Uterovaginal Prolapse Research Articles

PRASRAMSINI YONIVYAPADA: A CRITICAL REVIEW

Prasramsini is one of the 20 Yonivyapada mentioned in Ayurveda classics. It was first explained as a Yonivyapada by Acharya Sushruta in Sushruta Samhita Uttartantra 38th chapter “Yonivyapada Prat-ishedha Adhyaya”. It is a condition in which there is displacement of Yoni from its place, excessive vaginal discharges, and difficult labor due to abnormality of passage along with features of Pitta vitiation. On the basis of its description, it can be co-related with 1st and 2nd degree utero-vaginal prolapse. Historical aspect, Nidana, Purvaroopa, Roopa, Saapeksha Nidana (with Mahayoni, Andini, Anatarmukhi, Vatiki yonivyapa-da) and Chikitsha (Shamana & Shodhana) of Prasramsini Yonivyapada is explained in detail in this article along with its possible contemporary correlation.

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.

The Risk of Primary Uterine and Cervical Cancer After Hysteropexy

The aim of the study was to determine the rate of subsequent uterine/cervical cancer after hysteropexy compared with hysterectomy with apical prolapse repair. The study used a retrospective cohort of women with uterovaginal prolapse using the Cerner Health Facts database between 2010 and 2018. We identified sacrospinous or uterosacral ligament suspensions or sacral colpopexy/hysteropexy and excluded those with previous hysterectomy. We used the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision and International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision codes for endometrial cancer/hyperplasia and cervical cancer and then reviewed each case, excluding those whose cancer existed at time of prolapse repair. Given that 0 cancer cases were identified, we used Wilson, Jeffreys, Agresti-Coull, Clopper-Pearson, and Rule of 3 to define 95% confidence intervals to estimate the highest possible rate of cancer in each cohort. A total of 8,927 patients underwent apical prolapse surgery. Of 4,510 with uterovaginal prolapse, 755 (16.7%) underwent hysteropexy. Seventy one with hysterectomy and 5 with hysteropexy had codes for subsequent gynecologic cancer but were excluded on further review. This left 0 gynecologic cancer cases with the largest 95% confidence interval of 0%-0.61% for hysteropexy versus 0%-0.13% for hysterectomy (P > 0.05). The hysteropexy cohort was older (62.6 years vs 57.3 years, P < 0.0001), more likely to have public insurance (51.0% vs 37.9%, P < 0.0001), and less likely to smoke (4.5% vs 7.6%, P = 0.0026). Median follow-up was longer after hysteropexy (1,480 days vs 1,164 days, P < 0.0009). We can say with 95% certainty that uterine or cervical cancer will develop after hysteropexy in fewer than 0.61% of women, which was not different if hysterectomy was performed. This should be included in preoperative counseling for hysteropexy. Studying longer follow-up after hysteropexy may capture more cases of subsequent cancer development.

Formal institutional guidelines promotes the vaginal approach to hysterectomy in patients with benign disease and non-prolapsed uterus

ObjectivesThis study was undertaken at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital to determine if the use of formal guidelines and a standardised surgical technique would increase the rate of vaginal hysterectomy (VH) and result in an overall decline in open abdominal hysterectomy (AH). Study DesignAll women admitted between July 2001 and December 2014 for hysterectomy due to benign conditions, meeting the guidelines criteria (vaginally accessible uterus, uterus ≤ 12 weeks size or ≤ 280 g on ultrasound examination and pathology confined to the uterus) were included. The surgical route was determined using the Unit surgical decision tree algorithm. In cases where the pathology was not confined to the uterus or success in VH was uncertain, laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) was performed. The VH procedures were performed by the residents in training, under the supervision of specialists with large experience in vaginal surgery. In addition to the patient characteristics and surgical approach to hysterectomy, length of hospital stay, intra-operative and immediate post-operative complications were also recorded and analysed. ResultsA year before the initiation of the study, the percentage of all VHs undertaken in the Department was 9.8 % (mainly performed for utero-vaginal prolapse). During the study period, 1143 vaginal procedures (1017 VHs and 126 LAVHs) were performed. The most common indications were cervical dysplasia, uterine fibroids, dysmenorrhoea or abnormal uterine bleeding, adenomyosis, endometrial hyperplasia and chronic pelvic pain. Introducing a formal clinical decision tree algorithm and a standardised surgical technique resulted in an increase in the rate of VH to 48.4 % and overall decline in open AH from 91.2%–51.6%. Thus, the VH/AH ratio increased from 1/9 at the beginning of the study (July 2001) to 1/1 by its end (December 2014). In all cases, VH was performed without the need to convert the vaginal to the abdominal route. ConclusionThe use of institutional guidelines for determining the hysterectomy route and a standardised VH technique resulted in an increased number of performed VHs. This provided an essential opportunity for residents to acquire, improve and maintain the skills required to safely perform VH.

