Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification Examination Research Articles

Pre-operative Prolapse Phenotype is Predictive of Surgical Outcome with Minimally Invasive Sacrocolpopexy

The gold standard treatment for advanced pelvic organ prolapse is sacrocolpopexy. However, the pre-operative features of prolapse that predict optimal outcomes are unknown. We aimed to develop a clinical prediction model that uses pre-operative scores on the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification examination to predict outcomes after minimally invasive sacrocolpopexy for stages 2, 3, and 4 uterovaginal prolapse and vaginal vault prolapse. A two-institution database of pre- and post-operative variables from 881 cases of minimally invasive sacrocolpopexy was analyzed. Data from patients were analyzed in four groups: stage 2 uterovaginal prolapse, stage 3-4 uterovaginal prolapse, stage 2 vaginal vault prolapse, and stage 3-4 vaginal vault prolapse. Unsupervised machine learning was used to identify clusters and investigate associations between clusters and outcome. The K-means clustering analysis was performed with pre-operative Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification points and stratified by prior hysterectomy status. The "optimal" surgical outcome was defined as post-operative Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification stage <2. Demographic variables were compared by cluster with Student's t-test and Chi-squared tests. Odds ratios were calculated to determine whether clusters could predict the outcome. Age at surgery, body mass index, and prior prolapse surgery were used for adjusted odds ratios. Five statistically distinct prolapse clusters (phenotypes C, A, A>P, P, and P>A) were found. These phenotypes reflected the predominant region of prolapse (apical, anterior, or posterior) and whether or not support was preserved in the non-predominant region. Phenotype A (anterior compartment prolapse predominant, posterior support preserved) was found in all four groups of patients and was considered the reference in analysis. In 111 patients with stage 2 uterovaginal prolapse, phenotypes A and A>P (greater anterior prolapse than posterior prolapse) were found, and patients with phenotype A were more likely than those with phenotype A>P to have an optimal surgical outcome. In 401 patients with stage 3-4 uterovaginal prolapse, phenotypes C (apical compartment predominant, prolapse in all compartments), A, and A>P were found, and patients with phenotype A>P were more likely than those with phenotype A to have ideal surgical outcome. In 72 patients with stage 2 vaginal vault prolapse, phenotypes A, A>P, and P (posterior compartment predominant, anterior support preserved) were found, and those with phenotype A>P were less likely to have an ideal outcome than patients with phenotype A. In 297 patients with stage 3-4 vaginal vault prolapse, phenotypes C, A, and P>A (prolapse greater in posterior compartment than in anterior) were found, but there were no significant differences in rate of ideal outcome between phenotypes. Five anatomic phenotypes based on pre-operative Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification scores were present in patients with stages 2 and 3-4 uterovaginal prolapse and vaginal vault prolapse. These phenotypes are predictive of surgical outcome after minimally invasive sacrocolpopexy. Further work needs to confirm the presence and predictive nature of these phenotypes. Additionally, whether the phenotypes represent a progression of prolapse or discrete prolapse presentations resulting from different anatomic and life course risk profiles is unknown. These phenotypes may be useful in surgical counseling and planning.

Robotic Vaginal Hernia Repair for Recurrent Vaginal Prolapse Status Post-Radical Cystectomy with an Indiana Pouch.

Pelvic organ prolapse following a radical cystectomy is challenging to treat and recurrence of prolapse after primary repair is common owing to compromised pelvic floor support and tissue quality. Vaginal prolapse repairs are often preferred because of concern for patients' complex intraabdominal pathological conditions. However, for those with recurrent prolapse following colpocleisis, limited definitive treatment options exist. This surgical video presents a 64-year-old G4P4 with a history of radical cystectomy with an Indiana Pouch for invasive urothelial carcinoma who presented with recurrent stage IV vaginal prolapse two years following colpocleisis. Owing to thin vaginal tissue, a sacrocolpopexy with vaginal mesh could not be performed, thus, the patient underwent robotic-assisted vaginal hernia repair with a polypropylene-reinforced ovine tissue matrix attached to Cooper's ligament and the levator ani muscles. The surgery was free from complications and her postoperative Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification examination revealed a leading vaginal tissue remnant at the level of the hymen. The patient reported overall improved health and quality of life following surgery and recovery on postoperative validated questionnaires. Vaginal and pelvic floor hernia repair with a polypropylene-reinforced tissue matrix is a feasible definitive surgical treatment for patients with prior radical cystectomy in whom colpocleisis has failed.

