Carolyn W. Swenson
( out of 40 reviews )

Carolyn W. Swenson, MD

Languages spoken: English

Clinical Locations

University of Utah Hospital

Urogynecology, Area E
Salt Lake City
801-213-2995

  • Dr. Swenson is the Chief of the Division of Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery specializing in the comprehensive care of pelvic floor disorders. Her clinical focus includes treating conditions such as pelvic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence, and management of postpartum pelvic floor disorders.

    Dr. Swenson is renowned for her surgical expertise in minimally invasive treatments of pelvic floor disorders with a particular emphasis on native-tissue vaginal surgery. She is committed to improving patient outcomes through advanced surgical techniques and personalized care.

    Dr. Swenson earned her MD from the Medical College of Georgia, followed by a residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Utah School of Medicine. She completed a fellowship in Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery at the University of Michigan School of Medicine.

    Her research, supported by the National Institutes of Health, focuses on understanding the multifactorial causes of prolapse, improving surgical outcomes, and optimizing pelvic floor recovery post-childbirth. This work shows her dedication to advancing the field of urogynecology through scientific investigation and innovation. She has published over 70 peer-reviewed articles and presented her research at numerous national and international meetings. She serves as Medical Director of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Research Network (OGRN) which promotes, facilitates, and conducts groundbreaking research to improve outcomes in all areas of obstetrics & gynecology.

    Dr. Swenson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah and is board-certified by the American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology in both Obstetrics & Gynecology and Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery.

    Specialties

    Board Certification

    American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology (Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surg)
    American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology (Obstetrics & Gynecology)

    Patient Rating

    5.0 /5
    ( out of 40 reviews )

    The patient rating score is an average of all responses on our patient experience survey. The rating averages scores for all questions about care from our providers.

    The scale on which responses are measured is 1 to 5 with 5 being the best score.

    Patient Comments

    Patient comments are gathered from our patient experience survey and displayed in their entirety.
    Patients are de-identified for confidentiality and patient privacy.

    October 17, 2024
    UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

    When i met her the first time, she explained what was happening to my body and the options that i could choose, I made my choice, but a few weeks after my surgery i changed my mind and chose another option, again she explained the new procedure. I am very happy with the outcome.

    October 16, 2024
    UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

    So happy with the care I received from Carolyn Swenson as my surgeon. It was definitely worth the 250 mile trip.

    October 04, 2024
    UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

    Everything went really well now I just have to come back and have the surgery done. Thank you so much.

    October 03, 2024
    UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

    Dr. Swenson is phenomenal! I felt like she didn't rush me, she answered all of my questions, she is incredibly knowledgeable, and found solutions to my health problems that other doctors have not been able to. Her bedside manner was also one of the best I've experienced in the health field.

    October 03, 2024
    UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

    I would highly recommend Dr. Swenson. She is knowledgable, friendly and informed me of all my options.

    October 03, 2024
    UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

    Dr. Swenson carefully listened to my concerns and clearly explained my treatment options. She was easy to talk to and sincerely interested in assisting me with my needs.

    September 14, 2024
    UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

    She was great! Took her time to answer questions and made sure I understood my options.

    July 18, 2024
    UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

    She's a blessing!!! I have total confidence in her!

    July 17, 2024
    UH HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

    Excellent, personable care!

    See More Patient Comments

  • Dr. Swenson is the Chief of the Division of Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery specializing in the comprehensive care of pelvic floor disorders. Her clinical focus includes treating conditions such as pelvic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence, and management of postpartum pelvic floor disorders.

    Dr. Swenson is renowned for her surgical expertise in minimally invasive treatments of pelvic floor disorders with a particular emphasis on native-tissue vaginal surgery. She is committed to improving patient outcomes through advanced surgical techniques and personalized care.

    Dr. Swenson earned her MD from the Medical College of Georgia, followed by a residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Utah School of Medicine. She completed a fellowship in Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery at the University of Michigan School of Medicine.

    Her research, supported by the National Institutes of Health, focuses on understanding the multifactorial causes of prolapse, improving surgical outcomes, and optimizing pelvic floor recovery post-childbirth. This work shows her dedication to advancing the field of urogynecology through scientific investigation and innovation. She has published over 70 peer-reviewed articles and presented her research at numerous national and international meetings. She serves as Medical Director of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Research Network (OGRN) which promotes, facilitates, and conducts groundbreaking research to improve outcomes in all areas of obstetrics & gynecology.

