Genital Hiatus Research Articles

Pelvic Floor Ultrasound Findings and Symptoms of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction During Pregnancy.

Pregnancy and childbirth predispose to pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD), coinciding with functional and anatomical changes in the pelvic floor. To some extent, these can be assessed by transperineal ultrasound (TPUS), yet the correlation between ultrasound findings and symptoms has not been well elucidated. We hypothesised that pregnant women with PFD would show different findings at TPUS. This is a planned secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study. Pregnant women were asked to fill out standardised questionnaires on PFD and undergo TPUS at 12-14weeks and 28-32weeks of gestation. We compared bladder neck descent, urethral rotation, retrovesical angle, pelvic organ descent, genital hiatus dimensions and the presence of anal sphincter defects between women with and those without PFD using t test and Fisher's exact test. Linear mixed-effects models were used to assess the correlation between TPUS findings and PFD severity. As this is a secondary subgroup analysis of participants who underwent TPUS, no sample size was determined upfront. At Valsalva, women with urinary incontinence had more pronounced bladder neck descent (p = 0.02) and urethral rotation (p < 0.01), as well as wider retrovesical angles (p = 0.04) and larger genital hiatus areas (p < 0.01). After controlling for age, BMI and parity, the retrovesical angle was the only persistent predictor of urinary incontinence. No correlation was observed between any TPUS marker and symptoms of either prolapse or anorectal dysfunction. In pregnant women, symptoms of urinary incontinence, but not of prolapse and anorectal dysfunction, are associated with differences in pelvic floor anatomy at TPUS.

Myostatin Changes in Females with UI after Magnetic Stimulation: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

Background and Objectives: Urinary incontinence (UI) is the involuntary loss of urine caused by a weakness in the pelvic floor muscles (PFMs) that affects urethral closure. Myostatin, which prevents the growth of muscles, is a protein expressed by human skeletal muscle cells. Indeed, it has been observed that myostatin concentration rises during skeletal muscle inactivity and that suppressing serum myostatin promotes muscle growth and strength. Furthermore, therapeutic interventions that reduce myostatin signalling may lessen the effects of aging on skeletal muscle mass and function. For this reason, the aim of the study was to assess if flat magnetic stimulation technology affects serum myostatin levels, as myostatin can block cell proliferation at the urethral sphincter level. Materials and Methods: A total of 19 women, 75% presenting stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and 25% urgency urinary incontinence (UUI), were enrolled. A non-invasive electromagnetic therapeutic system designed for deep pelvic floor area stimulation was used for eight sessions. Results: The ELISA (enzyme linked immunosorbent assay) test indicated that the myostatin levels in blood sera had significantly decreased. Patients' ultrasound measurements showed a significant genital hiatus length reduction at rest and in a stress condition. The Pelvic Floor Bother Questionnaire consistently revealed a decrease in mean scores when comparing the pre- and post-treatment data. Conclusions: Effective flat magnetic stimulation reduces myostatin concentration and genital hiatus length, minimizing the severity of urinary incontinence. The results of the study show that without causing any discomfort or unfavourable side effects, the treatment plan significantly improved the PFM tone and strength in patients with UI.

Levator Ani Muscle Avulsion After Vaginal Delivery Comparing Routine Versus Restrictive Episiotomy: A Pilot Study.

The objective was to compare the rate of levator ani muscle avulsion following vaginal birth after routine and restrictive episiotomy. This study consists of two cohorts of pregnant women prospectively enrolled between September 2015 and December 2017 at a university hospital. The pregnant women were subject to a randomized controlled trial, in which participants received a restrictive episiotomy protocol versus a routine episiotomy protocol for vaginal delivery. Levator ani avulsion was evaluated by four-dimensional ultrasound screening. Sixty-one post-partum primipara women were enrolled in our study. Thirty-two women (52.5%) had undergone routine episiotomy whereas 29 women (47.5%) had gone through restrictive episiotomy. Right mediolateral episiotomies were performed in all cases. The rate of anal sphincter tear was 12.5% in the routine episiotomy group versus 13.8% in the restrictive episiotomy group (p = 1.00). Levator ani avulsion was detected in 9.4% of the routine episiotomy group (only on the right side) and in 10.3% of the restrictive episiotomy group (p = 1.00). No bilateral levator avulsion was detected in either of the groups. There were no statistical differences in the distances of the bladder neck descent, cystocele descent, uterine descent, rectocele descent, and the ballooning of the genital hiatus area between the groups. In our pilot study, there was no reduction of the rate of levator ani avulsion in women with restrictive episiotomy compared with routine episiotomy. There were no differences in pelvic floor ultrasound parameters between the two groups.

