Incidence of perioperative complications of urogynecologic surgery in elderly women

Treatment strategies for pelvic organ prolapse and postoperative outcomes in older women with long-term care needs: A population-based retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to investigate treatment options for older women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and postoperative outcomes based on their long-term care (LTC) status.

METHODS

We used the medical and LTC insurance claims databases of Tochigi Prefecture in Japan, covering 2014 to 2019. We included women 65 years and older with POP and evaluated their care status and treatment, excluding women with an observation period <6 months. Among women with a postsurgical interval ≥6 months, we compared care level changes and deaths within 6 months and complications within 1 month postoperatively between those with and without LTC using Fisher exact test.

RESULTS

We identified 3406 eligible women. Of the 447 women with LTC and 2959 women without LTC, 16 (3.6%) and 415 (14.0%), respectively, underwent surgery. Among 393 women with a postsurgical interval ≥6 months, 19 (4.8%) required LTC at surgery. Two of the 19 women with LTC (10.5%) and eight of 374 women without LTC (2.1%) experienced worsening care-needs level. No deaths were recorded. Urinary tract infection (UTI) was significantly more frequent in women with LTC than in women without LTC (36.8% vs 8.6%). Other complications were rare in both groups.

CONCLUSION

The proportion of patients who underwent surgery for POP was lower in women with LTC than in women without LTC. Postoperative UTI was common and 11% had a worsening care-needs level postoperatively, whereas other complications were infrequent. Further detailed studies would contribute to providing optimal treatment to enhance patients' quality of life.

The effect of advanced age on peri- and post-operative complications following pelvic floor repair surgeries

OBJECTIVES

To assess whether advanced age is a risk factor for complications following pelvic organ prolapse (POP) repair surgeries using the Clavien-Dindo classification system.

METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study, 260 women who had undergone POP repair surgery at the Soroka University Medical Center (SUMC) between the years 2014-2019 were included. A univariate analysis was conducted to compare the demographical, clinical, obstetrical and operative characteristics of patients by age group (younger or older than 70 years). We performed a similar analysis to assess for the possible association between several variables and post-operative complications. Variables that were found to be associated with post-operative complications (P < 0.2) were included in a multivariate analysis along with advanced age.

RESULTS

During the 12 months follow-up period, more than half of the women had experienced at least one post-operative complication. Minor complications (grades 1-2 according to the Clavian-Dindo classification system) were the most common. One woman had died during the follow-up period, and none had experienced organ failure (grade 4). Hysterectomy, as part of POP surgery, was found to be significantly associated with post-operative complications. Additionally, grandmultiparity (> 5 births) showed a tendency towards an increased risk for post-operative complications, however this reached only borderline significance. We found no association between advanced age and post-operative complications.

CONCLUSIONS

POP repair surgeries are safe for women of all ages. Major complications (grades 3-5) are rare in all age groups. Although advanced age was associated with a higher prevalence of comorbidity and a higher grade of prolapse, no significant difference in the post-operative complications was found between age groups. Concomitant hysterectomy at the time of POP repair surgery is a risk factor for post-operative complications.

Is Preoperative Type and Screen High-value Care? A Cost-effectiveness Analysis of Performing Preoperative Type and Screen Prior to Urogynecological Surgery

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Routine preoperative type and screen (T&S) is often ordered prior to urogynecological surgery but is rarely used. We aimed to assess the cost effectiveness of routine preoperative T&S and determine transfusion and transfusion reaction rates that make universal preoperative T&S cost effective.

METHODS

A decision tree model from the health care sector perspective compared costs (2020 US dollars) and effectiveness (quality-adjusted life-years, QALYs) of universal preoperative T&S (cross-matched blood) vs no T&S (O negative blood). Our primary outcome was the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). Input parameters included transfusion rates, transfusion reaction incidence, transfusion reaction severity rates, and costs of management. The base case included a transfusion probability of 1.26%; a transfusion reaction probability of 0.0013% with or 0.4% without T&S; and with a transfusion reaction, a 50% probability of inpatient management and 0.0042 annual disutility. Costs were estimated from Medicare national reimbursement schedules. The time horizon was surgery/admission. We assumed a willingness-to-pay threshold of $150,000/QALY. One- and two-way sensitivity analyses were performed.

RESULTS

The base case and one-way sensitivity analyses demonstrated that routine preoperative T&S is not cost effective, with an ICER of $63,721,632/QALY. The optimal strategy did not change when base case cost, transfusion probability, or transfusion reaction disutility were varied. Threshold analysis revealed that if transfusion reaction probability without T&S is >12%, routine T&S becomes cost effective. Scenarios identified as cost effective in the threshold and sensitivity analyses fell outside reported rates for urogynecological surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Within broad ranges, preoperative T&S is not cost effective, which supports re-evaluating routine T&S prior to urogynecological surgery.

How Old Is Too Old? Outcomes of Prolapse Native-Tissue Repair through Uterosacral Suspension in Octogenarians

INTRODUCTION

Medical advancements are expected to lead to a substantial increase in the population of women aged 80 and older by 2050. Consequently, a significant number of individuals undergoing corrective prolapse surgery will fall into the elderly-patient category. The research indicates a notable rise in complications associated with prolapse surgery in patients older than 80, irrespective of frailty and other risk factors. Despite these challenges, the vaginal approach has been identified as the safest surgical method for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) repair in the elderly population. For this reason, we aimed to investigate the efficacy, complication rate, and functional outcomes associated with vaginal hysterectomy and an apical suspension/high uterosacral ligaments suspension as a primary technique for prolapse repair, both within a cohort of elderly patients.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent transvaginal hysterectomy plus an apical suspension procedure for stage ≥ II and symptomatic genital prolapse between January 2006 and December 2013. Anatomical and functional outcomes were evaluated. The Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I) score was used to evaluate subjective satisfaction after surgery.

