Use of Foley catheter for management of neonatal genital prolapse: case report and review of the literature

Congenital vaginouterine prolapse is a rare condition occurring in neonates and is usually associated with spinal cord malformations in about 80% of cases. Several modalities of treatment have been described for neonatal genital prolapse (NGP). Conservative treatment in the form of simple digital reduction, usage of a pessary or other self-retaining device is usually sufficient to treat this condition, which is self-limiting and regressive. The authors report a new simple and effective method of conservative treatment that uses a Foley catheter to achieve permanent correction of this condition. A review of the literature regarding this uncommon condition is also provided.

[Treatment of patients with urogenital prolapse and urine incontinence]

Treatment outcomes are reviewed for 58 females aged 36 to 54 years with genital prolapse (GP) and urine incontinence (UI): colpoptosis (n=44), incomplete falling of the womb (n=14), UI type IIa (n=36), UI type IIb (n=22). All the patients received surgical treatment. Preoperative biological biofeedback-therapy was used. It resulted in a considerable reduction of detrusoric unstability. The operative treatment combined suburethral sling (TVT technique) with consolidation of the pelvic diaphragm. The operation reestablished anatomo-topographic vesico-urethral correlations providing transmission of high abdominal pressure on the urinary bladder and urethra. This stopped urine loss. Efficacy of the technique was proved by clinical and device tests.

How to approach common urogynaecological problems?

Urogynaecology is dedicated to the treatment of women with pelvic floor dysfunction such as urinary orfecal incontinence and prolapse (bulging or falling) of the vagina, bladder and/or the uterus. Pelvic organ prolapse simply means displacement from the normal position. On average, 11% of women will undergo surgery for this condition. Pelvic organ prolapse quantification system (POP-Q) is an objective, site-specific system for describing the anatomic position that can be used to determine the stage of the prolapse. Urinary incontinence (leakage of urine) is a very common condition affecting at least 10-20% of women under age 65 and up to 56% of women over the age of 65. The most common subtypes of urinary incontinence are (1) stress urinary incontinence (SUI) ; (2) urge urinary incontinence (UUI) ; and (3) mixed urinary incontinence (MUI). Patients presenting with symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse or incontinence should undergo a thorough medical evaluation consisting of a targeted history (include bladder diary or voiding diary), physical examination, urinalysis and urine culture, and postvoid residual volume (PVRV) by pelvic ultrasound. Treatment options for patients with pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence are nonsurgical (lifestyle interventions, pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation, and pessary placement) and surgical management.

Posterior pelvic floor compartment disorders

Posterior pelvic floor compartment disorders generally refer to functional anorectal disturbances that by definition are symptom-based rather than anatomical defect-based and have a significant impact on quality of life. Symptoms attributed to the posterior compartment are often non-specific and associated with structural, neuromuscular and functional defects giving rise to symptoms of prolapse, pelvic pressure, faecal incontinence, stool trapping and constipation. They may range from mild to incapacitating and occur in varying combinations. While symptoms of constipation and incontinence may conceptually represent the opposing extremes of normal anorectal function, the dynamic interrelationships between the different pathophysiological mechanisms involved in the development of these disorders suggest a more complex explanation. Faecal continence and defecation are dependent on several neurological and anatomical factors that involve coordinated physiological processes, including intestinal transit and absorption, colonic transit, rectal compliance, anorectal sensation and continence mechanism. However, it is well recognized that pelvic floor symptoms originating from one compartment do not imply absent pathology in another compartment. Furthermore, symptoms associated with one disorder (such as constipation related to functional obstructed defecation) can be causative in the sequential development of other pelvic floor disorders, such as a urogenital prolapse syndrome, that may further exacerbate symptoms. In addition, it has been found that treatment that corrects one problem may improve, worsen or even predispose to other symptoms from another compartment. Consequently, while the concept of global pelvic floor dysfunction has emerged, the traditional single speciality referral and evaluation of pelvic floor problems continues to foster potentially segregated management strategies that can overlook the relevance of concomitant symptomatology. The evaluation and treatment of posterior pelvic compartment disorders needs to assume an individualized but multidisciplinary therapeutic approach. Given the variation in surgical approaches described to correct anatomical integrity of posterior pelvic compartment deficits, the consensus on optimal management has yet to be achieved. Therefore, it is critical that outcome measures following surgery are clearly defined. Treatment is to a great extent dictated to by functional severity and the impact that symptoms have on quality of life. Long-term follow-up should ensure that the potential for complications is minimized and satisfactory bowel, bladder and sexual function is maintained.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Pelvic organ prolapse, including anterior and posterior vaginal prolapse, uterine prolapse, and enterocele, is a common group of clinical conditions affecting millions of American women. This article, designed for the practicing clinician, highlights the clinical importance of prolapse, its pathophysiology, and approaches to diagnosis and therapy. Prolapse encompasses a range of disorders, from asymptomatic altered vaginal anatomy to complete vaginal eversion associated with severe urinary, defecatory, and sexual dysfunction. The pathophysiology of prolapse is multifactorial and may operate under a "multiple-hit" process in which genetically susceptible women are exposed to life events that ultimately result in the development of clinically important prolapse. The evaluation of women with prolapse requires a comprehensive approach, with attention to function in all pelvic compartments based on a detailed patient history, physical examination, and limited testing. Although prolapse is associated with many symptoms, few are specific for prolapse; it is often challenging for the clinician to determine which symptoms are attributable to the prolapse itself and will therefore improve or resolve once the prolapse is treated. When treatment is warranted based on specific symptoms, prolapse management choices fall into 2 broad categories: nonsurgical, which includes pelvic floor muscle training and pessary use; and surgical, which can be reconstructive (eg, sacral colpopexy) or obliterative (eg, colpocleisis). Concomitant symptoms require additional management. Virtually all women with prolapse can be treated and their symptoms improved, even if not completely resolved.