A Prediction Model for Pelvic Floor Recovery After Vaginal Birth With Risk Factors.

Although parturients report few postpartum symptoms, birth is clearly associated with future symptom development. The ability to identify asymptomatic at-risk women would facilitate prevention. The aim of the study was to develop a model predicting abnormal recovery in women at risk for childbirth-associated pelvic floor injury. Women undergoing first vaginal birth at high risk of pelvic floor injury underwent examinations and ultrasound imaging and completed 6-week and 6-month postpartum questionnaires. We defined "abnormal" recovery as having ≥1 of the following 3 findings: (1) levator ani injury, (2) decreased objective pelvic floor strength, and (3) Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification point Bp ≥0. Descriptive statistics and bivariate analyses compared "normal" and "abnormal" recovery. Birth characteristics, 6-week examinations, and questionnaires potentially predicted abnormal recovery at 6 months. Significant variables were included as candidates in the multivariable logistic regression predicting "abnormal" recovery after birth. Fifty-four women (63.5%) had normal and 31 (36.5%) had abnormal recovery at 6 months. At 6 weeks, women with abnormal recovery had decreased pelvic floor strength by Oxford scores (3 [2-5], 6 [2-8]; P = 0.002), lower point Bp (-1 [-3 to 0], -2 [-3 to -1]; P = 0.02), larger genital hiatus (4 [3 to 4], 3 [3 to 3.5]; P = 0.02), and higher levator ani injury rate (76.7%, 22.4%; P < 0.001). Between-group questionnaire differences were not clinically significant. Our final model included postpartum examination findings or birth characteristics: Oxford Scale, 6-week Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification GH strain, infant head circumference, and second stage ≥120 minutes. The area under the curve for predicting abnormal recovery at 6 months was 0.84, indicating a good sensitivity and specificity balance. The model identifies women at risk for an abnormal recovery trajectory.

Pelvic floor imaging in women with hemorrhoidal disease: An anatomical feasibility study

ObjectiveTo compare pelvic floor muscle and organ structures in women with and without hemorrhoidal disease (HD) using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Material and methodsPelvic MRI measurements and computer-based medical records of women diagnosed with HD between January 2018 and March 2021 were analyzed. Parameters including pubococcygeal distance, puborectal distance, posterior anorectal angle, obturator internus muscle area, presence of levator ani muscle defect, genital hiatus length, vaginal length, uterocervical angle, cervix-upper vagina angle, and cervix-middle vagina angle were evaluated. The control group consisted of women without HD, matched for age and body mass index. ResultsPuborectal hiatus distance was higher in the HD group (59.2 ​± ​8.7 ​mm vs. 55.5 ​± ​7.1 ​mm, p ​= ​0.03). Similarly, the distance to the M line was greater in the HD group (18.3 ​± ​4.8 ​mm vs. 16 ​± ​4.6 ​mm, p ​= ​0.04). Obturator internus muscle area was found to be lower in the HD group compared to the non-HD group (1721 ​± ​291.4 ​mm2 vs. 1897.5 ​± ​352.5 ​mm2, p ​= ​0.02). Additionally, the presence of unilateral levator ani muscle defect was higher in HD patients (p ​= ​0.03). There was a negative correlation between birthweight and obturator internus muscle area (r ​= ​−0.388, p ​= ​0.02), and a positive correlation with M line distance (r ​= ​0.344, p ​= ​0.04). ConclusionLevator ani muscle defects and obturator internus muscle area, indicators of pelvic floor dysfunction, are more common in patients with hemorrhoidal disease.

Postpartum Changes in Levator Plate Shape and Genital Hiatus Size After Vaginal Delivery.

Vaginal delivery is a risk factor for pelvic organ prolapse. We sought to quantify changes in level III pelvic support measurements at 7weeks and 8months following vaginal delivery. This secondary analysis included primiparous women who underwent pelvic MRI and clinical examinations at 7weeks and 8months after vaginal delivery. Demographics and obstetrical data were abstracted. Mid-sagittal resting MRIs were used to perform level III measurements including urogenital hiatus (UGH), levator hiatus (LH), and mid-sagittal levator area (LA), and to trace the levator plate (LP). Using principal component analysis, 7-week and 8-month principal component scores (PC1s) and MRI measurements were compared using paired t test. If the PC1 score change from 7weeks to 8months was > 0, women were considered to have a more dorsally oriented LP shape. Of 76 participants, POP-Q values did not significantly differ between 7weeks and 8months, but MRI measurements improved (UGH: 3.9 ± 0.8 vs 3.5 ± 0.8, p < 0.001; LH: 5.4 ± 0.8 vs 5.2 ± 0.8, p = 0.01; LA: 18.0 ± 6.0 vs 15.2 ± 6.5, p < 0.001). Approximately 30% (22 out of 76) had a more dorsally oriented LP shape and larger level III measurements at 8months than women with a more ventrally oriented LP shape (LA: 86.4% vs 1.9%, p < 0.001; LH: 16% vs 12%, p < 0.001; UGH: 59.1% vs 3.7%, p < 0.001). After vaginal delivery, most women had "recovery" of level III support-defined by smaller UGH, LH, and LA measurements-and a more ventrally oriented LP shape. However, nearly 30% had larger level III measurements and a more dorsally oriented LP shape, indicating "impaired recovery" of support.

