The minimum important differences for the urinary scales of the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory and Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire

Silicone Irregular Hexagon Pessary Versus Polyvinyl Chloride Ring Pessary for Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Randomised Controlled Trial

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Vaginal pessaries are the mainstay of the non-surgical management of pelvic organ prolapse (POP). A flexible silicone irregular hexagonal (SIH) pessary was developed based on the results of a prior vaginal case study. We hypothesised that the SIH pessary would have a higher rate of retention and self-management than the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pessary.

METHODS

This was a prospective non-blinded, randomised controlled trial with institutional review board approval. Eligible participants were randomised and fitted with the assigned pessary. They were reviewed 1 week, 6 months and 1 year after the initial pessary fitting. Participants who returned for follow-up completed the study questionnaires. The primary outcome was success, defined as continued use of the allocated pessary at 6 months. Secondary outcomes included the ability to perform pessary self-care, treatment satisfaction and pessary-related complications. Statistical tests were performed with alpha or statistical significance defined as a p value of ≤ 0.05, two-tailed.

RESULTS

A total of 104 participants were randomised, with 52 subjects in each arm. Primary outcome data were analysed using per protocol analysis. Continuing pessary usage at 6 months was 68.1% for the PVC pessary group and 65.1% for the SIH group, with no statistically significant differences between the two groups (p = 0.765). Subjects with SIH were more likely to perform pessary self-care. There were no significant differences in subjects' satisfaction, quality-of-life scores or treatment complications between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The pessary continuation rate between the SIH and the PVC pessary groups was similar at 6 months. Participants with an SIH pessary were more likely to self-manage.

Posterior Tibial Nerve Stimulation With versus Without Mirabegron: A Randomized Controlled Trial

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

To compare change in urgency urinary incontinence episodes (UUIEs) in women undergoing posterior tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) plus mirabegron versus PTNS plus placebo for the treatment of refractory urgency urinary incontinence (UUI). The primary hypothesis was that combination therapy is superior to monotherapy.

METHODS

A randomized controlled trial was performed in individuals identifying as female aged ≥ 18 years with UUI symptoms refractory to second-line treatment or who could not tolerate antimuscarinic medications. Both participants and providers were blinded to medication treatment allocation. Participants were randomized (1:1) to PTNS plus mirabegron or PTNS plus placebo. Participants completed a 3-day bladder diary prior to and after 12-week treatment. Validated symptom distress and impact questionnaires were obtained pre- and post-treatment. The primary outcome was change in mean number of UUIEs on a 3-day bladder diary pre- versus post-treatment between arms. Primary and secondary outcomes were analyzed via sample t tests.

RESULTS

Fifty-four subjects were randomized, mean ± SD baseline age 56.2±15.6 years and body mass index 35.0±9.4 (kg/m2); no differences were noted in any clinical-demographic characteristics. There was a significant difference between arms in mean pre- to post-treatment UUIEs, 9.4±3.9, mirabegron versus 5.3±5.5, placebo (p=0.007). Significant differences were found pre- compared with post-treatment in urinary frequency, Overactive Bladder Questionnaire Short Form Symptom Bother and Symptom Health-Related Quality of Life scores.

CONCLUSIONS

In subjects undergoing PTNS treatment for refractory UUI and OAB-wet symptoms, the addition of a β-3 agonist produced significant improvement in both objective and subjective overactive bladder symptom outcomes compared with PTNS plus placebo.

Real-World Evidence From a Digital Health Treatment Program for Female Urinary Incontinence: Observational Study of Outcomes Following User-Centered Product Design

BACKGROUND

Urinary incontinence (UI) affects millions of women with substantial health and quality-of-life impacts. Supervised pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is the recommended first-line treatment. However, multiple individual and institutional barriers impede women's access to skilled care. Evidence suggests that digital health solutions are acceptable and may be effective in delivering first-line incontinence treatment, although these technologies have not yet been leveraged at scale.

