Minimally invasive synthetic suburethral sling operations for stress urinary incontinence in women: A short version Cochrane review

A randomized trial of retropubic vs single-incision sling among patients undergoing vaginal prolapse repair

BACKGROUND

The choice of midurethral sling type may impact efficacy and complications in women undergoing transvaginal native tissue repair of pelvic organ prolapse.

OBJECTIVE

The primary aim was to determine if the single-incision sling is noninferior to retropubic sling for the management of stress urinary incontinence among patients undergoing reconstructive or obliterative native tissue vaginal repair. The secondary aims were to compare adverse events and surgeon ease of use with sling assignment.

STUDY DESIGN

A multicenter, noninferiority, randomized trial of women with ≥ stage II pelvic organ prolapse and objectively confirmed stress urinary incontinence undergoing reconstructive or obliterative vaginal repair was performed. Women were randomized to concomitant single-incision (Altis sling, Coloplast Minneapolis, MN) with suprapubic sham incisions or retropubic slings. The primary dichotomous outcome was abnormal lower urinary tract function within 12 months postsurgery, defined as bothersome stress urinary incontinence symptoms (>1 Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory question no. 17); retreatment for stress urinary incontinence or treatment for urinary retention. Secondary outcomes were adverse events, Patient Global Impression of Improvement of bladder function, and surgeon ease of use (1, worst; 10, best). All subjects completed validated questionnaires and underwent a Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification, cough stress test, and postvoid residual preoperatively, at 6 weeks and 12 months postoperatively. Assuming a subjective cure rate for retropubic of 82%, 80% power, and 1-sided 5% significance level, we estimated that 127 patients in each arm were needed to declare noninferiority of the single-incision sling if the upper bound of the 95% confidence interval for the between-group difference per protocol in abnormal bladder function was <12%. Assuming a 10% loss to follow-up, the total enrollment goal was 280.

RESULTS

Between December 2018 and January 2023, 280 subjects were enrolled across 7 sites, and 255 were randomized: 126 were for single-incision, and 129 were for retropubic sling. There were no preoperative or operative characteristic differences between groups. Overall, 81% had reconstructive, and 19% had obliterative native tissue repairs. The primary outcome, abnormal lower urinary tract function at 12 months, occurred in 29 (25%) of single-incision vs 24 (20%) of the retropubic sling group (risk difference, 0.04472 [95% confidence interval, -0.03 to 0.1133]; P=.001 for noninferiority). Bothersome stress urinary incontinence occurred in 20% vs 17% (P=.27) and was retreated in 4% vs 2% (P=.44) of single-incision vs retropubic groups, respectively. Adverse events were reported in 24 (16%) of single-incision vs 14 (9%) of the retropubic group (95% confidence interval, 0.95-3.29; P=.70) and included de novo or worsening urgency incontinence symptoms, urinary tract infection, mesh exposure, need for prolonged catheter drainage, and de novo pain, without differences between groups. Patient Global Impression of Improvement (very satisfied and satisfied) was 71% vs 67% (P=.43), and median surgeon ease of sling use was 8 (7-10) vs 9 (8-10), P=.03 in single-incision vs retropubic, respectively.

CONCLUSION

For women undergoing vaginal repair, single-incision was noninferior to retropubic sling for stress urinary incontinence symptoms, and complications, including treatment for urinary retention, did not differ.

A Novel Incisionless Disposable Vaginal Device for Female Stress Urinary Incontinence: Efficacy and Quality of Life

PURPOSE

This clinical study sought to evaluate the possible clinical effectiveness and practicality of URINO, an innovative, incisionless, and disposable intravaginal device, designed for patients suffering from stress urinary incontinence.

METHODS

A prospective, multicenter, single-arm clinical trial was carried out, involving women diagnosed with stress urinary incontinence who used a self-inserted, disposable intravaginal pessary device. Comparisons were made between the results of the 20-minute pad-weight gain (PWG) test at baseline and visit 3, where the device was applied. After 1 week of device usage, compliance, satisfaction, the sensation of a foreign body, and adverse events were assessed.

RESULTS

Out of 45 participants, 39 completed the trial and expressed satisfaction within the modified intention-to-treat group. The average 20-minute PWG of participants was 17.2±33.6 g at baseline and significantly dropped to 5.3±16.2 g at visit 3 with device application. A total of 87.2% of participants exhibited a reduction ratio of PWG by 50% or more, surpassing the clinical trial success benchmark of 76%. The mean compliance was recorded as 76.6%±26.6%, the average visual analogue scale score for patient satisfaction was 6.4±2.6, and the sensation of a foreign body, measured on a 5-point Likert scale, was 3.1±1.2 after 1 week of device use. No serious adverse events were reported; there was 1 instance of microscopic hematuria and 2 cases of pyuria, all of which recovered.