Defecatory dysfunction and anal incontinence symptoms among women with pelvic organ prolapse: 5-year retrospective study in a tertiary center.

To investigate the prevalence of DD and AI with POP symptoms in females attending a urogynecology clinic, and to identify factors associated with DD and AI in POP symptoms patients. Computer-based medical records of women with POP symptoms attending a urogynecology clinic in a referral tertiary center between January 2016 and December 2020 were reviewed. Demographic data were collected. Selected defecatory dysfunction (DD) and anal incontinence (AI) were recorded. The associations between patient characteristics, site and severity of prolapse, and DD and AI symptoms in POP patients were investigated for identified associated factors. The mean age of the 754 participants was 65.77 ± 9.44years. Seven hundred and fifteen (94.83%) were menopause. The prevalence of DD and AI in patients with POP symptoms was 44.03% (332/754) and 42.04% (317/754) according to the PFBQ and medical history records, respectively. Advanced posterior wall prolapse (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.10-2.30) and wider GH (OR1.23, 95% CI 1.05-1.43) were identified as risk factors for DD by multivariate analysis. Additionally, single-compartment prolapse (OR 0.4, 95% CI 0.21-0.76) and a stronger pelvic floor muscle assessed with brink score (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.88-0.98) are protective factors for AI. DD and AI are prevalent among women with POP symptoms who visit a urogynecology clinic. DD should be evaluated in women with POP symptoms especially in women with increased genital hiatus and point Ap beyond the hymen. To prevent AI, women with POP should be encouraged to perform pelvic floor muscle training in order to increase pelvic floor muscle strength.

Occurrence and risk factors for second-degree perineal tears: A prospective cohort study using a detailed classification system.

The amount of tissue trauma within second-degree perineal tears varies widely. Therefore, subcategorization of second-degree tears and a better understanding of their occurrence and risk factors are needed. The aim of this study was to assess the occurrence of perineal tears when second-degree tears were subcategorized. Furthermore, we aimed to assess the association between variables related to perineal anatomy and other potential risk factors, with second-degree tear subcategories. This prospective cohort study included 880 primiparous and multiparous women giving birth to one child vaginally. Perineal tears were categorized using the classification system recommended by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. In addition, second-degree tears were subcategorized as 2A, 2B, or 2C according to the percentage of damage to the perineal body. Selected variables related to perineal anatomy were as follows: length of genital hiatus; perineal body length; and previous perineal trauma. Risk factors for second-degree tear subcategories were analyzed using a multinominal regression model. Perineal tears occurred as follows: first-degree: 35.6% (n = 313), 2A: 16.3% (n = 143), 2B: 9.1% (n = 80), 2C: 6.6% (n = 58), and third- or fourth-degree: 1.6% (n = 14). In total, 169/880 participants underwent an episiotomy. When episiotomies were excluded, the risk for 2B, or 2C tears increased with smaller genital hiatus, larger perineal body, previous perineal trauma, primiparity, higher gestational age, instrumental vaginal delivery and fetal presentation other than occiput anterior. The occurrence of second-degree tear subcategories was 16.3% for 2A tears, 9.1% for 2B tears, and 6.6% for 2C tears. Factors related to perineal anatomy increased the odds for experiencing a second-degree tear in a more severe subcategory.

Pubococcygeal Line Versus H-line as MR Defecography Reference for Bladder Descent.