Incarceration of a retroflexed, gravid uterus from severe uterine prolapse: a case report

BACKGROUND

Acute urinary retention as a result of incarceration of a retroflexed, gravid uterus is a known phenomenon. However, prolapse as a risk factor has not been previously described.

CASE

A 40-year-old woman, gravida 4, para 2, with an intrauterine gestation of 19 weeks presented to the emergency room complaining of inability to void for the previous 12 hours and difficulty voiding and constipation for the previous 6 weeks. She had a history significant for stage III uterine prolapse in early pregnancy. Foley catheterization yielded 800 mL of urine, and an examination revealed a retroflexed uterus. The cervix was displaced anteriorly behind the pubic symphysis. Ultrasound confirmed these findings and the presence of a viable gestation. The uterus was successfully manually displaced under epidural anesthesia. The patient was able to void without difficulty after uterine displacement.

CONCLUSION

Incarceration of a retroflexed uterus should be considered in the differential diagnosis in any woman who presents with voiding difficulty in the late first or second trimester. Uterine prolapse is a risk factor for incarceration of a retroflexed uterus. Epidural anesthesia should be considered for a patient if manual uterine displacement cannot be performed successfully without anesthesia.

Vaginal pessaries in managing women with pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence: patient characteristics and factors contributing to success

OBJECTIVE

An aging population has resulted in higher prevalence of urinary incontinence (UI) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP). This study examines a nurse-run clinic and analyzes the factors contributing to successful pessary use.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective chart review of 1,216 patients was completed. History, pelvic examination and pessary fitting was done. Data was analyzed utilizing a categorical model of maximum-likelihood estimation to investigate relationships.

RESULTS

Median patient age was 63 years. Median number of pessaries tried was two. Eighty-five percent of post-menopausal women were on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) prior to fitting. Highest success rate of 78% was in the group on both systemic and local HRT. Success rates ranged from 58% for urge incontinence to 83% for uterine prolapse. Prior vaginal surgery was a factor impacting success. In our series highest success rates for fitting were obtained with ring pessaries, ring with support, and gellhorns.

CONCLUSIONS

This model is a viable, option for the conservative management of UI and POP. Local HRT plays an important role in successful pessary fitting. Complications are rare.

Uterine prolapse in pregnancy

We present a case of a patient developing uterine prolapse during pregnancy. The cervix reached the introitus at 10 weeks gestation and subsequently protruted progressively as the pregnancy advanced. The patient was conservatively treated with bed rest and the main maternal and fetal risks are avoided. At 4 months postpartum follow-up there was no evidence of uterine prolapse.

Pessary Treatment of Pelvic Relaxation

OBJECTIVES

The aims of this study were to determine predictors of successful pessary fitting and continued pessary use in patients with pelvic relaxation.

DESIGN

Retrospective observational study.

SETTING AND SUBJECTS

The medical records of 130 consecutive patients evaluated for pessary treatment of pelvic relaxation by a single specially trained nurse practitioner (CRJ) at Kaiser Foundation Hospital, Harbor City, Calif, between May 1, 1997, and June 30, 2002, were retrospectively reviewed.

INSTRUMENTS

Voiding diaries, data collection sheet, and questionnaires.

METHODS

The medical records of the 130 patients were retrospectively reviewed, and data were recorded on data collection sheets. Patients using pessaries completed a questionnaire to assess treatment effectiveness.

RESULTS

Coexisting stress urinary incontinence and previous prolapse and cystocele/rectocele repairs were each found to be independent predictors of unsuccessful pessary fitting. Fifty percent of successfully fitted patients had discontinued pessary use by 24 months. Current pessary users were more likely to have undergone prior pelvic reconstructive surgery (37% vs 13%, P = .02), less likely to require a space-filling pessary (13% vs 37%, P = .03), and more likely to recommend pessary to their friends or family (87% vs 50%, P = .007) compared to patients who discontinued pessary use.

CONCLUSIONS

Prior pelvic reconstructive surgery is associated with an increased risk of unsuccessful pessary fitting; however, those patients who are successfully fitted tend to continue pessary use.

