Prolapse Grade Research Articles

Anal sphincter function in rectal intussusception and high and low "take-off" external rectal prolapse-A prospective observational study.

Rectal intussusception (RI) and external rectal prolapse (ERP) are associated with anal sphincter dysfunction. The aim of this study was to examine sphincter function with anal acoustic reflectometry (AAR) in RI and two distinct phenotypes of ERP termed high and low "take-off". A prospective study of patients with RI and ERP attending a tertiary pelvic floor unit. Clinical data, AAR, and conventional anal manometry were analysed according to the Oxford prolapse grade. A total of 108 (102 [94%] female, median age 62 years [range: 26-95]) patients were recruited into three groups according to prolapse grade: Oxford grades I and II (intrarectal RI, n = 34), Oxford grades III and IV (intra-anal RI, n = 35) and Oxford grade V (ERP, n = 39). As the grade of prolapse increased, resting AAR measurements of opening pressure, opening elastance, closing pressure, and closing elastance decreased (p < 0.001). Maximum resting pressure with manometry was reduced in ERP and intra-anal RI compared to intrarectal RI (p < 0.001). However, incremental squeeze function was not different between the three groups with either AAR or manometry (p > 0.05). There were no differences in AAR or manometry variables between grade IV RI (n = 18) and high take-off ERP (n = 20) (p > 0.05). By contrast, opening pressure (p = 0.010), closing pressure (p = 0.019) and elastance (p = 0.022) were reduced in low take-off ERP (n = 19). Increasing rectal prolapse grade is associated with reduced anal sphincter function at rest indicating internal anal sphincter dysfunction. Physiological differences exist between high and low take-off ERP with sphincter function in the former similar to that seen in grade IV RI.

Magnetic resonance defecography: Post-defecation straining detects more and maximal prolapse in the anterior and middle compartments

ObjectiveTo compare pre-defecation straining without rectal gel and post-defecation straining with the defecation phase, and to investigate their roles in evaluating pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Material & methodsMagnetic Resonance Defecography (MRD) images of 65 patients with a clinical diagnosis of POP were retrospectively reviewed by two independent readers. Measurements were taken at rest, pre-defecation straining without rectal gel, defecation, and post-defecation straining. The presence, sizes, and/or grades of cystocele, uterovaginal prolapse, widened levator hiatus, perineal descent, cul-de-sac hernia, rectocele, and rectal intussusception were evaluated and compared across the four phases. ResultsCompared to pre-defecation straining, both defecation and post-defecation straining detected more cases, larger sizes, and higher grades of prolapse in all compartments. When comparing defecation and post-defecation straining, the latter diagnosed four more cases of cystocele (80 % vs 73.9 %, p = 0.2) with larger size (−34.1 vs −29.0, p < 0.01) and higher grade (p = 0.19). Post-defecation straining also identified eight more cases of uterovaginal prolapse (89.2 % vs 73.9 %, p < 0.01) with larger size (−32.9 vs −26.4, p < 0.01) and higher grade (p < 0.01) compared to defecation. Conversely, defecation detected eight more cases of rectocele (46.2 % vs 33.9 %, p < 0.01) with larger size (9.2 vs 6.2 cm, p < 0.01) and higher grade (p = 0.26). ConclusionPost-defecation straining effectively depicts the maximal extent of prolapse in the anterior and middle compartments, and should be performed whenever there is a clinical need for a comprehensive assessment of prolapse in these compartments.

Squeeze-and-excitation-attention-based mobile vision transformer for grading recognition of bladder prolapse in pelvic MRI images.

Bladder prolapse is a common clinical disorder of pelvic floor dysfunction in women, and early diagnosis and treatment can help them recover. Pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is one of the most important methods used by physicians to diagnose bladder prolapse; however, it is highly subjective and largely dependent on the clinical experience of physicians. The application of computer-aided diagnostic techniques to achieve a graded diagnosis of bladder prolapse can help improve its accuracy and shorten the learning curve. The purpose of this study is to combine convolutional neural network (CNN) and vision transformer (ViT) for grading bladder prolapse in place of traditional neural networks, and to incorporate attention mechanisms into mobile vision transformer (MobileViT) for assisting in the grading of bladder prolapse. This study focuses on the grading of bladder prolapse in pelvic organs using a combination of a CNN and a ViT. First, this study used MobileNetV2 to extract the local features of the images. Next, a ViT was used to extract the global features by modeling the non-local dependencies at a distance. Finally, a channel attention module (i.e., squeeze-and-excitation network) was used to improve the feature extraction network and enhance its feature representation capability. The final grading of the degree of bladder prolapse was thus achieved. Using pelvic MRI images provided by a Huzhou Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, this study used the proposed method to grade patients with bladder prolapse. The accuracy, Kappa value, sensitivity, specificity, precision, and area under the curve of our method were 86.34%, 78.27%, 83.75%, 95.43%, 85.70%, and 95.05%, respectively. In comparison with other CNN models, the proposed method performed better. Thus, the model based on attention mechanisms exhibits better classification performance than existing methods for grading bladder prolapse in pelvic organs, and it can effectively assist physicians in achieving a more accurate bladder prolapse diagnosis.

