware that, on Sunday, May 13th, “60 Minutes” will be airing a segment on mesh injuries. We know that some of the content will include interviews with patients; beyond that, we don’t know what to expect. We should be prepared, however, for a public reaction, and another layer of anxiety that our patients bring with them into our offices.

AUGS Practice and Salary Survey

May 02, 2018 04:48 PM

AUGS is pleased to release another resource for our physician members - the AUGS 2017 Practice and Salary Survey Report. This report is available now on the AUGS website. This report is designed to provide credible data specific to urogynecology to help physicians prepare, plan and forecast to meet the challenges of an evolving practice management landscape.

Developing the Role of Advanced Practice Providers in Your Urogynecology Practice

I am taking this opportunity to bring your attention to the upcoming release of a new AUGS document, entitled, “A Training Guide - Core Competencies for the Advance Practice Provider Entering Urogynecology.” This document has been developed to assist practices in the hiring and training of APPs for Urogynecology-focused offices.

Update on Vaginal Mesh for Prolapse and Incontinence

Feb 13, 2018 10:07 AM

There appears to be a new wave of public conversation about mesh used in pelvic floor surgery in recent months. AUGS has not changed its positions on the use of appropriately selected mesh placed by providers with the education, skills and volume to optimize outcomes; presenting and assessing all of the literature that supports this position is beyond the scope of this message. However, I felt it would be a service to our membership to provide an update.

President's Perspective: The J. Marion Sims Lectureship at PFD Week

Nov 17, 2017 10:39 AM

Many of us have been thinking about J. Marion Sims quite a bit over the past few months. His contributions to women’s health were many; that much is beyond dispute. Sims cannot and should not be held responsible for the institution of slavery itself. But the reality is that there is much we cannot know, and the dynamics of power cannot be separated from the story.

President's Perspective: The Conversation Continues

Oct 13, 2017 11:52 AM

PFD Week, the highlight of the AUGS calendar, has now wrapped up, and Providence seems a little smaller without you all here! It was an amazingly rich program, with record participation in workshops and courses; as always, the level of the science presented here establishes the standard in FPMRS. We hosted leadership from IUGA and SUFU, as well as leaders from South American societies and an Ethiopian surgical network; our program - and our meeting - were the richer for their presence.

We Will Choose Whom We Honor

Sep 15, 2017 02:19 PM

Within the past 24 hours, a petition has been directed to the AUGS board regarding removing the J. Marion Sims name from one of our keynote addresses. Though my intent was to address this topic in my State of the Society address to all members, I now think it best to reassure you that the Board has not been ignoring this issue.

AUGS Educational Programming Expands in 2018 - Something for Everyone

Aug 18, 2017 04:55 PM

For over 35 years AUGS has produced the leading scientific meeting in the FPMRS field. Our Annual Scientific Meeting brings together successful and developing clinicians, researchers and scientists to exchange ideas, report on innovations and reconnect with colleagues. Thanks to the hard work and creativity of Cheryl Iglesias and the program committee you will find the content of PFD Week 2017 to be both relevant and provocative.

Call for Board Nominations

Jun 30, 2017 02:57 PM

It is an honor to serve as the Society’s 38th President and to work with members of the Board who are dedicated to ensuring the growth and prosperity of AUGS for today and the future. Board service is truly a rewarding experience and one that I hope many of you will consider at some point in your career. If you are interested in running for the AUGS Board of Directors or know a colleague that would be an asset to the Board, now is the time to submit that nomination.

New Member Benefit Enables Practice Audit, Quality Improvement and Increased Reimbursement

Jun 26, 2017 11:36 AM

At PFD Week 2016 in Denver we launched a beta version of the AUGS Urogynecology Quality Registry (AQUIRE). Since last Fall, the team led by Mike Flynn, MD and Mandy Pulliam, MD, with input from 25 physician practices has been testing and refining the new platform. I am pleased to announce that we are ready to share the final version with our full membership.

2019 Will Mark the Second Joint Meeting of AUGS and IUGA

May 23, 2017 07:30 AM

The American Urogynecologic Society (AUGS) and the International Urogynecological Association (IUGA) are pleased to announce that we will host our 2nd joint meeting on September 24 - 28, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee.

Welcome to the brand-new AUGS website!

Apr 24, 2017 12:58 PM

Today, AUGS is excited to launch our new improved websites for AUGS, the PFD Research Foundation, PFD Week and Voices for PFD. The launch of these new websites culminates a yearlong undertaking of research and implementation.

Still Time to Protect Your Practice from a 4% Cut in Medicare Payments

Feb 01, 2017 01:16 PM

This year marks the beginning of a new physician reimbursement system that will impact many AUGS members. I write to inform you about two AUGS initiatives aimed at providing our members the resources they need to meet the CMS reporting requirements for full compensation in 2019. The AUGS Board has approved the addition of a new Practice Management Course to be held on March 25 in San Antonio, TX.

FDA Issues Final Reclassification Order for Instrumentation for Use with Urogynecologic Mesh

Jan 06, 2017 01:21 PM

Today, the FDA issued a final reclassification order regarding Surgical Instrumentation for Use with Urogynecologic Surgical Mesh from Class I to Class II. Examples of the surgical instruments covered by the order include needle passers and trocars, needle guides, fixation tools, and tissue anchors for procedures including transvaginal POP repair, sacral colpopexy (transabdominal POP repair) and treatment of female SUI.