Perioperative Adverse Events in Women Undergoing Vaginal Prolapse Repair With Uterine Preservation Versus Concurrent Hysterectomy: A Matched Cohort Study.

The objective of this study is to compare the incidence of perioperative adverse events (AEs) in women undergoing vaginal prolapse repair with uterine preservation (hysteropexy) versus concurrent hysterectomy. This was a retrospective matched cohort study between 2012 and 2019. Patients who received a sacrospinous or uterosacral hysteropexy or colpopexy with hysterectomy were matched by surgeon, surgical year, and age. The electronic medical record was queried for demographic and perioperative data. Strict definitions were used for all clinically relevant AEs. One hundred and thirty hysteropexy (89 sacrospinous, 41 uterosacral) patients were matched to 260 concurrent hysterectomy (6 sacrospinous, 253 uterosacral, 1 both) patients. Mean age and body mass index were 58 years (±13 years) and 27.9 kg/m2 (±6 kg/m2). Compared with hysteropexy, cases with hysterectomy were longer, had higher blood loss, and a longer hospital stay. The overall incidence of AEs was 29.0% for concurrent hysterectomy versus 10.5% in hysteropexy cases (P = 0.02); on logistic regression, concurrent hysterectomy remained a statistically significant predictor of AEs, with an adjusted odds ratio of 4.03 (95% confidence interval, 1.48-11.01). There was no difference in Dindo grade 3 complications between concurrent hysterectomy and hysteropexy procedures (0.8% vs 1.3%, P = 0.12). In a subanalysis examining the 2 hysteropexy types, there were no significant differences in AEs. The overall incidence of serious AEs is low in women with uterovaginal prolapse undergoing vaginal native tissue repair with or without hysterectomy. Vaginal hysteropexy is associated with lower odds of experiencing AEs, shorter operating times, a shorter length of stay, and less blood loss.

Melanosis of the Uterine Cervix: A Rare Case Report

Cervical melanosis is a rare entity in the spectrum of melanocytic lesions of uterine cervix. Melanosis is defined as presence of melanocytes in the basal layer of squamous epithelium causing hyperpigmentation. Authors here by report a case of 57-year-old female who underwent vaginal hysterectomy for third degree utero-vaginal prolapse, showed an incidental gross pathological finding of brownish macular lesion. Histopathological examination showed hyperpigmentation of basal layer without increase in melanocytes. On immunohistochemical examination, basal melanocytes were highlighted by S-100 and HMB 45 immunostains. Thus final diagnosis of cervical melanosis was made. Clinical differentials of cervical pigmented melanocytic lesions include cervical melanomas, blue nevi, congenital or traumatic lesions and melanosis, hence vigilant clinical, gross pathological examination and biopsy is warranted.

Feasibility of Prophylactic Bilateral Salphingectomy during Vaginal Hysterectomy- A Prospective Longitudinal Cohort Study

Introduction: Fallopian tubes are not commonly removed during vaginal hysterectomy because of inadequate surgical training or fear of increased morbidity. Aim: The primary objective of this study was to estimate the proportion of planned bilateral salpingectomies successfully completed vaginally. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective, interventional longitudinal cohort study conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at ESI, PGIMSR, Basaidarapur, New Delhi. From December 2018 to November 2019, all women undergoing vaginal hysterectomy for benign conditions were offered prophylactic salpingectomy. Operative time, blood loss and reason for non completion for salpingectomy were recorded. Patients were followed-up for six weeks. Statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 17.0. Continuous variables were described with mean and the categorical variables were described with frequencies and percentages. Results: Thirty-five patients were enrolled in the study. The most common indications for vaginal hysterectomy for benign conditions included uterovaginal prolapse in 21 (60%) patients and adenomyosis and fibroids in 10 (30%) and 4 (10%) patients respectively. Of the 35 patients, vaginal salpingectomy was successful in 31 (88.5%) patients. Factors which led to non completion of salpingectomy were pelvic adhesions and atrophic ovaries in 2 (5.7%) patients each. Mean operating time for bilateral vaginal salpingectomy was 14.05±2.75 minutes. Mean Estimated Blood Loss (EBL) for bilateral salpingectomy was 19.86±6.88 mL. Conclusion: Bilateral prophylactic salpingectomy with vaginal hysterectomy for benign conditions is feasible in most of the patients. Routine salpingectomy should be offered to women undergoing vaginal hysterectomy for benign conditions to prevent risk of ovarian carcinoma in future.