OBJECTIVE

The primary objective is to describe the effectiveness and safety of a prescribed digital health treatment program to guide PFMT for UI treatment among real-world users. The secondary objectives are to evaluate patient engagement following an updated user platform and identify the factors predictive of success.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study of women who initiated device use between January 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023, included users aged ≥18 years old with a diagnosis of stress, urgency, or mixed incontinence or a score of >33.3 points on the Urogenital Distress Inventory Short Form (UDI-6). Users are prescribed a 2.5-minute, twice-daily, training program guided by an intravaginal, motion-based device that pairs with a smartphone app. Data collected by the device or app include patient-reported demographics and outcomes, adherence to the twice-daily regimen, and pelvic floor muscle performance parameters, including angle change and hold time. Symptom improvement was assessed by the UDI-6 score change from baseline to the most recent score using paired 2-tailed t tests. Factors associated with meeting the UDI-6 minimum clinically important difference were evaluated by regression analysis.

RESULTS

Of 1419 users, 947 met inclusion criteria and provided data for analysis. The mean baseline UDI-6 score was 46.8 (SD 19.3), and the mean UDI-6 score change was 11.3 (SD 19.9; P<.001). Improvement was reported by 74% (697/947) and was similar across age, BMI, and incontinence subtype. Mean adherence was 89% (mean 12.5, SD 2.1 of 14 possible weekly uses) over 12 weeks. Those who used the device ≥10 times per week were more likely to achieve symptom improvement. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, baseline incontinence symptom severity and maximum angle change during pelvic floor muscle contraction were significantly associated with meeting the UDI-6 minimum clinically important difference. Age, BMI, and UI subtype were not associated.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides real-world evidence to support the effectiveness and safety of a prescribed digital health treatment program for female UI. A digital PFMT program completed with visual guidance from a motion-based device yields significant results when executed ≥10 times per week over a period of 12 weeks. The program demonstrates high user engagement, with 92.9% (880/947) of users adhering to the prescribed training regimen. First-line incontinence treatment, when implemented using this digital program, leads to statistically and clinically substantial symptom improvements across age and BMI categories and incontinence subtypes.

Trial Design for Mixed Urinary Incontinence: Midurethral Sling Versus Botulinum Toxin A

IMPORTANCE

Mixed urinary incontinence (MUI) is common and can be challenging to manage.

OBJECTIVES

We present the protocol design and rationale of a trial comparing the efficacy of 2 procedures for the treatment of women with MUI refractory to oral treatment. The Midurethral sling versus Botulinum toxin A ( MUSA) trial compares the efficacy of intradetrusor injection of 100 U of onabotulinimtoxinA (an office-based procedure directed at the urgency component) versus midurethral sling (MUS) placement (a surgical procedure directed at the stress component).

STUDY DESIGN

The MUSA is a multicenter, randomized trial of women with MUI electing to undergo procedural treatment for MUI at 7 clinical centers in the NICHD Pelvic Floor Disorders Network. Participants are randomized to either onabotulinumtoxinA 100 U or MUS. OnabotulinimtoxinA recipients may receive an additional injection between 3 and 6 months. Participants may receive additional treatment (including crossover to the alternative study intervention) between 6 and 12 months. The primary outcome is change from baseline in Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI) at 6 months. Secondary outcomes include change in UDI at 3 and 12 months, irritative and stress subscores of the UDI, urinary incontinence episodes, predictors of poor treatment response, quality of life and global impression outcomes, adverse events, use of additional treatments, and cost effectiveness.

RESULTS

Recruitment and randomization of 150 participants is complete and participants are currently in the follow-up phase.

CONCLUSIONS

This trial will provide information to guide care for women with MUI refractory to oral treatment who seek surgical treatment with either onabotulinumtoxinA or MUS.

A Motion-based Device Urinary Incontinence Treatment: A Longitudinal Analysis at 18 and 24 Months

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

There are sparse data regarding the long-term efficacy of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) for the treatment of urinary incontinence (UI). The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of an 8-week PFMT program guided by a motion-based intravaginal device versus a standard home program over 24 months.

