ABOG Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery study guide
ABOG Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The ABOG Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery exam is the subspecialty certification assessment offered by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology for physicians who have completed accredited fellowship training in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery. It is designed for obstetrician-gynecologists and urologists who want board recognition of advanced competence in pelvic floor disorders, and it is typically pursued after primary certification and fellowship. The ABOG Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery study guide has 12 sections and about 2,706 words.
01Female Pelvic Floor Anatomy and Physiology
The levator ani (pubococcygeus, puborectalis, iliococcygeus) forms the funnel-shaped pelvic diaphragm, with the arcus tendineus levator ani as its lateral attachment. The puborectalis sling maintains the anorectal angle.
285 words, about 1 min02Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Evaluation and Surgical Management
Use the POP-Q system: point Aa and Ba anterior, Ap and Bp posterior, C cervix/cuff, D posterior fornix, gh, pb, tvl. Stage 0 = no prolapse; Stage I = leading edge 1 cm above hymen; Stage II = within 1 cm of hymen; Stage III = 1 cm beyond hymen but not complete; Stage IV = complete eversion.
277 words, about 1 min03Urinary Incontinence: Evaluation and Medical/Surgical Management
Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is leakage with effort/sneezing/coughing; urge incontinence is associated with urgency; mixed has both. Initial evaluation: history, bladder diary, urinalysis, postvoid residual, pelvic exam, cough stress test.
247 words, about 1 min04Urodynamics and Diagnostic Testing
Urodynamics includes uroflowmetry, cystometry, pressure-flow study, and electromyography. Key measures: detrusor pressure (Pdet = Pves − Pabd), compliance, capacity, detrusor overactivity, and Valsalva leak point pressure (VLPP).
238 words, about 1 min05Overactive Bladder and Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction
Overactive bladder (OAB) is urgency, with or without urgency incontinence, usually with frequency and nocturia, in the absence of infection or other pathology. Detrusor overactivity is the urodynamic finding.
202 words, about 1 min06Fecal Incontinence and Anorectal Disorders
Continence relies on internal anal sphincter (IAS, smooth muscle, involuntary), external anal sphincter (EAS, striated, voluntary), puborectalis, rectal compliance, and stool consistency. The rectoanal inhibitory reflex (RAIR) allows sampling.
227 words, about 1 min07Pelvic Floor Neurophysiology and Defecatory Disorders
The pudendal nerve (S2–S4) innervates EAS and levator ani; the pelvic splanchnic nerves (S2–S4) provide parasympathetic supply to the detrusor and rectum. Sacral reflexes coordinate defecation and micturition.
218 words, about 1 min08Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery Complications and Reoperation
Bleeding, infection, urinary retention, voiding dysfunction, mesh erosion/extrusion, dyspareunia, de novo urgency, recurrent prolapse, and fistula. Vaginal mesh erosion presents with discharge, bleeding, pain, or partner discomfort; management ranges from estrogen and observation to partial or complete excision.
228 words, about 1 min09Grafts, Meshes, and Biomaterials
Biologic grafts (autologous fascia, allograft, xenograft) and synthetic meshes (polypropylene, typically type I macroporous). Synthetic mesh offers durability but risks erosion, infection, and dyspareunia.
214 words, about 1 min10Perioperative Care, Anesthesia, and Surgical Safety
Assess comorbidities, medications (anticoagulants), nutrition, and functional status. Bowel prep and antibiotic prophylaxis per guidelines.
177 words, under 1 min11Congenital Anomalies and Special Populations
Müllerian anomalies (MRKH, septate uterus), cloacal anomalies, and disorders of sex development may present with primary amenorrhea, cyclic pain, or incontinence. Vaginal agenesis management includes nonsurgical dilation or surgical creation.
208 words, about 1 min12Research Methodology, Biostatistics, and Evidence-Based Practice
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) best establish causality; cohort and case-control studies assess associations. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses synthesize evidence.
185 words, under 1 min