Acute spondylodiscitis - A rare presentation of sacrocolpopexy complicated with chronic left iliac fossa discharging sinus

Spondylodiscitis following sacrocolopopexy is a rare complication. Many cases of spondylodiscitis are preceded by infection elsewhere, most commonly the genitourinary tract. Inadvertent placement of bone anchors into the L5-S1 disc space likely results in an L5-S1 inflammatory process with infection often tracking along the suspension sutures attached to the bone anchors. Commonly onset of spondylodiscitis is in <1 year of index surgery (average 4 months) but is reported as late as 8 years. However, the patient presenting with chronic discharging sinus (6 years) and acute spondylodiscitis following sacrocolpopexy is not reported in the literature to the best of our knowledge. To report a case of lumbosacral (L5-S1) discitis in a patient who had a discharging sinus at the left iliac fossa following a sacral colpopexy procedure 6 years back. A 44-year-old female underwent laparoscopic sacral colpopexy for uterovaginal prolapse approximately 6 years back. Approximately 4 months after the surgery, she had abdominal pain and fever, followed by discharge from the left iliac fossa. She presented to the spine surgery outpatient department with severe back pain and difficulty in walking for the last 2 weeks. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed L5-S1 spondylodiscitis. She was managed collectively by a spine surgeon, gynecologist, and gastro surgeon. The principal aims of surgery are to debride infected disc tissue, which is avascular, and excision of the sinus tract along with the removal of the sling along with its anchor. To minimize L5-S1 spondylodiscitis during sacrocolpopexy, it is recommended to start the presacral dissection at the sacral promontory, which generally lies just below the steep lumbosacral angle.

Prospective Evaluation of Outcomes of Mechanical Devices in Women with Symptomatic Pelvic Organ Prolapse in Ogbomoso, South-Western Nigeria

Background: Symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse (POP) impacts the sufferers’ quality of life negatively. There is a preference for a mechanical device in certain conditions though the definitive management of POP is surgical. Objectives: We conducted the study to evaluate the outcome of management of POP using mechanical devices. Methods: It was a prospective study. It took place in the gynecology unit of the Bowen University Teaching Hospital Ogbomoso between May 2014 and April 2019. We followed up with eligible patients who opted for pessary use for a median duration of 18 months (Range 12 - 84 months). We excluded those who refuse to participate in the study. Results: Of the 127 patients with symptomatic POP, seventy-five (59.1%) opted for the use of mechanical devices, and 70 successfully retained them four weeks after insertion. We lost Six (9.2%) patients to follow up. Of the 64 women included in the analysis, 16 (25%) discontinued use at some point after four weeks, whereas 36 (56.3%) used the pessary successfully throughout the follow-up period. Overall, 12.1% of the women experienced minor complications (6.9% pain or discomfort, 3.2% excoriation or bleeding, and 2.0% dis-impaction or constipation). After cessation of pessary use, 12 (25%) of the 48 women chose surgery, and 10 (20.8%) chose no further treatment. Conclusion: This study concluded that pessary use for pelvic organ prolapse is safe in low resource settings. Therefore, it is justifiable to offer pessaries in the initial management of uterovaginal prolapse to all patients who opt for conservative management and those awaiting surgery.

PCN site myiasis: a rarity

A 38-year-old woman was referred to us as a case of uterovaginal prolapse with bilateral obstructive uropathy. On local examination, she was found to have fullness and tenderness in her...

Uterine Prolapse: The Other Exceptional Complication of Spina Bifida in Newborns

Introduction: Spina bifida is the most common neural tube defect. Uterine prolapse is an exceptional presentation of its complications. We aim to describe the clinical and progressive features of uterine prolapse in a newborn baby with spina bifida. Observation: 19-day-old newborn. Admitted for spina bifida. The clinical examination showed an anal gaping, the presence of uterovaginal prolapse and bilateral equine varus clubfoot. The particularity was that this prolapse had a spontaneous resolution but appears with screams. We made a compression bandage at the time of resolution. After a 6-month of follow-up, the baby is in good general condition and, there is no recurrence of the prolapse. Conclusion: Uterine prolapse is a rare complication of spina bifida. The main therapeutic component remains the prevention of spina bifida.