METHODS

Between October 2020 and March 2021, a total of 363 women with stress or stress-predominant mixed UI were randomized and completed an 8-week PFMT program using a motion-based intravaginal device (intervention group) or a home program following written/video instructions (control group). Participants were not asked to continue training after the 8-week program. At 18 and 24 months' follow-up, the Urogenital Distress Inventory, short-form (UDI-6) and Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I) were collected. In the original trial, a total of 139 participants in each arm were needed to detect a 0.3 effect size (alpha = 0.05, power 0.8, one-tailed t test) in the difference in UDI-6 scores.

RESULTS

A total of 231 participants returned 24-month data. Mean age at 24 months was 51.7 ± 14.5 years, and mean BMI was 31.8 ± 7.4 kg/m2. Mean change in UDI-6 scores from baseline to 24 months was greater in the intervention group than the control group (-21.1 ± 24.5 vs -14.8 ± 19.4, p = 0.04). Reported improvement using PGI-I was greater in the intervention group than in the control group at 24 months (35% vs 22%, p = 0.03, OR 1.95(95% CI 1.08, 3.57).

CONCLUSIONS

Pelvic floor muscle training guided by a motion-based prescription intravaginal device yielded durable and significantly greater UI symptom improvement than a standard home program, even in the absence of continued therapy.

Resolution of Overactive Bladder Symptoms After Anterior and Apical Prolapse Repair

IMPORTANCE

Patients often present with both overactive bladder (OAB) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) concerns. It is unknown whether treatment of POP improves OAB.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate whether OAB improves after anterior/apical POP repair for anterior wall prolapse.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a prospective study of women with anterior/apical prolapse at or beyond the hymen and concomitant OAB symptoms, undergoing apical repair. Overactive bladder severity was evaluated with the Urogenital Distress Inventory-6 (UDI-6) questionnaire and the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-7 preoperatively and 2, 6, 12, and 24 weeks postoperatively. The primary outcome was a reduction of ≥11 points or greater on the UDI-6 at 6 months. Those who reported an ≥11-point reduction were termed responders. Multivariable regression analyses were performed to evaluate factors associated with reduction in OAB symptoms after POP surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 117 patients met the criteria for analysis, with 79.5% reporting improved OAB symptoms after POP repair at 6 months. There were no preoperative differences between groups. The mean preoperative UDI-6 and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-7 scores were higher in the responder group (51.1 ± 16.8 vs 26.4 ± 15.1 [P < 0.001] and 44.6 ± 23.8 vs 22.8 ± 21.4 [P = 0.001], respectively), and the presence of detrusor overactivity was lower (29.0% vs 54.2%, P = 0.02). After regression, a higher preoperative UDI-6 total was associated with an increased likelihood of symptom improvement at 6 months (adjusted odds ratio, 1.14 per point [1.08-1.19]), whereas detrusor overactivity on preoperative urodynamics was associated with a decreased likelihood of OAB symptom improvement (adjusted odds ratio, 0.10 [0.02-0.44]).

CONCLUSION

Overactive bladder symptoms improve in the majority of patients undergoing apical repair for anterior/apical prolapse beyond the hymen.

The minimal important difference of patient-reported outcome measures related to female urinary incontinence: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

The minimal important difference is a valuable metric in ascertaining the clinical relevance of a treatment, offering valuable guidance in patient management. There is a lack of available evidence concerning this metric in the context of outcomes related to female urinary incontinence, which might negatively impact clinical decision-making.

OBJECTIVES

To summarize the minimal important difference of patient-reported outcome measures associated with urinary incontinence, calculated according to both distribution- and anchor-based methods.

METHODS

This is a systematic review conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. The search strategy including the main terms for urinary incontinence and minimal important difference were used in five different databases (Medline, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Scopus) in 09 June 2021 and were updated in January 09, 2024 with no limits for date, language or publication status. Studies that provided minimal important difference (distribution- or anchor-based methods) for patient-reported outcome measures related to female urinary incontinence outcomes were included. The study selection and data extraction were performed independently by two different researchers. Only studies that reported the minimal important difference according to anchor-based methods were assessed by credibility and certainty of the evidence. When possible, absolute minimal important differences were calculated for each study separately according to the mean change of the group of participants that slightly improved.