Magnetic resonance defecography imaging techniques have been used widely to study pelvic floor function and diagnose pelvic organ prolapse (POP). The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of the H-line to detect bladder descent compared with the current landmark, the pubococcygeal line (PCL). In this retrospective cohort study, patients who underwent MR defecography in our medical center and were diagnosed with moderate to severe cystocele by radiological measurements were recruited. One rest image and one maximum evacuation image for each subject were used for the following measurements: bladder base perpendicular distance from the genital hiatus (GH), indicative of clinically significant bladder descent, PCL as the current radiological reference line, and the H-line, or minimal levator hiatus line, indicative of pelvic floor muscle and connective tissue support.Subjects were categorized as having clinically significant cystocele if the "bladder base" reached within 1 cm or lower of the GH (stage II or higher cystocele). A comparison was performed to assess differences and predictive capabilities of the reference lines relative to the GH measure. Seventy subjects were included, 30 with clinically significant bladder descent based on distance to GH. Women with bladder descent were older (64.0 ± 11.8 vs 51.2 ± 15.6, p < 0.001), had increased parity (3 [1-7] vs 2 [0-5], p = 0.009), and had a bladder that descended lower than the H-line at rest (1.9 ± 0.5 vs 2.2 ± 0.4, p = 0.003) and evacuation (-2.4 ± 1.6 vs -0.7 ± 1.1, p < 0.001). Multivariate regression analysis confirmed that age, length of the H-line at evacuation, the perpendicular distances between the H-line and the lowest bladder point at rest, and the PCL to the lowest bladder point at evacuation significantly correlated with bladder descent.Receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to identify a measurement threshold to diagnose clinically significant cystocele for both measurements, bladder base to the H-line: -1.2 (80.0, 72.5) area under the curve (AUC) 0.82, and bladder base PCL: -3.3 (77.8, 79.5) AUC 0.86. Our data support the application of using the minimal levator hiatus plane and specifically the H-line as a reliable landmark to diagnose bladder descent using MR defecography imaging.

Evaluation of Genital Hiatus and Perineal Body Measurement in Women in Turkish Society, According to Recurrent Vaginitis and Vaginal Flatus

Evaluation of Genital Hiatus and Perineal Body Measurement in Women in Turkish Society, According to Recurrent Vaginitis and Vaginal Flatus

Characteristics Associated With Surgical Failure After Native Tissue Apical Prolapse Repair.

To identify clinical and demographic characteristics associated with prolapse recurrence by 12 months after native tissue transvaginal repair. This was a planned secondary analysis of a randomized trial including postmenopausal participants with stage 2 or greater apical or anterior vaginal prolapse scheduled for surgical repair at three U.S. sites. Participants underwent vaginal hysterectomy (if uterus was present) and standardized uterosacral or sacrospinous ligament suspension at the surgeon's discretion. The intervention was perioperative (5 weeks or more preoperatively and 12 months postoperatively) vaginal estrogen compared with placebo cream. The primary outcome was time to failure by 12 months after surgery, defined by objective prolapse of the anterior or posterior walls beyond the hymen or the apex descending more than one-third of the vaginal length, symptomatic vaginal bulge, or retreatment. For this analysis, participants were grouped according to failure compared with success, and multiple factors were compared, including age, time since menopause, race and ethnicity, parity, body mass index (BMI), baseline genital hiatus measurement, prolapse stage and point of maximal prolapse, surgery type (uterosacral or sacrospinous ligament suspension), and concomitant procedures. Factors were assessed for association with the hazard of surgical failure using Cox proportional hazards models, adjusted for site and treatment group. Factors with P <.50 from this analysis were considered for inclusion in the final multivariable model; site and treatment group were kept in this model. One hundred eighty-six participants underwent surgery; 183 provided complete data. There were 30 failures (16.4%) and 153 successes (83.4%) at 12 months. On bivariate analysis, failure was associated with decreasing age, shorter duration since menopause, Latina ethnicity, and greater baseline genital hiatus. In the final multivariable model, which included age, BMI, and point of maximal prolapse, only age remained significantly associated with surgical failure (adjusted hazard ratio [per year] 0.92, 95% CI, 0.86-0.98, P =.016). Among postmenopausal women, younger age was associated with increased frequency of prolapse recurrence by 12 months after native tissue repair. ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT02431897.

L’hyperlaxité vaginale : sémiologie, diagnostic et traitements

ObjectivesVaginal laxity concerns 24 to 38% of women but it's still poorly understood and studied. The objective of this study is to do an inventory of current scientific knowledge about its definition, its diagnostic criteria, and treatments. MethodsWe conducted a non systematic review of literature including original articles in French and English about the definition, diagnostic criteria and treatments of vaginal laxity using data bases such as Cochrane, Embase, Medline, PubMed et Science Direct. ResultsIt is a feeling of excessive looseness that can alter the quality of sexual intercourses. The main risk factor is vaginal delivery. The feeling of vaginal laxity appears to be linked to an excessive distensibility of the levator ani muscle that can be evaluated during physical examination by the measure of the genital hiatus and the perineal body (GH and PB measures from the POP-Q classification) during vasalva or by the measure of genital hiatus area by translabial sonography during valsalva. Although pelvic muscle training is currently prescribed as a first line treatment, data are limited to confirm its effectiveness in this affection. Colpoperineorraphy with levator ani myorraphy which was mostly evaluated in case of genital prolapse is associated with a high success rate but is at risk of dyspareunia. New nonsurgical treatments such as radiofrequency and vaginal laser seems to lead to lower success rate than surgical treatments but they are less invasive. Their effectiveness and long-term effects are still unknown which restrict their application in this condition. ConclusionVaginal laxity is a frequent condition that impacts on the quality of life and sexual function. Further studies should be conducted to better understand its physiopathology and the optimal treatment.