RESULTS

Sixty-five patients were included in the analysis. The median age was 81.3 years. All individuals exhibited an anterior compartment prolapse stage II or higher, and the majority also a central prolapse stage II or higher. Notably, all participants reported symptoms of vaginal bulging. Over half of the population (58.6%) complained of incomplete bladder emptying. The intervention for all participants involved a vaginal hysterectomy with an apical suspension. Sixty-three patients (96.9%) and forty-four patients (67.6%) underwent a simultaneous anterior or posterior repair, respectively. Long-term complications (>30 days from surgery) were observed during follow-up, with a median duration of 23 ± 20 months. Seven (10.7%) anatomical recurrences were recorded, five (7.69%) concerning the anterior compartment, one (1.5%) the central, and three (4.6%) the posterior. Nevertheless, none of them necessitated further surgical intervention due to symptoms. Significant anatomical improvements for the anterior, central, and posterior compartments were noticed, compared to preoperative assessment (p < 0.001 for Aa and Ba, p < 0.001 for Ap and Bp, and p < 0.001 for C). PGI-I values established that 100% of patients were satisfied (PGI-I ≥ 2), with a median score of 1.12. Consequently, objective and subjective cure rates were 89.5% and 100%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Vaginal hysterectomy combined with apical suspension, particularly high uterosacral ligaments suspension, is a safe and effective primary surgical approach, even in elderly patients.

Effect of age in women undergoing laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy: A retrospective study

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether elderly women (≥65 years) have an increased risk of complications and lower success when undergoing laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (LSC) compared with younger women (<65 years).

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of all LSC procedures performed from August 2014 to February 2021 by a single urogynecologic surgeon in an academic affiliated hospital system. Charts were identified through procedure codes. Patient demographics, clinical, surgical, and postoperative data were collected. The primary outcome of this study was to compare complications associated with LSC, including intraoperative and postoperative complications. Secondary outcomes included subjective, objective, and composite success.

RESULTS

In total, 312 participants met the criteria. The mean age of the group who were younger than 65 years was 55.7 years (±6.5) and of the group aged 65 years or older was 69.3 years (±3.5). Racial demographics revealed no differences between the two groups. Patients aged 65 years or older had a statistically significant lower body mass index (calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters), a higher rate of hypertension, smaller genital hiatus, and a larger anterior vaginal wall prolapse compared with the younger cohort. They also less often underwent a posterior repair. No statistically significant differences were found with regards to intraoperative and postoperative complications, including 30-day re-admission, between the two age groups. Both groups had high anatomic success rates, with no significant difference (<65 = 96.3%; ≥65 = 98.4%; P = 0.326). Those aged younger than 65 years compared with those aged 65 years or older had lower subjective success that was not significantly different (<65 = 62.8%; ≥65 = 71.0; P = 0.134). Composite success was noted to reach the threshold of a statistically significant difference in the group aged younger than 65 years compared with those aged 65 years or older (60.1% vs 71.0%; P = 0.0499).

CONCLUSION

In this study, elderly patients did not have increased intraoperative and postoperative complications after undergoing LSC. Similar rates of anatomic and subjective success were also found with younger patients having a lower composite success. Proper candidates for LSC should not be excluded based upon age.

The clinical utility of routine postoperative hemoglobin and creatinine after reconstructive surgery for apical pelvic organ prolapse

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Postoperative laboratory tests are routinely ordered after apical prolapse repair on asymptomatic patients. We hypothesize that routine serum hemoglobin (Hb) and creatinine (Cr) have limited clinical utility in the postoperative period in asymptomatic patients.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent surgical repair of apical prolapse between 2017 and 2019 at our institution. Subjects were divided into two groups postoperatively: symptomatic and asymptomatic anemia. Symptomatic patients were defined as having one or more of the following: blood pressure (BP) <90/60, heart rate (HR) >100, urine output <30 cc/h, subjective dizziness, flank pain, or abdominal pain. The primary aim was to evaluate the utility of postoperative serum Hb and Cr in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. Fisher's exact and Mann-Whitney tests analyzed categorical and continuous data respectively. A total of 325 patients were included.

RESULTS

Patients with symptomatic anemia had a larger decrease in Hb on postoperative day 1 (POD1) with a mean decrease of -18.11% (± 6.64) compared with asymptomatic patients, who had a mean difference of -15.49% (± 5.63; p < 0.001). The total cost of tests evaluating Hb was US$61,745. Patients with symptomatic acute kidney injury had an increase in Cr on POD1 compared with asymptomatic patients, with a mean increase of 0.23% (± 16.06) and -3.07% (± 13.10) respectively (p < 0.05). The total cost of tests including Cr was US$131,812.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that routine postoperative Hb and Cr testing for apical prolapse should be reserved for symptomatic patients as it has minimal clinical value in asymptomatic patients and contributes to increased overall health care cost.

Reducing urinary tract infection in female pelvic surgery: A retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To compare prebundle versus postbundle implementation urinary tract infection (UTI) rates among inpatients within 6 weeks of clean-contaminated pelvic reconstructive surgery.

METHODS

The authors conducted a retrospective cohort study from September 2019 to December 2021 at a tertiary hospital. The bundle strategy included the following: universal preoperative UTI check with treatment if positive, replacing prolonged postoperative voiding trials on the ward with earlier discharge and indwelling catheter removal by a nurse continence advisor the next day, and daily cranberry extract for 6 weeks postoperatively. UTI was defined as positive urine culture (≥100 000 colony-forming unit per mL) in a symptomatic patient. Data analysis involved hypothesis testing and logistic regression.

RESULTS

The authors reviewed 132 postbundle inpatient charts and retained 93 for analyses. The results were compared with 204 prebundle inpatient charts. The rate of postoperative UTI decreased from 17.6% in the prebundle group to 6.5% after bundle implementation (P = 0.01). The adjusted odds ratio for postbundle versus prebundle likelihood of UTI was 0.35 (95% confidence interval, 0.13-0.98; P = 0.045). Significantly more postbundle patients compared with prebundle patients were discharged home on the first day postoperatively (76.3% vs. 37.7%, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

A clinical bundle can significantly decrease both UTI rates and hospital stay after pelvic reconstructive surgery.

Laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy for pelvic organ prolapse in the elderly: safety and outcomes

Due to its low postoperative complication rate, vaginal surgery is the preferred intervention for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) in elderly patients. We aimed to assess outcomes and perioperative complication rates associated with laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (LSC) in elderly women. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 74 consecutive patients [52 (70.3%) aged <75 years; 22 (29.7%) aged ≥75 years] with POP who underwent LSC between August 2015 and December 2017. We evaluated preoperative risks using the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) and complications, using the Clavien-Dindo grading (CDG). No between-group differences were observed in CCI. CDG indicated fewer perioperative complications in patients aged >75 years. Anatomical success rates at 15 months were 95.5% and 90.4% in patients aged ≥75 and <75 years, respectively. LSC has a high anatomical correction rate and few perioperative complications regardless of age. Thus, the appropriate surgical intervention method would depend on the patient's health and comorbidities.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? Laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (LSC) is a superior method to vaginal surgery because of its anatomical and functional outcomes, particularly regarding sexual activity.What do the results of this study add? In this single-center study with a 15-month follow-up, we demonstrated that LSC has a high anatomical correction rate and few perioperative complications regardless of age at the time of surgery. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in the rate of complications between the ≥75 and <75 years groups. Thus, LSC may be considered for women aged >75 years. However, in these elderly patients, the surgical method should be determined according to their health status and medical comorbidities.What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Age should not be the basis for exclusion from laparoscopic procedures. Moreover, LSC is a suitable and valid option for elderly women with POP. As the study population consisted of a homogenous group of Japanese women, it lacks generalisability. Studies evaluating these outcomes are required in other populations.

Incidence of bowel injury during gynecologic surgery for benign indications: A nationwide cross-sectional study of cases from 2009 to 2018

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the incidence and risk factors of intestinal injury during gynecologic surgery for benign diseases, based on a national database.

METHOD

The study cohort was generated by extracting patients with operation codes for benign gynecologic diseases from the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service National Inpatient Sample from 2009 to 2018. After analyzing the incidence of bowel injury during gynecologic surgery, a multivariate analysis was performed to identify the associated risk factors for bowel injury.

RESULTS

Among 81 451 patients who underwent gynecologic surgery for benign diseases, the incidence of bowel injury was 6.14 per 1000 women. The risk of bowel injury decreased with laparoscopy (odds ratio [OR] 0.54; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.41-0.69; P < 0.001) and increased with subtotal hysterectomy (OR 2.83; 95% CI 1.79-4.46; P < 0.001) and adnexectomy (OR 2.83; 95% CI 1.93-4.16; P < 0.001). Old age, higher Charlson comorbidity index, low socioeconomic status, and a higher clinic grade were associated with a higher risk of bowel injury.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed the incidence of bowel injury during benign gynecologic surgery in a Korean national population-based cohort. The risk of bowel injury increased with open surgery, subtotal hysterectomy, and adnexectomy.

The Impact of Age on Perioperative Complications After Minimally Invasive Sacrocolpopexy

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to compare perioperative complications between older (≥65 years), middle-age (55-64 years), and younger (<55 years) women after minimally invasive sacrocolpopexy (SCP).

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included women undergoing SCP from 2006 to 2016 at a single academic center. Our primary outcome was the rate of perioperative complications (intraoperative and postoperative within 6 weeks of surgery), between groups. Secondary outcomes included readmission and reoperation rates.

RESULTS

There were 440 consecutive participants: 159 (36.1%) older, 160 (36.4%) middle-age, and 121 (27.5%) younger women. The overall intraoperative complication rate from SCP was 9.1%, with the most common being cystotomy (5.0%) and vaginotomy (1.8%). There were no differences in intraoperative complications between groups. Urinary tract infection (10.9%) and port-site cellulitis (3.4%) were the most common postoperative complications. For our primary outcome, younger women had a higher rate of postoperative complications compared with middle-age and older women (P < 0.001). There was no difference in postoperative complications between older and middle-aged women. In a multivariate regression controlling for comorbidity, body mass index, diabetes, smoking status, concomitant hysterectomy, and/or sling, younger women retained a higher rate of postoperative complications (odds ratio, 1.7 [1.2,2.2]). Rates of readmission (3.2%) and reoperation (0.7%) were also similar between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The rate of perioperative complications was low with no difference in intraoperative complications. Women under 55 had a higher rate of postoperative complications compared to women age 55 to 65 years and those older than 65 years. Our results suggest that it is reasonable to offer SCP to women older than 65 years.

Perioperative outcomes of reconstructive surgery for apical prolapse in the very elderly: a national contemporary analysis

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

It is predicted that the number of women aged 80 years or older will more than triple by 2050. In the US, women have a 13% lifetime risk of undergoing pelvic organ prolapse surgery. Our aim was to compare the perioperative outcomes following various reconstructive approaches for apical prolapse surgery in the very elderly.

METHODS

The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was used to identify women age ≥ 80 years of age who underwent reconstructive apical prolapse surgery from 2010 to 2017. Perioperative morbidity of vaginal colpopexy, minimally invasive sacrocolpopexy (MISC) and abdominal sacrocolpopexy (ASC) were compared. The primary outcome was the rate of composite serious complications. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of serious complications.

RESULTS

A total of 1012 patients were identified: vaginal (n = 792), MISC (n = 151) and ASC (n = 69). The composite serious complication rate was higher in the ASC group compared to vaginal/MISC groups (18.8% vs. 9.3% and 9.3%, p < 0.05). ASC had higher rates of blood transfusion, thromboembolism and reintubation. Life-threatening complications, readmission, pneumonia, stroke and 30-day mortality were lowest in the vaginal group. ASC (aOR 2.27), age > 85 years (aOR 1.98), operative time > 3 h (aOR 2.02), baseline dyspnea (aOR 2.17), "other race" (aOR 2.04), preoperative coagulopathy (aOR 2.92) and ASA (aOR 1.47) were associated with composite serious complications.

CONCLUSION

ASC is associated with higher perioperative morbidity in the very elderly population. MISC and vaginal colpopexy have similar rates of composite serious complications; however, vaginal colpopexy is overall the safest approach in this population.

Perioperative Safety of Surgery for Pelvic Organ Prolapse in Elderly and Frail Patients

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of old age and frailty on complication rates after surgery for pelvic organ prolapse.

METHODS

The American College of Surgeons' National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was used to identify patients who underwent surgery for prolapse from 2010 to 2017. We compared our control group (45-64 years, index population) to those aged 65-79 years (elderly) and 80 years and older (very elderly). Frailty was assessed using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Modified Frailty Index-5. The primary outcome was the composite rate of serious complications and mortality.