RESULTS

Twelve studies were included. Thirteen questionnaires with their respective minimal important differences reported according to distribution (effect size, standard error of measurement, standardized response mean) and anchor-based methods were found. Most of the measures for anchor methods did not consider the smallest difference identified by the participants to calculate the minimal important difference. All reports related to anchor-based methods presented low credibility and very low certainty of the evidence. We pooled 20 different estimates of minimal important differences using data from primary studies, considering different anchors and questionnaires.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a high variability around the minimal important difference related to patient-reported outcome measures for urinary incontinence outcomes according to the method of analysis, questionnaires, and anchors used, however, the credibility and certainty of the evidence to support these is still limited.

Digital Care Program for Urinary Incontinence in Females: A Large-Scale, Prospective, Cohort Study

Female urinary incontinence (UI) is highly prevalent in the US (>60%). Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) represents first-line care for UI; however, access and adherence challenges urge new care delivery models. This prospective cohort study investigates the feasibility and safety of a remote digital care program (DCP) combining education and PFMT with real-time biofeedback with an average duration of 10 weeks. The primary outcome was the change in the Urinary Impact Questionnaire-short form (UIQ-7) from baseline to program-end, calculated through latent growth curve analysis (LGCA). Secondary outcomes included the impact of pelvic conditions (PFIQ-7), depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7), productivity impairment (WPAI), intention to seek additional healthcare, engagement, and satisfaction. Of the 326 participants who started the program, 264 (81.0%) completed the intervention. Significant improvement on UIQ-7 (8.8, 95%CI 4.7; 12.9, p < 0.001) was observed, corresponding to a response rate of 57.3%, together with improvements in all other outcomes and high satisfaction (8.9/10, SD 1.8). This study shows the feasibility and safety of a completely remote DCP with biofeedback managed asynchronously by a physical therapist to reduce UI-related symptoms in a real-world setting. Together, these findings may advocate for the exploration of this care delivery option to escalate access to proper and timely UI care.

The Impact of Preoperative Pain on Outcomes After Vaginal Reconstructive Surgery and Perioperative Pelvic Floor Muscle Training

IMPORTANCE

The impact of preoperative pain on outcomes can guide counseling.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to compare outcomes after vaginal reconstructive surgery and pelvic muscle training between women with and without preoperative pain.

STUDY DESIGN

This is a secondary analysis of the Operations and Pelvic Muscle Training in the Management of Apical Support Loss (OPTIMAL) trial, which randomized patients to a surgical intervention (sacrospinous ligament fixation versus uterosacral vaginal vault suspension) and a perioperative behavioral intervention (pelvic floor muscle training vs usual care). Preoperative pain was defined as a response of "5" or greater on the pain scale or answering "moderately" or "quite a bit" on the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory question "Do you usually experience pain in the lower abdomen or genital area?"

RESULTS

The OPTIMAL trial included 109 women with preoperative pain and 259 without pain. Although women with pain had worse pain scores and pelvic floor symptoms at baseline and postoperatively, they had greater improvement on pain scores (-2.3 ± 2.4 vs -0.2 ± 1.4, P < 0.001), as well as Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory and Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire scores. Among women with pain who underwent a sacrospinous ligament fixation, those who received pelvic floor muscle training had a greater reduction in pain compared with those in the usual care group (-3.0 ± 2.3 vs -1.3 ± 2.1, P = 0.008). Persistent or worsening pain was present at 24 months in 5 (16%) women with preoperative pain.

CONCLUSIONS

Women with preoperative pain experience significant improvements in pain and pelvic floor symptoms with vaginal reconstructive surgery. Pelvic floor muscle training perioperatively may be beneficial for select patients.

Urinary incontinence in women who have undergone bariatric surgery

INTRODUCTION

Obesity is a known risk factor for urinary incontinence (UI). As bariatric surgery can result in significant and sustainable weight loss, many chronic diseases closely linked to obesity have likewise shown improvement after surgical weight loss. We propose that bariatric surgery may significantly improve obesity-related UI symptoms as well as improve quality of life.