Robotic sacrocolpopexy for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse in elderly women: comparative analysis of safety and efficacy versus younger women

IntroductionPelvic organ prolapse is a condition with high prevalence in elderly women. With increasing life expectancy and a desire for improved quality of life, a rise in the frequency of surgical treatments for these women is anticipated. The aim is to compare complication, success, and satisfaction rates among elderly patients (aged >70 years) in comparison to younger women undergoing robotic sacrocolpopexy, thereby assessing the safety and efficacy of this surgery in this group of patients. MethodA prospective observational comparative study of 123 robotic sacrocolpopexies conducted between December 2016 and June 2022. Patients were stratified by age (cutoff point: 70 years). Baseline characteristics, type, and grade of prolapse, intra and postoperative data, complications, functional and anatomical outcomes, and satisfaction levels were collected. ResultsAmong the 123 patients, 62.6% were under 70 years old, while 37.4% were 70 years or older, exhibiting similar baseline characteristics, prolapse grade, and type. The percentages of intraoperative (6.5%) and postoperative complications (4.4–9%) were comparable in both age groups. Furthermore, success and satisfaction rates exceeded 90%, with no significant differences between women under and over 70 years during a two-year follow-up. ConclusionRobotic sacrocolpopexy is at least as effective and safe in women aged 70 years or older as in younger individuals, with no higher rates of intra and postoperative complications and similar rates of anatomical and subjective success.

Colposacropexia robótica para el tratamiento del prolapso de órganos pélvicos en mujeres de edad avanzada: análisis comparativo de la seguridad y eficacia frente a mujeres jóvenes

IntroductionPelvic organ prolapse is a condition with high prevalence in elderly women. With increasing life expectancy and a desire for improved quality of life, a rise in the frequency of surgical treatments for these women is anticipated. The aim is to compare complication, success, and satisfaction rates among elderly patients (aged>70 years) in comparison to younger women undergoing robotic sacrocolpopexy, thereby assessing the safety and efficacy of this surgery in this group of patients. MethodA prospective observational comparative study of 123 robotic sacrocolpopexies conducted between December 2016 and June 2022. Patients were stratified by age (cutoff point: 70 years). Baseline characteristics, type, and grade of prolapse, intra and postoperative data, complications, functional and anatomical outcomes, and satisfaction levels were collected. ResultsAmong the 123 patients, 62.6% were under 70 years old, while 37.4% were 70 years or older, exhibiting similar baseline characteristics, prolapse grade, and type. The percentages of intraoperative (6.5%) and postoperative complications (4.4-9%) were comparable in both age groups. Furthermore, success and satisfaction rates exceeded 90%, with no significant differences between women under and over 70 years during a two-year follow-up. ConclusionRobotic sacrocolpopexy is at least as effective and safe in women aged 70 years or older as in younger individuals, with no higher rates of intra and postoperative complications and similar rates of anatomical and subjective success.

The effect of advanced age on peri- and post-operative complications following pelvic floor repair surgeries.

To assess whether advanced age is a risk factor for complications following pelvic organ prolapse (POP) repair surgeries using the Clavien-Dindo classification system. In this retrospective cohort study, 260 women who had undergone POP repair surgery at the Soroka University Medical Center (SUMC) between the years 2014-2019 were included. A univariate analysis was conducted to compare the demographical, clinical, obstetrical and operative characteristics of patients by age group (younger or older than 70years). We performed a similar analysis to assess for the possible association between several variables and post-operative complications. Variables that were found to be associated with post-operative complications (P < 0.2) were included in a multivariate analysis along with advanced age. During the 12months follow-up period, more than half of the women had experienced at least one post-operative complication. Minor complications (grades 1-2 according to the Clavian-Dindo classification system) were the most common. One woman had died during the follow-up period, and none had experienced organ failure (grade 4). Hysterectomy, as part of POP surgery, was found to be significantly associated with post-operative complications. Additionally, grandmultiparity (> 5 births) showed a tendency towards an increased risk for post-operative complications, however this reached only borderline significance. We found no association between advanced age and post-operative complications. POP repair surgeries are safe for women of all ages. Major complications (grades 3-5) are rare in all age groups. Although advanced age was associated with a higher prevalence of comorbidity and a higher grade of prolapse, no significant difference in the post-operative complications was found between age groups. Concomitant hysterectomy at the time of POP repair surgery is a risk factor for post-operative complications.