Preoperative, Intraoperative and Postoperative Assessment of Pelvic Organ Prolapse by Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification System and Surgical Outcome

Background: Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a common disease of middle aged and elderly women with an incidence of 7-10% and life time risk for surgery 11 to 20%. Assessing pelvic organ prolapsed in an objective, reproducible and applicable method is essential to have successful surgical outcome. Aim of the study was preoperative, intraoperative pre and postsurgical as well as postoperative assessment of pelvic organ prolapse by POP- Q system in patients undergoing reconstructive surgery and measure optimum surgical outcome stage 0 (Q&lt;-1), Tvl &gt; 4 cm and Genital hiatus (3 to 3.4cm) to prevent recurrence (POP-Q stage &gt; -1) and dyspareunia (Pb d”3 cm). Methods : This was hospital based Prospective study done with 250 patient diagnosed as pelvic organ prolapse at OPD. Excluding 14 patients 236 had surgery in Chattagram Metropolitan Hospital during January 2010 to December 2019. POP-Q measurement was done with Valsalva before anesthesia, intraoperative after anesthesia pre and postsurgical and postoperatively in follow up visit within three months of surgery by same surgeon. All POPQ measurement were done by same surgeon using a wooden Spatula marked in cm (POP-Q popsicle stick). All measurement were recorded in grid form and preoperative &amp; presurgical POP-Q staging was done. The result was then summarized as mean and SD for numerical variable and percentage for categorical variable. Result : A total 236 patient had surgery, 233 had vaginal hysterectomy with Apical vaginal suspension with uterosacral ligament and sacrospinous fixation was done in 3 patients with vault prolapse. Mean age was 51 ± 5SD years (51 to 60 years 51%), 84% sexually active, low socioeconomic group (68%), multiparous 100% mean parity 4 ± 2SD (e” 6 62%), 95% had vaginal delivery with history of home delivery 89%, resuming house hold work within two weeks of delivery in 97% cases. Most were postmenopausal 96%. All intraoperative presurgical measurement except Pb and Tvl showed significant higher descent as compared to preoperative finding before anesthesia, mean difference were Aa 0.7, Ba1.6, C 1.6, Ap 0.25 Bp 1.6 D1.6 Gh. 8cm with highest descent in Ba C, D Bp. Immediate postsurgical measurement all patient showed optimum anatomical outcome (stage 0). But follow up within 3 month (10 to 90 days) 13 patient showed satisfactory anatomical outcome (stage 1 Q&lt;-1)) with no recurrence (Q&gt;-1) nor dyspareunia. Total vaginal length and Pb no change in measurement before and after anesthesia but Tvl reduced by 2.3 cm and Pb increased by .3cm postsurgical. Presurgical measurementof Gh increased by. 8cm but reduced to 3.5 cm postsurgical. No significant difference in postsurgical intraoperative measurements during follow up within 3 months except Gh (3.2 cm) which is narrower even with valsalva menovure. Conclusion : POP-Q technique in assessment of Pelvic organ prolapse was anatomically site specific and is with good reproducibility and less intra and inter observer variation. Significant difference in descent alert surgeon to plan surgical technique to have optimum anatomical outcome and prevent recurrence and dysparunea. Bangladesh J Obstet Gynaecol, 2022; Vol. 37(2): 109-118

Effect of age in women undergoing laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy: A retrospective study.