Extraperitoneal high vaginal cuff suspension at the time of vaginal hysterectomy for advanced uterovaginal prolapse: Results of a modified McCall technique from a longitudinal clinical study.

Women with high-grade uterovaginal prolapse have a greater risk of recurrent prolapse after pelvic organ prolapse surgery. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists guidelines have recommended sacrospinous suspension (sacrospinous fixation) at the time of vaginal hysterectomy, whenever there is a marked uterovaginal prolapse. We have modified the McCall culdoplasty by placing sutures extraperitoneally, higher and more lateral into the uterosacral/cardinal ligaments to re-support the vaginal cuff at the time of a vaginal hysterectomy. To evaluate the results of a modified technique of McCall high culdoplasty and native tissue repair at time of vaginal hysterectomy in women with advanced uterovaginal prolapse. Longitudinal clinical follow-up conducted between 2000-2018, in a tertiary urogynaecology centre for patients presenting with stage 3-4 uterovaginal prolapse, who underwent vaginal hysterectomy and modified McCall vault suspension. There were 176 cases meeting the inclusion criteria. Mean follow-up was 19.35months. There were 25 recurrences (14%) of ≥stage 2 (76% not symptomatic). Twelve of these recurrences (48%) occurred in anterior compartment, six (25%) posterior, three (12%) combined anterior/posterior, two (8%) combined posterior/central and one case had recurrence in all compartments. Only six cases (3%) required another surgical procedure for symptomatic prolapse, all with an enterocele recurrence. Our described modified McCall technique incorporates high extraperitoneal approach to apical resuspension along with closure of any existing large hiatal defects of the levator plate at the time of vaginal hysterectomy for advanced uterine prolapse has excellent outcomes and extremely low complication rates and avoids the need for sacrospinous fixation.

Short and middle‐term outcomes of vaginally assisted laparoscopic sacropolpopexy

AbstractObjectiveVaginally assisted laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (VALS), which is a combined surgical approach where a vaginal hysterectomy is initially performed, followed by transvaginal placement of synthetic mesh and laparoscopic suspension, can be an alternative to overcome the dissection, suturing limitations of laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy. The aim of this study was to compare the operative times and middle‐term anatomic outcomes of women with uterovaginal prolapse undergoing VALS with those of women undergoing abdominal sacrocolpopexy.MethodsThis is a prospective cohort study that evaluates operation times, anesthesia times, estimated blood loss, middle‐term outcomes, perioperative and postoperative complications. We compared the results of 47 women who had the VALS to that of 32 abdominal sacrocolpopexy (AS).ResultsThe mean follow up was 22.4 months for AS group and 20.5 months for VALS group. The VALS group (median 1 day) had shorter hospitalization duration than the AS group (median 3 days). The mean operation time was significantly shorter in the VALS group (125.9 minutes) than the AS group (151.9 minutes) (P = .03). There was no significant difference in perioperative and postoperative complication rates. Objective failure rate (8.5% in VALS, 15.6% in AS), subjective failure rates (6.4% in VALS, 9.4% in AS), recurrence (2.1% in VALS, 9.4% in AS) and mesh exposition rates (2.1% in VALS, 9.4% in AS) were similar in both procedures.ConclusionsVALS with shorter operative time and hospitalization than conventional AS is a promising modification minimally invasive technique for sacrocolpopexy especially for those inexperienced in laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy.

Prevalence of Hysterectomy among Gynecological Surgeries in a Tertiary Care Hospital.

Hysterectomy is the most common gynecological procedure. Over the last decade, the minimally invasive approach has been practiced more frequently. Fibroid uterus being the most common indication for hysterectomy justifies this minimal approach, however, whenever feasible, vaginal hysterectomy can be the preferred route. The objective of this study was to find out the prevalence and indication of hysterectomy among major gynecological surgeries in a tertiary care hospital. A descriptive cross-sectional study was done at a tertiary care hospital among 1912 patients who had major gynecological surgeries from January 2017 to December 2019. Ethical clearance was obtained from the institutional review committee (ref. no. ACD 935/076/077). Convenient sampling was used. Statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 21.0. Point estimate at 95% Confidence Interval was calculated along with frequency and proportion for binary data. During the study period, there were 1,912 major gynecological surgeries and the prevalence of hysterectomy was 1,131 (59.15%) (56.94-61.35 at 95% Confidence Interval). Fibroid uterus was the most common clinical indication for hysterectomy which was done in 397 (35.10%) patients, followed by uterovaginal prolapse in 254 (22.46) patients, adnexal mass in 210 (18.56%), and abnormal uterine bleeding in 117 (10.34%) patients. Hysterectomy, being the most common gynecological surgery, selection of the most appropriate route is of paramount importance. As for any other surgery, it is not without complication and hysterectomy should always be justified. With the advancement in the conservative approaches, these organ-preserving options should be explored rigorously before opting for hysterectomy.

