Pelvic Medicine Research Articles

Patient satisfaction and savings, and clinical outcomes of televisits in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery at an urban academic center.

To evaluate patient satisfaction and savings, and compare visit outcomes based on chief complaint (CC) of women presenting for a televisit to a female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery (FPMRS) clinic at an urban academic center. A cross-sectional study of women completing a televisit with an FPMRS specialist at our institution from June 19, 2020 to July 17, 2020 was conducted. A telephone questionnaire was administered to patients to assess satisfaction and savings (travel costs/time avoided). Electronic medical records were reviewed to collect patient demographics and comorbidities, CC, and televisit outcomes (e.g., face-to-face (F2F) exam scheduled, orders placed). Logistic regression was used to analyze predictors of satisfaction and need for F2F follow-up. One hundred eighty-seven of 290 (64.5%) women called completed the survey, of whom 168 (89.8%) were satisfied with their televisit. Eighty-eight (48.1%) saved at least an hour and 54 (28.9%) saved more than $25 on transportation. There were no significant associations between patient characteristics, CC, or televisit outcomes and satisfaction. Ninety-nine (52.9%) televisits resulted in F2F follow-up, with CC of prolapse (odds ratio [OR] = 4.2 (1.7-10.3); p = 0.002), new patient (OR = 2.2 (1.2-4.2); p = 0.01), and Hispanic ethnicity (OR = 3.9 (1.2-13.6); p=.03) as significant predictors. Most patients were satisfied with FPMRS televisits at our urban academic center. Televisits resulted in patient travel time and cost savings. Women presenting with prolapse and for new patient visits would likely benefit from initial F2F visits instead of televisits. Televisits are an important mode of health care and in some cases can replace F2F visits.

Workforce Diversity in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery: An Analysis of the American Urological Association Census Data

To describe the current state of workforce diversity in Female Pelvic Medicine and ReconstructiveSurgery(FPMRS) using the 2014-2019 American Urological Association (AUA) census data. We evaluated FPMRS workforce diversity using the AUA census data from 2014 to 2019. Underrepresented in medicine (URiM) groups were categorized as individuals who self-identified as non-Hispanic Black/African American,Hispanic,Multiracial, and Other. The FPMRS workforce was then compared to the overall urologic workforce and the other urologic subspecialties (oncology, pediatric urology, and endourology) and assessed by AUA section. In 2019, 602 urologists self-identified as FPMRS providers. Of these 12.4% (n=74) were categorized as URiM urologists compared to 8% of the overall urologic workforce. Women who represent 9.9% of all urologists were overrepresented in FPMRS workforce (46.5%). FPMRS had the largest proportion of URiM and women urologists when compared to the other subspecialty areas. The FPMRS urologic subspecialty has the highest percentage of women and URiM urologists compared to all other urologic subspecialty areas. Engagement initiatives and targeted programs may offer insights into this trend. Further research is required to determine the impact of such programs in attracting URiM and women to FPMRS.

Same-day discharge across FPMRS surgical cases is safe and feasible: A 10-year single-surgeon experience.

Enhanced recovery after surgery protocols and increased attention to value-based care have led to the reconsideration of routine postoperative admission in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery (FPMRS) cases. We aimed to assess trends in same-day discharge (SDD) and associated readmissions and emergency room visits in a single-surgeon 10-year experience. The electronic medical record was queried for 30-day outcomes (readmission and emergency department visits with associated indications) for all cases performed between June 2010 and August 2020 by a single FPMRS surgeon. Non-FPMRS specialty cases were excluded. Patient characteristics and 30-day outcomes were compared based on SDD status for the overall cohort as well as the subset of cases traditionally involving an overnight stay (i.e., robotic transabdominal, apical prolapse repair). 1793 surgeries were identified and analyzed, including 357 apical prolapse repairs, 370 slings, 392 neuromodulation and 114 complex mesh excisions. The majority (79.1%) had SDD. For admitted patients, mean length of stay was 1.5 (1.3) days. Among cases traditionally involving overnight stay, rates of SDD were significantly higher in 2020 than 2010 (84% vs. 32%, p < 0.001), and increased over time. Overall rates of 30-day readmission and ED visits were low (1.9% and 2.6%, respectively) and did not differ based on SDD status (p = 0.76). Readmissions occurred at mean 11.6 (7.0) days, most commonly for urinary tract infection (13/34). SDD is not associated with increased 30-day readmission or ED visits across a wide breadth of FPMRS cases. SDD is safe and feasible in the majority of FPMRS cases.

Validation of a Simulation Model for Robotic Sacrocolpopexy.