Prevalence of Pelvic Floor Disorders in Parous Women from the Tibet Autonomous Region: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Pelvic floor disorder (PFD) seriously affects the everyday life of women. This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors for postpartum PFD in women living in the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR). Parous women who attended the outpatient gynaecology clinic at our hospital between June 2022 and August 2022 were screened in this study. The demographic and clinical data of these women were collected. Their pelvic floor functions were evaluated via a pelvic organ prolapse (POP) quantification examination, the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory Questionnaire-20 (PFDI-20) and the Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS). A total of 201 women were included in this study, of whom 81.09% (163/201) were Tibetan. Twenty-seven women (13.43%) were diagnosed with POP stage ≥2 and 27 women (13.43%) with an OABSS score ≥3. The median PFDI-20 total score was 4.17 (range 0-43.75). Han women (n = 38) in the TAR had much lower PFDI-20 total scores, compared with Tibetan women (n = 163) (p < 0.05). The results of the multiple linear regression models showed that the PFDI-20 scores obtained from women living in the TAR were closely related to parity, history of heavy weight lifting, age, history of instrumental deliveries, ethnicity and number of caesarean sections. Pelvic floor disorder is common among parous women living in the TAR. Ethnicity, parity, history of heavy weight lifting, age, history of instrumental deliveries and number of caesarean sections are the factors closely related to the PFDI-20 scores.

Effect of anterior repair on sexual function in heterosexual couples.

Little is known about the impact of native tissue repair techniques on heterosexual intercourse. This study was aimed at investigating the effect of anterior colporrhaphy on women's and their partners' sexual function. Sexually active women with a male partner who were diagnosed with anterior wall prolapse without any incontinence were prospectively recruited from a single academic center. Demographic data were collected and a Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification examination was performed. Before and 3 months post-operatively, women completed two validated questionnaires to assess sexual function, the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Vaginal Symptoms short form (ICIQ-VS SF) 55, and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and their male partners completed the International Index of Erectile function-5. Pre- and post-operative results were compared using a paired t test. This study was conducted in the gynecology department of a university hospital between May 2022 and June 2023, where 50 heterosexual couples were enrolled and underwent isolated anterior repair. The mean age of women and their partners were 44.3 ± 5.12 and 48.1 ± 5.81 respectively. Overall, female sexual function improved significantly from pre- to 3 months postoperatively with a decrease in ICIQ-VS SF scores from 13.3 ± 3.27 to 1.7 ± 1.1 (p < 0.05) and an increase in FSFI scores from 21.74 ± 9.37 to 29.28 ± 9.97 (p < 0.05). The only domain that did not improve was sexual pain. For their male partners, there was a similar significant improvement in sexual function with an increase in scores from 48.71 ± 8.71 to 60.68 ± 8.63 (p < 0.05). Isolated anterior repair was associated with improved short-term sexual function amongst heterosexual couples.

Static and Dynamic Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Female Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: Correlation With Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification.

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is clinically assessed and staged commonly by the pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP-Q) system. Dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the pelvic floor is an emerging modality for anatomical and functional assessment of the pelvic floor and staging of POP. The purpose of this study was to correlate the dynamic MRI findings with POP-Q examination for the staging of POP in each pelvic compartment by comparing various anatomic points. A prospective observational study of the comparative cross-sectional design was conducted among patients who underwent MRI of the pelvic floor and POP-Q at our institute. A total of 50 patients were included. Anatomical landmarks in the three compartments were analyzed in relation to standard reference lines on dynamic MRI and compared with POP-Q measurements. Most of our patients had multicompartment disease (70%). When compared to POP-Q, MRI has a strong correlation for quantification of anterior (0.723) and middle (0.525) compartments and a weak correlation (0.232) for posterior compartment prolapse. POP-Q examination is based on the various points within the vaginal canal, and all the points do not represent a true anatomic landmark. MRI, on the other hand, is based on a true anatomical plane and gives detailed information about various structures in all three compartments. Thus, MRI also helps bridge the gap between various referring specialties in treating pelvic floor disorders.

