Previous Pelvic Organ Prolapse Research Articles

Recurrent pelvic organ prolapse after hysterectomy; a 10-year national follow-up study.

Hysterectomy may be a risk factor for pelvic organ prolapse (POP). We assessed the risk of recurrent POP (operations and visits) after hysterectomy among women with previous POP. We also studied patient and operation related risk factors for POP recurrence. This retrospective cohort study included 1697 women having previous POP diagnosis or POP at the time of hysterectomy (FINHYST 2006 cohort). Follow-up was until the end of 2016. The data was derived from the Finnish National Care register linked to the cohort. Hysterectomy approaches and other demographics were compared to the risk of a prolapse diagnosis and/or surgery. Cox regression model was used to identify hazard ratios. Following hysterectomy, a total of 280 women (16.5%) had a POP reoperation and 359 (21.2%) had an outpatient visit due to POP. Vaginal vault prolapse repair was the most common POP reoperation (n = 181, 10.7%), followed by anterior wall repair (n = 120, 7.1%). Median time to POP reoperation was 3.7years. Hysterectomy approach did not affect reoperations or visits. Previous cesarean section and anterior repair during hysterectomy were associated with decreased risk, whereas concomitant sacrospinous fixation and uterus prolapse as the main indication led to increased risk of anterior/vault prolapse reoperations. Concomitant posterior repair decreased posterior reoperations and visits, but uterus weight over 500g caused a fivefold increased risk of posterior prolapse visit. Residential status was associated with elevated risk of any POP reoperations and visits. Approximately one out of five women suffering from POP ensue POP reoperation or visit after hysterectomy. These high rates are independent on hysterectomy approach, but probably indicate that hysterectomy may worsen previous pelvic floor dysfunction.

Outcomes of bladder outlet obstruction following extensive vaginal pelvic reconstruction surgery on patient with advanced pelvic organ prolapse.

To evaluate the impact of extensive vaginal pelvic reconstruction surgery (PRS) on advanced pelvic organ prolapse (POP) patients with bladder outlet obstruction (BOO). We conducted a single-center, retrospective analysis of women who received extensive vaginal pelvic reconstruction surgery for advanced POP (POP-Q ≥3) with BOO from January 2006 to January 2016. Data regarding preoperative evaluation, surgical procedure, and postoperative management were abstracted from medical records. Patients were considered to have BOO when detrusor pressure at maximum flow (Dmax) was ≥20 cm H2O and peak flow rate (Qmax) was ≤15 mL/s. Patients with postoperative value of Dmax lower than 20 cm H2O or Qmax higher than 15 mL/s were regarded as objectively cured. A total of 1894 patients with POP stages III or IV were assessed. The incidence of BOO was 22.8% (431/1894) within this patient population of advanced POP. One year after the vaginal PRS, the objective cure rate of BOO was 98.1%. Urodynamic parameters showed a significant increase in Qmax (P < 0.001), while Dmax (P < 0.001) and postvoid residual urine (PVR) (P < 0.001) were significantly decreased. Previous POP surgery, native tissue repair (NTR), PVR ≥200 mL, and maximal cystometric capacity (MCC) ≥500 mL increase the likelihood of persistent BOO in patients. Vaginal PRS demonstrated effectiveness in treating BOO in patients with advanced POP. Irrespective of the types of transvaginal mesh (TVM), using TVM achieved better outcome than did NTR. Previous POP surgery, preoperative PVR ≥200 mL, and MCC ≥500 mL were the risk factors predicting the failure of PRS in improving BOO.

Safety and Efficacy of Single Incision Sling Versus Midurethral Sling in the Treatment of Stress Urinary Incontinence: A Randomized Controlled Trial