Low HOXA13 Expression in the Sacrouterine Ligament as A Risk Factor for Grade III-IV Uterine Prolapse

Introduction: Uterine prolapse grade III and IV or advance stage uterine prolapse manifest in symptoms that reduces the quality of life of women. Sacrouterine ligaments are the main support of the uterus in preventing advanced stage uterine prolapse. Remodeling process occurs in the extracellular matrix and there are many genes that are involved in the process. One of the gene that is involved is the HOXA13 that upregulates the components of extracellular matrix. This study focuses on the expression of HOXA13 in the sacrouterine ligament as a risk factor in occurring advanced stage uterine prolapse. Methods: We designed an unmatched case-control study to include 44 cases of women that was performed hysterectomy in Prof I. G. N. G Ngoerah Hospital. 22 cases are with advanced stage uterine prolapse and the 22 controls are with non-uterine prolapse. Sacrouterine ligaments samples were collected, and immunohistochemistry was performed. Chi-square test was done to find the odds ratio of the low expression of HOXA13 with advanced stage uterine prolapse. Results: We found 16 (72%) women in this case group had a low HOXA13 expression, while only 5 (22%) women in the control group had a low expression of the gene. Low expression of HOXA13 in sacrouterine ligament has 9 times risk of having advanced stage uterine prolapse (OR = 9.067; 95% CI = 2,3-36.65; p =0,001) compared with the high expression. Conclusion: Low expression of HOXA13 increases the risk of advanced stage uterine prolapse and subsequently may become a possible predictor for uterine prolapse.

Biopsychosocial profile of women with pelvic organ prolapse: A systematic review.

Female pelvic organ prolapse is a common condition associated with significant impact on women's lives from a biopsychosocial perspective. The aim of this systematic review is to identify, appraise and summarize the biopsychosocial profile of women with pelvic organ prolapse. Searches were completed from inception to October 2022 from PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane, PsycINFO and PEDro using a search string and in line with the Preferred Reporting Information for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses protocol. English language studies (randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, case-control studies, qualitative research) investigating female pelvic organ prolapse and using a validated patient-reported outcome measure and validated pelvic organ prolapse objective measurement were examined. Two reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts and full articles for eligibility. Data extraction included participant characteristics, pelvic organ prolapse grading and outcome measures. Risk of bias was assessed using the appropriate Joanna Briggs Institute Tool. Baseline mean score for each questionnaire or questionnaire domain in each category was presented in tertiles (low, moderate and high impact) to allow simple classification of impact. Of 8341 articles identified, 18 were included (n = 2075 women, age range = 22-85 years, parity range = 0-10). One objective outcome measure graded pelvic organ prolapse: Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification measurement. Eleven validated patient-reported outcome measures were utilized; two pelvic organ prolapse-specific (Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire, Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quality of Life Questionnaire), the remainder pelvic health (International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Vaginal Symptoms, International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form, Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20, Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-7, Female Sexual Function Index, Urinary Distress Inventory-6, Kings Health Questionnaire, Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire-7) or general health questionnaires (Short Form-36). Patient-reported outcome measures included in the review reported moderate levels of pain with sexual intercourse and low levels of bodily pain. Pelvic organ prolapse had a low to moderate impact in sleep/energy and quality of life and sexual function domains. Its impact on physical symptoms and general health perception domains was low. Patient-reported outcome measures results for physical functioning varied from low to high impact. More impact was demonstrated when using pelvic organ prolapse-specific patient-reported outcome measures. There are opportunities for improvement in the use of patient-reported outcome measures in clinical research which would facilitate increased understanding of the biopsychosocial profile of women with pelvic organ prolapse.

Long term follow-up after minimally invasive sacrocolpopexy.