We sought to validate a simulation model for robotic sacrocolpopexy (RSCP) that includes multiple steps: presacral dissection/mesh attachment, vaginal mesh attachment, and peritoneal closure. An RSCP training model was developed. Female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery (FPMRS) experts and current FPMRS fellows were videotaped using the model; sessions were timed and scored using the Global Evaluative Assessment of Robotic Skills (GEARS) by 3 surgeon reviewers masked to participants' identities. Construct validity was measured by comparing performance on the model between experts and trainees. Interrater reliability was determined by calculating intraclass correlation coefficients for total GEARS scores. Face validity was assessed by a postprocedure questionnaire. Experts included 9 board-certified FPMRS physicians experienced in RSCP; trainees were 17 fellows. Experts practiced at 7 different institutions in the United States, and the majority (5/7) taught fellows. Trainees were from 7 institutions and in various years of training: postgraduate year (PGY) 5 (n = 6), PGY 6 (n = 5), and PGY 7 (n = 6). Experts' performances were rated significantly higher for total GEARS scores and for relevant domains of the GEARS scale. Intraclass correlation coefficient for the 3 reviewer pairs (0.96-0.99) indicated high interrater reliability. All participants "agreed/strongly agreed" that the model closely approximated live RSCP surgery and was useful for teaching and learning the procedure, indicating high face validity. This novel, multistep simulation model demonstrated construct validity and high interrater reliability. Face validity was also established. Consequently, this RSCP model could be used for surgical training and assessment of these discrete surgical skill steps.

Current Practices and Preferences of Fellows and Program Directors on Taking the Certifying Examination During Subspecialty Fellowships.

Fellows in obstetrics and gynecology subspecialties often take their oral specialty certifying examination (referred to here as generalist certifying examination [GCE]) during fellowship. We sought to compare the opinions of current fellows and program directors (PDs) regarding their program's handling of GCE during fellowship. In this online, survey-based study, fellows and PDs currently affiliated with an accredited fellowship in maternal-fetal medicine, reproductive endocrinology and infertility, female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery, or gynecologic oncology (GO) received the link to an unvalidated survey. This survey was open for 8 weeks, between April and June 2020; eligible participants were contacted through their programs, society Listserv, and social media and received 3 reminder e-mails. Final analysis included 408 (408/834; response rate, 49%) fellows and 163 (163/223; response rate, 73%) PDs across the 4 subspecialties. There were significant differences in whether fellows responded that they were required or encouraged to take the GCE (52% maternal-fetal medicine, 65% reproductive endocrinology and infertility, 39% female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery, 8% GO; P < 0.01) during fellowship. Fewer GO fellows noted that they were permitted to use educational funds for GCE when compared with the other subspecialties (P < 0.01). Most fellows responded that the inability to take GCE during fellowship would decrease their satisfaction with fellowship, and this was significantly higher than PD estimates (78% vs 39%, P < 0.01). There are significant differences in reported ability to take GCE during fellowship across different obstetrics and gynecology subspecialty fellowships. Program directors significantly underestimate fellow dissatisfaction with inability to take GCE during fellowship.

Cannabinoid Therapy in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery: Current Evidence and Future Directions

Cannabinoid Therapy in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery: Current Evidence and Future Directions

Contemporary Review of MRI in Benign Genitourinary Pelvic Medicine: What Every Urologist Should Know

Contemporary Review of MRI in Benign Genitourinary Pelvic Medicine: What Every Urologist Should Know

A systematic review of English language patient-reported outcome measures for use in urogynaecology and female pelvic medicine.

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are widely used in clinical practice and research in urogynaecology. There is no consensus on which PROMs should be used. No unifying document identifies all available PROMs and compares the psychometric properties of these. Systematic review of the literature following PRISMA guidelines. Studies where women had been administered an English-language PROM which assessed pelvic-floor symptomatology and psychometric properties had been reported were included. 85 PROMs assessing pelvic-floor symptoms in a urogynaecology population were identified. 43 PROMs assessed lower urinary tract symptoms in 95 studies, four PROMS assessed vaginal symptoms in seven studies, 20 PROMs assessed bowel symptoms in 27 studies and three PROMs assessed sexual symptoms in seven studies. 15 PROMs assessed two or more of these symptom areas in 60 studies. PROMs with the with the best available psychometric evidence within these five areas were (urinary symptoms) the Incontinence Quality-of-Life questionnaire (I-QOL aka ICIQ-UIqol) and International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire (ICIQ-UI-SF), (bowel symptoms) the Accidental Bowel Leakage Evaluation (ABLE) questionnaire and the International Consultation on Incontinence Bowel questionnaire (ICIQ-B), (vaginal symptoms) the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Symptom Score (POPSS), (sexual symptoms) the Pelvic organ prolapse- urinary Incontinence Sexual function Questionnaire- IUGA revised (PISQ-IR) and (comprehensive PROMs) the Australian Pelvic Floor Questionnaire and the Electronic Personal Assessment Questionnaire-Pelvic-Floor (ePAQ-PF). Multiple PROMs with robust psychometric properties are available. Some widely used PROMs have weak evidence. Formal recommendations on which English-language PROMs to use within clinical practice and research in urogynaecology are required.