ABSTRACT The midurethral sling (MUS) is the criterion standard for SUI treatment in women, with a third-generation MUS utilizing a single vaginal incision (single-incision sling [SIS]) becoming a means for preventing postoperative groin pain associated (rarely) with transobturator sling. However, SIS requires additional long-term evidence of effectiveness through randomized trials comparing their use with MUS. The goal of this study was an evaluation of safety and efficacy of the use of Ophira SIS as compared with inside-out full-length transobturator tape (TOT) sling (MUS) use over long-term follow-up. Primary randomized controlled trial outcomes included SUI objective cure rate evaluations 4 years after MUS operation. Secondary study end points included quality of life, early and late operative complications, subjective cure, recurrent surgery need, and urgency incontinence occurrence. This study, which took place at the Czech tertiary referral Brno University Hospital Urogynecology Center, was a randomized noninferiority controlled trial held from January 2015 through December 2019. Women with urodynamic SUI, as confirmed via positive cough test during cystometry, were included in this nonblinded study. Exclusion criteria were as follows: urgency or predominant urgency incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse stage 2 or greater, intrinsic sphincter deficiency, previous SUI surgery, previous pelvic organ prolapse surgery, and presence of additional organ pathology. The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire—Short Form was completed to assess symptom impact on patient quality of life. Baseline patient characteristics including body mass index, age, and parity were recorded, and written informed consent for enrollment in the study was collected from all patients. Randomization occurred via the envelope technique (sequentially numbered opaque envelopes distributed at the time of surgery) to assign patients to an SIS anti-incontinence procedure or MUS. The SIS procedures used Ophira (Promedon) surgical kits, and the MUS procedure used the inside-out Gynecare TVT Obturator System (Ethicon). Senior surgeons with more than 200 previous MUS or SIS procedures performed the operations. The authors assumed a minimum sample size of 64 patients in each group was needed to identify noninferiority. An independent clinician performed follow-up visits at 4 years postoperation, including an evaluation of objective cure (absence of urinary leakage) as primary study outcome. Subjective cure included the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire—Short Form tiers of 1 (“very much improved),” 2 (“much improved),” or 3 (“improved).” A total of 192 eligible patients participated, with 24 declining randomization for a total of 168 patients (87.5%) being randomized into SIS (n = 84) and MUS groups (n = 84). From these, full completion of the 4-year follow-up took place for 66 SIS patients (78.6%) and 64 MUS patients (76.2%). The results of the analysis indicated that the MUS and SIS groups demonstrated no statistically significant differences in cure rates at 4 years after surgery, with objective (86.4% vs 84.4%) and subjective (83.3% vs 81.3%) cure rates, respectively. The study was not powered to determine differences in secondary outcomes, but a similar proportion in both groups required reoperation for recurrent SUI (6.9%), and no significant pain outcomes were observed in either group. A strength of the trial is its thorough standardization, as all procedures were implemented by the same urogynecology surgeons with ample experience. The randomized study design coupled with long-term follow-up provided high-quality data. A limitation of the trial is the lack of blinding of the patient (via absence or presence of additional MUS incisions), postoperative assessments were done by unblinded members of the team, and a portion of both groups was lost to follow-up. A similar, but not insignificant, portion of both treatment groups was lost to follow-up, introducing risk of selection bias. Finally, not all SISs on the market can be assumed to be equal because of differing materials, anchoring systems, and insertion techniques, and the specific device used in this study is not commercially available in the United States. The findings of this study are that the Ophira SIS had comparable curative rates to transobturator MUS among women undergoing SUI surgery. Additional external validation studies are necessary. However, these results can be included in future meta-analyses for fostering understanding of SUI management via SIS systems.

MP07-01 MESH-FREE MANAGEMENT OF APICAL PELVIC ORGAN PROLAPSE: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF VAGINAL SACROSPINOUS FIXATION V ROBOTIC UTEROSACRAL LIGAMENT SUSPENSION

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 Apr 2023MP07-01 MESH-FREE MANAGEMENT OF APICAL PELVIC ORGAN PROLAPSE: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF VAGINAL SACROSPINOUS FIXATION V ROBOTIC UTEROSACRAL LIGAMENT SUSPENSION Sandra Elmer, Omar Salehi, Niranjan Sathianathen, Jodie McDonald, Nathan Lawrentschuk, and Caroline Dowling Sandra ElmerSandra Elmer More articles by this author , Omar SalehiOmar Salehi More articles by this author , Niranjan SathianathenNiranjan Sathianathen More articles by this author , Jodie McDonaldJodie McDonald More articles by this author , Nathan LawrentschukNathan Lawrentschuk More articles by this author , and Caroline DowlingCaroline Dowling More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000003222.01AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) significantly impacts quality of life for many women. Mesh sacral colpopexy (SCP) has a recurrence rate up to 23%, and vaginal procedures to correct apical POP up to 41%. After the FDA warnings and restrictions of transvaginal mesh, increasing concerns regarding mesh have resulted in a need for mesh-free alternatives. This study compares 2 mesh-free techniques, robotic/laparoscopic uterosacral ligament suspension (RUSL) and vaginal sacrospinous fixation (SSF) in managing apical POP. METHODS: A prospective clinical audit of 115 women with apical POP who underwent RUSL (n=61) or SSF (n=54) by a single surgeon. Demographic data included age, parity, and previous POP surgery. A pre-operative (preop) pelvic floor (PF) questionnaire was used to identify prevalence of bladder, bowel and vaginal symptoms. POP-Q was recorded at surgery and at post-operative (postop) reviews. The absolute change in POP-Q scores were recorded as objective measures of PF support. Other postop metrics used include symptomatic vaginal bulge, need for repeat POP surgery (reop) and subjective improvement in symptoms based on patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Postop adverse events (AE) were recorded (Clavien Dindo grading scale). Wilcoxon rank sum test, Pearson’s Chi-squared test and Fisher’s exact test were used to compare groups, and univariate analysis to predict factors for success/reop. RESULTS: Baseline demographics were similar (Table 1). Mean time from surgery was 736 (RUSL) and 565 days (SSF). Difference in postop C points was not significant (RUSL: median -8 (IQR 2), SSF: median -7cm (IQR 2), p=0.279). Procedure success rates (postop C point <0) were not different (RUSL 90.2%, SSF 92.5%, p=0.92). Reop rates for apical recurrence were SSF 1.9%, RUSL 6.6%, p=0.21; univariate odds ratio 0.26 [95% CI 0.03 to 2.43]. Univariate analysis for reop found that age, parity and surgery type were not predictors of reoperation (p=0.26, p=0.92, p=0.78). The most common postop AE was urinary tract infection (RUSL 10.2%, SSF 10.5%). CONCLUSIONS: RUSL and SSF are safe and effective mesh-free techniques for management of apical POP based on objective improvements in POP-Q score and PROMs. Source of Funding: None © 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 209Issue Supplement 4April 2023Page: e84 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Sandra Elmer More articles by this author Omar Salehi More articles by this author Niranjan Sathianathen More articles by this author Jodie McDonald More articles by this author Nathan Lawrentschuk More articles by this author Caroline Dowling More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Sexual Activity and Dyspareunia After Pelvic Organ Prolapse Surgery: A 5-Year Nationwide Follow-up Study