Long-term outcomes and quality of life after Manchester procedure for pelvic reconstructive surgery in women with cervical elongation

ObjectiveNative-tissue techniques for Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) repairs, such as the Manchester Procedure (MP), have recently been revitalized. However, there are conflicting opinions regarding correcting cervical elongation support by the MP, and the risk of possible poor outcomes and postoperative complications.Therefore, this study aimed to investigate anatomical and patient-reported outcomes during one year after MP. DesignProspective cohort study. SettingThis study was conducted on women who underwent the MP for cervical elongation between 2010 and 2020. PatientsWomen with apical compartment prolapse up to stage 3 due to cervical elongation. InterventionsManchester Procedure. MeasurementsPre and postoperative evaluations by POP Quantification (POP-Q) system were performed, and patients filled out the quality-of-life questionnaires including Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory Short Form 20 (PFDI-20), and POP/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ-12) before and 12 months after the procedure. Anatomical outcomes were measured by POP-Q and the changes in POP-related symptoms were evaluated and reported. Main Results33 participants were recruited in the study. Significant anatomical improvements were obtained in all compartments after the surgery. After 12 months in POP-Q examination, the mean (±SD) of Ba was changed from +1.82 (±1.71) to −1.18 (±1.50), C was changed from −1.25 (±2.81) to −6 (±1.82), and D from −6.30 (±1.42) to −7.1 (±1.25) respectively (P < 0.001). POP-Q stage 0–1 was obtained inof7% in the apical compartment (C < −1), but only in 45.4% in the anterior compartment (Ba < −1). A significant reduction in symptom scores was obtained for PFDI-20 (P < 0.01) and PISQ-12 (P = 0.011). ConclusionsOur findings suggest that the MP provides adequate apical support with improvement in anatomic and subjective findings for patients with cervical elongation.

Dynamic, High-Fidelity, 3-Dimensional Pelvic Model Improves Education on Pelvic Organ Prolapse and the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification System and Interest in Urogynecology.

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) affects millions of women globally. Still, medical students and obstetrics and gynecology residents gain minimal exposure to POP during training. Our goal was to increase exposure to POP by creating a high-fidelity, dynamic, 3-dimensional pelvic model of prolapse and using it to teach through didactic learning sessions. This was a prospective cohort study from November 2021 to July 2022. Presession and postsession surveys were administered to assess for change in POP knowledge both subjectively and objectively. Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test with a P value of 0.05 denoting significance. Thirty-three learners participated in the study, including 18 residents and 15 medical students. Most participants had interacted with urogynecologists and had seen at least 1 patient with POP. Fewer participants had received prior education on POP and the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) examination, witnessed or performed a POP-Q examination, or participated in POP surgical procedures. After learning with the model, comfort with identifying POP doubled (P < 0.001), the ability to understand the POP-Q examination quadrupled (P < 0.001), the ability to perform a POP-Q examination tripled (P < 0.001), and the ability to teach a POP-Q examination doubled (P < 0.001). The median score on a multiple-choice knowledge assessment increased by 40% (P < 0.001). Learners felt that the pelvic model was an effective teaching tool that increased interest in the field of urogynecology. Using a high-fidelity, dynamic model in didactic sessions enhances education about POP and the POP-Q system and should be used to improve learner exposure and experience.

All or nothing? A second look at partial levator avulsion.

To define associations between partial levator trauma and symptoms and signs of pelvic organ prolapse (POP). This was a retrospective study of 3484 women attending a tertiary urogynecology unit for symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction between January 2012 and February 2020. All women underwent a standardized interview, clinical pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP-Q) examination and tomographic ultrasound imaging of the pelvic floor. Women with full levator avulsion were excluded from analysis. Partial levator avulsion was quantified using the tomographic trauma score (TTS), in which slices 3-8 are scored bilaterally for abnormal insertions. Binomial multiple logistic regression was analyzed independently for the outcome variables prolapse symptoms, symptom bother and objective prolapse on clinical examination and imaging, with age and body mass index as covariates. Two continuous outcome variables, prolapse bother score and hiatal area on Valsalva, were analyzed using multiple linear regression. Of the 3484 women, ultrasound data were missing or incomplete in 164 due to lack of equipment, clerical error and/or inadequate image quality. Full levator avulsion was diagnosed in 807 women, leaving 2513 for analysis. TTS ranged from 0-10, with a median of 0. Partial trauma (TTS > 0) was observed in 667/2513 (26.5%) women. All subjective and objective measures of POP were associated significantly with TTS, most strongly for cystocele. Associations were broadly linear and similar for all slice locations but disappeared after accounting for hiatal area on Valsalva. Partial avulsion is associated with POP and prolapse symptoms. This association was strongest for cystocele, both on POP-Q and ultrasound imaging. The effect of partial avulsion on POP and prolapse symptoms is explained fully by its effect on hiatal area. © 2022 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Health Care Disparities Among Latina Patients Presenting With Pelvic Organ Prolapse.

