Long-term follow-up after conservative surgery for rectovaginal endometriosis

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate long-term results in patients who received conservative surgical treatment for rectovaginal endometriosis.

STUDY DESIGN

We analyzed the follow-up data for 83 women who underwent surgery for rectovaginal endometriosis. The inclusion criteria were age 20 to 42 years, moderate-to-severe pain symptoms, conservative treatment with retention of the uterus, and at least 1 ovary; the follow-up period was > or =12 months. Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox regression were used to calculate recurrence rates.

RESULTS

The cumulative rates of pain recurrence, clinical or sonographic recurrence, and new treatment were 28%, 34%, and 27%, respectively. The younger patients had the higher risk of recurrence. Pregnancy had protective effects against the recurrence of symptoms and a need for a new treatment. Patients who underwent bowel resection had fewer recurrences.

CONCLUSION

Segmental resection and anastomosis of the bowel, when necessary, improves the outcome without affecting chances of conception. Higher recurrence rates in younger patients seems to justify a more radical treatment in this group of women.

Increased serum polychlorobiphenyl levels in Belgian women with adenomyotic nodules of the rectovaginal septum

The sum of bulk polychlorobiphenyl levels was significantly higher in women with rectovaginal adenomyosis than in women with endometriosis and controls.

Vulvovaginal trichosporonosis

Objective: Isolation of Trichosporon species from vaginal secretions is a rare event, and no data are available on its pathogenic role. A case series is presented to determine the pathogenic role of Trichosporon species in vulvovaginal infections.

Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of patients seen in the W.S.U. Vaginitis Clinic in order to identify patients from whom Trichosporon species were isolated.

Results: Between 1986 and 2001, a total of 13 patients had a total of 18 positive vaginal cultures for Trichosporon species. All 18 vaginal isolates were T. inkin. In general, positive vaginal cultures were accompanied by low yeast colony counts. Four out of 18 positive T. inkin cultures were obtained from visits by asymptomatic patients. Of the remaining 14 positive T. inkin cultures from patients with symptoms, nine out of 14 cultures had other diagnoses (Candida albicans, six cases; bacterial vaginosis, two cases; Trichomonas, one case). Five positive T. inkin cultures were obtained from visits at which patients had symptoms and no associated diagnosis. In only one of the five episodes could we establish a clear pathogenic role for Trichosporon. In this case the patient was treated with boric acid and had resolution of symptoms and a negative culture at follow-up. In-vitro susceptibility tests revealed that T. inkin was resistant to flucytosine and susceptible to all topical and oral azoles.

Conclusions:T. inkin is occasionally found in vulvovaginal cultures and is usually a non-pathogen. Transient colonization tended to occur in women, usually of African—American origin, with major perturbations in vaginal flora (bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis) and increased pH. Pathogenic consequences of Trichosporon colonization appear to be rare.

[Endometriosis during postmenopausal period--probable causes for its origin and development]

A very rare--casuistic--case of endometriosis is presented, which appeared ten years after surgical menopause (hysterectomy and ovariectomy) without concomitant use of hormone replacement therapy or phytoestrogens. The possibilities of endogenous production and exogenous supply of estrogens in the female organism are discussed as well as the possible causes of proliferation of endometrial lesions during postmenopausal period. When menopause is induced by surgery (a stress for the organism) without exogenous supply of estrogens (HRT, phytoestrogens, xenoestrogens) the production of suprarenal hormones, including androgens, increases. The peripheral conversion of androgens into estrogens in fat tissue is increased and implanted during hysterectomy endometrial lesions in vagina walls are stimulated.

Follow-up of users of intrauterine device with and without bacterial vaginosis and other cervicovaginal infections

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis (BV) and other cervicovaginal infections, as well as the incidence of complications among new users of IUD, 1 and 6 months after its insertion, in the City of Campinas, Brazil. A total of 223 women who had a TCu-380A IUD inserted from May through November 2001, were included in the study. After the IUD insertion all women were scheduled to two additional visits: after 1 month and after 6 months, when they were interviewed and a pelvic examination was performed, along with a collection of specimens from the vagina and the endocervix for laboratory testing. The Nugent's criterion was used for the BV diagnosis. They were also evaluated with regard to presence of complications possibly related to IUD insertion and use, i.e., abnormal bleeding, dysmenorrhea, expulsion and pelvic inflammatory disease. The prevalence of cervicovaginal infections was 29.1%, BV being the most frequent (19.7%). Dysmenorrhea was more frequent among women with BV than among women without BV (p = 0.03). A trend of abnormal bleeding being more frequent among women with BV was also found. In conclusion, BV after 1 month of IUD insertion was not associated with IUD complications, with the exception of dysmenorrhea.