BackgroundEven though surgery generally improves sexual function and alleviates dyspareunia related to pelvic organ prolapse (POP), knowledge of the long-term effects is scarce. ObjectiveTo describe changes in sexual activity and dyspareunia rates after POP surgery and to identify potential risk factors for the occurrence of dyspareunia. Design, setting, and participantsThis was a prospective longitudinal cohort study of women aged over 18 yr undergoing POP surgery in Finland during 2015. Out of 3515 participants, sexual activity and dyspareunia data were available at baseline, 6 mo, 2 yr, and 5 yr for 79%, 68%, 63%, and 57%, respectively. InterventionNative tissue, transvaginal mesh, and abdominal mesh repair. Outcome measurements and statistical analysisRates of sexual activity and dyspareunia were assessed using the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ-12) at baseline and at 6 mo, 2 yr, and 5 yr after surgery. As a secondary outcome, risk factors for overall, persisting, and de novo dyspareunia were assessed using logistic regression models. Results and limitationsThe proportion of sexually active women increased from 40.7% to 43% after surgery. Preoperative dyspareunia resolved in >50% of cases during the first 6 mo, irrespective of the surgical approach. De novo dyspareunia rates were low at all time points (1.9–3.1%). Several potential risk factors associated with preoperative and postoperative dyspareunia were identified: younger age, lower preoperative body mass index, lower prolapse stage at baseline, either pelvic pain or dyspareunia at baseline, prior surgery (stress urinary incontinence surgery, posterior colporrhaphy, POP surgery, hysterectomy), and posterior repair. ConclusionsDyspareunia is significantly reduced after POP repair irrespective of the surgical approach. However, multiple factors seem to be associated with persisting and de novo symptoms, which should be considered in preoperative counseling. Patient summaryOur 5-year follow-up study demonstrates that surgery to repair pelvic organ prolapse (POP) in women improves sexual activity and reduces painful intercourse. Multiple factors, such as preoperative pain, previous POP surgery, and prolapse stage, may be associated with painful intercourse after surgery.

Postoperative complications and pelvic organ prolapse recurrence following combined pelvic organ prolapse and rectal prolapse surgery compared with pelvic organ prolapse only surgery

There is a growing interest in combined pelvic organ prolapse and rectal prolapse surgery for concomitant pelvic floor prolapse despite a paucity of data regarding complications and clinical outcomes of combined repair. The primary objective of this study was to compare the <30-day postoperative complication rate in women undergoing combined POP+RP surgery with that of women undergoing pelvic organ prolapse-only surgery. The secondary objectives were to describe the <30-day postoperative complications, compare the pelvic organ prolapse recurrence between the 2 groups, and determine the preoperative predictors of <30-day postoperative complications and predictors of pelvic organ prolapse recurrence. This was a multicenter, retrospective cohort study at 5 academic hospitals. Patients undergoing combined pelvic organ prolapse and rectal prolapse surgery were matched by age, pelvic organ prolapse stage by leading compartment, and pelvic organ prolapse procedure compared with those undergoing pelvic organ prolapse-only surgery from March 2003 to March 2020. The primary outcome measure was <30-day complications separated into Clavien-Dindo classes. The secondary outcome measures were (1) subsequent pelvic organ prolapse surgeries and (2) pelvic organ prolapse recurrence, defined as patients who complained of vaginal bulge symptoms postoperatively. Overall, 204 women underwent combined surgery for pelvic organ prolapse and rectal prolapse, and 204 women underwent surgery for pelvic organ prolapse only. The average age (59.3±1.0 vs 59.0±1.0) and mean parity (2.3±1.5 vs 2.6±1.8) were similar in each group. Of note, 109 (26.7%) patients had at least one <30-day postoperative complication. The proportion of patients who had a complication in the combined surgery group and pelvic organ prolapse-only surgery group was similar (27.5% vs 26.0%; P=.82). The Clavien-Dindo scores were similar between the groups (grade I, 10.3% vs 9.3%; grade II, 11.8% vs 12.3%; grade III, 3.9% vs 4.4%; grade IV, 1.0% vs 0%; grade V, 0.5% vs 0%). Patients undergoing combined surgery were less likely to develop postoperative urinary tract infections and urinary retention but were more likely to be treated for wound infections and pelvic abscesses than patients undergoing pelvic organ prolapse-only surgery. After adjusting for combined surgery vs pelvic organ prolapse-only surgery and parity, patients who had anti-incontinence procedures (adjusted odds ratio, 1.85; 95% confidence interval, 1.16-2.94; P=.02) and perineorrhaphies (adjusted odds ratio, 1.68; 95% confidence interval, 1.05-2.70; P=.02) were more likely to have <30-day postoperative complications. Of note, 12 patients in the combined surgery group and 15 patients in the pelvic organ prolapse-only surgery group had subsequent pelvic organ prolapse repairs (5.9% vs 7.4%; P=.26). In the combined surgery group, 10 patients (4.9%) underwent 1 repair, and 2 patients (1.0%) underwent 2 repairs. All patients who had recurrent pelvic organ prolapse surgery in the pelvic organ prolapse-only surgery group had 1 subsequent pelvic organ prolapse repair. Of note, 21 patients in the combined surgery group and 28 patients in the pelvic organ prolapse-only surgery group reported recurrent pelvic organ prolapse (10.3% vs 13.7%; P=.26). On multivariable analysis adjusted for number of previous pelvic organ prolapse repairs, combined surgery vs pelvic organ prolapse-only surgery, and perineorrhaphy at the time of surgery, patients were more likely to have a subsequent pelvic organ prolapse surgery if they had had ≥2 previous pelvic organ prolapse repairs (adjusted odds ratio, 6.06; 95% confidence interval, 2.10-17.5; P=.01). The average follow-up times were 307.2±31.5 days for the combined surgery cohort and 487.7±49.9 days for the pelvic organ prolapse-only surgery cohort. Survival curves indicated that the median time to recurrence was not statistically significant (log-rank, P=.265) between the combined surgery group (4.2±0.4 years) and the pelvic organ prolapse-only surgery group (5.6±0.4 years). In this retrospective cohort study, patients undergoing combined pelvic organ prolapse and rectal prolapse surgery had a similar risk of <30-day postoperative complications compared with patients undergoing pelvic organ prolapse-only surgery. Furthermore, patients who underwent combined surgery had a similar risk of recurrent pelvic organ prolapse and subsequent pelvic organ prolapse surgery compared with patients who underwent pelvic organ prolapse-only surgery.