CONCLUSION

The investigated device demonstrated significant clinical effectiveness and safety for patients with stress urinary incontinence. It was easy to use, showing favorable patient compliance. We propose that these disposable intravaginal pessaries could potentially be an alternative treatment for patients with stress urinary incontinence who are seeking nonsurgical options or are unable to undergo surgery. Trial Registration: The study was registered as a clinical trial (KCT0008369).

Single-incision mini-slings versus standard synthetic mid-urethral slings for surgical treatment of stress urinary incontinence in women: The SIMS RCT

BACKGROUND

Stress urinary incontinence is the most common type of urinary incontinence in premenopausal women. Until recently, synthetic mid-urethral slings (mesh/tape) were the standard surgical treatment, if conservative management failed. Adjustable anchored single-incision mini-slings are newer, use less mesh and may reduce perioperative morbidity, but it is unclear how their success rates and safety compare with those of standard tension-free mid-urethral slings.

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to compare tension-free standard mid-urethral slings with adjustable anchored single-incision mini-slings among women with stress urinary incontinence requiring surgical intervention, in terms of patient-reported effectiveness, health-related quality of life, safety and cost-effectiveness.

DESIGN

This was a pragmatic non-inferiority randomised controlled trial. Allocation was by remote web-based randomisation (1 : 1 ratio).

SETTING

The trial was set in 21 UK hospitals.

PARTICIPANTS

Participants were women aged ≥ 18 years with predominant stress urinary incontinence, undergoing a mid-urethral sling procedure.

INTERVENTIONS

Single-incision mini-slings, compared with standard mid-urethral slings.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was patient-reported success rates on the Patient Global Impression of Improvement scale at 15 months post randomisation (≈ 1 year post surgery), with success defined as outcomes of 'very much improved' or 'much improved'. The primary economic outcome was incremental cost per quality-adjusted life-year gained. Secondary outcomes were adverse events, impact on other urinary symptoms, quality of life and sexual function.

RESULTS

A total of 600 participants were randomised. At 15 months post randomisation, adjustable anchored single-incision mini-slings were non-inferior to tension-free standard mid-urethral slings at the 10% margin for the primary outcome [single-incision mini-sling 79% (212/268) vs. standard mid-urethral sling 76% (189/250), risk difference 4.6, 95% confidence interval -2.7 to 11.8; p non-inferiority < 0.001]. Similarly, at 3 years' follow-up, patient-reported success rates in the single-incision mini-sling group were non-inferior to those of the standard mid-urethral sling group at the 10% margin [single-incision mini-sling 72% (177/246) vs. standard mid-urethral sling 67% (157/235), risk difference 5.7, 95% confidence interval -1.3 to 12.8; p non-inferiority < 0.001]. Tape/mesh exposure rates were higher for single-incision mini-sling participants, with 3.3% (9/276) [compared with 1.9% (5/261) in the standard mid-urethral sling group] reporting tape exposure over the 3 years of follow-up. The rate of groin/thigh pain was slightly higher in the single-incision mini-sling group at 15 months [single-incision mini-sling 15% (41/276) vs. standard mid-urethral sling 12% (31/261), risk difference 3.0%, 95% confidence interval -1.1% to 7.1%]; however, by 3 years, the rate of pain was slightly higher among the standard mid-urethral sling participants [single-incision mini-sling 14% (39/276) vs. standard mid-urethral sling 15% (39/261), risk difference -0.8, 95% confidence interval -4.1 to 2.5]. At the 3-year follow-up, quality of life and sexual function outcomes were similar in both groups: for the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Quality of Life, the mean difference in scores was -1.1 (95% confidence interval -3.1 to 0.8; p = 0.24), and for the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire, International Urogynecological Association-Revised, it was 0 (95% confidence interval -0.1, 0.1; p = 0.92). However, more women in the single-incision mini-sling group reported dyspareunia [12% (17/145), compared with 4.8% (7/145) in the standard mid-urethral sling group, risk difference 7.0%, 95% confidence interval 1.9% to 12.1%]. The base-case economics results showed no difference in costs (-£6, 95% confidence interval -£228 to £208) or quality-adjusted life-years (0.005, 95% confidence interval -0.068 to 0.073) between the groups. There is a 56% probability that single-incision mini-slings will be considered cost-effective at the £20,000 willingness-to-pay threshold value for a quality-adjusted life-year.