METHODS AND PROCEDURES

This is an interim analysis of an ongoing, prospective, single-institution observational study looking at UI in women enrolled in a bariatric surgery program. Participants completed the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI-20), International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI-SF), King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ), and Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I). Questionnaires were administered upon enrollment, pre-operatively, and at 3, 6, and 12 months post-operatively. Demographic data were collected at each interval and analyzed with descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

At analysis, 108 patients had enrolled in the study and 60% had progressed to surgery. We analyzed the following surveys: enrollment (n = 108), pre-operative (n = 43), 3-month (n = 29), 6-month (n = 26), and 1-year (n = 27). Mean BMI decreased from 49.8 to 31.1 at 1-year. All surveys showed significant improvement in UI symptoms over time. Overall, UI symptoms (PDFI-20) are correlated with BMI at time of survey and %TBWL (p = 0.03, p = 0.019). Additionally, perception of symptom improvement with surgery (PGI-I) improved over time (3-month p = 0.0289, 6-month p = 0.0024, 12-month p = 0.0035). Quality of life related to UI symptoms (KHQ) significantly improved after surgery (p = 0.0047 3-month, p = 0.0042 6-month, p = 0.0165 1-year).

CONCLUSIONS

Although the relationship is complex and likely depends on many factors, weight loss after bariatric surgery is associated with improvement in UI symptoms and UI-related quality of life. Bariatric surgery can play a role in the long-term treatment of UI in women with obesity that may negate the need for further invasive UI procedures.

Bladder training for treating overactive bladder in adults

BACKGROUND

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a common chronic and bothersome condition. Bladder training is widely prescribed as a first-line treatment for OAB, but the efficacy has been systematically evaluated for urinary incontinence rather than OAB alone.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the benefits and harms of bladder training for treating adults with OAB compared to no treatment, anticholinergics, β3-adrenoceptor agonists, or pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) alone or in combination.

SEARCH METHODS

We used standard, extensive Cochrane search methods. The latest search date was 6 November 2022.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomized controlled trials involving adults aged 18 years or older with non-neurogenic OAB. We excluded studies of participants whose symptoms were caused by factors outside the urinary tract (e.g. neurologic disorders, cognitive impairment, gynecologic diseases).

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard Cochrane methods. Our primary outcomes were 1. participant-reported cure or improvement, 2. symptom- and condition-related quality of life (QoL), and 3.

ADVERSE EVENTS

Secondary outcomes included 4. participant-reported satisfaction, 5. number of incontinence episodes, 6. number of urgency episodes, and 7. number of micturition episodes. For the purpose of this review, we considered two time points: immediately after the treatment (early phase) and at least two months after the treatment (late phase). We used GRADE to assess certainty of evidence for each outcome.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 15 trials with 2007 participants; participants in these trials were predominantly women (89.3%). We assessed the risk of bias of results for primary and secondary outcomes, which across all studies was similar and predominantly of high risk of bias, and none were at low risk of bias. The certainty of evidence was low to very low, with some moderate, across measured outcomes. Bladder training versus no treatment: three studies involving 92 participants compared bladder training to no treatment. The evidence is very uncertain about the effects of bladder training on cure or improvement at the early phase (risk ratio (RR) 17.00, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.13 to 256.56; 1 study, 18 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Bladder training may reduce the number of incontinence episodes (mean difference (MD) -1.86, 95% CI -3.47 to -0.25; 1 study, 14 participants; low-certainty evidence). No studies measured symptom- and condition-related QoL, number of adverse events, participant-reported satisfaction, number of urgency episodes, or number of micturition episodes in the early phase. Bladder training versus anticholinergics: seven studies (602 participants) investigated the effects of bladder training versus anticholinergic therapy. Bladder training may be more effective than anticholinergics on cure or improvement at the early phase (RR 1.37, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.70; 4 studies, 258 participants; low-certainty evidence). The evidence is very uncertain about the effects of bladder training on symptom- and condition-related QoL (standardized mean difference (SMD) -0.06, 95% CI -0.89 to 0.77; 2 studies, 117 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Although the evidence is very uncertain, there were fewer adverse events in the bladder training group than in the anticholinergics group (RR 0.03, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.17; 3 studies, 187 participants; very low-certainty evidence). The evidence is very uncertain about the effects of the number of incontinence episodes per 24 hours (MD 0.36, 95% CI -0.27 to 1.00; 2 studies, 117 participants; very low-certainty evidence), the number of urgency episodes per 24 hours (MD 0.70, 95% CI -0.62 to 2.02; 2 studies, 92 participants; very low-certainty evidence), and the number of micturition episodes per 24 hours (MD -0.35, 95% CI -1.90 to 1.20; 3 studies, 175 participants; very low-certainty evidence). No studies measured participant-reported satisfaction in the early phase. Bladder training versus PFMT: three studies involving 203 participants compared bladder training to PFMT. The evidence is very uncertain about the different effects between bladder training and PFMT on symptom- and condition-related QoL at the early phase (SMD 0.10, 95% CI -0.19 to 0.40; 2 studies, 178 participants; very low-certainty evidence). There were no adverse events in either group at the early phase (1 study, 97 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). The evidence is uncertain about the effects of the number of incontinence episodes per 24 hours (MD 0.02, 95% CI -0.35 to 0.39, 1 study, 81 participants; low-certainty evidence) and very uncertain about the number of micturition episodes per 24 hours (MD 0.10, 95% CI -1.44 to 1.64; 1 study, 81 participants; very low-certainty evidence). No studies measured cure or improvement, participant-reported satisfaction, or number of urgency episodes in the early phase. Although we were interested in studies examining bladder training versus β3-adrenoceptor agonists, in combination with β3-adrenoceptor agonists versus β3-adrenoceptor agonists alone, and in combination with PFMT versus PFMT alone, we did not identify any eligible studies for these comparisons.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