    Dr. Swenson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah and is board-certified by the American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology in both Obstetrics & Gynecology and Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery.

    Board Certification and Academic Information

    Academic Departments Obstetrics & Gynecology -Primary
    Academic Divisions Urogynecology
    Board Certification
    American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology (Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surg)
    American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology (Obstetrics & Gynecology)

    Education history

    Fellowship Health Policy - Center for Healthcare Research and Transformation Fellow
    Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery - University of Michigan School of Medicine Fellow
    Residency Obstetrics and Gynecology - University of Utah School of Medicine Resident
    Medicine - Medical College of Georgia M.D.
    Undergraduate Biology - Eastern Mennonite University B.A.
    Biology - Rhodes College

    Selected Publications

    Journal Article

    1. Rosett HA, Allshouse AA, Nygaard IE, Hill AJ, Swenson CW (2023). Association Between Genital Hiatus Size 8 Weeks Postpartum and Pelvic Organ Prolapse 1 Year After the First Vaginal Delivery. Urogynecology (Phila). (Read full article)
    2. Duarte Thibault M, Chen L, Huebner M, DeLancey JO, Swenson CW (2023). A comparison of MRI-based pelvic floor support measures between young and old women with prolapse. Int Urogynecol J. (Read full article)
    3. Cheng W, Chen L, Thibault MD, DeLancey JO, Swenson CW (2022). Age, parity, and prolapse: interaction and influence on levator bowl volume. Int Urogynecol J, 33(12), 3415-3422. (Read full article)
    4. Alperin M, Abramowitch S, Alarab M, Bortolini M, Brown B, Burnett LA, Connell KA, Damaser MS, de Vita R, Gargett CE, Guess MK, Guler Z, Jorge RN, Kelley RS, Kibschull M, Miller K, Moalli PA, Mysorekar IU, Routzong MR, Shynlova O, Swenson CW, Therriault MA, Northington GM, Developed by the AUGS Basic Science Subcommittee and IUGA Special Interest Group (2022). Foundational Science and Mechanistic Insights for a Shared Disease Model: An Expert Consensus. Female Pelvic Med Reconstr Surg, 28(6), 347-350. (Read full article)
    5. Alperin M, Abramowitch S, Alarab M, Bortolini M, Brown B, Burnett LA, Connell KA, Damaser M, de Vita R, Gargett CE, Guess MK, Guler Z, Jorge RN, Kelley RS, Kibschull M, Miller K, Moalli PA, Mysorekar IU, Routzong MR, Shynlova O, Swenson CW, Therriault MA, Northington GM (2022). Foundational science and mechanistic insights for a shared disease model: an expert consensus : Developed by the AUGS Basic Science Subcommittee and IUGA Special Interest Group. Int Urogynecol J, 33(6), 1387-1392. (Read full article)
    6. Schmidt P, Chen L, DeLancey JO, Swenson CW (2021). Preoperative level II/III MRI measures predicting long-term prolapse recurrence after native tissue repair. Int Urogynecol J. (Read full article)
    7. Cheng W, Thibault MD, Chen L, DeLancey JOL, Swenson CW (2021). Changes in cardinal ligament length and curvature with parity and prolapse and their relation to level III hiatus measures. Int Urogynecol J. (Read full article)
    8. Cox CK, Pandit A, Zawistowski M, Dutta D, Narla G, Swenson CW (2021). Genome-Wide Association Study of Pelvic Organ Prolapse Using the Michigan Genomics Initiative. Female Pelvic Med Reconstr Surg. (Read full article)
    9. Pipitone F, Swenson CW, DeLancey JOL, Chen L (2021). Novel 3D MRI technique to measure perineal membrane structural changes with pregnancy and childbirth: Technique development and measurement feasibility. Int Urogynecol J. (Read full article)
    10. Sammarco AG, Sheyn D, Hong CX, Kobernik EK, Swenson CW, Delancey JO (2020). Pelvic cross-sectional area at the level of the levator ani and prolapse. Int Urogynecol J, 32(4), 1007-1013. (Read full article)