LIMITATIONS

Follow-up data beyond 3 years post randomisation are not available to inform longer-term safety and cost-effectiveness.

CONCLUSIONS

Single-incision mini-slings were non-inferior to standard mid-urethral slings in patient-reported success rates at up to 3 years' follow-up.

FUTURE WORK

Success rates, adverse events, retreatment rates, symptoms, and quality-of-life scores at 10 years' follow-up will help inform long-term effectiveness.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This trial was registered as ISRCTN93264234.

FUNDING

This project was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 26, No. 47. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

Single-Incision Mini-Slings for Stress Urinary Incontinence in Women

BACKGROUND

Until recently, synthetic midurethral slings (made of mesh or tape) were the standard surgical treatment worldwide for female stress urinary incontinence, if conservative management failed. Data comparing the effectiveness and safety of newer single-incision mini-slings with those of standard midurethral slings are limited.

METHODS

We performed a pragmatic, noninferiority, randomized trial comparing mini-slings with midurethral slings among women at 21 U.K. hospitals during 36 months of follow-up. The primary outcome was patient-reported success (defined as a response of very much or much improved on the Patient Global Impression of Improvement questionnaire) at 15 months after randomization (approximately 1 year after surgery). The noninferiority margin was 10 percentage points.

RESULTS

A total of 298 women were assigned to receive mini-slings and 298 were assigned to receive midurethral slings. At 15 months, success was reported by 212 of 268 patients (79.1%) in the mini-sling group and by 189 of 250 patients (75.6%) in the midurethral-sling group (adjusted risk difference, 4.6 percentage points; 95% confidence interval [CI], -2.7 to 11.8; P<0.001 for noninferiority). At the 36-month follow-up, success was reported by 177 of 246 patients (72.0%) and by 157 of 235 patients (66.8%) in the respective groups (adjusted risk difference, 5.7 percentage points; 95% CI, -1.3 to 12.8). At 36 months, the percentage of patients with groin or thigh pain was 14.1% with mini-slings and 14.9% with midurethral slings. Over the 36-month follow-up period, the percentage of patients with tape or mesh exposure was 3.3% with mini-slings and 1.9% with midurethral slings, and the percentage who underwent further surgery for stress urinary incontinence was 2.5% and 1.1%, respectively. Outcomes with respect to quality of life and sexual function were similar in the two groups, with the exception of dyspareunia; among 290 women responding to a validated questionnaire, dyspareunia was reported by 11.7% in the mini-sling group and 4.8% in the midurethral-sling group.

CONCLUSIONS

Single-incision mini-slings were noninferior to standard midurethral slings with respect to patient-reported success at 15 months, and the percentage of patients reporting success remained similar in the two groups at the 36-month follow-up. (Funded by the National Institute for Health Research.).

Autologous fascial slings remain viable at long-term follow-up: a post cystectomy case report

BACKGROUND

Autologous fascial slings (AFS) have been used for a very long time in the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence, but the introduction of synthetic mesh slings placed either retropubicallyor trans-obturator has decreased the need to harvest the autologous rectus muscle fascia, thus reducing invasiveness and operative time. However AFS are still indicated in complicated cases and re-interventions, and the FDA has underlined safety concerns over the use of surgical meshes for the transvaginal repair of prolapsed pelvic organs.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 76-year-old woman with muscle-invasivebladder cancer underwent radical cystectomy 16 years after retropubic positioning of an autologous rectus muscle fascial sling for SUI, with complete symptom resolution. The sling was easily identified and removed en bloc with the bladder and urethra, providing an opportunity to histologicallyevaluate the autologous fascial graft after its long permanence in the new position. Histopathological examination demonstrated increased fibroblastic proliferation and formation of capillaries. A slight separation and an increased waviness of the connective fibers were both evident. An increased vascularity was also apparent, including transverse vessels, with clusters of vessels. A relative inflammatory reaction was present in over 300 cells/10 HPF. All these characteristics indicated viable connective tissue.

CONCLUSIONS

AFS remain a valuable surgical option for both primary and recurrent SUI in women, showing high cure rates and low complications in the long-term. The present case, to the best of our knowledge, presents the longest follow-up period of an autologous rectus muscle fascia placed retropubically and its histological evaluation documents characteristics which support its mechanical strength and viability.