RESULTS

We analyzed 27,403 patients in the index population, 20,567 in the elderly group, and 3,088 in the very elderly group. The composite rate of serious complications in the index population was 4.5%, compared with 4.7% in the elderly group (odds ratio [OR] 1.0, 95% CI 0.9-1.1) and 9.0% in the very elderly group (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.8-2.4). Compared with the index group, the very elderly group had notably elevated risks of cardiac complications (OR 11.9, 95% CI 6.2-23.0), stroke (OR 26.6, 95% CI 5.4-131.8), and mortality (OR 39.9, 95% CI 8.6-184.7). On multivariate logistic regression, the only age group independently associated with serious complications was the very elderly group (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.01, 95% CI 1.8-2.3). The Modified Frailty Index-5 score was independently predictive of complications (aOR 1.4, 95% CI 1.1-2.0). Stratified analysis using interaction terms revealed the Modified Frailty Index-5 score to be predictive of complications in the elderly age group (aOR 2.5, 95% CI 1.3-4.6), but not in the very elderly group.

CONCLUSION

Serious complications surrounding prolapse surgery increase substantially in the cohort of patients older than 80 years of age, independent of frailty and medical or surgical risk factors.

Long-term efficacy and patient satisfaction of Le Fort colpocleisis for the treatment of severe pelvic organ prolapse

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

The objective was to investigate the long-term efficacy and patient satisfaction of Le Fort colpocleisis for the treatment of severe pelvic organ prolapse.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of patients who underwent Le Fort colpocleisis from January 2007 to August 2018 in our hospital. Follow-up was conducted via outpatient visits or the telephone. Records were reviewed for anatomical recurrence, complications, urinary and intestinal symptoms post-operation, reoperation rate, patient satisfaction, Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I) score, regret rate etc. RESULTS: A total of 208 patients underwent follow-up. The follow-up time was 60.7 ± 34.18 (12-140) months. There were no intraoperative complications. Postoperative urinary retention occurred in 3.8% of patients (8 out of 208). There was no anatomical recurrence. New or more severe urinary symptoms occurred in 8.7% of patients (18 out of 208); new or more severe intestinal symptoms occurred in 1.9% of patients (4 out of 208). The reoperation rate was 1.44% (3 out of 208). Three cases of reoperation occurred for the following reasons: a case of severe stress urinary incontinence, a case of abscess in the vaginal septum, and a case of uterine malignancy after 2 years of colpocleisis. Patient satisfaction was as follows: 98.6% (205 out of 208) of patients were very satisfied. The PGI-I score was very much improved or improved in 99.5% (207 out of 208) of patients. A total of 0.96% (2 out of 208) of patients regretted undergoing colpocleisis.

CONCLUSIONS

The long-term follow-up results showed that Le Fort colpocleisis was a safe and effective surgical procedure associated with high satisfaction. There was a very low regret rate, but the procedure should be taken seriously.

The impact of prior prolapse repairs on surgical outcomes with minimally invasive sacral colpopexy

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

To determine whether prior prolapse repair has an impact on operative time, surgical complications, and prolapse recurrence with minimally invasive sacral colpopexy (MISC).

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of all laparoscopic and robotic MISC procedures performed from January 2009 to July 2014 at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Patient demographics, clinical and surgical data were compared in women who underwent MISC for initial repair versus those undergoing MISC for recurrence after prior prolapse surgery. Our primary outcome was operating room (OR) time (skin incision to closure) using linear regression. Logistic regression compared complications (a composite variable considered present if any major complication occurred) and prolapse recurrence (any POP-Q point ≥0 or retreatment).

RESULTS

Of 816 subjects, the mean age was 59.6 ± 8.7, with mean BMI 27.0 ± 3.0 in a primarily Caucasian population (97.8%). Subjects had predominantly POP-Q stage III prolapse (69.9%), and 21.3% reported prior prolapse repair. OR time was 205.0 ± 69.0 min. Prior prolapse repair did not impact OR time (p = 0.25) after adjusting for age, concomitant procedures, POP-Q measurements, changes in OR personnel, case order in the day, and preoperative stress incontinence. Complications occurred in 15.8% but were not impacted by prior prolapse repair (OR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.53-1.67) after adjusting for potential confounders. During a median follow-up of 31 weeks, 7.8% had recurrence with no impact from prior prolapse surgery (OR = 1.557, 95% CI = 0.67-3.64) after adjusting for potential confounders.

CONCLUSIONS

We were unable to demonstrate increased OR time, complications, or prolapse recurrence for MISC based on history of prior prolapse repair. Longer follow-up is needed to confirm the lack of difference in prolapse recurrence rates.

Surgical decision making for symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse: evidence-based approach

Surgery is the mainstay of treatment for symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse (POP), and a variety of procedures can be performed to correct POP. When deciding on the proper surgical procedure, the surgeon must take into consideration the individual patient's risk for surgical complication and prolapse recurrence and her preference. This review will discuss the key issues faced in the surgical decision-making process for POP and recommendations based on the current scientific evidence.

Impact of age on mid- to long-term outcomes of transvaginal native tissue repair for apical vaginal prolapse

AIMS

To compare surgical success rates in older versus younger women a minimum of 3 years post transvaginal native tissue repair for apical prolapse. Post-operative symptom severity and quality of life improvement, surgical complications and retreatment were also examined.

METHODS

Women who underwent transvaginal native tissue repair for apical prolapse between 2011 and 2013 were eligible. Subjects completed the pelvic floor distress inventory (PFDI-20), pelvic floor impact questionnaire (PFIQ-7), and patient global impression of improvement (PGI-I), and were categorized as "younger" (age <70) or "older" (age ≥70). The primary outcome of surgical success was defined as the absence of bulge symptoms and no re-treatment for prolapse.

RESULTS

Of 641 eligible patients, response rate was 51.0%. 62.7% of subjects had hysterectomy prior to index surgery. Surgical success was noted in 72.9% of younger and 82.2% of older subjects (Adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.72, 95% CI [0.93, 3.17]). Older women had greater improvement from baseline in PFDI-20 score (-87.5 [IQR 74.0] vs -54.2 [IQR 80.2], P = 0.01). Retreatment rate and surgical complication rates were similar between groups (both P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Older and younger women had similar surgical success rates a minimum of 3 years post-operative; however, older women had a greater overall symptom severity improvement. This information may be helpful in counseling older women regarding surgical expectations and decision-making.

Obesity and Perioperative Complications in Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery in 2013: Analysis of the National Inpatient Sample

OBJECTIVES

The primary aim of this study was to determine the impact of obesity on national rates of perioperative complications in women undergoing pelvic reconstructive surgery in 2013 in the United States.