[Human papilloma virus infection in vaginal condyloma acuminatum]

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of human papillomavirus(HPV) infection in vaginal papillomatous lesions diagnosed in Tsuji Ladies Clinic. From January, 2000 to February, 2001, 52 patients were diagnosed with condyloma acuminata in the Clinic. All the patients received a complete gynecologic examination including colposcopic evaluation, and HPV DNA was assayed for in cervicovaginal lavages using polymerase chain reaction. HPV was detected in 31 of the 52 (60%) patients, and high risk HPV was found in 23 patients(45%). The incidence of high risk HPV infection is very high in vaginal condyloma acuminata. Detection of high risk HPV-positive women suggests that they may also be at risk for developing carcinoma. Therefore, it is very important to follow-up patients with condyloma acuminata.

[Microbiological investigation of the vaginal flora during pregnancy]

The infections complications during pregnancy and delivery are jet unsolved problem in obstetrics and neonatology. Most of them are due to anaerobic and aerobic organisms. The authors show the rate and distribution of the bacterial vaginal infections during pregnancy. 1330 pregnant women are investigated, 10% of them are with normal vaginal flora, 27% anaerobic organisms, 15% aerobic organisms, then Candida albicans and Gardnerella vaginalis. Those results are seen most frequently during the last trimester of pregnancy, which leads to the complications in delivery and postpartum.

[Value and limits of cytology in the diagnosis of cervico-vaginal lesions at the Mahajanga University Hospital Center: 465 cases]

Cervix neoplasms are the most frequent of female neoplasms in Madagascar. The authors reported a prospective study carried out at the Hospital Center of the University of Mahajanga for ten months (January-October 1993). 500 patients were investigated. 465 results of cervix and vaginal smears were considered. The Bethesda group classification was used to interpret lesions. 333 specific pathological lesions were listed. Bacterial infections and trichomoniasis were their principal causes. 4 cases were presumed as human papillomavirus condylomata. 39 SIL low-grade and 24 SIL high-grade were detected. 5 cervix neoplasms were diagnosed. Only few patients had consultation to perform cervix and vaginal smears because these exams are expensive. It may be an explication to the chronicity of lesions, a favourising factor of cancer. The role of viruses, especially human papillomavirus, in the development of cervix neoplasms is mentioned. The authors conclude that the low number of cervix neoplasms they founded is misleading. Cervix neoplasms are the first female cancers in Madagascar. A systematic surveillance of all female genitalia diseases must be programed. While its settling, cervix neoplasms control must be centred on Information--Education--Communication.

Urethrovaginal reflux--a common cause of daytime incontinence in girls

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to estimate the frequency of urethrovaginal reflux as the cause of daytime incontinence in school-age girls, and to study the characteristic symptoms and the effect of simple instructions intended to amend the problem.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Girls with urethrovaginal reflux were identified in a group of 169 girls, aged 7 to 15 years, referred to a specialist clinic because of daytime incontinence. They were evaluated by a noninvasive screening protocol, including a careful history and neurourologic examination, bladder diaries, urine analysis, uroflows, and residual urine determined by ultrasound. Girls with urethrovaginal reflux were instructed by a urotherapist on how to achieve better toilet habits.

RESULTS

Urethrovaginal reflux was found in 21 (12.4%) of 169 girls as the sole (19) or contributing (2) cause of their daytime urinary incontinence. They all had a typical history of small leakage 5 to 10 minutes after voidings during the day, confirmed by a specific bladder diary. All were neurologically healthy, and all but 2 had a normal bladder function. The latter 2 girls had residual urine and asymptomatic bacteriuria. At follow-up after median 2 years, all girls were free from postmicturition leakage, but the 2 with residual urine remained daytime incontinent with cystometrically proven phasic detrusor overactivity.

CONCLUSIONS

Urethrovaginal reflux is a common cause of urinary incontinence in girls. The diagnosis is easily obtained by an adequate history, completed with a specific bladder diary. The problem is easily resolved by proper voiding instructions.

Characteristics and initial diagnoses in women presenting to a referral center for vulvovaginal disorders in 1996-2000

OBJECTIVE

To describe the demographics, presenting symptoms, physical examination and laboratory findings, and initial diagnoses in a cohort of women referred for evaluation of vulvovaginal problems.