This study identifies barriers, including language and insurance status, Latina patients may face in accessing urogynecology care. The aim of the study was to determine differences in objective prolapse severity at the time of presentation between Latina and non-Latina patients and the effect socioeconomic disparities may have on these differences. This is a retrospective cohort study of patients visiting urogynecology clinics at 2 academic institutions (1 private, 1 public). Patients with symptomatic > stage II prolapse were included. Initial Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification examinations, leading edge of prolapse, and demographic data were extracted. We evaluated several socioeconomic factors for associations with prolapse severity in a multivariable analysis. Three hundred forty-two patients were included (36% Latina). Twenty-eight percent were non-English speaking and 54% had public or no insurance. Using leading edge as the outcome, there was no objective difference in prolapse severity between the Latina and non-Latina patients. A higher proportion of patients with public insurance had more advanced prolapse compared with those with private insurance (odds ratio, 2.78; 95% confidence interval, 1.40-5.55; P < 0.01) and a higher proportion of non-English speaking had more advanced prolapse compared with English speakers (odds ratio, 2.44; 95% confidence interval, 1.12-5.34; P = 0.03). Latina ethnicity was not a risk factor for more advanced prolapse at the time of initial evaluation in a urogynecology clinic. Rather, patients who were non-English speaking and had public insurance were more likely to present with more advanced prolapse. Our data suggest that language barriers and lower socioeconomic status are health care disparities for patients seeking care for prolapse.

Ultrasound assessment of bladder descent and its correlation with prolapse severity in Chinese women: a prospective multicenter study.

Translabial ultrasound is currently regarded as one of the most promising modalities in the evaluation of female pelvic organ prolapse. However, abnormal bladder descent on pelvic floor ultrasound has not been established among Chinese women. This study aimed to establish optimal cutoffs for defining bladder prolapse among Chinese women using translabial ultrasound. In this prospective multicenter study, 674 women with symptoms of lower urinary tract dysfunction and/or pelvic floor dysfunction were finally included and underwent interview, Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) examinations and 4D translabial ultrasound. The receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) statistic was used to assess accuracy and define the optimal cutoffs. The mean patient age was 42.6 (range, 19-82)years. Multivariable analysis showed that both POP-Q assessment and translabial ultrasound findings for anterior compartment were significantly associated with prolapse symptoms. The ROC statistics suggested an optimal cutoff value of 10mm below the symphysis pubis of bladder position on Valsalva for predicting prolapse symptoms, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.73. Compared to translabial ultrasound, POP-Q stage showed similar accuracy for predicting prolapse symptoms (AUC: 0.74; P = 0.79), with an optimal cutoff of POP-Q stage ≥ 2. This study proposed that the descent of the bladder to ≥ 10mm below the symphysis pubis on Valsalva should be proposed as an optimal cutoff value for defining abnormal bladder prolapse on translabial ultrasound among the Chinese population. These cutoff values are nearly identical to those previously established in mainly Caucasian women.

Sacrocolpopexy using autologous rectus fascia: Cohort study of long-term outcomes and complications.

To evaluate objective and subjective outcomes of patients who underwent sacrocolpopexy using autologous rectus fascia to provide more data regarding non-mesh alternatives in pelvic organ prolapse surgery. Ambispective cohort study with retrospective and prospective data. A single academic medical centre. Women who underwent abdominal sacrocolpopexy using autologous rectus fascia between January 2010 and December 2019. Patients were recruited for a follow-up visit, including completing the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI-20) and Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) examination. Demographic and clinical characteristics were collected. Composite failure, anatomic failure, symptomatic failure and retreatment. During the study period, 132 women underwent sacrocolpopexy using autologous rectus fascia. The median follow-up time was 2.2years. Survival analysis showed that composite failure was 0.8% (95%CI 0.1%-5.9%) at 12months, 3.5% (95%CI 1.1%-10.7%) at 2years, 13.2% (95%CI 7.0%-24.3%) at 3years and 28.3% (95%CI 17.0%-44.8%) at 5years. The anatomic failure rate was 0% at 12months, 1.4% (95%CI 0.2%-9.2%) at 2years, 3.1% (95%CI 0.8%-12.0%) at 3years and 6.8% (95%CI 2.0%-22.0%) at 5years. The symptomatic failure rate was 0% at 12months, 1.3% (95%CI 0.2%-9.0%) at 2years, 2.9% (95%CI 0.7%-11.3%) at 3years and 13.1% (95%CI 5.3%-30.3%) at 5years. The retreatment rate was 0.8% (95%CI 0.1%-5.9%) at 12months and 2years, 9.4% (95%CI 4.2%-20.3%) at 3years and 13.0% (95%CI 6.0%-27.2%) at 5years. Autologous rectus fascia sacrocolpopexy may be considered a safe and effective alternative for patients who wish to avoid synthetic mesh. Sacrocolpopexy using autologous rectus fascia is a safe and effective alternative to synthetic mesh.