This review focused on the effect of bladder training to treat OAB. However, most of the evidence was low or very-low certainty. Based on the low- or very low-certainty evidence, bladder training may cure or improve OAB compared to no treatment. Bladder training may be more effective to cure or improve OAB than anticholinergics, and there may be fewer adverse events. There may be no difference in efficacy or safety between bladder training and PFMT. More well-designed trials are needed to reach a firm conclusion.

Five-year surgical outcomes of transvaginal apical approaches in women with advanced pelvic organ prolapse

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

In women with advanced prolapse, differences in vaginal apex anchoring sites may impact surgical outcomes over time. The primary aim was to compare 5-year surgical outcomes of uterosacral ligament suspension (ULS) versus sacrospinous ligament fixation (SSLF) in women with advanced (stage III-IV) prolapse.

METHODS

A secondary analysis was conducted in a subset of women with advanced prolapse from a multicenter randomized trial comparing ULS versus SSLF and its extended follow-up, using publicly accessible de-identified datasets. The primary outcome was time to failure, defined as any one of (1) apical descent > 1/3 into the vaginal canal or anterior/posterior compartment beyond the hymen, (2) bothersome vaginal bulge symptoms, or (3) re-treatment. Secondary outcomes include symptom severity measured by the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Distress Inventory (POPDI) and adverse events.

RESULTS

Of 285 women, 90/147 (61.2%) in ULS and 88/138 (63.8%) in SSLF had advanced prolapse. Baseline characteristics did not differ between groups except for median-vaginal deliveries (3.0 [2.0, 5.0] versus 3.0 [2.0, 4.0], p < 0.01). The median time to failure was 1.7 years ULS versus 2.0 years SSLF (p = 0.42). Surgical failure increased over time in both groups with no intergroup difference; by year 5, the estimated failure rate was 67.7% ULS versus 71.5% SSLF (adjusted difference -3.8; 95%CI [-21.9, 14.2]). No differences were noted in individual failure components (p > 0.05). POPDI scores improved over 5 years without intergroup difference (ULS -68.0 ± 61.1 versus SSLF -69.9 ± 60.3, adjusted difference -0.1 [-20.0, 19.9]). No difference in adverse events were observed (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

In women with advanced prolapse, surgical failure, symptom severity, and adverse events did not differ between ULS and SSLF over 5 years.

Comparison of outcomes of laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy with concomitant supracervical hysterectomy or uterine preservation

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Sacrocolpopexy was traditionally performed for post-hysterectomy prolapse or during concurrent hysterectomy. Sacrocolpopexy outcome with uterine preservation is poorly investigated. This study compared outcomes of laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy with concurrent supracervical hysterectomy or uterine preservation.