The practice of Burch Colposuspension versus Mid Urethral Slings for the treatment of Stress Urinary Incontinence in developing country

OBJECTIVES

To compare the effectiveness and complications of Burch colposuspension and Mid Urethral Slings (MUS) for the treatment of Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI).

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study of 162 patients who underwent surgery for SUI with Burch colposuspension (n=40), tension free vaginal tape (TVT) (n= 59) or transobturator tape (TOT) (n=63), from 2006 to 2014 at the Aga Khan University Hospital- Karachi. All three groups were assessed in terms of demographics, cure rates, intraoperative and postoperative complications at one and five years using incontinence impact questionnaire-short form-7 (IIQ-7) and urogenital distress inventory -short form-6 (UDI-6).

RESULTS

Mean age of the participants in Burch, TVT and TOT group was 44.1 ± 7.4, 48.3 ± 8.9, 53.0 ± 9.4 respectively. Majority of patients in TVT group were premenopausal (59.3%) and postmenopausal in TOT group (53.9%). Most abdominal hysterectomies were done in Burch group (40) while vaginal hysterectomies and anterior and posterior colporrhaphy in TOT group (55). All the procedures had both subjective and objective cure rate of more than 82% at one year, with TVT having the highest success rate of 96.61%. The objective cure rate in Burch, TVT and TOT group at five years was 74.19%, 90.30% and 81.25% respectively. Intraoperative complications included hemorrhage in one patient during Burch procedure and bladder perforation in two cases of TVT, with no significant difference in short or long-term complications with either procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

All the three procedures have equal efficacy and complication rates. Even though TVT is the new gold standard but in view of current debate regarding mesh related complications, there is a need to readdress Burch colposuspension for treatment of SUI.

[Therapeutic options in female stress urinary incontinence]

Stress urinary incontinence in female patients is characterised by loss of urine without the need to urinate. Causes are manifold and require a good knowledge of the pelvic floor structures and the functionality of the bladder's occlusion system. Before any treatment can be initiated, differentiated diagnostic investigation must uncover the causes in order to be able to show incontinent women the ideal therapeutic options. In addition to conservative treatment strategies, there are several surgical alternatives available that can be used depending on the functional and/or anatomical deficit. Surgical correction produces good results, although a minor rate of possible complications must be accepted.

Determining the risk factors and characteristics of de novo stress urinary incontinence in women undergoing pelvic organ prolapse surgery: A systematic review

OBJECTIVE

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a common problem in women that affects their quality of life. According to the current evidence, 15%-50% of severe pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgeries lead to de novo urinary incontinence (UI). This study aimed at determining the risk factors and characteristics of de novo SUI after POP surgeries in a systematic review.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We conducted a systematic search of articles in English related to the risk of UI after POP surgery published until December 2019 in the selected bibliographic databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and ProQuest.

RESULTS

The initial search resulted in 2,363 studies, and after reviewing the titles and abstracts, 146 studies were identified. Moreover, 2 independent reviewers, using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklists, evaluated the risk of biases in the selected studies. Finally, 40 studies met the inclusion criteria. The most important predictors of UI after POP surgery were positive pessary testing, age >50 years, and maximum urethral closure pressure (MUCP) <60 cmH₂O.

CONCLUSION

Positive pessary testing, older age, and low MUCP were the most important risk factors for de novo incontinence after POP surgeries.

Comparison of Two Single-Incision Mini-Slings for the Treatment of Incontinence

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to compare the safety and efficacy of 2 single-incision mini-sling (SIMS) systems with different designs of anchoring mechanism.

METHODS

The records of patients who have been operated for the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence (SUI) with 2 different SIMS systems were retrospectively evaluated. Patient characteristics, physical examination results, and quality of life (QoL) questionnaires were used to evaluate the patients. Primary efficacy endpoints were the cure and failure rates. Secondary efficacy endpoints were complications and differences in QoL questionnaires.

RESULTS

Eighty-three patients from group 1 (Ophira SIMS system) and 77 patients from group 2 (Gallini SIMS system) were evaluated. There was no significant difference between the 2 groups regarding patient characteristics. The objective cure rates were found to be 83.1 and 79.2% in group 1 and group 2, respectively (p = 0.09). Mesh-related complications, such as anchor displacement, bladder erosion, vaginal erosion, and groin pain, were more common in group 1. No severe complications were observed. For both groups, a significant improvement in all scores of QoL questionnaires was observed after surgery; however, the differences between 2 groups were not significant.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study showed that the treatment of female SUI with 2 different SIMS systems had similar efficacy, complication rates, and scores in QoL questionnaires.