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a benign condition that can adversely affect women's quality of life. Minimally invasive mesh sacrocolpopexy is an effective surgical treatment for POP. This study aims to assess the perioperative, postoperative, and long term (10 years) outcome of a single institution cohort undergoing minimally invasive sacrocolpopexy. This retrospective study included all cases of laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy performed between 2003 and 2016. Patients were contacted by phone in 2022 for long term follow-up. Data on operative time, length of hospital stay, conversion rate, perioperative injuries, early and late postoperative complications and subjective success rates were collected. Ninety-five patients were included aged 60±12 years. Most patients (72%) presented grade 3 POP. Grade of prolapse (3±0.4 vs 3±0.5, p<0.01) and hospital stay (3±1.1 vs 3.1±1.7; p<0.01) were significantly higher in patients who developed early postoperative complications (1st year).At long term follow-up (12±3 years), 48 patients responded. Nine subjects (19%) presented a subjective recurrence with bulge symptoms. Surgery satisfaction was of 79%. The most frequent de novo reported symptom was urge urinary incontinence followed by stress urinary incontinence. Three cases (3%) of mesh erosion were described, all occurred after the 5th postoperative year. Laparoscopic mesh sacrocolpopexy is a safe surgical technique that shows satisfying and consistent long-term results despite the occasional onset of new urinary symptoms.

Introducing a new grading method for the diagnosis and grading of internal rectal prolapse in children

IntroductionInternal rectal prolapse is an irritating gastrointestinal disease and one of the causes of obstructive constipation in children under 15 years of age. This study aimed to introduce a new method and grading for diagnosing internal rectal prolapse in children. This study is based on the experience of the last ten years, which was re-evaluated as research using a control group. MethodThis is a prospective cross-sectional study. The results of the Delshad-Mash test were analyzed in 60 patients with internal rectal prolapse referred to (XXX) from January 2019 to June 2021. Another 60 children referred for non-digestive surgeries such as hernia and hypospadias with parental consent Were selected as a control group. The sensitivity of the Mesh Delshad test in diagnosing and measuring the degree of internal prolapse of the rectum was analyzed by placing the data in STATA software, version II. P < 0.05 was considered to show statistical significance. ResultsThis study included 120 patients (52 girls and 68 boys) with a body age of 6 months–15 years and a mean age of 45 ± 4.7 years. The study group consisted of 60 patients with symptoms of internal rectal prolapse and 60 patients without the symptoms described in the file. The ROC curve was used to evaluate the accuracy of the test. The ROC curve showed that the sensitivity and specificity for the mesh test as a diagnostic indicator are 89.71% and 92.31%, respectively. The thickness of the folded (prolapsed) mucosa was measured and divided into four degrees according to the rectum's internal prolapse. ConclusionAccording to the results and experiences obtained from this study, the Delshad Mesh method is beneficial for diagnosing internal rectal prolapse that has positive clinical symptoms.

Doppler Ultrasound Testing Suggests Hemorrhoids in Females may be a Consequence of Impaired Blood Flow Associated with Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Abstract Background It has been observed that there is a high incidence of hemorrhoids in female patients with pelvic organ prolapse. Also, in these patients, hemorrhoidal disease improves after the surgical correction of the pelvic organ prolapse. Objective Our hypothesis was that a cause-effect relationship between pelvic organ prolapse, and hemorrhoids might be the key. The objective of this study was to find an element which connects these two conditions. Study Design We conducted a pilot study which consisted of two parts. An initial part, in which we asked several patients with grades III and IV pelvic organ prolapse and hemorrhoids, who have undergone surgery for prolapse, to determine the impact of the surgical restoration of the prolapsed organs on their hemorrhoidal disease. For the second part, on several patients with uncorrected uterine prolapse grades III and IV, we determined the resistive index of the hemorrhoidal branches within the rectal wall before and after manual reduction of the prolapse. Results First, more than 50% of patients who underwent uterine prolapse correction described an improvement of their hemorrhoidal disease of over 50%. Second, the resistive index of the hemorrhoidal branches was significantly lower after manual reduction of the prolapse. We consider that obstructed veins due to pelvic organ prolapse might induce the dilation of the hemorrhoids. The direct measurement of the resistive index of the hemorrhoidal branches allows us to directly assess the increased resistance in the rectal vascular system. Conclusion Venous stasis and impaired vascular flow might be the pathophysiological explanation for the association between pelvic organ prolapse and hemorrhoids. In these patients, the pathogenic treatment should aim at the restoration of a normal blood flow (prolapse surgical cure) instead of focusing on hemorrhoids only.