Native tissue sacrospinous hysteropexy from an anterior approach.

The goal of urogynecologic surgeons is to pair patients with the most appropriate and effective surgery. Sacrospinous hysteropexy has become an increasingly utilized surgical option for uterovaginal prolapse repair. The primary aim of this video is to highlight the role that sacrospinous hysteropexy can have in prolapse repair and to demonstrate an anterior approach for this procedure. We performed a literature review to provide general information on the efficacy, risks, and comparative benefits of sacrospinous hysteropexy. Our video demonstrates the key steps in performing a sacrospinous hysteropexy procedure from an anterior approach including method of dissection, suture fixation to the sacrospinous ligament, and cervical suspension. Sacrospinous hysteropexy has generally been found to be an effective option for uterovaginal prolapse repair in properly selected patients. The demonstrated approach integrates sacrospinous ligament fixation with an anterior colporrhaphy. Data and experience to date on sacrospinous hysteropexy are largely based on a posterior approach for access to the sacrospinous ligament. This surgical video demonstrates an anterior approach to sacrospinous hysteropexy that is not well characterized in the literature.

Successful Management of Uterovaginal Prolapse During the Second Trimester of Pregnancy Using Vaginal Pessary: A Case Report

Successful Management of Uterovaginal Prolapse During the Second Trimester of Pregnancy Using Vaginal Pessary: A Case Report

Prospective analysis of transvaginal mesh hysteropexy in the treatment of uterine prolapse.

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of using transvaginal mesh to correct uterine prolapse by hysteropexy. This was a single-center, prospective study of 40 subjects with bothersome uterine prolapse. Inclusion criteria were bothersome perception of a vaginal bulge on Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory short form (PFDI-20) and having a Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification System (POP-Q) point C of -2 or worse. Exclusionary criteria included inability to consent, history of pelvic malignancies, or any prior prolapse repair. Eligible subjects were treated with transvaginal mesh hysteropexy between March 2016 and July 2018 for a primary outcome of composite success, which was defined by a POP-Q point C value of -2 or higher, PFDI-20 question 3 indicating no bothersome perception of prolapse, and no retreatment. Secondary outcomes included responses to condition-specific and quality-of-life questionnaires, satisfaction/regret, and complications. Transvaginal mesh hysteropexy was performed in 40 subjects. The majority (68%) had advanced stage (III/IV) uterine prolapse. At a median follow-up of 12months, there was an 84% composite success, and considering only anatomic criteria (POP-Q point C < -1), there was a 92% success. No subject required reintervention for recurrent or persistent uterine prolapse. There were no cases of mesh exposures. In terms of safety, one subject required a blood transfusion for symptomatic anemia (Clavien-Dindo grade II), and one subject reported de novo dyspareunia from a perineal band that was released in office at 6 months (grade IIIa), but otherwise there were no serious immediate or late complications. There were significant improvements in both condition-specific and quality-of-life assessments from baseline. Subject satisfaction and acceptance for the procedure were high. In this single-center case series of 40 women with bothersome uterovaginal prolapse, transvaginal mesh hysteropexy appears safe and effective for correcting advanced stage uterine prolapse at the short term. A future multicenter controlled trial would be needed to determine efficacy against native tissue repair.

Unanticipated Uterine and Cervical Malignancy in Women Undergoing Hysterectomy for Uterovaginal Prolapse.