51 Urethral mesh exposure of transobturator tape: Cystolithopaxy of urethral calculus and transurethral mesh excision

The objective of this video is to demonstrate a dual modality technique for the removal of transurethral mesh exposure with an overlying obstructive urethral calculus using a transurethral Holmium laser and a transurethral and transvaginal approach to mesh dissection. A 55-year-old patient presented to our Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (FPMRS) clinic complaining of worsening mixed urinary incontinence, recurrent urinary tract infection and pelvic pain over the past four months. She had a history of trans obturator mid-urethral sling placed at an outside hospital in 2004. Office cystourethroscopy demonstrated an approximately 1 cm urethral calculus overlying a transurethral mesh exposure extending across the anterior urethral wall. A two-step surgical plan was made. The first procedure included cystolithopaxy of the urethral calculus. The second surgery included a transurethral and transvaginal resection of the trans obturator sling and exposed urethral mesh, as well as placement of an autologous rectus fascial sling for the patient’s ongoing stress urinary incontinence. Both surgeries are presented in this video. Mesh exposure is a rare complication of surgery for stress incontinence with mid-urethral sling; however, it is important that FPMRS providers are equipped with the surgical techniques for safe and effective removal. This video serves to educate the gynecologic community on one approach to successful surgical removal of a complicated urethral mesh exposure.

10 Gender equity in academic female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery: A cross-sectional observational study

10 Gender equity in academic female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery: A cross-sectional observational study

Comparison of Microscopic Hematuria Guidelines as Applied in 1018 Patients With Microscopic Hematuria

ObjectiveTo compare the 2012 American Urological Association (AUA) and 2020 AUA/Society of Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine & Urogenital Reconstruction (SUFU) microscopic hematuria (MH) guidelines as applied in 1,018 patients with MH, to confirm of risk groups and to investigate the natural history of patients with MH. Materials and MethodsPatients who had undergone a complete urological evaluation for MH according to the 2012 AUA MH guidelines were identified retrospectively. All the patients were then classified into low-, intermediate-, or high-risk for urinary tract malignancy according to the updated 2020 AUA/SUFU MH guidelines, for a second evaluation. The results of the first and second evaluations using the previous 2012 AUA and updated 2020 AUA/SUFU MH guidelines, respectively, were then compared. ResultsA total of 1018 patients with MH were identified. The urinary tract malignancy rate was 3.3% (34 of the 1,018 patients). According to the 2020 AUA/SUFU MH guidelines, there were 218 patients (21.4%) in the low-risk group, 447 patients (43.9%) in the intermediate-risk group, and 353 patients (34.6%) in the high-risk group. All the 34 patients with malignancy were from the intermediate- or high-risk group who require further urological evaluation. There was no patient with newly developed urinary tract malignancy at the median follow-up time of 28 months (12-58). ConclusionThe use of the updated 2020 AUA/SUFU MH guidelines may reduce the number of diagnostic procedures without compromising the diagnosis of life-threatening malignant lesions.

Uterosacral Ligament Hysteropexy for Uterine Didelphys: A Case Report

Surgical approach to pelvic organ prolapse has traditionally included hysterectomy; however, in the past decade, uterine sparing prolapse surgery (hysteropexy) has become increasingly popular within female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery. The current literature demonstrates comparable outcomes for hysteropexy and traditional approach. As these procedures become more common, it is important to consider how to approach patients with unique anatomy such as uterine anomalies who desire uterine sparing surgery. In our case, we describe a woman aged 77 years with uterine didelphys who underwent a successful vaginal uterosacral ligament hysteropexy for stage 2 pelvic organ prolapse and was followed for 12 months postoperatively. Our case demonstrates that vaginal uterosacral ligament hysteropexy is feasible in a patient with uterine didelphys.

Editorial Comment.