STUDY DESIGN

Descriptive review of medical records of new patients referred for evaluation of vulvar problems between January 1, 1996, and December 31, 1999. Electronic medical records and other documents were manually abstracted.

RESULTS

Three hundred twenty-two women met the study criteria. The majority were Caucasian (93.8%) and married (63.9%). The mean age was 41 years, with a range of 13-88. The majority reported at least one vaginal delivery (72.9%) or cesarean section (10.6%). The most common symptoms were vulvar pain (86.3%), dyspareunia (70.8%), itching (36.0%) and skin changes (18.0%). Most patients received a diagnosis in more than one evaluation category. Prevalent diagnoses included Bartholin fossa pain (12.1%), vulvar vestibulitis (19.9%), restriction and fissuring of the posterior labial commissure (20.1%), dysesthetic vulvodynia (32.3%), pelvic floor dysfunction (39.8%) and dermatologic conditions (47.5%).

CONCLUSION

Women presenting for evaluation of vulvar disorders represent a heterogeneous population. Among women with vulvar pain, abnormalities of the skin and pelvic floor are common and should be ruled out prior to making a diagnosis of vulvar vestibulitis or dysesthetic vulvodynia.

Cervical infections in emergency department patients with vaginal bleeding

To the best of the authors' knowledge, no previous study has compared the prevalences of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) or Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) cervical infection among pregnant and non-pregnant patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with vaginal bleeding.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the prevalence of these infections in a simultaneously assembled cohort, and to determine whether pregnancy is associated with altered rates of CT or NG cervical infection among patients with vaginal bleeding.

METHODS

This was a prospective, seven-month, cross-sectional study of a convenience sample of patients (aged > or = 15 years) who presented to an urban, teaching ED with the chief complaint of vaginal bleeding. A urine pregnancy test was administered to each patient. Cervical swab specimens were analyzed for CT or NG via polymerase chain reaction technology (DNA probe). The hospital laboratory's baseline 18% rate of positive tests was used for sample size planning. Chisquare analysis and Fisher's exact test, where appropriate, were used to compare pregnant and non-pregnant patient groups.

RESULTS

Cervical infection rates did not differ between pregnant and non-pregnant patients. Testing for CT showed that 13 of 114 (11%) of the pregnant patients were positive, while 11 of 147 (8%) non-pregnant patients tested positive (chi(2) = 0.759, p = 0.384). Testing for NG revealed that seven of 114 (6%) pregnant patients tested positive, while 16 of 147 (11%) non-pregnant patients tested positive (chi(2) = 1.256, p = 0.262). Combined testing showed that 18 of 114 (16%) of the pregnant patients and 25 of 147 (17%) of the non-pregnant patients harbored a cervical infection with one or both pathogens (chi(2) = 0.009, p = 0.925).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of CT or NG cervical infection in pregnant patients presenting to the ED with vaginal bleeding is 16%. Pregnant and non-pregnant patients with vaginal bleeding are at similar risks for having CT or NG cervical infection. Cervical swab specimens should be obtained in all patients with vaginal bleeding.

Vaginal evisceration after hysterectomy: a literature review

The purpose of this review is to highlight the risk factors, clinical presentation, and different surgical management options for vaginal evisceration after vaginal, abdominal, or laparoscopic hysterectomy. We identified all reports of vaginal evisceration after these procedures using sources in the literature from 1900 to the present. We found that a total of 59 patients were reported, 37 (63%) had a prior vaginal hysterectomy, 19 (32%) had a prior abdominal hysterectomy (2 of which were radical hysterectomy), and 3 (5%) had a prior laparoscopic hysterectomy. The majority of these patients were postmenopausal women. Also, the precipitating event was most often sexual intercourse in premenopausal patients and increased intra-abdominal pressure in postmenopausal patients. In addition, the small bowel was the most common organ to eviscerate. Most of the patients presented with vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, or a protruding mass. We conclude that vaginal evisceration after hysterectomy remains a rare event. It is more often seen after vaginal hysterectomy than after other types of hysterectomy. It can also occur spontaneously or following trauma or vaginal instrumentation, or any event that increases intra-abdominal pressure. Vaginal evisceration represents a surgical emergency, and the approach to therapy for it may be abdominal, vaginal or a combination of the two.

HIV-1 infection and risk of vulvovaginal and perianal condylomata acuminata and intraepithelial neoplasia: a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Information about vulvovaginal and perianal condylomata acuminata and intraepithelial neoplasia in women infected with HIV-1 is needed to develop guidelines for clinical care. Our aim was to investigate the incidence of these lesions in HIV-1-positive and HIV-1-negative women and to examine risk factors for disease.