MRI biomarker of muscle composition is associated with severity of pelvic organ prolapse

The pathophysiology of pelvic organ prolapse is largely unknown. We hypothesized that reduced muscle mass on magnetic resonance defecography (MRD) is associated with increased pelvic floor laxity. The aim of this study was to compare the psoas and puborectalis muscle mass composition and cross-sectional area among patients with or without pelvic laxity. An observational retrospective study was conducted on women > age 18years old who had undergone MRD for pelvic floor complaints from January 2020 to December 2020 at Stanford Pelvic Health Center. Pelvic floor laxity, pelvic organ descent, and rectal prolapse were characterized by standard measurements on MRD and compared to the psoas (L4 level) and puborectalis muscle index (cross-sectional area adjusted by height) and relative fat fraction, quantified by utilizing a 2-point Dixon technique. Regression analysis was used to quantify the association between muscle characteristics and pelvic organ measurements. The psoas fat fraction was significantly elevated in patients with abnormally increased resting and strain H and M lines (p < 0.05) and increased with rising grades of Oxford rectal prolapse (p = 0.0001), uterovaginal descent (p = 0.001) and bladder descent (p = 0.0005). In multivariate regression analysis, adjusted for age and body mass index, the psoas fat fraction (not muscle index) was an independent risk factor for abnormal strain H and M line; odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of 17.8 (2-155.4) and 18.5 (1.3-258.3) respectively, and rising Oxford grade of rectal prolapse 153.9 (4.4-5383) and bladder descent 12.4 (1.5-106). Puborectalis fat fraction was increased by rising grades of Oxford rectal prolapse (p = 0.0002). Severity of pelvic organ prolapse appears to be associated with increasing psoas muscle fat fraction, a biomarker for reduced skeletal muscle mass. Future prospective research is needed to determine if sarcopenia may predict postsurgical outcomes after pelvic organ prolapse repair.

Transvaginal mesh-reconstruction of anterior apical prolapse: a selective implant choosing approach

Introduction. Transvaginal mesh-reconstruction of urogenital prolapse remains a controversial trend in modern urogynecology. We have seen growth in transvaginal mesh surgery since 2004, followed by a sharp decline after 2011 due to FDA restrictions related to imperfections in previously available prostheses and implantation techniques. Improving the efficacy and minimizing complications of transvaginal mesh-surgery is at the forefront of research in the field of modern urogynecology.Purpose of the study. To optimize the indications for transvaginal mesh-reconstruction of anterior apical prolapse.Materials and methods. The study enrolled 375 patients with anterior apical prolapse. The grade of prolapse was assessed using POP-Q. In patients with endopelvic pelvic fascia insufficiency, severe cystocele (Aa ≥ +1) and hysteroptosis grade II – IV, the correction was carried out using the six-arm OPUR® («ABISS», Saint-Étienne, France). lightweight polypropylene monofilament implant (n = 290). When the cystocele was not prominent (Aa ≤ -1) and grade III – IV hysteroptosis, posterior sacrospinal hysteropexy was preferred with the CYRENE® («ABISS», Saint-Étienne, France) tape (n = 85). In 35 patients, the operation was combined with anterior colporrhaphy. In 5 patients, a simultaneous conization/amputation of the cervix was performed. The examination was performed 1 month after surgery and then annually. Prolapse ≥ grade II was as recurrent. The follow-up period of 67 patients was more than 4 years.Results. After OPUR® prosthesis implantation, recurrent hysteroptosis was detected in 6 women with cervical hypertrophy / elongation within a period of 1 mo to 3.5 yr and cystocele in 4 patients. The efficacy was 96%. In 9 patients, an postoperative ischuria was found associated with extensive dissection and hypotension of the bladder wall due to chronic urinary retention in severe cystocele. Urination improved in 88% of cases. In the remaining cases, long-term mediator and hormone replacement therapy were continued., One recurrent hysteroptosis was observed during the implantation of the CYRENE® prosthesis. No damage to the bladder was observed. Acute urinary retention was detected in 1 case, which resolved after intermittent catheterization. Conclusion. The availability of 2 types of transvaginal prostheses for various degrees and configurations of urogenital prolapses allows a differentiated approach to their choice. Both prostheses suggest reliable «reconstruction-imitation» of the sacroiliac ligament by sacrospinal hysteropexy. If necessary, the operation can be supplemented with anterior colporrhaphy. The prevalence of anterior prolapse with endopelvic fascia insufficiency requires more extensive reconstruction, which can be performed relatively safely and effectively by implantation of a 6-arm OPUR® prosthesis.