No AccessJournal of UrologyAdult Urology1 May 2021Editorial CommentThis article comments on the following:Measuring Bladder Health: Development and Cognitive Evaluation of Items for a Novel Bladder Health Instrumentis a letter which has replyReply by Authors Una J. Lee Una J. LeeUna J. Lee Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, Section of Urology and Renal Transplantation, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000001581.01AboutFull TextPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail "Editorial Comment." The Journal of Urology, 205(5), p. 1414

#UTOPia: Urogynecology Tag Ontology Project.

The objective of this study was to review and analyze the current social media status of urogynecology/female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery on Twitter and create a tag ontology. A "tag ontology" is a standardized list of hashtags used to organize specific subject matter within a social media platform. We used an online social media analytics tool, Symplur to identify tweets and hashtags related to #urogynecology between January 2018 and July 2020. Hashtags identified using Symplur were verified manually via Twitter inquiries and reviewed by urogynecology social medial influencers for external validation. The hashtags were selected based on frequency of use, social media influencer opinion, and clinical relevance. We identified 6,847 tweets and 2,946 users. Our ontology includes 67 terms categorized into 5 groups (urinary, prolapse, anus/rectum, vulva, and other). Using "Symplur Rank," the 2 top influencers included @FPMRS and @FPMRSJournal. Adaptation of a standardized hashtag ontology facilitates communication between providers and patients about pertinent health care issues. Our study has created a urogynecology-specific ontology based on 2018-2020 Twitter usage.

Comparison of Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Attendance Based on Referring Provider Specialty.

The objective of this study was to determine whether pelvic floor physical therapy (PFPT) attendance differs based on referring provider specialty and identify factors related to PFPT initiation and completion. This was an institutional review board-approved retrospective cohort study examining referrals from female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery (FPMRS) and non-FPMRS providers at a single academic medical center to affiliated PFPT clinics over a 12-month period. Demographics, referring specialty and diagnoses, prior treatment, and details regarding PFPT attendance were collected. Characteristics between FPMRS and non-FPMRS referrals were compared and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with PFPT initiation and completion. A total of 497 referrals were placed for PFPT. Compared with non-FPMRS referrals, FPMRS referrals were for patients who were older (54.7 years vs 35.6 years), and had higher parity; more were postmenopausal (56% vs 18%) and had Medicare insurance (22% vs 10%) (all P < 0.001). Most FPMRS referrals were for patients with urinary incontinence (69% vs 31%), whereas non-FPMRS referrals were for patients with pelvic pain (70% vs 27%) (both P < 0.0001). Pelvic floor physical therapy attendance was similar in both groups when comparing rates of initiation (47% vs 45%) and completion (13% vs 16%). In multivariate analysis, factors associated with initiation were age 65 years or older, additional therapy provided at referring visit, private insurance, Asian race, pregnant or postpartum at time of referral, and more than 1 referring diagnosis (all P < 0.05). No factors were associated with completion. Less than half of the patients referred to PFPT initiate therapy, and only 15% complete PFPT. The populations referred by FPMRS and non-FPMRS providers are different, but ultimately PFPT utilization is similar.

Surgical Outcomes in Urogynecology—Assessment of Perioperative and Postoperative Complications Relative to Preoperative Hemoglobin A1c—A Fellows Pelvic Research Network Study

Poor control of diabetes mellitus is a known predictor of perioperative and postoperative complications. No literature to date has established a hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) cutoff for risk stratification in the urogynecology population. We sought to identify an HbA1c threshold predictive of increased risk for perioperative and postoperative complications after pelvic reconstructive surgery. This multicenter retrospective cohort study involving 10 geographically diverse U.S. female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery programs identified women with diabetes who underwent prolapse and/or stress urinary incontinence surgery from September 1, 2013, to August 31, 2018. We collected information on demographics, preoperative HbA1c levels, surgery type, complications, and outcomes. Sensitivity analyses identified thresholds of complications stratified by HbA1c. Multivariate logistic regression further evaluated the association between HbA1c and complications after adjustments. Eight hundred seven charts were identified. In this diabetic cohort, the rate of overall complications was 44.1%, and severe complications were 14.9%. Patients with an am HbA1c value of 8% or greater (reference HbA1c, <8%) had an increased rate of both severe (27.1% vs 12.8%, P < 0.001) and overall complications (57.6% vs 41.8%, P = 0.002) that persisted after multivariate logistic regression (odds ratio, 2.618; 95% confidence interval, 1.560-4.393 and odds ratio, 1.931; 95% confidence interval, 1.264-2.949, respectively). Mesh complications occurred in 4.6% of sacrocolpopexies and 1.7% of slings. The average HbA1c in those with mesh exposures was 7.5%. Preoperative HbA1c of 8% or higher was associated with a 2- to 3-fold increased risk of overall and severe complications in diabetic patients undergoing pelvic reconstructive surgery that persisted after adjustments.