METHODS

This retrospective study compared data of patients with pelvic organ prolapse who underwent laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy with uterine preservation with the data of controls who underwent laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy with supracervical hysterectomy. We analyzed composite failure in uterine preservation versus concurrent supracervical hysterectomy (primary objective) and evaluated factors associated with the primary outcome of composite failure after laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy with preservation or supracervical hysterectomy (secondary objective). Composite failure was defined as subjective bulge symptoms, reoperation, or anatomical prolapse. Cox models indicated time to composite failure as an endpoint.

RESULTS

Of 274 patients, 232 underwent laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy with supracervical hysterectomy and 42 underwent laparoscopic uterine preservation. After propensity score matching (ratio: 2, for the laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy with supracervical hysterectomy group), 56 patients (24.1%) were in the supracervical hysterectomy group and 28 (66.7%) in the uterine preservation group. All patients underwent 24 months of follow-up. The composite failure rates were 10.7% for supracervical hysterectomy and 3.6% for preservation (p=0.87). The mean estimated blood loss was 10 ml (preservation, 10.0 ml [5.0-10.0] versus supracervical hysterectomy, 10.0 ml [10.0-15.0]; p=0.007). In the Cox proportional hazards model, higher preoperative body mass index and the point Ba increased composite failure risk.

CONCLUSIONS

Although not statistically significant, composite failure in the two techniques is likely clinically meaningful.

Three-year patient-reported outcomes of single-incision versus transobturator slings for female stress urinary incontinence are equivalent

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are important for understanding the success of surgery for stress urinary incontinence, as patient perception of success does not always correlate with physician perception of success. We report PROMS after single-incision slings (SIS) and transobturator mid-urethral slings (TMUS).

METHODS

This was a planned outcome analysis of secondary endpoints in a study in which the primary aim was to compare efficiency and safety using a non-inferiority design (results reported previously). In this analysis of quality of life (QOL), validated PROMs were collected at baseline, 6, 12, 18, 24, and 36 months to quantify incontinence severity (Incontinence Severity Index), symptom bother (Urogenital Distress Inventory), disease-specific QOL impact (Urinary Impact Questionnaire), and generic QOL impact (PGI-I; not applicable at baseline). PROMs were analyzed within treatment groups as well as between groups. Propensity score methods were used to adjust for baseline differences between groups.

RESULTS

A total of 281 subjects underwent the study procedure (141 SIS, 140 TMUS). Baseline characteristics were balanced after propensity score stratification. Participants had significant improvement in incontinence severity, disease-specific symptom bother, and QOL impact. Improvements persisted through the study and PROMs were similar between treatment groups in all assessment at 36 months CONCLUSIONS: Following SIS and TMUS, patients with stress urinary incontinence had significant improvement in PROMs including Urogenital Distress Inventory, Incontinence Severity Index, and Urinary Impact Questionnaire at 36 months, indicating disease-specific QOL improvement. Patients have a more positive impression of change in stress urinary incontinence symptoms at each follow-up visit, indicating generic QOL improvement.

Oestrogen therapy for treating pelvic organ prolapse in postmenopausal women

BACKGROUND

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is the descent of a woman's uterus, bladder, or rectum into the vagina. It affects 50% of women over 50 years old who have given birth to at least one child, and recognised risk factors are older age, higher number of births, and higher body mass index. This review assesses the effects of oestrogen therapy, alone or in combination with other treatments, on POP in postmenopausal women.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the benefits and harms of local and systemic oestrogen therapy in the management of pelvic organ prolapse symptoms in postmenopausal women, and to summarise the principal findings of relevant economic evaluations.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Incontinence Specialised Register (up to 20 June 2022), which includes CENTRAL, MEDLINE, two trials registers, and handsearching of journals and conference proceedings. We also checked the reference lists of relevant articles for additional studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-RCTs, multi-arm RCTs, and cross-over RCTs that evaluated the effects of oestrogen therapy (alone or in combination with other treatments) versus placebo, no treatment, or other interventions in postmenopausal women with any grade of POP.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently extracted data from the included trials using prespecified outcome measures and a piloted extraction form. The same review authors independently assessed the risk of bias of eligible trials using Cochrane's risk of bias tool. Had data allowed, we would have created summary of findings tables for our main outcome measures and assessed the certainty of the evidence using GRADE.