Role of Anterior Colporrhaphy in Post Void Residual Urine Volume and Stress Urinary Incontinence: A Prospective Interventional Study

Introduction: Pelvic floor disorders are quite debilitating for middle aged and elderly women. Post Void Residual (PVR) urine volume is a key marker for the efficacy of emptying of bladder. Both, preoperative and postoperative assessment of PVR volume helps to know about the voiding dysfunction and help to detect Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI). There is a paucity of data available regarding postoperative outcome assessment of surgical intervention in terms of PVR urine volume. Aim: To identify the risk factors for elevated PVR and to evaluate the rate of resolution of elevated PVR in patients undergoing vaginal hysterectomy with anterior colporrhaphy for Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP). Materials and Methods: A prospective interventional study was conducted at Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences and Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, Delhi from June 2019 to June 2021. A total of 50 patients with POP meeting the inclusion criteria were enrolled. Preoperative grade of prolapse, SUI and PVR urine volume was assessed. All patients enrolled in study, underwent vaginal hysterectomy with anterior colporrhaphy. Postoperative PVR urine volume and de novo SUI and occult stress urinary incontinence (OSUI) was assessed. Data was analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0. The p-value &lt;0.05 was considered significant. Qualitative variables were analysed using Fischer's exact test. Results: Preoperative PVR (≥50 mL) was seen in 28 (56%) women. Advancing age (p-value 0.043) higher Body Mass Index (BMI) (p-value=0.033) higher POP (p-value=0.003) and higher degree of cystocele (p-value&lt;0.001) staging were significantly associated with elevated preoperative PVR. In this study, only 22% of patients (11/50) had preoperative SUI and 12% (6/50) had preoperative OSUI. In this study amongst the six patients with preoperative OSUI, 100% had significant preoperative PVR. None of the patients with preoperative SUI and preoperative OSUI had postoperative persistent SUI or de novo SUI after undergoing anterior colporrhaphy with vaginal hysterectomy (p-value &lt;0.001). Conclusion: PVR urine volume is increased with degree of prolapse. Raised PVR is also associated with OSUI, which is usually seen in patients with advanced prolapse and cystocele. Vaginal hysterectomy with anterior colporrhaphy significantly reduced postoperative PVR and SUI.

Farm and animal-level risk factors associated with rectal prolapse in bovine and buffalo calves in Egypt with special reference to the optimal treatment strategy.

Background:Rectal prolapse (RP) is a serious illness of the rectum and small intestine causing serious health problems in domestic animals. However, there is paucity in the estimation of the risk factors associated with this problem in calves.Aim:In the present study, we investigated the prevalence and risk factors associated with the rectal prolapse in both bovine and buffalo calves in Egypt, highlighting the most appropriate treatment strategy.Methods:Forty-two calves (23 bovine and 19 buffalo) suffering from varying degrees of rectal prolapse were used. From the owners’ anamnesis, the farm- and animal-level risk factors associated with each animal were collected. Fisher’s exact tests were used to determine the distribution of frequencies in the different rectal prolapse grades. Descriptive statistics were calculated in the form of mean ± standard deviation (SD) using one-way analysis of variance. Crosstabs were used to determine Spearman’s correlation between variables. According to the disease severity, the appropriate treatment strategy was accomplished either by medicinal or surgical interferences.Results:The final logistic regression form demonstrated that the statistical test, Hosmer and Lemeshow’s goodness of fit, indicates a significant result (χ2 = 8.91). Body score was the potential risk factor for the occurrence of RP in calves. Medicinal management along with dietary modification was sufficient to treat 70% of grade I in a successful manner, while 33.3% (grade I and grade II) were effectively treated surgically with reduction and application of purse-string sutures.Conclusion:The current study advocates the valid role of resection of rectal mucosa combined with manual reduction and retention in treating calves suffering from grade II rectal prolapse. The final multivariate logistic regression model indicates that the calf’s body score is a potential risk factor for the occurrence of RP.