Comparison of Trendelenburg Angles in Vaginal, Laparoscopic, and Robotic Uterovaginal Apical Prolapse Repairs

To compare the Trendelenburg angle used in laparoscopic uterovaginal apical prolapse repairs with the angles used in vaginal and robotic uterovaginal apical prolapse repairs. Prospective, multicenter cohort study from May 2015 to December 2016. Two academic teaching hospitals. Sixty patients who underwent vaginal high uterosacral ligament suspension, laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy, or robotic sacrocolpopexy performed by 6 surgeons board-certified in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery. Measurement of Trendelenburg angle and time spent in Trendelenburg during surgery. Twenty patients were enrolled in each procedure group. The median maximum angle of Trendelenburg was significantly greater in the laparoscopic group (22° [20-25]) than in the vaginal group (15° [6-19]; p <.001) and the robotic group (19° [16-21]; p = .02). The participants in the laparoscopic group spent significantly more time overall in Trendelenburg (176 minutes [143-221]) than those in the robotic group (150 minutes [127-161]; p = .01) and those in the vaginal group (120 minutes [86-128]; p <.001). The participants in the laparoscopic and robotic groups spent similar amounts of time in maximum Trendelenburg (116 minutes [52-164] and 117 minutes [61-134], respectively; p = .56), whereas the participants in the vaginal group spent significantly less time in maximum Trendelenburg (10 minutes [7-38]) than those in the laparoscopic group (p <.001). The total median operative time was highest for the laparoscopic approach (211 minutes [173-270]), followed by the robotic approach (181 minutes [165-201]) and the vaginal approach (162 minutes [128-186]; p = .008). The median maximum angle of Trendelenburg was highest in laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy-followed by robotic sacrocolpopexy-and lowest in vaginal high uterosacral ligament suspension. Patients who underwent robotic sacrocolpopexy spent less time in Trendelenburg than those who underwent the laparoscopic approach. Prolonged, steep Trendelenburg is often not required for any of the 3 surgical procedures, but a vaginal approach should be considered for those at high risk of complications from Trendelenburg position.

Readability and quality of Wikipedia articles on pelvic floor disorders.

This study is aimed at evaluating the readability and quality of Wikipedia articles on pelvic floor disorders (PFD) and comparing their content with International Urogynecological Association patient education leaflets. Readability was assessed using six different readability scales, including the Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG) Index, which is considered superior for scoring healthcare information. Quality was assessed by three female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery fellows using the modified DISCERN instrument. DISCERN is validated to evaluate the quality of written consumer health information; it was subsequently modified by health education researchers to enable the evaluation of Wikipedia articles. We evaluated 30 Wikipedia articles that correlated with 29 International Urogynecological Association leaflets. The mean SMOG score of the Wikipedia articles was 12.0 ± 2.1 (12th-grade reading level) whereas the mean SMOG score of the International Urological Association (IUGA) leaflets was 3.4 ± 0.3 (third-grade reading level, p< 0.001). The mean modified DISCERN score of the Wikipedia articles was 34.43 ± 5.90 (moderate quality); however, the mean modified DISCERN score of the IUGA literature was 45.02 ± 1.36 (good quality, p< 0.001). Wikipedia articles on PFD are neither readable nor reliable: they require a 12th-grade-level education for comprehension and are merely rated moderate in quality. In comparison, IUGA leaflets require a third-grade education for comprehension and are rated good in quality. Urogynecological providers should provide appropriate health education materials to patients, as Wikipedia is both a popular and sometimes inaccurate resource for patients.

EDITORIAL COMMENT

While urologists are often considered “male gynecologists” the reality is that urologists are responsible for the care and treatment of genitourinary issues in both men and women. In the US, women compromise 30% of the patient encounters in an urologist's office and over a third of urologists self-report that they perform Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery procedures.1 As a result, an understanding of gynecological screening guidelines and the signs and symptoms of gynecological malignancies should be an essential component of the core curriculum in urological residencies and fellowships.

AUTHOR REPLY

Optimizing pelvic health outcomes for women undergoing radical cystectomy for bladder cancer is an important component of preserving quality of life and should be a priority. As many high-volume urologic centers now include a fellowship trained specialist in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery, a comprehensive approach to care, integrating the critical components of maximizing oncologic success with the important factors to minimize side effects and bother, can be discussed in management conferences, executed in operating theaters, taught to our trainees, and studied systematically.