Complications and their treatment after midurethral tape implantation using retropubic and transobturator approaches for treatment of female stress urinary incontinence

Introduction

Midurethral tape implantation procedures currently are the first-line treatment for female stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

Aim

To estimate the most common intraoperative and postoperative complications and their treatment methods after midurethral tape implantation using retropubic (tension-free vaginal tape – TVT) and transobturator (TOT) approaches for the treatment of female SUI.

Material and methods

A retrospective descriptive study was performed on 367 women operated on due to SUI in the period from 2004 to 2015. The SUI diagnosis was confirmed by clinical history and physical examination. According to the surgical technique that was chosen for SUI treatment, all the patients were divided into two groups: the TVT group (n = 112) and the TOT group (n = 255).

Results

In total, in 31 (8.45%) of 367 patients complications were observed after midurethral tape implantation. In the TVT group 18 (16.07%) of 112 patients experienced surgery-related complications compared to 13 (5.1%) of 255 patients in the TOT group (p = 0.0005). The most common intraoperative complication in the TVT group was bladder perforation. In the TOT group we had only occasional intraoperative complications. Acute urinary retention was the most common postoperative complication in both groups. It was observed in 13 (11.6%) patients in the TVT group and in 5 (1.96%) patients in the TOT group.

Conclusions

The advantage of midurethral tape implantation using the TOT technique is that it is associated with lower incidence of intraoperative and postoperative complications compared to TVT. The most common complication in our series was acute postoperative urinary retention, which usually required an additional tape loosening procedure.

Quality of life and objective outcome assessment in women with tape division after surgery for stress urinary incontinence

BACKGROUND

Midurethral tapes may cause long-term complications such as voiding dysfunction, groin pain, de novo urgency or mesh erosion, which necessitate a reoperation. There is a paucity of data regarding health related quality of life in patients undergoing tape removal. The aim of the study was to evaluate quality of life (QoL) and objective outcome after midurethral tape division or excision.

METHODS

All patients who underwent a midurethral tape division for voiding difficulties, pain or therapy resistant de novo overactive bladder between 1999 and 2014 were invited for follow-up. A control group with a suburethral tape without division was established in a 1:2 ratio and matched for age, tape used and year of tape insertion. Patients completed the Kings´ Health Questionnaire (KHQ), Incontinence Outcome Questionnaire, Female Sexual Function Index Questionnaire and the Patient Global Impression of Improvement score.

RESULTS

Tape division or excision was performed in 32 women. Overall, 15 (60%) of 25 women who were alive were available for clinical examination and completed the questionnaires. Tape division was performed for voiding dysfunction (n = 7), overactive bladder (n = 2), mesh extrusion (n = 3) and ongoing pain (n = 3). Median time to tape division/excision was 10 months. Three women in the tape division group had undergone reoperation for stress urinary incontinence (SUI). At a median follow-up of 11 years (IQR 9-13) subjective SUI rate was 53% (8/15 women) in the tape division group and 17% (5/30) in the control group (p = 0.016), with no significant differences in objective SUI rates between groups. With regard to quality of life, the study group had significantly worse scores in the SUI related domains role limitation, physical limitation, severity measures and social limitations (KHQ) compared to the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Women needing tape division or excision have lower SUI related QoL scores compared to controls mostly because of higher subjective SUI rates.

Objective outcome and quality-of-life assessment in women with repeat incontinence surgery

AIMS

To evaluate subjective and objective outcome after repeat surgery for stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

METHODS

Patients who underwent a midurethral tape after failed Burch colposuspension or failed midurethal tape between 1999 and 2014 were invited for follow-up. Urogynecological examination and urodynamics was performed, and objective cure was defined as a negative cough stress test; subjective cure was defined as negotiation of SUI symptoms. Quality-of-life (QoL), sexual health, and subjective success was assessed with the King's Health Questionnaire, Incontinence Outcome Questionnaire, Female Sexual Function Index, and the Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I) score.

RESULTS

Overall 52 women underwent repeat incontinence surgery. Out of the 44 women still alive, 33 (75%) were available for follow-up. All 33 women completed the questionnaires; 23 women (70%) attended the clinic and also had an urogynecological examination. At a median follow-up of 11 years, subjective cure was 67% (22/33), objective cure was 65% (16/23), and subjective success according to PGI-I was 78% (18/23), with no significant differences between groups. No erosions of suture or tape material into the bladder, urethra, or vagina were seen. Two women had received a third anti-incontinence operation with TVT after failed tape after failed Burch, and were continent at follow-up. Two women with tape after colposuspension required division of the tape and both were continent at the time of follow-up. With regard to QoL and sexual health, no significant differences were seen for most domains.