Narrow Vagina as a Predictor of Obstructive Voiding Dysfunction after Transobturator Sling Surgery

Background: Voiding dysfunction (VD) is a potential complication after female midurethral sling operations. Objectives: Our goal was to assess the rate of obstructive VD after ­transobturator tension-free tape (TOT) procedures and to find perioperative risk factors (RFs) predicting postoperative voiding problems. Methods: We have retrospectively evaluated the perioperative data of 397 women who underwent TOT operations. Significant post-void residual (PVR) (>50 mL) was considered as the primary (objective) end point of the study, the voiding difficulty as the secondary (subjective) 1. First univariate analysis and then multivariate logistic regression were performed, with a 5% significance level. Results: Significant PVR was present in 51 (12.8%) women; catheterization was needed in 21 (5.3%) and reoperation in 3 (0.8%) cases. Seventy women (17.6%) experienced postoperative voiding difficulty. Narrow vagina (<2 cm), older age >70 years, and preoperative voiding difficulty were independent RFs for significant PVR (odds ratio: 5.07, 2.14, 5.38, respectively, p < 0.05). Preoperative overactive bladder syndrome and previous pelvic organ prolapse surgery were considered independent RFs for postoperative voiding difficulty. Conclusions: Older age, narrow vagina, or preoperative voiding difficulty increases the chance for significant postoperative PVR. These patients should be chosen and counseled appropriately.

110 Long term follow up on barbed sutures in sacrocolpopexy

Apical pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is conventionally managed with abdominal sacrocolpopexy (SCP). However, due to its associated morbidities and longer recovery times, a minimally invasive approach via robotic-assisted sacrocolpopexy (RSCP) is gaining popularity with success rates of 87-100%. In addition, self-anchoring barbed sutures (SABs) has been introduced of suturing Y- shaped vaginal mesh in RSCP. This avoids knot tying with less time and aggravation. In our study, we demonstrated the long-term anatomical success and reoperation rates with SABs in RSCP. Under an IRB-approved protocol (IRB #19-0167), we retrospectively reviewed patients with symptomatic stage 2 or higher POP based on the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification system (POP-Q) who underwent RSCP at a tertiary care academic medical center from January 2016 to October 2017. The placement of the Y-shaped vaginal mesh with 3-0 V Loc was consistent across all surgeries and performed by the same surgeon. Follow-up examinations were performed at intervals up to two years. Postoperative POP-Q scores <0 indicate anatomical correction without prolapse symptoms. Baseline demographics of patients were summarized by frequencies and percentages for categorical variables and by mean/median, standard deviation, and ranges for continuous variables. Descriptive univariate statistics were performed by SPSS Statistics. Fifty-five patients underwent RSCP with the mean age of 59.3 years. Seventeen patients were lost to follow-up and were excluded from the study. Of the 38 patients, the POP-Q system classified 28.9% with stage 2, 63.2% with stage 3 and 5.3% with stage 4 POP at baseline. A history of prior hysterectomy was noted in 55.3% of the patients and 31.6% of patients had a previous POP surgery. In our study, 42.1% underwent a hysterectomy with SCP, 18.4% a Burch urethropexy with SCP, 44.7 % a midurethral sling with SCP, and 5.3% of the patients solely underwent a sacrocolpopexy with no cases converted to open surgery. Our patients had an anatomical success rate of 86.8% with no mesh erosion on the 2-year postoperative follow-up. The complication rate was 7.9% due to intraoperative bladder injuries and were repaired primarily. Three patients had stage 2 prolapse and two patients had stage 3 prolapse on follow-up with a reoperation rate of 10.5%. of Our study suggests using RSCP with 3-0 SABs for vaginal wall mesh fixation as a favorable management for POP with low perioperative complication and reoperation rates.View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT)

