A Comprehensive Team Approach

By providing advanced diagnostic and treatment services, and consultation from a team of specialists from different fields when appropriate, we can maximize the chances of successful treatment for our patients.

The director of Northeast Urogynecology, Pelvic Medicine, and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery is Dr. Robert W. Lobel, the only fellowship-trained urogynecologist in the Capital District. Dr. Lobel received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Dartmouth College and his medical degree from Oral Roberts University. He served his residency in Phoenix, Arizona at Maricopa Medical Center and St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, and completed a two-year fellowship in Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery at Evanston Hospital and Northwestern University Medical School. He is board-certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology. He moved to Albany to found the Division of Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery at Albany Medical College and the Center for Continence and Pelvic Support at the Women's Health Center of Albany Med. He is active in both national and international professional societies. The recipient of both local and national awards for his research endeavors, he has written many articles in medical journals and textbooks, produced videos of his surgical innovations, supervises numerous research projects, and has a national and international reputation within his subspecialty. Dr. Lobel directs a fellowship training program at Northeast Urogynecology, which currently has one board-eligible gynecologist enrolled in three-year training programs. Dr. Lobel supervises both the overall care given at Northeast Urogynecology and also the many research opportunities available to its patients. Dr. Lobel has been happily married for over 20 years to Cynthia; their five children are their pride and joy.

In addition to Dr. Lobel, Northeast Urogynecology utilizes other specialists who have expertise in a wide range of areas and use the latest technology. These specialists also work with patients to address their educational and emotional needs to help them cope with their loss of continence or pelvic support. We would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to these specialists.

The urologist assists us in managing upper urinary tract (kidneys and ureters) disorders and urinary tract cancers.

The colorectal surgeon and gastroenterologist have expertise in disorders of the lower gastrointestinal tract, specifically the sigmoid colon, rectum, and anus. They provide invaluable assistance to those patients with rectal prolapse, difficult cases of constipation, diverticulosis, irritable bowel syndrome, and a wide variety of other disorders.

The geriatrician is an expert in medical care of the elderly. Continence problems in this age group are often a direct result of medical problems elsewhere in the body, and may even be the first evidence of these diseases. Similarly, medications prescribed for disorders afflicting the elderly can often contribute to incontinence. Careful diagnosis of related medical problems and skillful use of medications can alleviate some continence problems. This specialist may be consulted if a patient's referring physician feels this is appropriate.

The physiatrist is an expert in physical medicine and rehabilitation and assists us with electromyography of the pelvic floor and acupuncture.

The psychologist is available as an expert on the psychologic impact of urogenital dysfunction.

The urogynecology nurse practitioner provides expertise in electrical stimulation, biofeedback, and patient education. She sees patients independently for urodynamic investigations, pelvic floor stimulation, biofeedback, education, and treatment followup. She also conducts local seminars and workshops on incontinence for allied health professionals and the public.

The urogynecology physician's assistant provides expert assistance during surgery. She provides the majority of postoperative care and followup to our patients, and sees patients independently for treatment followup.

The physical therapist provides some of the nonsurgical therapy directed at pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation available at Northeast Urogynecology, including pelvic floor muscle exercises, biofeedback, electrical stimulation, vaginal weights, and myofascial release. She also does comprehensive patient education.