METHODS

In a prospective cohort study, 925 women had a gynaecological examination twice yearly-including colposcopy and tests for human papillomavirus DNA in cervicovaginal lavage-for a median follow-up of 3.2 years (IQR 0.98-4.87).

FINDINGS

Vulvovaginal and perianal condylomata acuminata or intraepithelial neoplasia were present in 30 (6%) of 481 HIV-1-positive and four (1%) of 437 HIV-1-negative women (p<0.0001) at enrollment. Women without lesions at enrollment were included in an incidence analysis. 33 (9%) of 385 HIV-1-positive and two (1%) of 341 HIV-1-negative women developed vulvovaginal or perianal lesions, resulting in an incidence of 2.6 and 0.16 cases per 100 person-years, respectively (relative risk 16, 95% CI 12.9-20.5; p < 0.0001). Risk factors for incident lesions included HIV-1 infection (p = 0.013), human papillomavirus infection (p=0.0013), lower CD4 T lymphocyte count (p = 0.0395), and history of frequent injection of drugs (p=0.0199).

INTERPRETATION

Our results suggest that HIV-1-positive women are at increased risk of development of invasive vulvar carcinoma. Thus, we recommend that, as part of every gynaecological examination, HIV-1-positive women should have a thorough inspection of the vulva and perianal region, and women with abnormalities-except for typical, exophytic condylomata acuminata-should undergo colposcopy and biopsy.

Vaginal symptoms in Japanese postmenopausal women: comparison with other climacteric symptoms

OBJECTIVES

This study was designed to investigate the current status of vaginal symptoms in Japanese postmenopausal women, and to clarify the significance of vaginal symptoms by analyzing their relationship to other climacteric symptoms.

METHODS

The complaints of 613 women attending a menopause clinic (mean age +/- standard deviation 53.5 +/- 7.2 years; time since menopause or bilateral oophorectomy 6.4 +/- 6.5 years) were evaluated according to the Keio modified menopause index.

RESULTS

In total, 56.4% of subjects had at least one vaginal symptom. The most frequent vaginal symptom was dyspareunia, followed by vaginal dryness, discharge and itching, and the mean prevalence of the four symptoms was 31.7%. The peak intensity of vaginal symptoms occurred in the sixth decade, or 3-5 years after menopause or oophorectomy. Vaginal symptoms were usually associated with other climacteric symptoms, but some occurred independently.

CONCLUSIONS

A moderate proportion of Japanese postmenopausal women experience vaginal symptoms, which can occur independently of other climacteric symptoms. Vaginal symptoms therefore warrant careful attention during the treatment of postmenopausal women.

Chlamydia trachomatis: opportunistic screening in primary care

Following the publication of the Chief Medical Officer's report on chlamydial screening, we identified the sexual health of young women as an area for concern. As part of our review we decided to opportunistically search for chlamydial genital infections using a non-invasive technique. Sexually active women under 25 years of age were invited to submit a first void urine sample for polymerase chain reaction analysis. Over the period of a year we found out that 10.9% of sexually active young women tested positive for chlamydia in our practice.

Vaginal vault granulations after total abdominal hysterectomy using polyglactin for vault closure

The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of vaginal vault granulation after total abdominal hysterectomy using polyglactin (Vicryl) for vault closure. Fifty women who underwent total abdominal hysterectomy for benign and elective conditions were included into the study. Standard surgical technique of total abdominal hysterectomy was employed except for closure of the vaginal vault performed by interrupted figure-of-eight sutures using No. 1 polyglactin. All patients were prospectively followed-up at approximately 6 weeks postoperatively and vaginal vault granulation was diagnosed as present or absent. It was found that 5 patients had vaginal vault granulation without any symptoms, giving the incidence of 10 per cent. One patient who developed vault granulation had postoperative morbidity from cuff cellulitis. The remaining 49 patients had no immediate postoperative complications.

Reproductive tract infections among married women in Upper Egypt

In a house-to-house survey using cluster sampling, 1344 married women from urban and rural areas of Upper Egypt (Minia, Assiut and Sohag) were interviewed and examined to study the magnitude and determinants of reproductive tract infections. Overall prevalence was found to be 52.8%, with the most prevalent forms being Candida albicans (28.0%), Trichomonas vaginalis (8.7%), Aspergillus species (7.4%), streptococci (4.6%) and Chlamydia trachomatis (4.2%). Multivariate analysis identified certain groups of women at high risk of developing reproductive tract infections (those currently using an intrauterine device, those who regularly practised internal vaginal washing). Discriminant analysis showed that symptoms were of low discriminating value. There is a great need to increase community and women's understanding of reproductive tract infections.