Role of fibulin-5 insufficiency and prolapse progression on murine vaginal biomechanical function

The vagina plays a critical role in supporting the pelvic organs and loss of support leads to pelvic organ prolapse. It is unknown what microstructural changes influence prolapse progression nor how decreased elastic fibers contributes to vaginal remodeling and smooth muscle contractility. The objective for this study was to evaluate the effect of fibulin-5 haploinsufficiency, and deficiency with progressive prolapse on the biaxial contractile and biomechanical function of the murine vagina. Vaginas from wildtype (n = 13), haploinsufficient (n = 13), and deficient mice with grade 1 (n = 9) and grade 2 or 3 (n = 9) prolapse were explanted for biaxial contractile and biomechanical testing. Multiaxial histology (n = 3/group) evaluated elastic and collagen fiber microstructure. Western blotting quantified protein expression (n = 6/group). A one-way ANOVA or Kruskal–Wallis test evaluated statistical significance. Pearson’s or Spearman’s test determined correlations with prolapse grade. Axial contractility decreased with fibulin-5 deficiency and POP (p < 0.001), negatively correlated with prolapse grade (ρ = − 0.80; p < 0.001), and positively correlated with muscularis elastin area fraction (ρ = − 0.78; p = 0.004). Circumferential (ρ = 0.71; p < 0.001) and axial (ρ = 0.69; p < 0.001) vaginal wall stresses positively correlated with prolapse grade. These findings demonstrated that fibulin-5 deficiency and prolapse progression decreased vaginal contractility and increased vaginal wall stress. Future work is needed to better understand the processes that contribute to prolapse progression in order to guide diagnostic, preventative, and treatment strategies.

Mejoría de la vejiga hiperactiva posterior a cirugía correctiva de prolapso de órganos pélvicos

Aim: To evaluate improvement in overactive bladder, after corrective surgery for pelvic organ prolapse. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study included 215 patients with overactive bladder and pelvic organ prolapse that underwent corrective surgery for the prolapse. The OAB-V8 questionnaire was applied to the patients preoperatively and 3 months after surgery. The results were reported in frequency and percentage tables and the variables were compared using inferential statistics (95% CI, p<0.05). Results: There was partial symptom improvement in 89.3% (192) of the patients, complete improvement in 2.3% (5), and a worsening of symptoms in 8.4% (18). No association with the postoperative result was found, with respect to the initial grade of prolapse or the type of surgery performed. Limitations: The study was retrospective, nonrandomized, and carried out at a single center. None of the patients had a urodynamic evaluation. Originality or value: Overactive bladder affects 33 million women. Pelvic organ prolapse presents in 50% of women after childbirth and 40% of those patients have overactive bladder. Even though overactive bladder is treated medically, its symptoms have improved after the surgical correction of pelvic organ prolapse. Conclusions: Surgical treatment of pelvic organ prolapse provided satisfactory results in improving overactive bladder symptomatology, with few complications. There were no differences, regarding prolapse grade or the surgical technique employed.

Biotensegrity Focused Therapy for Pelvic Organ Prolapse: A Nonrandomized Prospective Clinical Case Series

Background: Traditional treatments for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) assume weak pelvic tissue as the cause. Pelvic floor muscle training has been shown to improve POP symptoms but not prolapse stage and does not reduce rates of referral for future treatment (eg, pessary or surgery). An alternative hypothesis is proposed that excessive tissue stiffness causes tension and pulling, which disrupts pelvic organ arrangement. Objectives: Treating pelvic tissue stiffness through Biotensegrity Focused Therapy is anticipated to improve organ position and prolapse symptoms. Study Design: Nonrandomized prospective clinical case series. Methods: Women presenting to a private physiotherapy practice in the United Kingdom with POP received Biotensegrity Focused Therapy. Treatment included a series of 1-hour physiotherapy sessions focusing on identifying areas of stiff pelvic tissue and using a direct myofascial release technique to normalize elasticity to restore dynamic equilibrium within the pelvis. Prolapse grade (mild, moderate, severe), pelvic floor strength (Modified Oxford Grading Scale), and self-reported symptoms (Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory, PFDI-20) were assessed at baseline and after final treatment. Results: Thirty-three women received treatment. At baseline, 23 of 33 (70%) women presented with moderate to severe prolapse. After final treatment, 3 of 33 (9%) women had moderate prolapse and 0 of 33 (0%) women had severe prolapse. A total of 12 of 33 (36%) women achieved complete recovery of organ position and shape. A total of 27 of 33 (81.82%) women improved by at least 1 prolapse stage. Pelvic floor strength improved from mean: 1.28 (SD: 0.85) at baseline to 3.33 (SD: 0.78) after final treatment. Self-reported PFDI-20 scores corroborated clinical observations, reducing from mean: 98.77 (SD: 42.43) at baseline to 49.87 (SD: 27.28) after final treatment, suggesting a clinically meaningful improvement. Mean treatment received was 6.06 (SD: 2.28) sessions over a duration of 4.39 (SD: 2.46) months. Discussion: Biotensegrity Focused Therapy was shown to have a beneficial impact on organ position and prolapse symptoms and may be an appropriate treatment for women with POP.

