Center for Pelvic Physiology
The UCSF Center for Pelvic Physiology uses advanced technologies to evaluate patients with fecal incontinence, constipation, pelvic floor disorders, anal or rectal tumors, or anal fistulas. The center was established in 1995.
We provide comprehensive evaluations from a board-certified colorectal surgeon as well as a specially trained nurse. We offer biofeedback therapy as well as innovative surgical treatments for fecal incontinence. Patients who don't respond to conventional care may participate in clinical trials or research projects evaluating experimental therapies.
Our Services
Services at the center include:
Anorectal manometry – Measures internal and external sphincter pressures, rectal sensation, rectal volume capacity and rectoanal inhibitory reflex, which can confirm or rule out a diagnosis of Hirschsprung's disease
Puborectalis muscle fiber recruitment – Measures neuromuscular activity that helps diagnose pelvic floor dysfunction
Pudendal nerve testing – Evaluates the presence and response rate of the pudendal nerve (main nerve near the anus), which may affect fecal incontinence
Endoanal ultrasound – Evaluates the integrity of the internal and external sphincter (muscle encircling the opening) for incontinence and checks for anal fistula (an abnormal passageway from the anus to the outside of the body)
Endorectal ultrasound – Evaluates the depth of rectal tumors to help with staging cancer
Biofeedback – Teaches patients to control rectum, anal sphincter and pelvic floor muscles, as a method of treating incontinence or constipation
Doctor referral required
Our locations
Support services
Plan your visit
What to Bring
- Photo I.D.
- Health insurance card
- Insurance authorization, if required
- Doctor's referral, if required
- Recent test results related to your condition
- List of your medications, including dosages, plus any you're allergic to
- List of questions you may have
- Device or paper for taking notes
International Services
If you live in another country and are coming to UCSF for medical
treatment, our patient liaisons can help coordinate all aspects of your visit.
Interpreters
UCSF offers language services at no charge for patients with limited
English, as well as for patients who are deaf or have trouble hearing.
Hospital Stays
Checking into the hospital? Find helpful information by clicking on the relevant “Your Hospital Stay” booklet: Mission Bay, Parnassus or Mount
Zion.
Your Doctor Visit
See our top 10 tips for making your UCSF doctor’s appointment as stress-free and productive as possible.
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