    11. Pennesi CM, English EM, Bell S, Lossie AC, Quint EH, Swenson CW (2021). Prevalence of urinary, prolapse, and bowel symptoms in Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome. Am J Obstet Gynecol. (Read full article)
    12. Cox CK, Bugosh MD, Fenner DE, Smith R, Swenson CW (2021). Antibiotic use during repair of obstetrical anal sphincter injury: a quality improvement initiative. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. (Read full article)
    13. Swenson CW, Kamdar NS, Seiler K, Morgan DM (2022). Impact of a National Private Health Insurer's Prior Authorization Policy on Utilization of Vaginal Hysterectomy. Female Pelvic Med Reconstr Surg, 27(1), 46-50. (Read full article)
    14. Jibrel F, Cox CK, Fairchild PS, Fenner DE, Suresh S, Swenson CW (2020). Indications for surgical intervention in a postpartum pelvic floor specialty clinic. Int Urogynecol J, 31(11), 2233-2236. (Read full article)
    15. Hickman LC, Propst K, Swenson CW, Lewicky-Gaupp C (2020). Subspecialty care for peripartum pelvic floor disorders. Am J Obstet Gynecol, 223(5), 709-714. (Read full article)
    16. Pipitone F, Duarte Thibault ME, Gaetke-Udager K, Fenner DE, Swenson CW (2020). Musculoskeletal findings on MRI among postpartum women with persistent pelvic pain. Int Urogynecol J. (Read full article)
    17. Swenson CW, Schimpf MO, Menees SB, Haefner HK, Berger MB (2019). Comparison of Serum Vitamin D Levels in Relation to Bowel and Bladder Symptoms in Women with Vulvar Diseases. Int J Vitam Nutr Res, 90(3-4), 266-272. (Read full article)
    18. Swenson CW (2020). Foreword: Controversies in Gynecologic Surgery. Clin Obstet Gynecol, 63(2), 251. (Read full article)
    19. Kieserman-Shmokler C, Swenson CW, Chen L, Desmond LM, Ashton-Miller JA, DeLancey JO (2019). From molecular to macro: the key role of the apical ligaments in uterovaginal support. Am J Obstet Gynecol, 222(5), 427-436. (Read full article)
    20. Swenson CW, Masteling M, DeLancey JO, Nandikanti L, Schmidt P, Chen L (2019). Aging effects on pelvic floor support: a pilot study comparing young versus older nulliparous women. Int Urogynecol J, 31(3), 535-543. (Read full article)
    21. Swenson CW, Low LK, Kowalk KM, Fenner DE (2019). Randomized Trial of 3 Techniques of Perineal Skin Closure During Second-Degree Perineal Laceration Repair. J Midwifery Womens Health, 64(5), 567-577. (Read full article)
    22. Kieserman-Shmokler C, Sammarco AG, English EM, Swenson CW, DeLancey JO (2019). The Latzko: A high-value, versatile vesicovaginal fistula repair. Am J Obstet Gynecol, 221(2), 160.e1-160.e4. (Read full article)
    23. Edwards M, Kobernik EK, Suresh S, Swenson CW (2019). Do women with prior obstetrical anal sphincter injury regret having a subsequent vaginal delivery? BMC Pregnancy Childbirth, 19(1), 225. (Read full article)
    24. Sammarco AG, Morgan DM, Kamdar NS, Swenson CW (2018). Documenting pessary offer prior to hysterectomy for management of pelvic organ prolapse. Int Urogynecol J, 30(5), 753-759. (Read full article)
    25. English EM, Bell S, Kamdar NS, Swenson CW, Wiese H, Morgan DM (2019). Importance of Estimated Blood Loss in Resource Utilization and Complications of Hysterectomy for Benign Indications. Obstet Gynecol, 133(4), 650-657. (Read full article)
    26. Swenson CW, Kamdar NS, Seiler K, Morgan DM, Lin P, As-Sanie S (2018). Definition development and prevalence of new persistent opioid use following hysterectomy. Am J Obstet Gynecol, 219(5), 486.e1-486.e7. (Read full article)
    27. Morgan DM, Kamdar N, Regenbogen SE, Krapohl G, Swenson C, Pearlman M, Campbell DA Jr, Hendren S (2018). Evaluation of the Methods Used by Medicare's Hospital-Acquired Condition Reduction Program to Identify Outlier Hospitals for Surgical Site Infection. J Am Coll Surg, 227(3), 346-356. (Read full article)