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of unanticipated uterine cancer and cervical cancer in women undergoing hysterectomy for uterovaginal prolapse. Using data from the 2015-2018 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program, we identified adult women who underwent a hysterectomy with a concurrent procedure for uterovaginal prolapse. Patients who underwent a radical hysterectomy or had other procedures or diagnoses suggestive of preoperatively suspected or known gynecologic cancer were excluded. Our outcome measures were pathology-confirmed diagnoses of uterine cancer and cervical cancer. Bivariate statistical tests and multivariable logistic regression were used to identify patient characteristics associated with the likelihood of having unanticipated uterine cancer. Among 9,687 patients meeting the sample eligibility criteria (median age, 60 years), 51 (0.53%; 95% confidence interval, 0.39%-0.69%) had a diagnosis of uterine cancer. Forty-three (84.3%) were stage I-IB. Multivariable logistic regression showed that older age (adjusted odds ratio, 2.75; 95% confidence interval, 1.47-5.51, for age >60 vs 41-60 years) and uterine weight greater than 250 g (adjusted odds ratio, 4.34; 95% confidence interval, 1.48-10.79) were associated with a significantly higher likelihood of having unexpected uterine malignancy. In addition, in a subsample of 7,908 patients who underwent a total hysterectomy, 7 (0.09%; 95% confidence interval, 0.04%-0.18%) had a diagnosis of cervical cancer. The risk of unexpected uterine cancer and cervical cancer in women undergoing hysterectomy for uterovaginal prolapse was relatively low but should be appropriately considered when counseling patients desiring uterine- or cervix-sparing procedures.

Oxidative stress markers in patient-derived non-cancerous cervical tissues and cells

High-risk human papillomaviruses (HPV) are the causative agents of cervical cancer. However, not all infected women develop cervical cancer. Cervical tumorigenesis is characterized by a multifactorial etiology, with oxidative stress (OS) likely playing a major role. In addition to exogenous sources, metabolic processes also contribute to OS. In principle, variability in levels of cervical OS has the potential to influence the likelihood of conversion to cervical cancer. To ask whether such variability indeed existed, we assessed the levels of ROS and the oxidative DNA damage biomarker 8-oxodG in normal non-cancerous cervical tissues and cells obtained from women with uterovaginal pelvic organ prolapse following vaginal hysterectomy. We demonstrated five and ten-fold variability between tissues isolated from the transformation zone (TZ) and ectocervix (EC) of different women, respectively. Despite the greater variability (likely due to differences in tissue composition), the overall pattern of ROS levels in EC tissues mirrored those obtained in their corresponding TZ tissues. Our results also show that the levels of ROS in TZ tissues were always higher than or equal to those found in the respective EC tissues, providing a possible explanation for TZ tissue being the primary target for HPV infection and cervical carcinogenesis. Interestingly, primary keratinocytes isolated and cultured from these cervical specimens also displayed high variability in ROS levels, with some strongly mirroring the levels of ROS observed in their corresponding tissues, while others were less closely associated. Finally, we demonstrated that the levels of DNA damage mirrored the levels of ROS in the cultured primary cells. Understanding the factors and mechanisms that dispose certain individuals to develop cervical cancer has the potential to enable the development of approaches that make the conversion of HPV infection to cancer development even more rare.

The Austrian Sacrocolpopexy Registry: Surgical Techniques, Perioperative Safety, and Complications

Sacrocolpopexy (SCP) has become the standard procedure to correct uterovaginal prolapse in women, but techniques and approaches are not standardized. We report the results of the Austrian Sacrocolpopexy Registry, which aimed to collect data on surgical techniques and perioperative outcomes. The Austrian Urogynecology Working Group initiated a registry to assess surgical variability and perioperative safety of SCP. The study was performed at 14 centers (13 in Austria,1 in Switzerland). Institutional review board approvals were obtained. Consecutive patients with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse (POP). SCP in the course of routine POP treatment. Preoperative assessment included demographic data, clinical data on bladder, and bowel functions and POP-Q status. Surgical data included surgical approach (open, laparoscopic, robotic), type of mesh, depth of dissection, nerve sparing techniques, suture materials, uterus or cervix-sparing techniques, peritoneal closure, and concomitant surgeries. A total of 401 patients were recruited into the study. The mean age was 57 years (range: 26-84) and mean body mass index was 34. A total of 137 (34%) patients had undergone previous surgery for prolapse and in 264 cases SCP was the primary procedure. A total of 170 (42%) patients had undergone previous hysterectomy; For patients with uterus, SCP was performed with subtotal (n = 148) or total (n = 3) hysterectomy. A total of 285 (71%) SCPs were done laparoscopically, 102 (25%) robotically and 10 (3%) per laparotomy. The conversion rate from laparoscopy to abdominal surgery was 4.5%. Various meshes and suture materials were used and fixation techniques also varied widely. Four patients underwent reoperation within 30 days (2 trocar herniations, and 1 bowel obstruction, 1 compartment syndrome). One patient died of aortic dissection 7 days after SCP. Most SCPs in this registry were performed laparoscopically, but there was considerable variation in surgical techniques. Perioperative morbidity appears modest.