Open retropubic colposuspension for urinary incontinence in women

Evaluation of inconsistency in networks of interventions

BACKGROUND

The assumption of consistency, defined as agreement between direct and indirect sources of evidence, underlies the increasingly popular method of network meta-analysis. No evidence exists so far regarding the extent of inconsistency in full networks of interventions or the factors that control its statistical detection.

METHODS

In this paper we assess the prevalence of inconsistency from data of 40 published networks of interventions involving 303 loops of evidence. Inconsistency is evaluated in each loop by contrasting direct and indirect estimates and by employing an omnibus test of consistency for the entire network. We explore whether different effect measures for dichotomous outcomes are associated with differences in inconsistency, and evaluate whether different ways to estimate heterogeneity affect the magnitude and detection of inconsistency.

RESULTS

Inconsistency was detected in from 2% to 9% of the tested loops, depending on the effect measure and heterogeneity estimation method. Loops that included comparisons informed by a single study were more likely to show inconsistency. About one-eighth of the networks were found to be inconsistent. The proportions of inconsistent loops do not materially change when different effect measures are used. Important heterogeneity or the overestimation of heterogeneity was associated with a small decrease in the prevalence of statistical inconsistency.

CONCLUSIONS

The study suggests that changing the effect measure might improve statistical consistency, and that an analysis of sensitivity to the assumptions and an estimator of heterogeneity might be needed before reaching a conclusion about the absence of statistical inconsistency, particularly in networks with few studies.

Combined Burch urethropexy and anterior rectopexy in pelvic organ prolapse: skip the mesh

PURPOSE

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a common accompaniment of advancing age. Current repair techniques incorporate transvaginal and transabdominal approaches with or without prosthetic mesh insertion. In this paper, we present the short- and medium-term results of a unit policy directed at patients with POP of combined abdominal rectopexy and Burch retropubic urethropexy without the use of prosthetic mesh assessing its safety profile in selected cases.

METHODS

Between January 2009 and January 2011, 16 women with tri-compartmental prolapse who had all undergone prior hysterectomy underwent combined surgical pelvic floor repair. Preoperative symptom assessment by validated questionnaires and clinical examination were pre- and postoperatively recorded. Cures were defined as either optimal or satisfactory outcomes based on combined clinical, radiological examinations and reported patient satisfaction.

RESULTS

The mean age of the 16 patients was 57.2 years, and their mean BMI was 28.6 (±5 SD). Pelvic examination revealed a POP-Q stage III prolapse in 12 patients and stage IV in 4 patients. The mean operating time was 57.5 min (range 40-85), with a mean length of hospital stay of 4.5 days. Cystocele and enterocele resolution was noted in every case on dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results in a small patient cohort employing a simple 'all-in-one' repair approach combining a retropubic colposuspension with an anterior rectopexy appear to be satisfactory. Further larger randomized studies are required, incorporating a laparoscopic arm in order to determine the longer-term effectiveness of this approach.

[Sacropolpopexy - pro robotic]

Abdominal sacrocolpopexy is a standard procedure for the correction of pelvic organ prolapse of all three compartments and can also be performed minimally invasively without compromising efficacy as by open techniques. In comparison to conventional laparoscopy robotic-assisted laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy benefits from several technical stand-alone features, such as three-dimensional view, increased degrees of freedom through angulated instruments, tremor filter and up and down scaling of instrument movements. These advantages facilitate preparation of the vesicovaginal and rectovaginal spaces as well as suturing and reperitonealization, which should lead to decreased operation time and anesthesia time in extreme Trendelenburg position. Surgeon also benefit from the much more ergonomic working conditions of the da Vinci® system: however, comparative studies are rare and conclusions are preliminary. The German reimbursement system (DRG) does not adequately cover da Vinci expenses which, despite the obvious advantages represents the most significant obstacle in the propagation of this technique.