    28. Morgan DM, Kamdar NS, Swenson CW, Kobernik EK, Sammarco AG, Nallamothu B (2017). Nationwide trends in the utilization of and payments for hysterectomy in the United States among commercially insured women. Am J Obstet Gynecol, 218(4), 425.e1-425.e18. (Read full article)
    29. Schmidt P, Berger MB, Day L, Swenson CW (2018). Home opioid use following cesarean delivery: How many opioid tablets should obstetricians prescribe? J Obstet Gynaecol Res, 44(4), 723-729. (Read full article)
    30. Swenson CW, DePorre JA, Haefner JK, Berger MB, Fenner DE (2017). Postpartum depression screening and pelvic floor symptoms among women referred to a specialty postpartum perineal clinic. Am J Obstet Gynecol, 218(3), 335.e1-335.e6. (Read full article)
    31. Sammarco AG, Swenson CW, Kamdar NS, Kobernik EK, DeLancey JOL, Nallamothu B, Morgan DM (2018). Rate of Pelvic Organ Prolapse Surgery Among Privately Insured Women in the United States, 2010-2013. Obstet Gynecol, 131(3), 484-492. (Read full article)
    32. Baruch AD, Morgan DM, Dalton VK, Swenson C (2017). Opioid Prescribing Patterns by Obstetrics and Gynecology Residents in the United States. Subst Use Misuse, 53(1), 70-76. (Read full article)
    33. Swenson CW, Morgan DM, George J, DeLancey JO (2017). Effect of Cystocele Repair on Cervix Location in Women With Uterus In Situ. Female Pelvic Med Reconstr Surg, 24(1), 56-59. (Read full article)
    34. Sammarco AG, Nandikanti L, Kobernik EK, Xie B, Jankowski A, Swenson CW, DeLancey JOL (2017). Interactions among pelvic organ protrusion, levator ani descent, and hiatal enlargement in women with and without prolapse. Am J Obstet Gynecol, 217(5), 614.e1-614.e7. (Read full article)
    35. Swenson CW, Kolenic GE, Trowbridge ER, Berger MB, Lewicky-Gaupp C, Margulies RU, Morgan DM, Fenner DE, DeLancey JO (2017). Obesity and stress urinary incontinence in women: compromised continence mechanism or excess bladder pressure during cough? Int Urogynecol J, 28(9), 1377-1385. (Read full article)
    36. Fairchild PS, Kamdar NS, Rosen ER, Swenson CW, Fenner DE, DeLancey JO, Morgan DM (2016). Ligament shortening compared to vaginal colpopexy at the time of hysterectomy for pelvic organ prolapse. Int Urogynecol J, 28(6), 899-905. (Read full article)
    37. Harris JA, Sammarco AG, Swenson CW, Uppal S, Kamdar N, Campbell D, Evilsizer S, DeLancey JO, Morgan DM (2017). Are perioperative bundles associated with reduced postoperative morbidity in women undergoing benign hysterectomy? Retrospective cohort analysis of 16,286 cases in Michigan. Am J Obstet Gynecol, 216(5), 502.e1-502.e11. (Read full article)
    38. Swenson CW, Smith TM, Luo J, Kolenic GE, Ashton-Miller JA, DeLancey JO (2016). Intraoperative cervix location and apical support stiffness in women with and without pelvic organ prolapse. Am J Obstet Gynecol, 216(2), 155.e1-155.e8. (Read full article)
    39. Harris JA, Uppal S, Kamdar N, Swenson CW, Campbell D, Morgan DM (2016). A retrospective cohort study of hemostatic agent use during hysterectomy and risk of post-operative complications. Int J Gynaecol Obstet, 136(2), 232-237. (Read full article)
    40. Swenson CW, Kamdar NS, Levy H, Campbell DA Jr, Morgan DM (2016). Insurance Type and Major Complications After Hysterectomy. Female Pelvic Med Reconstr Surg, 23(1), 39-43. (Read full article)
    41. Swenson CW, Kamdar NS, Harris JA, Uppal S, Campbell DA Jr, Morgan DM (2016). Comparison of robotic and other minimally invasive routes of hysterectomy for benign indications. Am J Obstet Gynecol, 215(5), 650.e1-650.e8. (Read full article)
    42. Swenson CW, Kelley AS, Fenner DE, Berger MB (2016). Outpatient Narcotic Use After Minimally Invasive Urogynecologic Surgery. Female Pelvic Med Reconstr Surg, 22(5), 377-81. (Read full article)
    43. Swenson CW, Luo J, Chen L, Ashton-Miller JA, DeLancey JO (2016). Traction force needed to reproduce physiologically observed uterine movement: technique development, feasibility assessment, and preliminary findings. Int Urogynecol J, 27(8), 1227-34. (Read full article)