Comparing Laparoscopic Sacrocolpopexy with Vaginal Sacrospinous Ligament Fixation in the Treatment of Vaginal Apical Prolapse; the First Randomized Clinical Trial: A pilot study.

To compare two methods of laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (LSCP) and sacrospinous ligament fixation (SSLF) in terms of efficacy and safety in the treatment of vaginal apical prolapse. This prospective, randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 32 patients with symptomatic vaginal apical prolapse, referred to the female urology clinic of Kerman University, Iran, during 2018-2019. The patients were re-examined at 12 months after surgery. Objective success was recorded using Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) classification as primary outcome. The subjective success of the methods was determined by the quality-of-life parameters, based on Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire (PFIQ-7), Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI-20), and Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ-12) scores as secondary outcomes. Moreover, complications were recorded in both groups. The amount of intraoperative bleeding was significantly higher in the SSLF group, compared to the LSCP group (P = 0.01). Persistent pain was observed in two (12%) patients in the LSCP group and five (31%) patients in the SSLF group (P = 0.2). The decrease in the total PFIQ-7 score was in favor of the LSCP group but not statistically significant (p = 0.06). The LSCP group showed bigger improvement in vaginal (p = 0.04) and bowel (p = 0.03) scores. The results of the PISQ-12 and PFDI-20 questionnaires as well as POP-Q examination were not different in two groups. Although the surgical methods of LSCP and SSLF can be equally effective in the treatment of apical prolapse, LSCP appears to be superior to SSLF regarding less bleeding.

A New Angle Measurement in Translabial Ultrasound as an Adjunct for the Diagnosis of Pelvic Organ Prolapse.

The aim of this study was to compare the data obtained by a pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP-Q) examination with the translabial ultrasound (TLUS) quantification of prolapse, using a new method of angle measurement. We analyzed the TLUS and POP-Q exam findings of 452 patients with symptoms of POP. The POP-Q system was used for clinical staging. TLUS was performed both at rest, and during the Valsalva maneuver after proper preparation. A horizontal reference line was drawn through the inferior margin of the symphysis pubis and the levator plate connected to the rectal ampulla, and the difference was calculated between the rest and the Valsalva maneuver. The Spearman’s correlation coefficient of agreement between the TLUS and the clinical POP-Q staging was used for statistical analysis. There was a weak degree of correlation between the POP-Q findings for the Ap parameter and our new angle measurement (rho = 0.17, p < 0.001). Thus, POP staging in conjunction with TLUS with this new angle measurement shows better agreement for the diagnosis of POP than POP-Q staging alone.

Operative Planning for Pelvic Floor Disorders: Comparing Treatment Plans during a Telehealth Visit and an in-Person Visit