Laparoscopic lateral suspension for anterior and apical prolapse: a prospective cohort with standardized technique

Introduction and hypothesisLaparoscopic lateral suspension (LLS) for anterior and apical pelvic organ prolapse (POP) repair is a recent approach. Previous studies used various meshes or sutures. The purpose of this study was to evaluate outcomes of a standardized LLS technique.MethodsFrom January 2010 until December 2014, we performed POP repair by LLS with mesh on 88 women with anterior and apical POP ≥ stage 2. We used a polypropylene titanized mesh fixed to the vesico-vaginal fascia with absorbable sutures and treated posterior compartment defect by vaginal approach with native tissue repair if required. Between July 2013 and December 2018, all women were assessed by gynecological examination including the pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP-Q) system. Subjective outcome was evaluated by the patient global impression of improvement (PGI-I) questionnaire.ResultsSeventy-nine women (89.8%) were available for follow-up. The mean duration of follow-up was 3.4 years (SD 1.6). Mean age was 59.6 (SD 11.1) years and mean BMI 25.8 (SD 4.0) kg/m2. Ten patients (12.7%) had previous POP surgery. Fifty-two women (65.8%) required posterior colporraphy for associated posterior defect and 21 (26.6%) had associated urinary incontinence (UI) surgery. There were no perioperative complications. The objective cure rate (no prolapse beyond the hymen and no reoperation for POP recurrence) was 87.3%. The reoperation rate for recurrence was 5.1%. The subjective success rate (PGI ≤ 2) was 96.2%. There were no mesh exposures or extrusions.ConclusionsThis standardized LLS is safe and effective with no mesh complications after 3-year follow-up.

Sacrospinous ligament fixation with uterine preservation reduces the risk of anatomical recurrence in pelvic organ prolapse.

This study investigated the effectiveness of sacrospinous ligament fixation (SSLF) and whether uterine preservation reduces the anatomical recurrence rate. The medical records of 82 patients who received SSLF in a single medical center were reviewed retrospectively. Anatomical recurrence was defined as Pelvic Organ Prolapse-Quantification stage 2 or higher in any compartment. The primary outcome was intergroup analysis for uterine preservation and concomitant hysterectomy patients. The secondary outcomes were anatomical recurrence risk factors and the incidence of adverse events. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to adjust for demographic differences between groups. The anatomical recurrence rate was 19.5%, and the retreatment rate was 11.0% (mean follow-up duration: 22.9 months). Cystocele was the most common recurrent compartment (17.1%). The uterine preservation group (n = 66) was younger, had lower parity, and had fewer stage 3 to 4 cystoceles and uterine prolapses than the concomitant hysterectomy group (n = 16). Shorter operation times (99.4 minutes vs 153.7 minutes, P = .002) and lower anatomical recurrence rates (11.5% vs 45.5%, P = .039) were found in the uterine preservation group before and after PSM. Previous pelvic organ prolapse surgery (hazard ratio 3.14) and concomitant hysterectomy (hazard ratio 4.08) were identified as risk factors for anatomical recurrence. The most common adverse event was buttock pain (14.6%), which resolved spontaneously within 4 weeks. SSLF is an effective surgical method using native tissue for pelvic reconstruction. Compared with concomitant hysterectomy, SSLF with uterine preservation reduces the anatomical recurrence rate.

Risk Factors for Dislodgment of Vaginal Pessaries in Women With Pelvic Organ Prolapse: A Cohort Study.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the associated factors associated with pessary dislodgment in women with advanced pelvic organ prolapse (POP). A cohort study with women (N = 98) with advanced POP who chose conservative treatment with ring pessary between December 2016 and 2018 identified by screening. Demographic data, history of POP, urinary, and/or bowel symptoms were collected. A medical visit was scheduled 3 and 6 months after pessary insertion to evaluate symptoms (vaginal discharge, bleeding, pain, discomfort, new-onset urinary, or fecal problems) and any pessary dislodgment. Two groups were created (women who were able to retain the pessary versus who were not able), and univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to look for risk factors for pessary dislodgment. Women who requested to have their pessaries removed during the 6-month follow-up were excluded. Ninety-three women included in the study, 78 successfully continued to use the pessary at 6 months, and 15 had pessary dislodgment (16.1%). Demographic characteristics were similar between the treatment group and the control group. After multivariate analysis, women who had their pessaries dislodged presented higher rates of previous surgery (odds ratio = 8.11; 95% confidence interval = 2.09-31.58; P = 0.003) with advanced Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification system staging (odds ratio, 13.41; confidence interval, 1.97-91.36; P = 0.008). The presence of advanced apical POP and previous POP surgery are risk factors for ring pessary dislodgment. This information should guide physicians for counseling patients before pessary insertion.