METHODS

Women who underwent pelvic reconstructive surgery were identified in the 2013 National Inpatient Sample using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision procedure codes. Demographic data and comorbidities including obesity (body mass index ≥30 kg/m) were abstracted. Perioperative complications and mortalities that occurred during the same admission were abstracted from the data set using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision diagnosis codes. The complication rates were compared between obese and nonobese subjects. Univariate analysis was performed to determine factors associated with the primary outcome. Significant factors were included in the regression model to determine the adjusted odds ratio for perioperative complications in obese women.

RESULTS

A total of 16,639 women underwent pelvic reconstructive surgery in the 2013 National Inpatient Sample data set and were included in the analysis. Approximately 10% of the study cohort was obese. The overall perioperative complication rate during the surgical admission was 25%. On multivariate analysis, obesity was found to increase the odds of perioperative complications by approximately 40% after controlling for age, race, income, concomitant hysterectomy, and medical comorbidities (adjusted odds ratio, 1.40; 95% confidence interval, 1.24-1.58; P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Obesity is an independent risk factor for perioperative complications in women who undergo pelvic reconstructive surgery. This information can be used for preoperative counseling and risk stratification.

Intra-, peri- and postoperative complications in pelvic organ prolapse surgery in geriatric women

OBJECTIVE

Pelvic organ prolapse is a common problem among geriatric women. Advanced age is associated with a high prevalence of comorbidities that can lead to restrictive use of surgical treatment. With rising life expectancy it is predicted that surgical treatment in these women will be seen more frequently. Inconsistently there is a lack of clinical trials giving attention to elderly women suffering from pelvic organ prolapse. The aim of this study was to quantify the rate of complications in elderly women undergoing surgery for pelvic organ prolapse.

STUDY DESIGN

72 women aged ≥75 years who underwent surgical correction for pelvic organ prolapse were included in this study. Demographics, comorbidities, intra-, peri- and postoperative severe and non-severe complications were recorded. Additionally we compared the pre- and postoperative presence of symptoms linked to pelvic organ prolapse. Follow-up for the review of pelvic floor symptoms was six month.

RESULTS

The mean age was 81.4 years. Four (5.6%) of the patients had a severe intra-, peri- or postoperative complication (two bowel injuries, one bleeding requiring blood transfusion, one resuscitation). All women with severe complications showed no persistent problem at the time of discharge or during the follow-up period. There was a significant postoperative decrease in pelvic organ prolapse connected symptoms, such as stress urinary incontinence (p = .013), voiding dysfunction (p < .001), recurrent urinary tract infection (p = .001) and rectal outlet obstruction (p = .006).

CONCLUSION

Elderly women undergoing an operation for pelvic organ prolapse have a low risk of complication and benefit from surgery. Age alone should not be a contraindication to surgery.

The Utility of Preoperative Laboratory Testing Before Urogynecologic Surgery

OBJECTIVES

National guidelines for preoperative laboratory testing are based on limited, low-quality evidence. The role of age as a risk factor for testing is unclear. We sought to compare the prevalence of abnormal preoperative laboratory results in older vs younger urogynecologic surgical patients.

METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study of women undergoing urogynecologic surgery, we compared older (age, ≥65 years) with younger (age, 50-64 years) women. Our primary outcome was the prevalence of an abnormal preoperative laboratory result.

RESULTS

We included 317 women, with 167 (52.7%) in the older cohort (ages, 65-91 years; mean, 73.3 ± 5.6 years) and 150 (47.3%) in the younger cohort (ages, 50-64 years; mean, 57.3 ± 4.1 years). Overall, 18.3% of participants had at least one abnormal preoperative laboratory, with older women more likely to have an abnormal result (28.7% vs 10.7%, P < 0.001). Compared with the younger cohort, older women had higher rates of abnormal hemoglobin (13.8% vs 6.0%, P = 0.02) and creatinine values (10.8% vs 2.7%, P = 0.005), with no significant differences for platelets (3.0% vs 1.3%, P = 0.53), sodium (3.0% vs 0.7%, P = 0.22), or potassium (6.0% vs 3.3%, P = 0.27). After adjusting for potential confounders, older age remained associated with an abnormal preoperative result (odds ratio, 3.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.9-7.1).

CONCLUSIONS

In our sample, women 65 years or older had a greater than 25% chance of having an abnormal preoperative laboratory result and were at higher risk compared with younger women. Age 65 years or greater should be considered as a criterion for preoperative laboratory testing in urogynecologic patients.

Geriatric Pelvic Organ Prolapse Surgery: Going the Extra Mile

Background

To assess the quality of life in geriatric patients after reconstructive and obliterative vaginal surgery for advanced pelvic organ prolapse (POP).

Methods

Prospective observational study was conducted between January 2009 and December 2014 at the department of Urogynaecology, Government Kasturbha Gandhi Hospital. A total of 424 women (between the age group of 60 and 94 years) with advanced pelvic organ prolapse underwent vaginal hysterectomy along with vaginal apical suspension procedures which were McCalls culdoplasty (35.02%), sacrospinous ligament suspension (8.3%), high uterosacral ligament suspension (26.2%), iliococcygeus fixation (4.6%) for stage 3-4 POP. Abdominal sacrocolpopexy (3.2%) was done for stage 3-4 vaginal vault prolapse. Patients with medical comorbidities underwent Leeforts partial colpocleisis (8.1%) and total colpocleisis (2%) for stage 3 and 4 POP. Site-specific repair (12.5%) was done for stage 3/4 cystocele and rectocele. The main outcomes measured were subjective cure (no prolapse), subjective improvements in pelvic floor symptoms as per the pelvic floor impact questionnaire, and objective cure (no prolapse of vaginal segment on maximum straining).

Results

Mean age of the patient was 64.29 years. The major complication rates were less than 1%. 85% were examined at 3 and 12 months. The subjective cure rate at 12 months is 92% and the objective cure rate is 94.5%.

Conclusion

The geriatric patients who underwent either reconstructive or obliterative procedures were relieved of their preoperative symptoms and their quality of life had greatly improved.

Major postoperative complications following surgical procedures for pelvic organ prolapse: a secondary database analysis of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program

BACKGROUND

Surgical approaches to the correction of pelvic organ prolapse include abdominal, vaginal, and obliterative approaches. These approaches require vastly different anatomical dissections, surgical techniques, and operative times and are often selected by the patient and surgeon to match preoperative multimorbidity and ability of the patient to tolerate the stress of surgery.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to describe the occurrence of postoperative complications occurring after 3 different surgical approaches to treat pelvic organ prolapse: vaginal, abdominal, and obliterative.

