Local urogynecologist first in N.J. to perform new procedure for incontinence To the benefit of one in four women over the age of 18 who experience episodes of leaking urine involuntarily,Betsy Greenleaf, D.O., urogynecologist,performed New Jersey's first minimally invasive procedure using the MiniArc Single Incision Sling System to treat female stress urinary incontinence, also referred to as bladder leaking, as part of a clinical evaluation. "Women with urinary incontinence may not be able to prevent leaking urine when they cough, sneeze or exercise.Others experience a strong urge to urinate but are unable to make it to the bathroom in time," said Dr. Greenleaf."The MiniArc Single Incision Sling System is the least invasive sling to date and is groundbreaking technology for female patients. It is the next evolution of sling procedures." The MiniArc Single Incision Sling System treats female stress urinary incontinence by placing a narrow strip of mesh to support the urethra.The MiniArc system is not performed with external incisions, but rather with a minimally invasive vaginal incision, to place the supportive mesh.This approach also avoids the retropubic space, the area of loose connective tissue between the bladder,pubic bone and abdominal wall, and narrow mesh carriers are passed through, attached and pulled into place under the urethra. Once placed, the mesh cradles the urethra and gives it a point of support. "The procedure provides relief for most patients with decreased recovery time and postoperative pain. Patients can resume normal, nonstrenuous activities within a few days. It truly enhances a female patient's quality of life," adds Dr. Greenleaf. "MiniArc's uncomplicated design makes it very easy to use and its slim needle profile allows for placement of the sling with minimal insertion force, resulting in very little bleeding.The fixation tips provide strong holding force and eliminate the need for incisions in the abdomen or groin.This is a very safe and effective procedure." Dr. Greenleaf is one of only 70 physicians world- and nationwide currently trained to perform the new minimally invasive sling procedure as part of American Medical Systems clinical evaluation process. She is also the first doctor in New Jersey trained to conduct the procedure, as well as the state's first physician to perform the procedure. Urinary incontinence describes the condition of not being able to control the flow of urine from your body. Incontinence usually occurs because the urethra cannot close tightly enough to hold urine in the bladder. It is often an after effect of childbirth. Seventeen million Americans cope with urinary incontinence and the problem is more common in women than men. Dr. Greenleaf,who joined Monmouth Medical Center's medical staff in January 2007, is fellowship trained in urogyncology from McKinney Teaching Inc.,AthenaWomen's Medical Center inTurnersville, and completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey's program at Kennedy Memorial Hospital in Stratford. She earned her doctor of osteopathic medicine at University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in Stratford.Dr. Greenleaf has also participated in several research projects and conducts literature reviews for professional medical journals. For more information about the incontinence treatment programs or a referral to a Monmouth Medical Center urogynecologist, call (888) SBHS- 123.