Does Previous Pelvic Organ Prolapse Surgery Influence the Effectiveness of the Sub-Urethral Sling Procedure?

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) often co-occurs with stress urinary incontinence. There is no consensus on whether prolapse repair and anti-incontinence surgery should be performed concomitantly or separately, in a two-step manner. The present study evaluated the effects of the tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) procedure in patients who had previously undergone pelvic floor repair (study group), compared to women who underwent TVT insertion only (control group). The study group comprised 84 patients who underwent the TVT procedure but had previously also undergone surgical POP repair. The control group consisted of 250 women in whom the TVT was inserted. The primary objective was to compare the objective cure rate and the secondary objective was to compare the subjective cure rate in both groups. Negative pad test was achieved in over 91% in both groups. Objective and subjective cure rates were compared, as well as complication rates. Significant improvement was observed in the postoperative 1-h pad test in all patients. In all patients, we observed significant improvement in the quality of life, with no differences between the groups. No differences were found in the occurrence of postoperative urinary retention, urgency and frequency of daytime micturition, or vaginal erosion between the groups. The current results demonstrate that the two-step approach to pelvic reconstruction and anti-incontinence surgery is as safe and effective as primary TVT implantation.

Effect of pessary cleaning and optimal time interval for follow-up: a prospective cohort study

Introduction and hypothesisThe objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of routine follow-up visits for pessary cleaning, the effect of extended time intervals between visits and the proportion of patients being able to self-manage their pessary for pelvic organ prolapse (POP).MethodsWe conducted a prospective cohort study in patients with a stage ≥II POP without previous POP surgery. All patients received a pessary as primary treatment. Our main outcome measure was a difference ≥2 in median visual analogue scale (VAS) scores (for pain, discharge, irritation) 1 week before and 1 week after cleaning. Measurements were performed after 3- and 9-month cleaning intervals. For the evaluation of the effect of cleaning, 132 patients (3 months’ follow-up) and 87 patients (12 months’ follow-up) were available for analysis. For the evaluation of the effect of the lengthening interval, 123 patients were available.ResultsSelf-management was performed in 45.2% of patients at 1 year. In 93.1% of patients, no differences were observed in pre-and post-cleaning VAS scores (effect of cleaning) on vaginal pain. Nor was there a difference in discharge (72.4%) or irritation 85.1% (p = 0.00). No differences were observed in pre-cleaning VAS scores for vaginal pain, discharge and irritation when the interval was lengthened from 3 to 9 months. No serious adverse events occurred.ConclusionsThere is no proven benefit of regular follow-up visits to clean a pessary. Also, the length of the cleaning interval does not seem to matter.

Recent advances in pelvic floor repair.

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) are conditions which result in significant physical, mental and social consequences for women worldwide. The high rates of recurrence reported with primary repair for POP led to the use of synthetic mesh to augment repairs in both primary and secondary cases following failed previous POP repair. The widely reported, unacceptably high rates of complications associated with the use of synthetic, transvaginal mesh in pelvic floor repair have severely limited the treatment options that surgeons can offer. This article summarises the recent advances in pelvic floor repair, such as improved quantification and modelling of the biomechanics of the pelvic floor and the developing technology within the field of tissue engineering for treatment of SUI/POP, including biomaterials and cell-based therapies. Finally, we will discuss the issues surrounding the commercial introduction of synthetic mesh for use within the pelvic floor and what lessons can be learned for the future as well as the current guidance surrounding treatment for SUI/POP.

Methods of surgery for pelvic organ prolapse in a nationwide cohort (FINPOP 2015).

The management of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) varies significantly between countries. The objective of this study was to describe the methods used for POP surgery in Finland and to identify the factors that affect clinicians' choice to use either a native tissue repair (NTR) or a mesh repair method. This prospective cohort study included 3535 surgeries covering 83% of all POP operations performed in Finland in 2015. The operative details and patient characteristics, including the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI-20), were compared between three selected surgical methods: NTR, transvaginal mesh (TVM) and abdominal mesh (AM). The predictive factors for the use of mesh augmentation were also studied with logistic regression analysis. The most common method was NTR (n=2855, 81%), followed by TVM (n=429, 12%) and AM (n=251, 7%). Approximately 92% of the patients who underwent primary prolapse surgery underwent NTR, and mesh surgery was used mainly for recurrent prolapse. The strongest predictor of mesh surgery was previous POP surgery for the same vaginal compartment (adjusted odds ratio [OR]=56, 95% confidence interval [CI]=38-84 for TVM; adjusted OR=22, 95% CI=14-34 for AM). Other predictive factors for mesh surgery were previous hysterectomy, healthcare district, severe bulge symptoms and advanced prolapse. TVM was associated with advanced anterior prolapse and older age. AM surgery was associated with advanced apical and/or posterior compartment prolapse. PFDI-20 scores were the highest in the AM group (108 vs 103 in the TVM group and 98 in the NTR group, P=0.012), which indicates more bothersome symptoms than in the other groups. The Finnish practices follow international guidelines that advocate NTR as the principal surgical method for POP. Synthetic mesh augmentation was mainly used in patients with recurrent and advanced prolapse with severe symptoms. The variation in the rates of mesh augmentation for POP surgery in different hospitals implies a lack of sufficient evidence of the most suitable treatment method and indicates a need for national guidelines.