STUDY DESIGN

We conducted a secondary database analysis of the 2006 through 2014 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program participant use data files to analyze patients undergoing procedures for pelvic organ prolapse based on Current Procedural Terminology codes. Women were categorized into 3 surgical approaches to prolapse: vaginal, abdominal, and obliterative. Concomitant hysterectomy and sling were also examined. The primary outcome was a composite of 30-day major postoperative complications.

RESULTS

A total of 33,416 women were included in our final analysis: 24,928 vaginal procedures, 6834 abdominal (4461 minimally invasive) procedures, and 1654 obliterative procedures. Concomitant hysterectomies and slings were performed in 17,380 (52.0%) and 10,896 (32.6%) of prolapse procedures. The overall prevalence of composite 30-day major postoperative complications was 3.1% (n/N = 1028/33,416). There were 13 perioperative deaths (0.04%) with no difference in the surgical approaches (P = .55). There were no differences in major postoperative complications between vaginal and abdominal procedures (3.0% vs 3.0%; P = .71). Women undergoing obliterative procedures had an occurrence of major postoperative complications of 5.0% (n/N = 83/1654), P < .001.

CONCLUSION

The occurrence of major postoperative complications after prolapse surgery is rare. We did not find a significant difference in major postoperative complications between vaginal and abdominal surgeries for pelvic organ prolapse. In this well-characterized cohort of patients who self-selected surgical approach, women undergoing obliterative surgery had more postoperative complications, likely attributed to increased age and multimorbidity.

Laparoscopic uterovaginal prolapse surgery in the elderly: feasibility and outcomes

BACKGROUND

Uterovaginal prolapse in very elderly women is a growing problem due to increased life expectancy. Surgeons and anaesthetists may be wary of performing quality of life surgery on this higher risk group. Where surgery is undertaken, it is commonly performed vaginally; there is a perception that this is better tolerated than abdominal surgery. Little data is published about laparoscopic prolapse surgery tolerability in this population, and laparoscopic surgery is perceived within the urogynaecological community as complex and lengthy and hence inherently unsuitable for the very elderly. In Oxford, UK, laparoscopic abdominal surgical techniques are routinely employed for urogynaecological reconstructive surgery. The authors offer abdominal laparoscopic prolapse surgery to patients suitable for general anaesthesia with apical vaginal prolapse, irrespective of age. We here report outcomes in this elderly patient cohort and hypothesise these to be acceptable. This is a retrospective case note review of all patients aged 79 years old and above undergoing laparoscopic prolapse surgery (hysteropexy or sacrocolpopexy) in two centres in Oxford, UK, over a 5-year period (n = 55). Data were collected on length of surgery, length of stay, intraoperative complications, early and late post-operative complications and surgical outcome.

RESULTS

Mean age was 82.6 years (range 79-96). There were no deaths. Minor post-operative complications such as UTI and constipation were frequent, but there were no serious (Clavien-Dindo grade III or above) complications; 80% achieved objective good anatomical outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic prolapse surgery appears well tolerated in the elderly with low operative morbidity and mortality.

Prevalence of positive screening test for cognitive impairment among elderly urogynecologic patients

BACKGROUND

Impaired cognition has been correlated with adverse postoperative outcomes, such as an increased incidence of delirium, a longer length of hospital stay, and higher 6 month mortality. The incidence of cognitive impairment in the elderly is high. Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 8 adults aged 60 years and older deal with memory loss and confusion, and less than 20% inform their health care providers. Most studies in the elderly or cognitively impaired have been conducted at Veterans Administration hospitals, in which the majority of patients are male. As the female patient population ages, it is increasingly important to describe the prevalence of cognitive impairment in this specific population as well as identify and manage risk factors for cognitive decline in the ambulatory and perioperative setting.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of positive screening for cognitive impairment in a urogynecology ambulatory population and to establish the feasibility of using standardized, validated screening questionnaires in a tertiary care setting.

STUDY DESIGN

After institutional review board approval, all English-speaking patients 65 years old or older presenting to our ambulatory urogynecology clinic were invited to participate. Cognitive impairment was assessed using both the validated Mini-Cog test and the Eight-Item Interview to Differentiate Aging and Dementia screen for mild dementia. A Mini-Cog score <3 suggests cognitive impairment, whereas an Eight-Item Interview to Differentiate Aging and Dementia score of ≥2 discriminates dementia from normal cognition. Because of the association of depression and cognition in the elderly, the Geriatric Depression Scale (short form of 15 items) was administered, with a score >5 suggesting depression. Demographic and medical history were abstracted from the medical record.

RESULTS

A total of 371 subjects were asked to participate (39 were excluded and 37 declined); 295 subjects (79.5%) were included in the study. Mean subject age was 74.5 years, and 96.6% were white, with an average of 4.1 chronic medical comorbidities. Cognitive impairment was identified in all age groups per the Mini-Cog as follows: 65-74 years, 5.3%; 75-84 years, 13.7%; and 85 years and older, 30%. There was a significant difference in the positive screen for cognitive impairment between ages 65-74 vs >75 (P ≤ .001). According to the Eight-Item Interview to Differentiate Aging and Dementia, all 3 age groups perceived themselves to have early cognitive changes: 65-74 years, 25.9%; 75-84 years, 31.9%; and 85 years and older, 40% (P = .231). The most commonly identified areas of impairment were having daily problems with thinking and memory (62%), problems with judgment (52%), and trouble learning new tools or gadgets (44%). There was no difference in the number of patients who screened positive for depression across age groups: 65-74 years, 5.9%; 75-84 years, 6.3%; and 85 years and older, 10% (P = .697).

CONCLUSION

In our study population positive screening for cognitive impairment, as measured by validated questionnaires, was prevalent among women aged >75 years. Screening for potential cognitive impairment in an ambulatory urogynecology population is feasible and useful in clinical practice. Our subjects were interested in cognitive screening because a third of them self-reported early cognitive changes. These tools are effective in screening for previously unrecognized impaired cognition, a definitive diagnosis, and hence treatment requires additional evaluation. Future studies could evaluate which screening tools for cognitive impairment would be most helpful in assessing patients prior to surgery in an effort to further decrease perioperative morbidity in elderly woman.

Surgical repair of pelvic organ prolapse in elderly patients

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Epidemiologic data suggests that our population greater than 65 years of age will nearly double. In addition, the incidence of women undergoing surgery for pelvic organ prolapse will rise. Chronologic age does not preclude a woman from undergoing a reconstructive procedure, yet the preoperative assessment should be approached most judiciously with great care to insure patient is maximally medically prepared for surgery.