Intrauterine exposure to diethylstilbestrol: long-term effects in humans

DES is the most carefully scrutinized EDC and its history provides valuable insights into the current evaluation of less well-studied EDCs. This review summarizes the health effects of prenatal exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES) and emphasizes the role of DES as the first endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC). Vaginal clear cell adenocarcinoma (CCAC), the most severe consequence of prenatal exposure to DES, affected only 0.1% of exposed females, while the far more prevalent teratogenic and reproductive effects of DES were only discovered when DES daughter were screened for CCAC. Initial studies, conducted before most DES daughters had tried to conceive, examined vaginal cancer and vaginal, cervical and uterine abnormalities. Subsequently, several controlled studies demonstrated the increased risk of adverse reproductive outcomes in DES daughters. While most DES daughters can eventually experience a live birth, this is less likely in women with genital tract abnormalities, in whom there is a two-thirds chance that each pregnancy will be unsuccessful. In DES sons, who have been far less studied, results suggest male reproductive toxicity, but are less consistent. The importance of dose and gestational age at initial exposure are discussed, and the implications of DES findings for the evaluation of risks from current EDCs emphasized.

Care of vaginal symptoms among HIV-infected women

OBJECTIVE

Gynecologic disease is common in HIV-infected women. We examine the sociodemographic, clinical, and provider factors associated with the care of women with vaginal symptoms.

METHODS

Women enrolled in the HIV Cost and Services Utilization Study (HCSUS), a nationally representative probability sample of HIV-infected adults, were interviewed between January 1996 and April 1997. Women with vaginal symptoms who sought medical attention were asked, "Did your health care provider examine your vaginal area?" Women were also asked if they received medication for their symptoms.

RESULTS

Among 154 women with vaginal symptoms, 127 sought care for their symptoms. Of those who sought care, 48% saw a gynecologist and 52% sought care from nongynecologists, most often their usual HIV care provider. Women who saw a gynecologist for their symptoms were more likely to have received a pelvic examination (92% versus 76%; p =.06) and vaginal fluid collection (98% versus 88%; p =.06) than those who saw their regular HIV provider. Fifteen percent of women received medication for their symptoms without having a pelvic examination; gynecologists were less likely to prescribe without an examination (8% versus 21%; p =.12).

CONCLUSION

Gynecologists are more likely to provide adequate care of vaginal symptoms among HIV-infected women than nongynecologists who were HIV care providers. This specialty difference is consistent with quality of care studies for other medical conditions, but the potential gynecologic complications of inadequate evaluation and treatment warrants further investigation.

The distribution of pelvic organ support in a population of female subjects seen for routine gynecologic health care

OBJECTIVE

This study was undertaken to describe the distribution of pelvic organ support stages in a population of women seen at outpatient gynecology clinics for routine gynecologic health care.

STUDY DESIGN

This was an observational study. Women seen for routine gynecologic health care at four outpatient gynecology clinics were recruited to participate. After informed consent was obtained general biographic data were collected regarding obstetric history, medical history, and surgical history. Women then underwent a pelvic examination. Pelvic organ support was measured and described according to the pelvic organ prolapse quantification system. Stages of support were evaluated by variable for trends with Pearson chi(2) statistics.

RESULTS

A total of 497 women were examined. The average age was 44 years, with a range of 18 to 82 years. The overall distribution of pelvic organ prolapse quantification system stages was as follows: stage 0, 6.4%; stage 1, 43.3%; stage 2, 47.7%; and stage 3, 2.6%. No subjects examined had pelvic organ prolapse quantification system stage 4 prolapse. Variables with a statistically significant trend toward increased pelvic organ prolapse quantification system stage were advancing age, increasing gravidity and parity, increasing number of vaginal births, delivery of a macrosomic infant, history of hysterectomy or pelvic organ prolapse operations, postmenopausal status, and hypertension.

CONCLUSION

The distribution of the pelvic organ prolapse quantification system stages in the population revealed a bell-shaped curve, with most subjects having stage 1 or 2 support. Few subjects had either stage 0 (excellent support) or stage 3 (moderate to severe pelvic support defects) results. There was a statistically significant trend toward increased pelvic organ prolapse quantification system stage of support among women with many of the historically quoted etiologic factors for the development of pelvic organ prolapse.