CONCLUSIONS

Midurethral tapes are an option for women with recurrent SUI after previous colposuspension or midurethral tape.

10 years follow-up after mid-urethral sling implantation: high rate of cure yet a re-occurrence of OAB-symptoms

AIMS

To assess the long-term outcome of mid-urethral slings regarding urinary incontinence (UI) and lower urinary tract symptoms and to identify risk factors for an unsatisfactory outcome.

METHODS

Analysis of a prospective institutional database. For the current analysis only women who reached the 10 years follow-up were eligible. Outcome was assessed using a detailed, non-validated questionnaire on continence status and on several aspects of lower urinary tract function.

RESULTS

A total of 256 women were operated during 1999-2004, in 139 (54.3%), a 10 years follow-up was available and these patients were included. Mean age at surgery was 63 years. At the 2, 5, and 10 years follow-up, the percentages of women reporting 0-1 pads/day were 96.4%, 97.1% and 88.5%, respectively. More than 95% of the patients reported no stress UI at the 2, 5, and 10 years follow-up. At baseline, urgency was reported by 61.2%, this figure dropped to 17.3% at 2 years and increased thereafter to 32.4% (5 years) and 41.7% (10 years). De novo urgency was present in 3.6% after 2 years, in 10.8% after 5 years, and 14.4% after 10 years. The percentage of patients with a high degree of treatment satisfaction declined from 79.1% at 2 years to 70.5% at 5 years, and 62.6% at 10 years. Risk factors for an unsatisfactory long-term outcome were advanced age, the presence of urgency, nocturia, and decreased bladder capacity at baseline.

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirms the excellent long-term efficacy of mid-urethral slings regarding the management of stress UI. A substantial number of women develop OAB-symptoms after the procedure that largely contribute to outcome dissatisfaction. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:614-619, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

A comparison between adjustable single-incision sling and tension-free vaginal tape-obturator in treating stress urinary incontinence

PURPOSE

To compare the subjective and objective cure rates, postoperative pain, postoperative complications, and postoperative quality of life of adjustable single-incision sling (Ajust®) versus tension-free vaginal tape-obturator (TVT-O™) in the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

METHODS

Female patients with SUI (N = 368) were randomized to receive either Ajust® (N = 184) or TVT-O™ procedure (N = 184) between January 2012 and October 2013. Efficacy was evaluated using cure rate, postoperative complications, postoperative pain profile (using Visual Analogue Scale), Patient Global Impression of Improvement Scale, and International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form.

RESULTS

The patients from Ajust® and TVT-O™ groups had no statistically significant difference in subjective and objective cure rates (94.4 vs 90.7 %, P = 0.171; 97.2 vs 90.7 %, P = 0.195). Compared with the TVT-O™ group, patients in the Ajust® group had significantly less postoperative pain, shorter operative duration, and less intraoperative blood loss (all P values < 0.05). No significant difference in perioperative complications was observed between these two groups. Patients in Ajust® group had shorter recovery time (P < 0.001) compared to TVT-O™ group. The postoperative quality of life of patients in these two groups was significantly improved compared to baseline; however, no significant difference was observed in the average improvement of life between these two groups (P = 0.115).

CONCLUSIONS

Ajust® procedure is simple, safe, and effective for the treatment of SUI. Compared with TVT-O™, patients receiving Ajust® had less intraoperative blood loss, less postoperative pain, and shorter recovery time.

Clinical application of IUGA/ICS classification system for mesh erosion

AIMS

Our aim was to assess the usability of the IUGA/ICS classification system for mesh erosion in a tertiary clinical practice and to determine if assigned classification is associated with patient symptoms, treatment, and outcome.

METHODS

We retrospectively identified women who had mesh erosion after prolapse or incontinence surgery. Each erosion was classified using the IUGA/ICS category time site (CTS) system. Associations between classification and presenting symptom (asymptomatic, pain, bleeding, voiding, or defecatory dysfunction, infection, prolapse), treatment type, and outcome were evaluated with chi-squared test, student's t-test, and univariate logistic regression.