Factors which influence the short-term success of pessary management of pelvic organ prolapse

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to identify patient criteria which may affect the outcome of a pessary trial.

STUDY DESIGN

Records of 407 patients presenting with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse who had a trial of pessary management were reviewed. Success was defined both by the initial fitting as well as by whether the patient was using the pessary at the 3-week follow-up visit. Outcomes were compared using chi-square test, 2-sample Student t test, or the Wilcoxon rank sum test, as appropriate. Statistical analysis was carried out at a significance of .05.

RESULTS

One hundred sixty-eight patients (41%) were successfully fitted and continuing to use a pessary at the time of the 3-week follow-up visit. The likelihood of a successful pessary trial was significantly lower in subjects with a past history of hysterectomy (P<.001) or known reconstructive surgery for prolapse (P=.010). There was no association between the stage of prolapse and pessary trial outcome. There was no significance found in the relationship between the predominant location of support loss and the pessary trial outcome at the 3-week follow-up visit.

CONCLUSION

The type and severity of pelvic organ prolapse do not influence the likelihood of a successful pessary fitting, and should not be used as a basis on which to select patients for pessary management.

Pessary use in advanced pelvic organ prolapse

The objective of this study was to review our experience with pessary use for advanced pelvic organ prolapse. Charts of patients treated for Stage III and IV prolapse were reviewed. Comparisons were made between patients who tried or refused pessary use. A successful trial of pessary was defined by continued use; a failed trial was defined by a patient's discontinued use. Thirty-two patients tried a pessary; 45 refused. Patients who refused a pessary were younger, had lesser degree of prolapse, and more often had urinary incontinence. Most patients (62.5%) continued pessary use and avoided surgery. Unsuccessful trial of pessary resorting to surgery included four patients (33%) with unwillingness to maintain, three patients (25%) with inability to retain and two patients (17%) with vaginal erosion and/or discharge. Our findings suggest that pessary use is an acceptable first-line option for treatment of advanced pelvic organ prolapse.

The history and evolution of pessaries for pelvic organ prolapse

The use of pessaries for the treatment of genital prolapse dates back prior to the days of Hippocrates and their use has been documented in early Egyptian papyruses. Throughout the centuries remedies such as honey, hot oil, wine and fumes have been used as treatment. Mechanical methods included succussion and leg binding. Pomegranates were also common remedies. In the middle ages, linen and cotton wool soaked in many different potions were used. As new materials were discovered, pessaries evolved and began to resemble those used today. Cork and brass were soon replaced with rubber. Modern day pessaries are made of non-reactive silicone and come in various designs and sizes to suit each individual. Pessaries can be used as an interim measure for women who wish to complete childbearing or women awaiting surgery. It can also be used as a permanent measure for women who are unsuitable for surgery. It remains to be established whether the use of modern pessaries over prolonged periods of time can prevent progression of or even cure, prolapse.

The role of the nurse in the use of vaginal pessaries to treat pelvic organ prolapse and/or urinary incontinence: a literature review

The available literature between 1990 and 2004 was reviewed to determine if the nurse's role in the use of vaginal pessaries to treat pelvic organ prolapse and/or urinary incontinence is well defined. Forty-five articles were reviewed, including one written by a physician's assistant, two written by both a physician and a registered nurse, seven written by registered nurses, 34 written by physicians, and one unpublished manuscript. Nurses could make a valuable contribution to the bank of information available on the use of vaginal pessaries to treat stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse.

Survey of the characteristics and satisfaction degree of the patients using a pessary

The objective of this study was to evaluate characteristics, satisfaction degree, and problems of patients using a pessary for pelvic organ prolapse. A total of 104 patients who had been fitted with a pessary and available for follow-up for pelvic organ prolapse management were enrolled. The patients answered questions on general characteristics, indications for pessary use, complications from pessary use, satisfaction degree, and frequency of removal. The results indicated that 76 (73.0%) patients had at least more than one medical illness and 86 (82.7%) patients complained of lower urinary symptoms such as incontinence, urgency, frequency, or nocturia. Eighty-four (80.7%) patients used pessaries as they were not surgical candidates due to poor medical status or old age. After using a pessary, 76 (73.1%) patients had symptoms such as bleeding, erosion, or foul odor; 70.2% of the women answered that they were satisfied or more than satisfied and 19.1% of the patients removed their pessaries, of whom 80.0% were unable to continue use due to repeated expulsion of the pessary and uncomfortable fitting. These data suggest that the pessary tends to be used for high-risk patients due to medical problems or old age. Despite the high frequency of complications from pessary use, it was seen that the frequency of removing the pessary was low and the satisfaction degree was high. Most of the complications were not thought to be serious. To decrease the frequency of complications, the regular follow-up visit and proper management of pessary use were thought to be needed. Further studies are warranted on tailor-fitting the pessary by variable use and relieving the symptoms associated with the lower urinary tract.