Study Objective To compare the treatment plan proposed at a new patient Telehealth consultation to a subsequent plan proposed after an in-person examination. Secondary objectives were to assess concordance of patient self-assessment of prolapse during Telehealth visit with provider assessment of prolapse via Pelvic Organ Prolapse-Quantification (POP-Q) examination during in-office visit and to calculate sensitivity and specificity of Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20 (PFDI-20) question number three responses with patient self-assessment of prolapse and POP-Q stage. Design Retrospective cohort analysis. Setting Telehealth new patient visits with in-person follow up. Patients or Participants Women presenting for new patient consultation via Telehealth visit who had in-person follow up with examination. Interventions N/A. Measurements and Main Results The primary outcome was concordance of treatment plans, either non-surgical or surgical, after Telehealth visit versus in-person follow-up examination. Secondary outcomes included patient demographics, comparison of patient self-assessment of prolapse stage to POP-Q stage noted on exam, and comparison of PFDI-20 question number three score to patient self-assessment of prolapse and provider assessment of prolapse. Between April 01, 2020, through October 31, of 2020, 100 patients completed a new patient Telehealth consultation visit and an in-person follow up examination. After the Telehealth consultation, 43% of patients elected to have non-surgical treatment; 57% of patients elected to undergo surgical treatment. After in-person follow-up, 42% versus 58% of women elected to have non-surgical versus surgical treatment. Concordance rates were 79% for non-surgical plans and 86% for surgical plans; overall 83% (p<0.001). Ninety-three patients underwent POP-Q examination and self-assessment was accurate for 48/93 patients (51.7%, p<0.01). The sensitivity and specificity for an affirmative response to vaginal bulge symptoms with Stage II prolapse or higher on patient self-assessment was 90.5% and 65.4% and on POP-Q examination 88.9% and 61.9% respectively. Conclusion Telemedicine consultations offer a feasible modality for creation of non-surgical and surgical treatment plans for women with pelvic floor disorders. To compare the treatment plan proposed at a new patient Telehealth consultation to a subsequent plan proposed after an in-person examination. Secondary objectives were to assess concordance of patient self-assessment of prolapse during Telehealth visit with provider assessment of prolapse via Pelvic Organ Prolapse-Quantification (POP-Q) examination during in-office visit and to calculate sensitivity and specificity of Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20 (PFDI-20) question number three responses with patient self-assessment of prolapse and POP-Q stage. Retrospective cohort analysis. Telehealth new patient visits with in-person follow up. Women presenting for new patient consultation via Telehealth visit who had in-person follow up with examination. N/A. The primary outcome was concordance of treatment plans, either non-surgical or surgical, after Telehealth visit versus in-person follow-up examination. Secondary outcomes included patient demographics, comparison of patient self-assessment of prolapse stage to POP-Q stage noted on exam, and comparison of PFDI-20 question number three score to patient self-assessment of prolapse and provider assessment of prolapse. Between April 01, 2020, through October 31, of 2020, 100 patients completed a new patient Telehealth consultation visit and an in-person follow up examination. After the Telehealth consultation, 43% of patients elected to have non-surgical treatment; 57% of patients elected to undergo surgical treatment. After in-person follow-up, 42% versus 58% of women elected to have non-surgical versus surgical treatment. Concordance rates were 79% for non-surgical plans and 86% for surgical plans; overall 83% (p<0.001). Ninety-three patients underwent POP-Q examination and self-assessment was accurate for 48/93 patients (51.7%, p<0.01). The sensitivity and specificity for an affirmative response to vaginal bulge symptoms with Stage II prolapse or higher on patient self-assessment was 90.5% and 65.4% and on POP-Q examination 88.9% and 61.9% respectively. Telemedicine consultations offer a feasible modality for creation of non-surgical and surgical treatment plans for women with pelvic floor disorders.

Trajectories of Pelvic Floor Symptoms and Support After Vaginal Delivery in Primiparous Women Between Third Trimester and 1 Year Postpartum.

The objectives of this study were to describe trajectories of pelvic floor symptoms and support from the third trimester to 1 year postpartum in primiparous women after vaginal delivery and to explore factors associated with their resolution between 8 weeks postpartum and 1 year postpartum. Five hundred ninety-seven nulliparous women 18 years or older who gave birth vaginally at term completed the Epidemiology of Prolapse and Incontinence Questionnaire and the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification examination at the third trimester, 8 weeks postpartum, and 1 year postpartum. At 1 year postpartum, 41%, 32%, and 23% of participants reported stress urinary incontinence, nocturia, and flatus incontinence, respectively, and 9% demonstrated maximal vaginal descent (MVD) ≥ 0 cm. For more common symptoms, incidence rates between the third trimester and 8 weeks postpartum ranged from 6% for urinary frequency to 22% for difficult bowel movements, and resolution rates between 8 weeks postpartum and 1 year postpartum ranged from 23% for stress urinary incontinence to 73% for pain. Between the third trimester and 8 weeks postpartum, 13% demonstrated de novo MVD ≥ 0 cm. For most symptoms, the presence of the same symptom before delivery decreased the probability of resolution between 8 weeks postpartum and 1 year. However, the sensitivities of predelivery vaginal bulge and MVD of 0 cm or greater for those outcomes at 1 year postpartum was overall low (10-12%). One year postpartum, urinary and bowel symptoms are common in primiparous women who gave birth vaginally. A substantial portion of this burden is represented by symptoms present before delivery, while most of the prevalence of worse anatomic support is accounted for by de novo changes after delivery.

Cut‐offs for defining uterine prolapse using transperineal ultrasound in Chinese women: prospective multicenter study