RECENT FINDINGS

Surgical procedures in this review include: the abdominal sacral colpopexy, anterior repair, posterior repair, sacrospinous ligament fixation, uterosacral suspension, and iliococcygeus fixation. The advent of robotic surgery has decreased the perioperative morbidity of several of these procedures. However, the risk of more severe complications does appear higher following robotic procedures, when compared with vaginal procedures.

SUMMARY

Intuitively, one would surmise that there is a point where vaginal surgery should be considered as the primary procedure based on age, risk and durability of the surgery - unfortunately that age is not clear. Thus, the proper selection of prevalence of organ prolapse surgery can only be done after careful discussion with the patient and including the patient in the selection process as much as possible.

Obliterative Versus Reconstructive Prolapse Repair for Women Older than 70: Is There an Optimal Approach?

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate outcomes among women 70 years and older who underwent obliterative compared with reconstructive procedures for pelvic organ prolapse.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of patients 70 years and older who underwent surgical prolapse repair at our institution from January 2004 through June 2010. Only patients with at least 4 weeks of follow-up were included. Patient characteristics and relevant pre, intra, and postoperative information were abstracted from medical records. Severity of postoperative complications was classified using the Dindo surgical classification system.

RESULTS

We analyzed 143 (97.3%) patients. Fifty-four (37.8%) women underwent an obliterative procedure, whereas 89 (62.2%) underwent a reconstructive procedure. Twenty-eight (31.5%) women who had a reconstructive surgery met our criteria for recurrent prolapse compared with only 5 (9.3%) women in the obliterative group (P = 0.002).The incidence of intraoperative complication was 4.9%, and the incidence of any postoperative complication was 62.9%. Similar proportions of women who underwent each type of procedure experienced a postoperative complication. However, the severity of the complications differed between the groups (P = 0.02). In particular, 16.9% of women who had a reconstructive procedure experienced a grade III complication according to the Dindo scale compared with 13.0% of women who had an obliterative procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of women 70 years and older do not have high-grade complications after pelvic organ prolapse repair, but women who undergo reconstructive procedures are more likely to experience high-grade complications and recurrent prolapse compared with women who undergo obliterative procedures.

Management of pelvic organ prolapse in the elderly - is there a role for robotic-assisted sacrocolpopexy?

Abdominal sacrocolpopexy is considered the gold standard treatment for symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Since its introduction, robotic-assisted sacrocolpopexy has emerged as a popular minimally invasive alternative to open repair. Epidemiologic data suggest that the number of women seeking surgical treatment for POP will increase to ~50% by 2050, and many of these women will be elderly. Advanced age should not preclude elective POP surgery. Substantial data suggest that medical comorbidities and other preoperative markers may be more important than age in predicting adverse surgical outcomes. POP surgery in the elderly has been extensively studied and found to be safe, but there is a paucity of information regarding robotic-assisted sacrocolpopexy in this population. Data are only beginning to emerge regarding the safety and efficacy of robotic surgery in the elderly, with most studies focusing on oncologic procedures. Preliminary studies in this setting suggest that elderly patients may benefit from a minimally invasive approach, although given their limited physiologic reserves, appropriate patient selection is essential. The purpose of this review article is to evaluate the stepwise management of POP in the elderly female, with a focus on the safety and feasibility of a robotic approach.

Gynaecological Prolapse Surgery in Very Old Female Patients: A Case-Control Study on Co-Morbidity and Surgical Complications

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study is to compare very elderly female patients with a younger control group after prolapse surgery with regard to co-morbidity and complications.

METHOD

In a case-control design, the consecutive data of patients after prolapse surgery at the age of over 80 years and those of a control group were analysed by means of the Clavien-Dindo (CD) classification of surgical complications, the Charlson Comorbidity Index and the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale Geriatrics (CIRS-G). Statistics: Student's t, Fisher's exact and Mann-Whitney U tests.

RESULTS

The analysis comprised n = 57 vs. n = 60 operations. In the very elderly patients there was often a grade IV prolapse (p < 0.001), apical fixations were more frequent (p < 0.001), but the operating times were not different. In the very elderly patients 21 % CD II+III complications were observed, in the control group 6.6 % (p = 0.031). No CD IV and V complications occurred in either group, the duration of inpatient stay amounted to 5 (± 1) vs. 4.1 (± 0.8; p < 0.001) days, the very elderly patients needed an inpatient follow-up more frequently (p < 0.001). The co-morbidities of the very elderly patients differed from those of the control group in number (median 2.0 vs. 1.5; p < 0.001), in CIRS-G (4.1 ± 2.2 vs. 2.4 ± 1.7; p < 0.01) and in Charlson Index (1.6 ± 1.6 vs. 0.5 ± 0.7; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

A prolapse in very elderly women can be safely managed by surgery. In no case did the complications require intensive care treatment nor were they life-threatening, but they did lead to a longer duration of hospital stay and more frequently to further treatment geriatric or inpatient internal medicine facilities.

Comparison of complications and prolapse recurrence between laparoscopic and vaginal uterosacral ligament suspension for the treatment of vaginal prolapse

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Our objective was to compare complications and prolapse recurrence between laparoscopic (L-USLS) and vaginal (V-USLS) uterosacral ligament suspensions.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study of USLS procedures performed at a large academic center from 2011 to 2014. Patient demographics, surgical data, complications, and prolapse recurrence of L-USLS and V-USLS were compared. Logistic regression identified predictors of operative time, complications, and prolapse recurrence.

RESULTS

There were 54 L-USLS and 119 V-USLS procedures with median follow-up of 21.5 weeks (IQR 9.3-50.8). Women undergoing L-USLS were less likely to have medical comorbidities and had less severe prolapse, but were more likely to report prior hysterectomy. L-USLS had longer operative times (190.1 ± 46.8 vs 172.7 ± 47.3 min, p = 0.03), but after correcting for concomitant procedures, the operative times of the two approaches were not significantly different (adjusted OR 1.00, 95%CI 0.99-1.00). There was no significant difference in complications between groups (24.1 % vs 21.8 %, p = 0.75). However, there were nonsignificant trends toward more ureteral injuries and suture removals following V-USLS. Postoperative POP-Q points of the groups did not differ, except for total vaginal length (TVL), which was longer after L-USLS (8.3 ± 1.1 cm vs 7.4 ± 1.2 cm, p < 0.001). 19 patients met the composite definition of prolapse recurrence, with no significant difference between groups (16.2 % vs 16 %, p = 0.98). After adjusting for preoperative prolapse stage, route was not a significant predictor of prolapse recurrence (adjusted OR 0.39, 95 % CI 0.12-1.30).