    44. Morgan DM, Swenson CW, Streifel KM, Kamdar NS, Uppal S, Burgunder-Zdravkovski L, Pearlman MD, Fenner DE, Campbell DA (2015). Surgical site infection following hysterectomy: adjusted rankings in a regional collaborative. Am J Obstet Gynecol, 214(2), 259.e1-259.e8. (Read full article)
    45. Uppal S, Harris J, Al-Niaimi A, Swenson CW, Pearlman MD, Reynolds RK, Kamdar N, Bazzi A, Campbell DA, Morgan DM (2016). Prophylactic Antibiotic Choice and Risk of Surgical Site Infection After Hysterectomy. Obstet Gynecol, 127(2), 321-9. (Read full article)
    46. Chi AM, Curran DS, Morgan DM, Fenner DE, Swenson CW (2016). Universal Cystoscopy After Benign Hysterectomy: Examining the Effects of an Institutional Policy. Obstet Gynecol, 127(2), 369-75. (Read full article)
    47. Harris JA, Swenson CW, Uppal S, Kamdar N, Mahnert N, As-Sanie S, Morgan DM (2015). Practice patterns and postoperative complications before and after US Food and Drug Administration safety communication on power morcellation. Am J Obstet Gynecol, 214(1), 98.e1-98.e13. (Read full article)
    48. Morgan DM, Pulliam S, Adam RA, Swenson C, Guire K, Kamdar N, Guaderrama N (2015). Analysis of High-, Intermediate-, and Low-Volume Surgeons When Performing Hysterectomy for Uterovaginal Prolapse. Female Pelvic Med Reconstr Surg, 22(1), 43-50. (Read full article)
    49. Swenson CW, Simmen AM, Berger MB, Morgan DM, DeLancey JO (2015). The long and short of it: anterior vaginal wall length before and after anterior repair. Int Urogynecol J, 26(7), 1035-9. (Read full article)
    50. Swenson CW, Lanham MS, Morgan DM, Berger MB (2015). Predicting postoperative day 1 hematocrit levels after uncomplicated hysterectomy. Int J Gynaecol Obstet, 130(1), 19-22. (Read full article)
    51. Swenson CW, Menees SB, Haefner HK, Berger MB (2015). Lower Urinary Tract and Functional Bowel Symptoms in Women With Vulvar Diseases and Controls. Female Pelvic Med Reconstr Surg, 21(4), 211-4. (Read full article)
    52. Swenson CW, Berger MB, Kamdar NS, Campbell DA Jr, Morgan DM (2015). Risk factors for venous thromboembolism after hysterectomy. Obstet Gynecol, 125(5), 1139-1144. (Read full article)
    53. Corona LE, Swenson CW, Sheetz KH, Shelby G, Berger MB, Pearlman MD, Campbell DA Jr, DeLancey JO, Morgan DM (2014). Use of other treatments before hysterectomy for benign conditions in a statewide hospital collaborative. Am J Obstet Gynecol, 212(3), 304.e1-7. (Read full article)
    54. Swenson CW, DeLancey JO, Schimpf MO (2014). Left-sided sacrospinous ligament suspension for treating recurrent sigmoid neovagina prolapse. Int Urogynecol J, 25(11), 1593-5. (Read full article)
    55. Swenson C, Royer PA, Turok DK, Jacobson JC, Amaral G, Sanders JN (2014). Removal of the LNG IUD when strings are not visible: a case series. Contraception, 90(3), 288-90. (Read full article)
    56. Swenson C, Turok DK, Ward K, Jacobson JC, Dermish A (2012). Self-administered misoprostol or placebo before intrauterine device insertion in nulliparous women: a randomized controlled trial. Obstet Gynecol, 120(2 Pt 1), 341-7. (Read full article)
    57. Sharp HT, Swenson C (2010). Hollow viscus injury during surgery. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am, 37(3), 461-7. (Read full article)

    Review

    1. Cheng W, English E, Horner W, Swenson CW, Chen L, Pipitone F, Ashton-Miller JA, DeLancey JOL (2022). Hiatal failure: effects of pregnancy, delivery, and pelvic floor disorders on level III factors. [Review]. Int Urogynecol J, 34(2), 327-343. (Read full article)

    Letter

    1. Morgan DM, Kamdar NS, Dalton VK, Swenson CW, Moniz MH, Nallamothu B (2018). Savings with expanding use of the levonorgestrel intrauterine device and fewer benign hysterectomies. [Letter to the editor]. Am J Obstet Gynecol, 220(1), 116-118.e1. (Read full article)

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