Topic: “Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Overlapping Chronic Pelvic Pain Disorders”

Clinical Interests:  Specialist with visceral pain and inflammation, functional bowel disorders, stress and neuroimmune function.

Research Interests:  Investigating visceral pain and the overlap of chronic pelvic pain disorders. His research group’s work indicates that the frequent overlap of IBS, IC, and other CPP disorders may occur as a consequence of pre-existing neural circuits or afferent (sensory) convergence such that the irritation of one organ leads to co-sensitization of another.

Topic: "An Overview of Managing Interstitial Cystitis, overactive bladder and other Bladder Health Conditions"

Clinical Interests:  Dr. Lotze is the first fellowship-trained Urogynecologist to establish a practice here in Houston. He specializes in the evaluation and treatment of female pelvic health and urinary incontinence. Areas of interest include prolapsed (e.g. cystocele, rectocele, uterine/vaginal prolapsed), complaints of urinary incontinence, irritative bladder symptoms (frequency, urgency), urinary retention, recurrent bladder infections, and painful bladder syndrome (also called Interstitial Cystitis). State-of-the-art technology including flexible Cystoscopy and multichannel Urodynamics are available for patient assessments. Treatment options that include both medical and surgical management are thoroughly reviewed with each patient. Emphasis is placed on the patient pursuing treatment options she feels are appropriate for her quality of life.

Research Interests:  He has published several articles in the area of urogynecology and remains actively engaged in research in pelvic health issues.

Topic: "Interstim and Botox, Merging Therapies to Treat Refractory Cases of Overactive Bladder, Pelvic Floor Dysfunction and Related Conditions"

Clinical Interests: 

• Specialist in Female and Male Incontinence and Voiding Dysfunction.

• Expert in use of Botox® and InterStim® therapies, treatment of refractory overactive bladder, and chronic pelvic pain syndrome.

Research Interests:

• Alterations in bladder sensory pathways following spinal cord injury.

• Investigation of the effects of Botox® in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia and in patients with overactive bladder.

Topic: “Bladder Mastocytosis & Beyond”

Research Interests:  Focuses on the secretory mechanism and pathophysiological actions of mast cells. Diseases investigated include: atopic dermatitis, arthritis, coronary artery inflammation, interstitial cystitis, migraines and multiple sclerosis. These diseases worsen by stress and we have identified that mast cells both contain and respond to stress hormones. The techniques used include molecular biology, cell biology, and various microscopic techniques, as well as animal models for the target diseases in which mast cells are involved.

Sandra M. Hurtado, M.D.†
Gynecology - Vulvo-Vaginal Disorders
Obstetrical & Gynecological Assoc., P.A.

Topic: "Vulvar Pain: Focus on Vestibulodynia"

Vulvodynia, vestibulitis, vulvar pain will be defined and explained. The differences between them in presentation and symptoms will be covered. Then will proceed with a more in depth focus at vestibulitis, its etiology, diagnosis and management. Current management and treatment options of vestibulitis; their implementation and success rates will be addressed.

Dr. Sandra Hurtado's special interests are in menopausal health, vulvovaginal disorders and the management of menstrual abnormalities.