Outcome Assessment of the Marshall Coughing Test during Cervix Reposition Maneuver in Women with Urinary Stress Incontinence with/without Genital Prolapse

Objectives. Outcome assessment of the Marshall coughing test (MT) during cervix reposition maneuver (CRM) in women with urinary stress incontinence (USI) with/without genital prolapse (GP). Study Design. 268 patients, divided into USIg (n = 132) with isolated USI and USIGPg (n = 136) with USI and GP stage I/II, additionally divided into USIGP(A) (n = 78) with USI and GP stage I and USIGP(B) (n = 58) with USI and GP stage II, were evaluated with pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POPQ), MT, and CRM. Results. (a) 7.58% had (+) MT with CRM in USIg; (b) in up to 96.15% MT became negative during CRM in USIGP(A); (c) in 51.72% MT became positive only during CRM, as a sign for occult USI in USIGP(B); (d) point Aa (POPQ), which is bladder neck(BN) projection on the anterior vaginal wall, was situated higher in rest position (RP), but moved lower during the Valsalva maneuver (VM) in USIg versus USIGPg (P < 0.05). Conclusion. CRM could be useful arm in selection of (1) patients with isolated USI and great chance for postoperative failure; (2) patients with USI+GP stage I, who need GP repair during antistress surgery; (3) patients with USI + GP stage II, who need antistress procedure during vaginal hysterectomy.

Slings in surgery of genuine stress incontinence

PURPOSE

To summarize the available evidence concerning efficacy and safety of standard mid-urethral sling (SMUS) operations for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

METHODS AND RESULTS

A non-systematic literature review was carried out in order to collect the available evidence concerning efficacy and safety of SMUS operations for the treatment of SUI. According to the data of our prior meta-analysis, patients receiving SMUS had significantly higher overall and objective cure rates than those receiving Burch colposuspension, although they had a higher risk of bladder perforations. Patients undergoing SMUS and pubovaginal slings had similar cure rates, although the latter were slightly more likely to experience storage lower urinary tract symptoms and had a higher reoperation rate. Patients treated with retropubic SMUS had slightly higher objective cure rates than those treated with transobturator tape (TOT); however, subjective cure rates were similar, and patients treated with TOT had a much lower risk of some complications. Meta-analysis demonstrated similar outcomes for TOTs. With regard to the novel mini-sling, another meta-analysis from Abdel-fattah et al. demonstrated that repeat continence surgery and de novo urgency incontinence were significantly higher in the patients treated with mini-slings.

CONCLUSION

Patients treated with retropubic tape (RT) experienced slightly higher continence rates than those treated with Burch colposuspension, but they faced a much higher risk of intraoperative complications. RT and pubovaginal slings were similarly effective. The use of RT was followed by objective cure rates slightly higher than TOT and by higher risk of complications. The novel mini-slings do not seem to be more effective than the SMUS.

Trends in inpatient urinary incontinence surgery in the USA, 1998-2007

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

This study was conducted to assess national rates in stress urinary incontinence (SUI) surgery in the USA from 1998 to 2007.

METHODS

We utilized the 1998-2007 Nationwide Inpatient Sample and assessed women aged 20 years and older who underwent SUI surgery based on the International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision (ICD-9) procedure and diagnosis codes.

RESULTS

The total number of SUI surgeries performed during this 10-year period was 759,821. The annual number of procedures increased from 37,953 in 1998 to 94,910 in 2007. The type of SUI surgery performed also changed (p < 0.001). In 1998, retropubic suspensions represented 52.3%, decreasing to 13.8% in 2007. "Other repair of SUI" (ICD-9 59.79) comprised 22.4% in 1998, increasing to 75.2% in 2007, likely representing midurethral slings.

CONCLUSIONS

The total number and incidence rates of SUI surgeries have increased from 1998 to 2007. The type of SUI surgery performed has also changed significantly, likely secondary to adoption of midurethral slings.