RESULTS

We identified 74 subjects with mesh erosion; only 70% were classifiable. Asymptomatic patients (n = 19) (Category A) were more likely to be managed conservatively (P = 0.001). Symptomatic patients (n = 55) (Category B) were more likely to be managed surgically (P = 0.003). Other variables had no association with treatment. No variables were associated with outcome. Presenting symptom was associated with both treatment (P = 0.005) and outcome (P = 0.03). Asymptomatic subjects were more likely to have satisfactory outcome (P = 0.03). Urinary frequency and urgency were highly correlated with surgical management (P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

One third of mesh erosions could not be retrospectively coded using the IUGA/ICS classification. The components of the system were not predictive of treatment nor outcome with exception of the Category A (asymptomatic) and Category B (symptomatic). Asymptomatic women with mesh erosion can be successfully managed with conservative measures. Use of a classification system may be enhanced if the system is simplified by limiting the number of variables to those associated with interventions and patient outcome. Neurourol. Urodynam. 35:589-594, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Diagnosis and surgical treatment of stress urinary incontinence

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a major problem affecting more than 20% of the nation's female population, with increasing prevalence as our population continues to age. Incontinence places a great burden on individuals, and the economic effect is large. Stress urinary incontinence occurs when there is involuntary leakage of urine during coughing, laughing, sneezing, or physical activity. It can be diagnosed during physical examination and by using low-cost office diagnostics. Although nonsurgical treatments provide some benefit, surgical interventions have demonstrated superiority with respect to subjective and objective cure and better long-term improvement. Corrective surgeries for SUI can be grouped into four categories: 1) slings (midurethral slings and slings placed at the ureterovesical junction), 2) retropubic urethropexy, 3) urethral bulking agents, and 4) artificial sphincters. The success and failure of each approach needs to be assessed in the context of individual patients and their circumstances. Slings and retropubic urethropexy are considered first-line surgical options. Since the advent of minimally invasive retropubic midurethral slings such as the tension-free vaginal tape, transobturator tension-free vaginal tape, and single-incision sling, retropubic urethropexy have fallen out of favor. Warnings about mesh use may contribute to a resurgence of retropubic urethropexy procedures such as the Burch procedure. A Burch procedure should still be considered for patients who have an aversion to mesh or if they are undergoing concurrent abdominal approach surgery. Urethral bulking agents are usually reserved for patients with a fixed, nonmobile urethra who cannot tolerate an operative experience or have failed previous antiincontinence procedures. Artificial sphincters should be considered an operation of last resort.

Changed women: the long-term impact of vaginal mesh complications

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to describe how women experience vaginal mesh complications after optimized tertiary care level treatment.

METHODS

We conducted telephone interviews in 2012 with women at least 6 months after presentation to our tertiary care clinic between 2006 and 2011 for complications related to vaginal mesh and transcribed verbatim responses to 2 open-ended questions about their experiences surrounding vaginal mesh complications. We analyzed data using qualitative description with low-inference interpretation in a team-based setting followed by consensus meetings to arrive at descriptive trajectories of their experiences.

RESULTS

Of 111 women, we successfully contacted 88, and 84 agreed to the interview. The mean duration from index mesh surgery to interview was 4.5 years, and the mean duration from presentation to our clinic for complications to the interview was 2.3 years. The effects of mesh complications caused both physical and emotional pain, in addition to the discomfort of the original pelvic floor dysfunction. The women's experiences followed 1 of 3 recovery trajectories. In "cascading health problems," the women experienced a spiral of health problems, anxiety, and desperation. In "settling for a new normal," the women who once considered themselves healthy now believed that they are unhealthy and worked to adjust to their degraded health status. In "returning to health," the women described a return to health. The women still symptomatic discharged from tertiary care clinic expressed hopelessness and abandonment.

CONCLUSIONS

Concomitant with ongoing research to improve the safety of vaginal mesh procedures, there must be dedicated efforts to develop and study a range of therapies for holistically treating women with mesh complications.

Long-term follow-up of treatment for synthetic mesh complications

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this study are (1) to describe the presenting symptoms, findings, and treatment and (2) to describe the self-reported improvement and function at least 6 months after presentation in women presenting to 1 urogynecology division for complications associated with synthetic vaginal mesh.

METHODS

Women evaluated between 2006 and 2011 were identified by diagnostic codes. We abstracted information from the medical record and attempted to contact all women to complete a follow-up telephone survey questionnaire consisting of several validated instruments.