To determine whether elderly women (≥65 years) have an increased risk of complications and lower success when undergoing laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (LSC) compared with younger women (<65 years). This was a retrospective study of all LSC procedures performed from August 2014 to February 2021 by a single urogynecologic surgeon in an academic affiliated hospital system. Charts were identified through procedure codes. Patient demographics, clinical, surgical, and postoperative data were collected. The primary outcome of this study was to compare complications associated with LSC, including intraoperative and postoperative complications. Secondary outcomes included subjective, objective, and composite success. In total, 312 participants met the criteria. The mean age of the group who were younger than 65 years was 55.7 years (±6.5) and of the group aged 65 years or older was 69.3 years (±3.5). Racial demographics revealed no differences between the two groups. Patients aged 65 years or older had a statistically significant lower body mass index (calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters), a higher rate of hypertension, smaller genital hiatus, and a larger anterior vaginal wall prolapse compared with the younger cohort. They also less often underwent a posterior repair. No statistically significant differences were found with regards to intraoperative and postoperative complications, including 30-day re-admission, between the two age groups. Both groups had high anatomic success rates, with no significant difference (<65 = 96.3%; ≥65 = 98.4%; P = 0.326). Those aged younger than 65 years compared with those aged 65 years or older had lower subjective success that was not significantly different (<65 = 62.8%; ≥65 = 71.0; P = 0.134). Composite success was noted to reach the threshold of a statistically significant difference in the group aged younger than 65 years compared with those aged 65 years or older (60.1% vs 71.0%; P = 0.0499). In this study, elderly patients did not have increased intraoperative and postoperative complications after undergoing LSC. Similar rates of anatomic and subjective success were also found with younger patients having a lower composite success. Proper candidates for LSC should not be excluded based upon age.

Surgical correction of the genital hiatus at the time of sacrocolpopexy - a 7-year Markov analysis: a cost-effectiveness analysis.

To perform a cost-effectiveness analysis of concurrent posterior repair performed at the time of laparoscopic hysterectomy with sacrocolpopexy over a 7-year time period. We hypothesize it is not cost-effective to perform a posterior colporrhaphy. We used TreeAge Pro® to construct a decision model with Markov modeling to compare sacrocolpopexy with and without concurrent posterior repair (SCP and SCP+PR) over a time horizon of 7 years. Outcomes included probability and costs associated with prolapse recurrence, prolapse retreatment, and complications including rectal injury, rectovaginal hematoma requiring reoperation, and postoperative dyspareunia. Cost-effectiveness was defined as an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) calculated as ∆ costs /∆ effectiveness and the willingness to pay (WTP) was set at $100,000/QALY. Our model showed that SCP was the dominant strategy, with lower costs (-$ 2681.06) and higher effectiveness (+0.10) compared to SCP+PR over the 7-year period. In two-way sensitivity analyses, we varied the probability of prolapse recurrence after both strategies. Our conclusions would only change if the probability of recurrence after SCP was at least 29.7% higher than after SCP+PR. When varying the probabilities of dyspareunia for both strategies, SCP+PR only became the dominant strategy if the probability of dyspareunia for SCP+PR was lower than the rate of SCP alone. In this 7-year Markov cost-effectiveness analysis, SCP without concurrent PR was the dominant strategy. SCP+PR costs more with lower effectiveness than SCP alone, due to higher surgical cost of SCP+PR and higher probability of dyspareunia after SCP+PR.

Association Between Enlarged Genital Hiatus and Composite Surgical Failure After Vaginal Hysterectomy With Uterosacral Ligament Suspension

ABSTRACT Commonly performed at the time of total vaginal hysterectomy to combat uterovaginal prolapse, uterosacral ligament suspension and sacrospinous ligament fixation are native tissue apical suspensions. Because recurrent pelvic organ prolapse increases over time after apical suspensions, nonmodifiable and modifiable risk factors have been explored. It is suggested by numerous studies that 1 risk factor for recurrent prolapse is an enlarged preoperative and postoperative genital hiatus (GH). An enlarged GH may be indicative of a caudal shift in pelvic viscera, increasing stress on vaginal supports. However, short-term follow-up, retrospective design, and lack of patient perspectives on prolapse outcomes limited the overall impact of those findings. The SUPeR trial (Study of Uterine Prolapse Procedures-Randomized) compared vaginal mesh hysteropexy with vaginal hysterectomy with uterosacral ligament suspension in a randomized trial design with long-term follow-up postoperatively. Postoperative assessments included the patient’s assessment of prolapse symptoms. The primary objective of this manuscript was to evaluate the efficacy of the vaginal hysterectomy with uterosacral ligament suspension amidst groups defined by surgical changes in GH size. The hypothesis predicted higher prolapse recurrence proportions for those with persistently enlarged GH size at 4–6 weeks postoperatively, compared with those with smaller preoperative and postoperative GH sizes. SUPeR participants included in this ancillary analysis underwent vaginal hysterectomy with uterosacral ligament suspension and then completed a 2-year follow-up. Based on preoperative to postoperative GH measurement changes, participants were divided into 3 groups. These groups were (1) persistently enlarged GH (“persistently enlarged”), (2) improved GH (“improved”), and (3) stable or normal GH preoperatively and postoperatively (“stably normal”). Prolapse was defined as any compartment with prolapse 1 cm or more beyond the hymen. The primary aim was comparison of composite surgical failure across the GH groups at 24 months, defined by any of the following conditions: anatomic failure, retreatment for prolapse, or symptoms of bothersome vaginal bulge. Secondary outcomes included the composite surgical failure components, postoperative complications, POP-Q measurements, and pain during intercourse. A total of 81 women were included in this secondary analysis. Predominant characteristics included a median age of 65.6 years, with 50 patients in the “improved group,” 14 patients in the “persistently enlarged” group, and 17 patients in the “stably normal” group. Notably, the prevalence of advanced anterior prolapse at baseline was greatest in the persistently enlarged group compared with that of both the improved and stably normal groups. Also, the prevalence of posterior colporrhaphy during the index procedure varied across groups and was more common in the improved group than the stably normal group. The surgery performed for almost all patients was a vaginal hysterectomy with uterosacral ligament suspension. The study found that following vaginal hysterectomy, after adjustment for the prevalence of advanced anterior prolapse, a woman with persistently enlarged GH at 4–6 weeks would not be at higher of composite surgical failure 2 years postsurgery when compared with other groups. The adjusted odds ratio for composite surgical failure in the persistently enlarged group compared with the stably normal group was 6.0 (95% confidence interval, 1.0–37.5; P = 0.06). Ultimately, baseline GH size is not a modifiable risk factor; however, there does appear to be an association between postvaginal hysterectomy and anterior vaginal wall prolapse when performing a presurgical and postsurgical comparison of normal GH measurements. Nonetheless, this study was not able to confirm a significant relationship between risk of recurrent prolapse and patients grouped by GH size in this manner.