The treatment of female stress urinary incontinence: an evidenced-based review

OBJECTIVE

To review the literature on the surgical and nonsurgical treatment options for stress urinary incontinence in women, focusing exclusively on randomized clinical trials and high quality meta-analyses.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A computer-aided and manual search for published randomized controlled trials and high quality meta-analyses investigating both conservative and surgical treatment options for stress urinary incontinence. In the case of a treatment that is not studied in these formats large case series have been used.

RESULTS

Articles were reviewed and the results summarized on pelvic floor physical therapy, pharmacotherapy, bulking agents, and surgery (open and minimally invasive).

CONCLUSION

There are numerous high quality studies in the literature. It can be difficult to make definitive conclusions on the most appropriate treatment options due to the variability in the outcomes used to define success in these articles. There is also a dire lack of studies evaluating and comparing the surgical options for patients with intrinsic sphincter deficiency.

Evaluation of safety and efficacy of single-incision mid-urethral short tape procedure (MiniArc™ tape) for stress urinary incontinence under local anaesthesia

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

The aim of this study was to assess complications and short-term results (3 months and 1 year) from a single-incision mid-urethral tape for stress urinary incontinence.

METHODS

Seventy-four women underwent single-incision mid-urethral tape under local anaesthesia, 59 of whom completed a 1-year follow-up. Thirty-seven (50%) suffered urodynamic stress urinary incontinence. The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire--Short Form (ICIQ-SF) was completed in the context of the case history pre-operatively and post-operatively. The duration of follow-up ranged from 91 to 466 days.

RESULTS

The use of MiniArc™ tape in our study resulted in the objective cure rate (negative cough stress test) of 74% and 66% at 3 months and 1 year, respectively. Scores with ICIQ-SF questionnaire improved significantly at 3 months and 1 year (p < 0.0001). No major intra-operative complication was reported in our study.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the advantage of being done under local anaesthetic, the overall cure rate is 66% at 1 year.

Absorbent products for light urinary incontinence in women

BACKGROUND

Incontinence is a common and embarrassing problem which has a profound effect on social and psychological well-being. Many people wear absorbent products to contain urine leakage and protect their clothes. It can be difficult to define light urinary incontinence because urine volumes, flow and frequency rates may vary substantially whilst still being considered 'light'. Light incontinence may encompass occasional (monthly) leaks of very small amounts (e.g. 1 g to 2 g) up to frequent leaks (several times per day) of larger amounts (e.g. 20 g to 50 g). A practical definition is urine loss that can be contained within a small absorbent pad (typically 50 g to 500 g; ISO 1996).

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effectiveness of different types of absorbent product designs for women with light urinary incontinence.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Cochrane Incontinence Group Specialised Trials Register (3 May 2006) and the reference lists of relevant articles were perused.

SELECTION CRITERIA

TYPES OF STUDIES: All randomised or quasi-randomised trials of absorbent products for women with light urinary incontinence.

TYPES OF PARTICIPANTS

Women with light urinary incontinence. TYPES OF INTERVENTION: Absorbent products (disposable insert pads, menstrual pads, washable pants with integral pad, washable insert pads) suitable for light incontinence.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors assessed the methodological quality of potentially eligible studies and independently extracted data from the included trial.

MAIN RESULTS

One study with 85 participants met the selection criteria. This trial studied all the absorbent product designs included in this review. Data were presented on all included outcomes. For preventing leakage, for preference and for overall acceptability disposable insert pads are better than disposable menstrual pads which are better than washable pants with integral pad which are better than washable insert pads. There is no strong evidence that either disposables or washables are better for skin health. The disposable insert is the most expensive design and there is no dominant design for cost-effectiveness. There is evidence that some women will prefer alternative designs which are all cheaper than disposable inserts.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Although data were available from only one eligible trial the data were sufficiently robust to make recommendations for practice. Disposable insert pads are typically more effective than the other designs considered. However, because they are the most expensive, providing choice of designs (or combinations of designs for different circumstances) is likely to be cost-effective.