ABSTRACTObjectiveTransperineal ultrasound is a simple and highly repeatable method that has been used increasingly in the quantification of pelvic organ prolapse, but abnormal uterine descent on ultrasound in Chinese women is still poorly defined. We aimed to determine the optimal cut‐off to define abnormal uterine descent on transperineal ultrasound in Chinese women.MethodsThis prospective multicenter study recruited women who were examined in tertiary‐level gynecological centers, due to symptoms of lower urinary tract and/or pelvic floor dysfunction, between February 2017 and September 2018. All recruited women underwent a standardized interview, pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP‐Q) examination, and four‐dimensional transperineal ultrasound examination. On ultrasound, uterine descent was measured relative to the posteroinferior margin of the symphysis pubis during maximum Valsalva maneuver. The optimal cut‐off value for definition of abnormal uterine descent was selected as the value with the highest Youden index and the diagnostic performance of this cut‐off for the prediction of prolapse symptoms and POP‐Q stage was assessed and compared by means of the area under the receiver‐operating‐characteristics curve (AUC).ResultsIn total, 538 Chinese women, with a mean age of 39.4 (range, 18–81) years, were enrolled into the study. Both uterine descent on transperineal ultrasound (P &lt; 0.001) and POP‐Q stage (P &lt; 0.001) were associated strongly with presence of prolapse symptoms. Uterine descent on ultrasound was associated significantly with POP‐Q stage for apical compartment prolapse (P &lt; 0.001). The optimal cut‐off value for the definition of abnormal uterine descent on transperineal ultrasound during maximum Valsalva maneuver in the prediction of prolapse symptoms was 4.79 mm above the symphysis pubis (AUC, 0.75 (95% CI, 0.71–0.78)), while the optimal cut‐off values in the prediction of prolapse of POP‐Q Stage ≥ 1 and POP‐Q Stage ≥ 2 were 6.63 mm above the symphysis pubis (AUC, 0.83 (95% CI, 0.80–0.86)) and 8.42 mm below the symphysis pubis (AUC, 0.85 (95% CI, 0.82–0.88)), respectively.ConclusionsThe optimal cut‐off value to define abnormal uterine descent on transperineal ultrasound during maximum Valsalva maneuver for the prediction of prolapse symptoms in this population of Chinese women was 4.79 mm above the symphysis pubis, close to that for predicting apical compartment prolapse of POP‐Q Stage ≥ 1 (6.63 mm above the symphysis pubis). These are somewhat different from values described previously in mainly Caucasian populations. Ethnic differences should be taken into account in the evaluation of pelvic organ prolapse using transperineal ultrasound. © 2020 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology

Current use of the pelvic organ prolapse quantification system in clinical practice among Korean obstetrician-gynecologists

BackgroundTo assess current use of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) system in clinical practice among Korean obstetrician-gynecologists.MethodsA web-based questionnaire was sent to 780 Korean Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology members. The items evaluated in the questionnaire were demographic characteristics and current use of the POP-Q system in the evaluation of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and surgical decision-making. Differences between POP-Q users and nonusers were analyzed by using the two-sample t-test and chi-squared test.ResultsOne hundred twenty-six members (16%) responded to the survey. Of the respondents, 48% reported using the POP-Q system in the evaluation of POP. Members who were female, urogynecologists, or performed a high volume of prolapse surgery were more likely to use the POP-Q system (p < 0.05). All but one of the POP-Q users reported using the specific criteria to determine whether each compartmental prolapse should be corrected during prolapse surgery. Most respondents used stage 2 or the hymen as a threshold for prolapse to be corrected for all compartments.ConclusionsLess than half of Korean obstetrician-gynecologists use the POP-Q system in the evaluation of POP. Almost all of POP-Q users make a surgical decision based on the results of the POP-Q examination.

Habitus and Pelvic Floor Symptoms and Support 1 Year Postpartum

To estimate the association between habitus measures and pelvic floor support and symptoms in primiparous women 1 year after term vaginal delivery. In this cross-sectional study including women enrolled at seven academic and community sites, we assessed pelvic floor support, weight, height, waist circumference, and percent fat using air displacement plethysmography and participants completed questionnaires, all at one year postpartum. We tested the association of quintiles of habitus measure, including body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, percent body fat, and waist/height ratio, with the primary outcomes: anatomic support, dichotomized as maximal vaginal descent less than 0 cm (better support) compared with 0 cm or more (worse support) per the pelvic organ prolapse quantification examination and symptom burden (positive with bothersome symptoms in two or more of six symptom domains), and on five secondary outcomes. The sample size provides 90% power to detect odds ratios (ORs) of 1.78 or greater between women at mean compared with mean+1 SD of habitus measure. Of 592 participants, 55 (9.3%) demonstrated worse support and 321 (54.2%) symptom burden. In multivariable analyses, habitus measures were not significantly associated with anatomic support or, except for the highest waist/height ratio quintile, with symptom burden. Compared with women in the first quintile of each habitus measure, those in most higher quintiles demonstrated elevated odds of moderate to severe urinary incontinence (UI); increased odds for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) were mainly limited to the highest quintile. After adjusting for percent body fat, the increased odds for BMI on SUI (OR 2.47, 95% CI 1.43-4.28) were no longer significant (OR 1.38, 95% CI 0.54, 3.51). Habitus in primiparous patients at 1 year postpartum was not associated with anatomic support or symptom burden. Habitus was more associated with moderate to severe UI than mild UI. The association of higher BMI with SUI was attenuated by fitness, reflected by fat percentage.