RESULTS

A total of 111 women were evaluated for complications associated with synthetic vaginal mesh. The mean interval from index surgery was 2.4 years. Of these, 84% were referred from outside hospitals. Index surgeries included vaginal mesh kits/vaginally placed mesh (47%), midurethral mesh slings (37%), abdominally placed vaginal mesh (11%), and vaginal mesh kit with concomitantly placed mesh sling (5%). The most common complications were extrusion (65%), contraction (17%), and chronic pelvic pain (16%). A total of 98 women underwent some type of treatment (85 surgical) by urogynecologists, pelvic pain specialists, or physical therapists. Eighty-four (76%) provided follow-up information at mean interval since presentation of 2.3 years. At follow-up, the mean (SD) Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory score was 98 (67), the mean (SD) EQ-5D index score was 0.69 (0.23), and 22% reported vaginal discharge, 15% vaginal bleeding or spotting, and 45% sexual abstinence due to problems related to mesh. A total of 71% reported being overall better, whereas 29% were the same or worse.

CONCLUSIONS

Two years after tertiary care level multidisciplinary treatment of vaginal mesh complications, many women still report symptoms that negatively impact their quality of life.

[Urogynecology II: urinary incontinence in men and women: surgical treatment of urinary incontinence and prolapse]

Numerous surgical procedures are available for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence in women and men. On a par with classical therapy options (e.g. colposuspension and artificial sphincter prosthesis) suburethral tape procedures have become established as the minimally invasive standard of care. Regarding comorbidities and recurrent urinary incontinence, therapeutic procedures should be modified on an individual basis. It is crucial to involve patients in therapeutic decision-making and counseling should be given with respect to all conservative and operative alternatives.

[Miduretral sling and sexuality: a systematic review]

PURPOSE

To assess influence of miduretral sling (MUS) on patient's sexuality.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature review using Pubmed, Medline, Embase and Cochrane: "stress urinary incontinence", "sexual function", "anti-incontinence surgery", "minimaly invasive slings", "mid-urethral slings", "tension-free vaginal tape", "transobturator vaginal tape". Sixty-nine articles really dealt with the impact of MUS on sexuality.

RESULTS

The data were expressed as the median and interquartile range (IQR; 25th-75th percentile). After MUS surgery, 30% (21-37) patients had sexuality improvement, 8.5% (4.7-14) had sexuality impairment and 60% (53-73) didn't report change on their sexuality.

CONCLUSION

MUS surgery didn't seem to impair significantly patient's sexuality.

The introduction of mid-urethral slings: an evaluation of literature

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

The objective of this study was to evaluate the degree and reliability of evidence used by manufacturers before the introduction of mid-urethral slings (MUS) onto the commercial market. Furthermore, minimum standards for marketed slings are recommended by evaluating recent suggestions for the introduction of gynecological meshes.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed and commercial internet search engines in order to identify slings introduced by the industry over the last decade. Moreover, manufacturers were contacted by email, mail, and phone to provide data from before the introduction of the slings onto the commercial market. Once contact had been initiated, a 6-month deadline was set for data collection.

RESULTS

Forty-one slings introduced between 1996 and 2012 were identified. Ten slings were described in a total of 20 studies with sample sizes varying from 10 to 368. The 41 MUS were produced by a total of 19 different companies. Seven companies never responded to recurrent emails, phone calls or other means of attempted contact. Thirty-one slings (76%) remained without any comparative pre-launch data.

CONCLUSIONS

Mid-urethral slings were often introduced without any scientifically proven basis or pre-launch research. The US Food and Drug Administration and the European authorities should undertake immediate action by imposing strict rules before the launch of new MUS comparable with those recently suggested for meshes used in vaginal prolapse surgery.

Clinical challenges in the management of vaginal prolapse

Pelvic organ prolapse is highly prevalent, and negatively affects a woman’s quality of life. Women with bothersome prolapse may be offered pessary management or may choose to undergo corrective surgery. In choosing the most appropriate surgical procedure, there are many factors to consider. These may include the location(s) of anatomic defects, the severity of prolapse symptoms, the activity level of the woman, and concerns regarding the durability of the repair. In many instances, women and their surgeons are challenged to weigh the risks and benefits of native tissue versus mesh-augmented repairs. Though mesh-augmented repairs may offer better durability, they are also associated with unique complications, such as mesh erosion. Furthermore, newer surgical techniques of mesh placement via abdominal or vaginal routes may result in different outcomes compared to traditional techniques. Biologic grafts may also be considered to improve durability of a surgical repair, while avoiding potential complications of synthetic mesh. In this article, we review many of the clinical challenges that gynecologic surgeons face in the surgical management of vaginal prolapse. Furthermore, we review data that can help guide decision making when treating women with pelvic organ prolapse.