Predictors for De Novo Overactive Bladder after Readjustable Mid-Urethral Sling Procedure in Women with Stress Urinary Incontinence due to Intrinsic Sphincter Deficiency.

Purpose This study identified noninvasive factors that predict overactive bladder (OAB) after readjustable mid-urethral sling surgery (Remeex system) in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) due to intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD). Materials and Methods We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 130 women with SUI due to ISD [Valsalva leak-point pressure (VLPP) <60 cm H2O] who underwent the Remeex procedure between February 2011 and March 2017. Patients were classified according to OAB symptoms before and 6 months after the Remeex procedure: Group 1, without preoperative and postoperative OAB (n=46); Group 2, without preoperative OAB and with postoperative OAB (de novo OAB, n=15); Group 3, with preoperative OAB and without postoperative OAB (n=25); Group 4, with preoperative and postoperative OAB (n=44). Noninvasive clinical and urodynamic factors were evaluated as predictors of de novo OAB. Results The four groups significantly differed with respect to age (p=0.036), peak urinary flow rate (PUFR) one month after surgery (post-PUFR, p=0.001), and postvoid residual (PVR) one month after surgery (post-PVR, p=0.005). No significant differences were detected for body mass index, diabetes, multiparity, menopause, previous hysterectomy, previous incontinence surgery, previous pelvic organ prolapse surgery, pyuria, preoperative PUFR, preoperative PVR, maximal cystometric capacity, VLPP, maximum urethral closure pressure, detrusor pressure at PUFR, and detrusor overactivity (p>0.05). Post-PUFR decreased significantly compared with preoperative PUFR in Groups 1, 2, and 4 (p=0.002, p=0.001, and p=0.001, respectively). Pairwise comparisons of post-PUFR and post-PVR revealed statistically significant differences between Group 2 and other groups (p<0.0125). Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that post-PUFR was the only significant predictor of de novo OAB (odds ratio = 0.823, 95% confidence interval 0.727-0.931, p=0.002). Conclusions Reduced PUFR after the Remeex procedure is a promising predictor of risk for de novo OAB. This metric is noninvasive and easy to measure.

Rate of pelvic organ prolapse in Maternity Teaching Hospital in Erbil city

The present study is carried out to describe the prevalence rate of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) among women in Erbil city and to compare the outcomes between normal vaginal delivery and cesarean section. It also aims to find out the risk factors associated with POP. This study is a cross-sectional observational study carried out in Maternity Teaching Hospital in Erbil city, Kurdistan region, north of Iraq from 1 st April 2015 to 1 st April 2016. It includes all married women aged between 15-80 years both nulliparous and multiparous, excluding pregnant women and those in perpurium period in addition to those who underwent previous POP surgery. The data collected by using standardized POP-Q system and the results were analyzed using SPSS computer software version 23.0, Chi-square test; the results were considered significant at p<0.05. 510 women participated in this study aged between 15-80 years. The prevalence of POP was 90.2% in general. The POP rates for 372 cases who have delivered vaginally and 88 cases with cesarean section operation deliveries were 92.1% and 77.3%, respectively. Generally among those 90.2% of the cases who have prolapse, 32.9% have only anterior vaginal wall prolapse, 2% of them have only posterior vaginal wall prolapse, 52.9% have both anterior and posterior vaginal wall prolapse and 2.4% have all the types of prolapse at the same time (anterior, posterior and uterine). The overall distribution of POP stages were: stage zero (9.8%), 1 st stage (26.3%), 2 nd stage (39.2%), 3 rd stage (1.2%), 4 th stage (2.4%) and (21.2%) have combined stage of prolapse (1 st and 2 nd stage in those who have anterior and posterior type prolapse together at the same time). Findings of the study showed that POP is very common among women and is more so among those women who delivered vaginally than those delivered by cesarean section; those who delivered by cesarean section have a fewer degree of prolapse. The common type of prolapse was anterior vaginal prolapse and 2 nd stage prolapse was the prevailed one. The most important risk factors were age, a high number of vaginal deliveries, occupation, history of an overweight baby, short birth gap space and low social economic state.

Results of a nationwide survey on practice patterns of Canadian obstetricians and gynaecologists regarding the mode of delivery after pelvic floor surgery

It is not uncommon to be challenged with the dilemma of deciding the best mode of delivery in a patient with a history of previous pelvic floor surgery. We hypothesized that the trend would be a predilection towards cesarean section delivery in the context of a previous pelvic floor surgery, especially amongst Urogynaecologists. A nation-wide survey was sent through the Society of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of Canada to all physician members to assess the practice patterns regarding the preferred mode of delivery after pelvic floor surgery. A hundred and three members replied. Forty-seven percent would recommend a cesarean section (CS) when pregnant after a previous midurethral sling (MUS), 27.2 % would allow vaginal delivery, 10.7 % would not be affected in their decision by the MUS, 9.7 % would strongly advise against pregnancy and 4.9 % would suggest a cesarean section with a sterilization procedure. With a history of previous pelvic organ prolapse surgery (POP), 54.4 % would suggest a CS when pregnant, 21.4 % would strongly advise against pregnancy and only 15.5 % would allow the patient to deliver vaginally. Urogynaecologists are significantly more likely to strongly advise a patient with a previous MUS against pregnancy, compared to their peers practicing general obstetrics and gynaecology (OBGYN) (p = 0.04) or maternal fetal medicine (MFM) (p = 0.05). Larger studies and clear guidelines advising physicians to the optimum mode of delivery following a history of previous pelvic floor surgery are strongly needed.