Association between pelvic floor disorders and hernias.

Connective tissue disorders may contribute to pelvic floor disorders (PFDs). Like PFDs, abdominal wall hernias are more common in patients with systemic connective tissue disorders. We conducted this study to explore the possible association between PFDs and hernias in adult women. We obtained the data for this study from a study of PFDs among parous women. At enrollment, stress urinary incontinence (SUI), overactive bladder (OAB), and anal incontinence (AI) were assessed using the Epidemiology of Prolapse and Incontinence Questionnaire (EPIQ) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) was assessed through the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) examination. Participants were asked to report hernia surgery and list their hernia types. We compared the prevalence of PFDs in those with and without hernias using chi-square test. We used multiple regression analysis to adjust for obstetric and sociodemographic variables. Among 1529 women, 79 (5.2%) reported history of hernia surgery. The prevalence of POP was 7.6% (6 cases) vs. 7.4% (107 cases), the prevalence of SUI was 7.6% (6 cases) vs. 9.9% (144 cases), the prevalence of OAB was 7.6% (6 cases) vs. 5.7% (83 cases), and the prevalence of AI was 7.6% (6 cases) vs. 10.8% (156 cases) in those with hernias compared to those without hernias, respectively. None of these differences were statistically significant. There was no association between hernias and PFDs after adjustment for type of delivery, number of deliveries, age group, primary racial background, weight category, and smoking status. In this study, we could not find any association between hernias and PFDs.

Effect of sacrospinous hysteropexy with graft vs vaginal hysterectomy with uterosacral ligament suspension on treatment failure in women with uterovaginal prolapse: 5-year results of a randomized clinical trial

Vaginal hysterectomy with suture apical suspension is commonly performed for uterovaginal prolapse. Sacrospinous hysteropexy with graft (vaginal mesh hysteropexy) is an alternative, although in 2019 the Food and Drug Administration removed this mesh product from the United States market. Our objective was to compare the efficacy and adverse events of these 2 procedures. At 9 clinical sites in the United States National Institutes of Health and National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Pelvic Floor Disorders Network, 183 postmenopausal women requesting vaginal surgery for symptomatic uterovaginal prolapse were enrolled in a multisite randomized superiority clinical trial, comparing a sacrospinous hysteropexy with graft (hysteropexy) with a vaginal hysterectomy with uterosacral ligament suspension (hysterectomy). Participants consented to remain masked to treatment assignment for the study duration. Study visits were conducted at 6-month intervals through 60 months. The primary treatment failure composite outcome (retreatment of prolapse, prolapse beyond the hymen, or prolapse symptoms) was evaluated with survival modeling. Secondary outcomes included complications or adverse events, individual anatomic measures of the pelvic organ prolapse quantification examination, and presence, severity, and impact and bother of prolapse, urinary, bowel, and pain symptoms as measured by validated questionnaires. The 3-year published results suggested better primary outcomes with sacrospinous hysteropexy with graft, but the differences were not statistically significant (P=.06). This study reports the 5-year outcomes. A total of 183 women with a mean age of 66 years were randomized between April 2013 and February 2015; 93 were randomized to hysteropexy and 90 were randomized to hysterectomy. Notably, 175 were included in the trial, and 156 (89%) completed the 5-year follow-up. The primary outcome showed fewer failures for hysteropexy than hysterectomy through 5 years (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.58; 95% confidence interval, 0.36-0.94; P=.03), with failure rates of 37% vs 54%, respectively, resulting in a difference of-18% (95% confidence interval,-33% to-3%) at 5 years. With the exception of the Urogenital Distress Inventory, no group differences were demonstrated in patient-reported pelvic floor symptoms, prolapse symptoms, bowel function symptoms, general quality of life, body image, or pelvic pain. At their last visit through 5 years, 70% of participants (129 of 183) reported they remained masked to their treatment with no difference in masking between groups. Adverse events for hysteropexy vs hysterectomy included mesh exposure (8% vs 0%), granulation tissue after 12 weeks (1% vs 12%), and suture exposure after 12 weeks (3% vs 21%), respectively. Among women with symptomatic uterovaginal prolapse undergoing vaginal surgery, sacrospinous hysteropexy with graft resulted in a lower composite failure rate than vaginal hysterectomy through 5 years. There were no meaningful differences in patient-reported outcomes between groups. Our results suggest that this vaginal mesh hysteropexy procedure should be made available to patients.