Rectal\u2013vaginal pressure gradient in patients with pelvic organ prolapse and symptomatic rectocele

ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to examine the relationship between rectal–vaginal pressure and symptomatic rectocele in patients with pelvic organ prolapse (POP).MethodPatients with posterior vaginal prolapse staged III or IV in accordance with the POP Quantitation classification method who were scheduled for pelvic floor reconstructive surgery in the years 2016–2019 were included in the study. Rectocele was diagnosed using translabial ultrasound, and obstructed defecation (OD) was diagnosed in accordance with the Roma IV diagnostic criteria. Both rectal and vaginal pressure were measured using peritron manometers at maximum Vasalva. To ensure stability, the test was performed three times with each patient.ResultsA total of 217 patients were enrolled in this study. True rectocele was diagnosed in 68 patients at a main rectal ampulla depth of 19 mm. Furthermore, 36 patients were diagnosed with OD. Symptomatic rectocele was significantly associated with older age (p < 0.01), a higher OD symptom score (p < 0.001), and a lower grade of apical prolapse (p < 0.001). The rectal–vaginal pressure gradient was higher in patients with symptomatic rectocele (37.4 ± 11.7 cm H2O) compared with patients with asymptomatic rectocele (16.9 ± 8.4 cm H2O, p < 0.001), and patients without rectocele (17.1 ± 9.2 cm H2O, p < 0.001).ConclusionThe rectal–vaginal pressure gradient was found to be a risk factor for symptomatic rectocele in patients with POP. A rectal–vaginal pressure gradient of > 27.5 cm H2O was suggested as the cut-off point of the elevated pressure gradient.

Absent or impaired rectoanal inhibitory reflex as a diagnostic factor for high-grade (grade III\u2013V) rectal prolapse: a retrospective study

BackgroundClinically diagnosing high-grade (III–V) rectal prolapse might be difficult, and the prolapse can often be overlooked. Even though defecography is the significant diagnostic tool for rectal prolapse, it is noticed that rectoanal inhibitory reflex (RAIR) can be associated with rectal prolapse. This study investigated whether RAIR can be used as a diagnostic factor for rectal prolapse.MethodsIn this retrospective study, we evaluated 107 patients who underwent both anorectal manometry and defecography between July 2012 and December 2019. Rectal prolapse was classified in accordance with the Oxford Rectal Prolapse Grading System. Patients in the high-grade (III–V) rectal prolapse (high-grade group, n = 30), and patients with no rectal prolapse or low-grade (I, II) rectal prolapse (low-grade group, n = 77) were analyzed. Clinical variables, including symptoms such as fecal incontinence, feeling of prolapse, and history were collected. Symptoms were assessed using yes/no surveys answered by the patients. The manometric results were also evaluated.ResultsFrequencies of fecal incontinence (p = 0.002) and feeling of prolapse (p < 0.001) were significantly higher in the high-grade group. The maximum resting (77.5 vs. 96 mmHg, p = 0.011) and squeezing (128.7 vs. 165 mmHg, p = 0.010) anal pressures were significantly lower in the high-grade group. The frequency of absent or impaired RAIR was significantly higher in the high-grade group (19 cases, 63% vs. 20 cases, 26%, p < 0.001). In a multivariate analysis, the feeling of prolapse (odds ratio [OR], 23.88; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.43–128.78; p < 0.001) and absent or impaired RAIR (OR, 5.36; 95% CI, 1.91–15.04, p = 0.001) were independent factors of high-grade (III–V) rectal prolapse. In addition, the percentage of the absent or impaired RAIR significantly increased with grading increase of rectal prolapse (p < 0.001). The sensitivity of absent or impaired RAIR as a predictor of high-grade prolapse was 63.3% and specificity 74.0%.ConclusionsAbsent or impaired RAIR was a meaningful diagnostic factor of high-grade (III–V) rectal prolapse. Furthermore, the absent or impaired reflex had a positive linear trend according to the increase of rectal prolapse grading.