Anatomical Cystocele Recurrence: Development and Internal Validation of a Prediction Model.

To develop a prediction model that estimates the risk of anatomical cystocele recurrence after surgery. The databases of two multicenter prospective cohort studies were combined, and we performed a retrospective secondary analysis of these data. Women undergoing an anterior colporrhaphy without mesh materials and without previous pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgery filled in a questionnaire, underwent translabial three-dimensional ultrasonography, and underwent staging of POP preoperatively and postoperatively. We developed a prediction model using multivariable logistic regression and internally validated it using standard bootstrapping techniques. The performance of the prediction model was assessed by computing indices of overall performance, discriminative ability, calibration, and its clinical utility by computing test characteristics. Of 287 included women, 149 (51.9%) had anatomical cystocele recurrence. Factors included in the prediction model were assisted delivery, preoperative cystocele stage, number of compartments involved, major levator ani muscle defects, and levator hiatal area during Valsalva. Potential predictors that were excluded after backward elimination because of high P values were age, body mass index, number of vaginal deliveries, and family history of POP. The shrinkage factor resulting from the bootstrap procedure was 0.91. After correction for optimism, Nagelkerke's R and the Brier score were 0.15 and 0.22, respectively. This indicates satisfactory model fit. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the prediction model was 71.6% (95% confidence interval 65.7-77.5). After correction for optimism, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 69.7%. This prediction model, including history of assisted delivery, preoperative stage, number of compartments, levator defects, and levator hiatus, estimates the risk of anatomical cystocele recurrence.

Laparoscopic Management of Vaginal Vault Prolapse Recurring After Pelvic Organ Prolapse Surgery

Introduction: Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a high prevalent disease.1 Based on the prolapsed organ,2 we usually distinguish between rectocele, cystocele, uterovaginal prolapse, and vaginal vault prolapse (VVP), which commonly occurs following a hysterectomy.3 Many surgical approaches for POP have been described and analyzed,4 but there are few reports on the surgical management of recurring VVP after previous sacropexy (SP)5 or previous anti-POP surgery.6 The aim of the current video is to show some tips and tricks for a salvage SP. Materials and Methods: Current study prospectively includes patients with symptomatic recurrent VVP and previous anti-POP surgery who were treated with laparoscopic sacropexy (LS), approved by the audit committee. The same surgeon operated on all patients. The overall surgery time and time for the main surgical steps were analyzed. The video shows all the steps that are required for a proper LS. In general terms, the checklist for proper re-do SP included three steps: (1) creation of surgical space and restoration of pelvic anatomy avoiding injury to hollow organs (vagina, bladder, bowel); (2) careful preparation of sacral promontory and vaginal walls leaving in place previous mesh; (3) definitive anchorage of new meshes from vaginal walls to sacral promontory. Results and Conclusions: Twenty-two women were included (mean time before recurrence 23 months, range 13–32 months; mean postoperative follow-up 43.5 months). After open SP (8 patients), the dissection of diffuse adherences and restoration of normal anatomy was difficult and long because of the variable distribution of adhesions between bowel, sigmoid colon, peritoneal wall, and meshes. In all but one case, the original meshes were secured to the sacral promontory, presenting marked fibrosis between the meshes and meso-sigma. In seven cases, a weak mesh attachment to the vaginal walls was found, thus causing the recurrence of POP. In vaginal route surgery (14 patients: 10 Perigee, 4 levator-myorrhaphy), adhesions were limited to vaginal vault and sigmoid colon; in cases of mesh insertion, there was fibrosis between mesh and bladder, anteriorly, and peritoneal layer and sigma, posteriorly. In all cases, the new meshes were anchored over the previous meshes, without any particular difficulties. Regression analysis revealed differences according to overall operating time (longer in patients who had undergone SP vs vaginal route, p = 0.028), whereas the time for adhesiolysis approached statistical significance (p = 0.059). Time for vaginal wall preparation and mesh anchorage were similar between groups. An inadvertent, small cystotomy occurred in one case and the bladder was double layer sutured with polyglactin sutures, leaving an indwelling catheter for 5 days. No significant peri- or postoperative complications were observed, whereas one patient presented with vaginal erosion 4 months later, which was corrected by the vaginal route. At follow-up, only two patients presented irritative voiding symptoms; one patient suffered from obstructed defecation. No impact on sexual function was detected. In conclusion, in recurrent VVP, after hysterectomy and previous POP surgery, a very careful approach with LS is feasible, safe, and effective in centers with extensive experience and training. No competing financial interests exist. Runtime of video: 8 mins 55 secs