Risk factors for pelvic organ prolapse recurrence following colpocleisis: A meta-analysis.

Studies aimed to assess risk factors for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) recurrence following colpocleisis with nonconclusive results. To investigate risk factors for POP recurrence following colpocleisis. MEDLINE, PUBMED, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases were systematically searched. Experimental and non-experimental studies investigating POP recurrence following colpocleisis. We assessed the association between preoperative and postoperative physical examination findings, demographics and medical history, and the risk of recurrence following colpocleisis. A total of 954 studies were identified, of which five studies comprising 2978 patients were eligible for analysis. Both preoperative and postoperative genital hiatus length were significantly longer in the recurrence group (mean difference [MD] 0.48, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.01-0.94, P = 0.04, I2 = 0% and MD 1.15, 95% CI 0.50-1.81, P = 0.005, I2 = 0%; respectively). Preoperative total vaginal length (TVL) did not differ between groups (MD 0.05, 95% CI -0.40 to 0.50, P = 0.83, I2 = 6%), postoperative TVL was found significantly longer in the recurrence group (MD 0.07, 95% CI -0.03 to 1.38, P = 0.04, I2 = 68%). Both preoperative and postoperative perineal body did not differ between groups. Women with a previous POP surgery were more likely to experience recurrence following colpocleisis (relative risk 2.09, 95% CI 1.18-3.69, P = 0.01, I2 = 0%). Patient's age and previous hysterectomy did not affect recurrence rates. Wider preoperative and postoperative genital hiatus as well as longer post-operative TVL and previous POP surgery were associated with a higher risk for recurrence following colpocleisis, highlighting the importance of appropriate patient selection and surgical technique in minimizing this risk.

Is there an association between 6-month genital hiatus size and 24-month composite prolapse recurrence following minimally invasive sacrocolpopexy?

Although an enlarged postoperative genital hiatus (GH) size has been identified as a predictor of recurrence following pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgery, the protective role of concurrent level III support procedures to reduce the GH size at the time of minimally invasive sacrocolpopexy (MI-SCP) remains unclear. The objective of this study was to compare 24-month composite prolapse recurrence following MI-SCP between patients with a 6-month postoperative GH measurement of <3 cm versus ≥3 cm; and to explore the impact of concurrent level III support procedures on prolapse recurrence, bowel, and sexual function. This was a secondary analysis of two randomized controlled trials of women who underwent MI-SCP from 2014 to 2020. Our primary outcome was composite prolapse recurrence defined as retreatment with either pessary or surgery, and/or subjective bothersome vaginal bulge. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was generated to identify a 6-month GH cutoff point associated with 24-month composite recurrence. Of the 108 women who met the inclusion criteria, 13 (12%) had composite prolapse recurrence at 24 months: 12 patients (11.1%) reported a bothersome vaginal bulge, and 3 patients (2.8%) underwent retreatment with surgery. A ROC curve demonstrated that a 6-month postoperative GH size of 3 cm had 84.6% sensitivity to predict vaginal bulge and/or retreatment at 24 months (area under curve = 0.52). There was no difference in the composite prolapse recurrence between the groups; however, only patients with a 6-month GH >3 cm underwent retreatment. Twenty-four-month composite prolapse recurrence does not differ based on 6-month GH size; however, surgical failure may be more common in those with a GH size greater than 3 cm.