CONCLUSIONS

L-USLS has comparable clinical outcomes, with similar rates of complications and prolapse recurrence to the traditional vaginal approach.

Outcomes of Surgery for Stress Urinary Incontinence in the Older Woman

As population demographics continue to evolve, specifics on age-related outcomes of stress urinary incontinence interventions will be critical to patient counseling and management planning. Understanding medical factors unique to older women and their lower urinary tract conditions will allow caregivers to optimize surgical outcomes, both physical and functional, and minimize complications within this population.

Comparison of outcomes after vaginal reconstruction surgery between elderly and younger women

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to estimate the association of vaginal sacrospinous ligament fixation with anterior-transobturator mesh repair surgery for advanced pelvic organ prolapse in patients of two different age groups.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Vaginal sacrospinous ligament fixation with anterior mesh repair as primary prolapse surgery was performed on 225 patients with advanced pelvic organ prolapse (POP-Q ≥ stage III). POP-Q < stage II was objective cure and subjective cure was determined according to feedback of POPDI-6 (Questions 2 and 3). Patients provided responses to UDI-6, IIQ-7, POPDI-6, and PISQ-12 pre- and postsurgery. Outcome measures were observed in cohorts of two age groups (<75 years and ≥75 years).

RESULTS

Postoperative data of 217 patients were available. The cumulative objective cure rates were 93.0% and 92.5% for patients aged ≥75 years and <75 years, respectively, with mean follow-up of 33.93 ± 18.52 months and 36.44 ± 19.34 months respectively. The UDI-6, IIQ-7, POPDI-6, and PISQ-12 scores within each of the two age groups improved significantly after surgery. Comparatively, the POPDI-6 score was better whereas the PISQ-12 score was poorer among patients aged ≥75 years. Older women had significantly more preoperative comorbidities. The operative time, perioperative complications, and length of hospital stay showed no difference between the two groups. The intraoperative blood loss was significantly less in the older group and neither group had mortality.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that adequately optimized older patients undergoing pelvic organ prolapse surgery experienced the same anatomical outcomes, comparable improved quality of life, morbidity, and mortality as their counterparts of younger age.

Frailty, cognitive impairment, and functional disability in older women with female pelvic floor dysfunction

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

There is a growing body of evidence demonstrating frailty as an important predictor of surgical outcomes in older adults undergoing major surgeries. The age-related onset of many symptoms of female pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) in women suggests that many women seeking treatment for PFD may also have a high prevalence of frailty, which could potentially impact the risks and benefits of surgical treatment options. Our primary objective was to determine the prevalence of frailty, cognitive impairment, and functional disability in older women seeking treatment for PFD.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study with prospective recruitment between September 2011 and September 2012. Women, age 65 years and older, were recruited at the conclusion of their new patient consultation for PFD at a tertiary center. A comprehensive geriatric screening including frailty measurements (Fried Frailty Index), cognitive screening (Saint Louis University Mental Status score), and functional status evaluation for activities of daily living (Katz ADL score) was conducted.

RESULTS

Sixteen percent (n/N = 25/150) of women were categorized as frail according to the Fried Frailty Index score. After adjusting for education level, 21.3 % of women (n/N = 32/150) screened positive for dementia and 46 (30.7 %) reported functional difficulty or dependence in performing at least one Katz ADL. Sixty-nine women (46.0 %) chose surgical options for treatment of their PFD at the conclusion of their new patient visit with their physician.

CONCLUSIONS

Frailty, cognitive impairment, and functional disability are common in older women seeking treatment for PFD.

Is gynaecological laparoscopic surgery safe for elderly women? A comparison study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of gynaecological laparoscopic surgery in an elderly group, by comparing the operative outcomes of the elderly group with those of the younger group. We analysed retrospective data of 121 women who underwent laparoscopic surgery for benign gynaecological disease. Women aged > 60 years were compared with women aged between 30 and 50 years who had the same operation. We evaluated body mass index, comorbidities, number of previous abdominal surgeries, operating time, haemoglobin change, postoperative complications, hospital stay and return of bowel activity. There were no significant differences between the elderly and a matched younger group in number of previous abdominal surgeries, operating time, ASA score distribution, changes in haemoglobin level, hospital stay and postoperative complications (p > 0.05). Laparoscopic surgery can be safely performed in elderly patients with benign gynaecological disease, and surgeons should not hesitate to perform laparoscopic surgery in elderly patients.

Long-term follow-up after colpocleisis: regret, bowel, and bladder function

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Colpocleisis is not a popular option amongst surgeons, possibly due to concern about long-term regret. This study assessed a cohort of women who underwent colpocleisis 2-5 years previously to determine the regret rate, the effect on quality of life (QOL) and bladder and bowel function.

METHODS

This was a longitudinal study of patients who underwent colpocleisis at least 2 years previously. Participants were asked to complete the Prolapse QOL (P-QOL), International Consultation on Incontinence-Urinary Incontinence (ICIQ-UI Short Form) and Colorectal Anal Distress Inventory questionnaires (CRADI). Two additional questions were asked: (1) Do you regret having vaginal closure surgery for prolapse? (never, sometimes, often, all the time), and (2) Would you recommend this surgery to a relative or friend who is not sexually active? (yes, no.)

RESULTS

Thirty-four women were identified. Six had died by the time of follow-up, and five declined to answer the questionnaires because of ill health. Twenty-three women responded (67 %). Mean age was 78.68 years. One woman regretted having had the surgery, as the colpocleisis had failed. Twenty-one women (91.3 %) would recommend this surgery; one would not (4.3 %), and another was not sure (4.5 %). Low P-QOL [8 (0-37) ± 9.41), ICIQ-UI (7 (0-17) ± 5.44) and CRADI (10; 0-28 ± 8.13] scores suggest a positive impact on QOL, bladder and bowel function.

CONCLUSION

In this cohort, colpocleisis produced a good outcome with low regret rate (4.3 %), good QOL and minimal effect on bladder and bowel function at 2-5 years.