Vaginal infections in human immunodeficiency virus-infected women

OBJECTIVE

This study was undertaken to compare the frequencies of vaginal infections among human immunodeficiency virus-infected women with those among human immunodeficiency virus-seronegative women.

STUDY DESIGN

Human immunodeficiency virus-seropositive women attending a comprehensive care center for human immunodeficiency virus disease at the outpatient department of an inner-city hospital in Houston underwent rigorous gynecologic evaluation for sexually transmitted diseases, including evidence of vaginal infections such as bacterial vaginosis, vulvovaginal candidiasis, and trichomonal vaginitis. Demographic information was collected, as was information regarding disease classification and degree of immunosuppression. Data regarding sexually transmitted diseases, data regarding vaginal infections, and demographic information were collected from a cohort of human immunodeficiency virus-seronegative women attending a sexually transmitted disease and family planning clinic at the same institution. The two groups were compared to determine whether there were any differences between them in the frequencies of sexually transmitted diseases and vaginal infection. Data analysis used the t test for parametric data and the Fisher exact test for nonparametric data where appropriate. P <.05 was considered significant. Statistical analysis was performed with the SAS (SAS Institute, Inc, Cary, NC) statistical software package.

RESULTS

There was no difference in age between the 2 groups. The human immunodeficiency virus-infected group was predominantly African American (80.5%), whereas the human immunodeficiency virus-seronegative control group was more evenly divided between African American women (45.8%) and Latinos (41.7%; P <.0001). Although there was no significant association between HIV infection and sexually transmitted diseases in general, there were significant associations between human immunodeficiency virus infection and bacterial vaginosis (P =.02), vulvovaginal candidiasis (P =.001), and trichomonal vaginitis (P =. 003).

CONCLUSION

Human immunodeficiency virus-infected women had increased frequencies of vaginal infections, including bacterial vaginosis, vulvovaginal candidiasis, and trichomonal vaginitis, with respect to human immunodeficiency virus-seronegative control subjects. No differences between the 2 groups were seen in the frequencies of sexually transmitted diseases.

Routine vaginal cuff smear testing in post-hysterectomy patients with benign uterine conditions: when is it indicated?

BACKGROUND

By the age of 60 years, an estimated 33% of women will have undergone a hysterectomy. Approximately 85% of these hysterectomies are performed for benign disease. The object of this study was to evaluate cytologic findings from vaginal cuff smears in patients who have undergone hysterectomy for benign uterine conditions.

METHODS

We conducted a community-based retrospective study and follow-up of women with vaginal cuff cytologic smears who had had a hysterectomy for benign uterine conditions. A total of 220 women were randomly selected who had one or more vaginal cuff smears. The main outcomes measures were invasive carcinoma, dysplastic lesions, and infections detected by vaginal cuff smear testing. The setting was a large inner-city hospital.

RESULTS

Ninety-seven percent of 220 women who underwent hysterectomy for benign uterine conditions and who were observed for an average of 89 months had no cytologic abnormalities on vaginal cuff smears. Cytologic evaluation found no invasive carcinomas. Dysplastic lesions were detected in 7 patients (3%). Seventy percent of patients (n = 154) had one or more infections; these infections included bacterial vaginosis (106), trichomoniasis (95), candidiasis (40), koilocytosis suggestive of human papilloma virus (HPV) infection (3), and cytopathic effect of herpes (4). The prevalence of koilocytosis was much higher in the patients with dysplasia (P = .0003).

CONCLUSIONS

Most routine vaginal cuff cytology screening tests need not be performed in women who have had a hysterectomy for benign uterine conditions.

Urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse in women with Marfan or Ehlers Danlos syndrome

OBJECTIVE

This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse in a cohort of women with either Marfan syndrome or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

STUDY DESIGN

Female patients with either Marfan syndrome or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome were identified through a medical records search at two urban hospitals. Each patient's medical record was reviewed, and the history of pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence was obtained through telephone interview.

RESULTS

Twelve women with Marfan syndrome were identified. Among these women 5 (42%) reported a history of urinary incontinence and 4 (33%) reported a history of pelvic organ prolapse. Eight women with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome were identified. Among these women 4 (50%) reported a history of urinary incontinence and 6 (75%) reported a history of pelvic organ prolapse.

CONCLUSIONS

Women with Marfan or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome have high rates of urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. This finding supports the hypothesized etiologic role of connective tissue disorders as a factor in the pathogenesis of these conditions.