Functional and sexual outcomes following surgical vaginal introital reduction.

Surgical introital reduction procedures are commonly performed for the treatment of vaginal laxity (VL), yet poorly studied. The aim of this study was to assess clinical outcomes following surgical vaginal introital reduction for VL. This was an ambidirectional cohort study conducted in a single urogynecology center. All sexually active women who had vaginal introital surgical reduction for VL between March 2015 and September 2020 were included in this study. VL was defined as a genital hiatus distance ≥4cm according to the POP-Q classification, associated with symptoms of laxity. The primary endpoint was sexual health assessed by the Pelvi-Perineal Surgery Sexuality Questionnaire (PPSSQ), while the secondary endpoints included postoperative pain, perioperative complications, rate of dyspareunia, patient satisfaction and success rate based on the Patient Global Improvement Index (PGI-I) and Vaginal Laxity Questionnaire (VLQ). Of the 27 patients sent the questionnaires, 23 sexually active patients returned the completed ones and were included in the study. Participants had a mean age and BMI of 41 years (range 24-74) and 21.3 (range 17.6-31.9) respectively. The most prevalent preoperative symptom was feeling of VL in 82.6% followed by bulging sensation in 47.8%. Preoperative dyspareunia was reported in 8/23 (34.8%). Surgical interventions involved perineorrhaphy with (n=14) or without (n=9) levator ani plication. The PPSSQ mean sexual health score was 86.7/100 (SD 5.8; range 16.7-93.3) and the mean discomfort and pain score was 27.5/100 (SD 26.0; range 0-80). Postoperative sexuality was reported to better, identical or worse in 16 (69.6%), 2 (8.7%) and 5 (21.7%) patients respectively. On PGI-I, patients reported feeling much better, better, slightly better and no change in 10 (43.5%), 5 (21.7%), 5 (21.7%) and 3 (13.0%) respectively. None of the women reported feeling worse. The overall post-operative complication rate was 3/23 (13.0%), including a perineal hematoma, and two cases of reoperation for narrow introitus. De novo dyspareunia was reported by 11/18 (61.1%) patients, occurring often or more in 4/18 (22.2%) patients, due to narrow introitus (n=2), enlarge introitus (n=1) and vaginal dryness (n=1). Vaginal introital reduction surgery is a viable treatment option for symptoms of vaginal laxity after failure of conservative measures. However, patients should be made aware of the risk of de novo dyspareunia.

Obstetrical ballooning and avulsion of levator ani muscle after vaginal delivery: a literature review

Link of Video Abstract: https://youtu.be/TWDe9uP4QX8 The levator ani muscle (LAM) is thought to be of central importance concerning pelvic organ support. 10-30% of women experience overstretched or 'ballooning' of the levator hiatus, sometimes followed by detachment or 'avulsion' of the muscle from its insertion. Both ballooning and avulsion of the LAM can occur by itself or co-exist at the same time. This literature review was conducted on multiple databases from previous studies, to help clinicians better understand the ballooning and avulsion phenomenon, thus making early diagnosis possible for earlier prolapse prevention for the patients. LAM avulsion can be diagnosed clinically using digital palpation or using imaging modalities such as ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). During maximal contraction (or at rest) using ultrasound, levator avulsion is indicated through a levator-urethra gap (LUG) diameter &gt; 2.5 cm. MRI is considered highly sensitive, but it requires a higher cost and an experienced radiologist. Hiatal ballooning can be diagnosed by clinical examination based on the sum of Genital hiatus and Perineal body (Gh+Pb) and imaging with 2D, 3D, or 4D ultrasound during the Valsava maneuver. Ballooning is diagnosed clinically if Gh+Pb &gt; 7 cm, by 2D imaging of levator hiatal anteroposterior (LHAP) diameter ≥ 6 cm, and by 3D/4D imaging of the hiatal area ≥ 25 cm2. Physiotherapeutic treatment and pelvic floor muscle (PFM) exercises can be used to treat ballooning and LAM avulsion to avoid urogynecological sequelae. There is some evidence to prevent this condition, including vitamin D consumption, epidural analgesia, kegel exercise, and vaginal dilator. PFM strength, posterior vaginal wall support, and ultrasound evidence of LAM tear can be used as potential indicators to predict pelvic floor injury. Since ballooning and avulsion of the LAM have lifelong morbidity and are not often identified early by clinicians, further research is still needed.