MP19-15 LISTENING TO WOMEN: A QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS OF WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH MESH MID-URETHRAL SLING SURGERY

Abstract

You have accessJournal of UrologyHealth Services Research: Practice Patterns, Quality of Life and Shared Decision Making II (MP19)1 Sep 2021MP19-15 LISTENING TO WOMEN: A QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS OF WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH MESH MID-URETHRAL SLING SURGERY Pansy Uberoi, Wai Lee, Kathleen Kobashi, Alvaro Lucioni, Donna Berry, and Una Lee Pansy UberoiPansy Uberoi More articles by this author , Wai LeeWai Lee More articles by this author , Kathleen KobashiKathleen Kobashi More articles by this author , Alvaro LucioniAlvaro Lucioni More articles by this author , Donna BerryDonna Berry More articles by this author , and Una LeeUna Lee More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000002004.15AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Existing stress urinary incontinence (SUI) research focuses on clinical outcomes, which may differ from and overlook key concepts of importance to patients. When patient perspectives are sought, an understanding of what is most important to women is gained. We sought to understand patient experiences including knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs regarding mesh mid-urethral sling (MUS) surgery and outcomes. METHODS: Patients who had undergone placement of a mesh MUS between January 2014 and December 2018 at a single institution by one of three female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery (FPMRS) specialists were invited to participate in semi-structured focus groups or individual interviews. Discussions were recorded and transcribed. Two investigators individually analyzed data for themes using inductive and deductive content analysis aided by NVivo software, four researchers reached consensus on the themes. RESULTS: Eleven women participated, mean age 61 years (range 39-88). Themes and illustrative quotations are listed in the table. Women discussed barriers related to undergoing surgical intervention for SUI, such as embarrassment associated with discussing SUI symptoms, encountering physicians who were not empathetic, and personally needing to advocate for themselves for appropriate referrals. Women recounted specific urinary leakage events that led to their decision to pursue surgical intervention for SUI. Most women expressed satisfaction with the improvement in SUI specific symptoms, while others associated non-SUI symptoms with their surgical outcomes, such as changes in bowel habits and urinary frequency. Despite not having complications related to MUS surgery, some women recounted higher than expected post-operative pain levels and surprise by the ability to palpate the sling vaginally. CONCLUSIONS: Women experienced barriers to SUI care and attributed de novo non-SUI symptoms to their MUS surgery. Appreciating patients’ knowledge, concerns, and expectations regarding SUI can inform FPMRS surgeons on how to better meet patient needs and improve patient understanding when discussing MUS surgery. Listening to understand women's perspectives can improve the informed consent process and surgical counseling for MUS surgery. Source of Funding: None © 2021 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 206Issue Supplement 3September 2021Page: e333-e333 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2021 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Pansy Uberoi More articles by this author Wai Lee More articles by this author Kathleen Kobashi More articles by this author Alvaro Lucioni More articles by this author Donna Berry More articles by this author Una Lee More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Loading ...