MAIN RESULTS

We identified 14 studies including a total of 1002 women. In general, studies were at high risk of bias in terms of blinding of participants and personnel, and there were also some concerns about selective reporting. Owing to insufficient data for the outcomes of interest, we were unable to perform our planned subgroup analyses (systemic versus topical oestrogen, parous versus nulliparous women, women with versus without a uterus). No studies assessed the effects of oestrogen therapy alone versus no treatment, placebo, pelvic floor muscle training, devices such as vaginal pessaries, or surgery. However, we did identify three studies that assessed oestrogen therapy in conjunction with vaginal pessaries versus vaginal pessaries alone and 11 studies that assessed oestrogen therapy in conjunction with surgery versus surgery alone.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There was insufficient evidence from RCTs to draw any solid conclusions on the benefits or harms of oestrogen therapy for managing POP symptoms in postmenopausal women. Topical oestrogen in conjunction with pessaries was associated with fewer adverse vaginal events compared with pessaries alone, and topical oestrogen in conjunction with surgery was associated with reduced postoperative urinary tract infections compared with surgery alone; however, these findings should be interpreted with caution, as the studies that contributed data varied substantially in their design. There is a need for larger studies on the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of oestrogen therapy, used alone or in conjunction with pelvic floor muscle training, vaginal pessaries, or surgery, for the management of POP. These studies should measure outcomes in the medium and long term.

A randomized controlled pilot trial to assess the effectiveness of a specially formulated food supplement and pelvic floor muscle training in women with stress-predominant urinary incontinence

BACKGROUND

Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is the first-line treatment approach for stress urinary incontinence. Creatine and leucine have been shown to improve muscle function. Our aim was to assess the effectiveness of a food supplement and PFMT in women with stress-predominant urinary incontinence.

METHODS

Women with stress-predominant urinary incontinence were randomized in 1:1 ratio to receive daily oral supplementation for six weeks with either a food supplement (treatment group) or placebo (control group). Both groups were instructed to perform standardized daily PFMT. The primary outcome was the Urogenital Distress Inventory Short Form (UDI-6) score. Secondary outcomes were the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7) score, Patient's Global Impression of Severity (PGI-S), and Biomechanical Integrity score (BI-score) measured by Vaginal Tactile Imager. To have a power of 80% and a significance level of 5% to detect a decrease of 16 points in the UDI-6 score, a sample size of 32 was needed, with 16 patients in each arm of our trial.

RESULTS

Sixteen women in the control group and sixteen in the treatment group completed the trial. Between-group analysis revealed no significant differences between the control and treatment group except for mean change (delta) in vaginal squeeze pressure [(cmH2O, mean ± SD), 5 ± 12 vs. 15 ± 15, P = 0.04] and mean change (delta) in PGI-S score [(mean ± SD), -0.2 ± 0.9 vs. -0.8 ± 0.8, P = 0.04]. Within-group analysis showed that UDI-6 and IIQ-7 scores improved significantly from baseline to six weeks in the treatment group but not in the control group [UDI-6 score (mean ± SD) 45 ± 21 vs. 29 ± 21, P = 0.02; 43 ± 18 vs. 33 ± 26, P = 0.22] [IIQ-7 score (mean ± SD) 50 ± 30 vs. 30 ± 21, P = 0.01; 48 ± 23 vs.40 ± 28, P = 0.36]. PGI-S scores only improved in the treatment group from baseline to six weeks after treatment [PGI-S score (mean ± SD) 3.1 ± 0.8 vs. 2.3 ± 0.8, P = 0.0001]. BI-score, on average, improved significantly in the treatment and control group as well [SD unit, mean, from - 1.06 to -0.58, P = 0.001; from - 0.66 to -0.42, P = 0.04].

CONCLUSIONS

Women with stress-predominant urinary incontinence receiving a specially formulated supplement in addition to daily PFMT for six weeks had significantly improved urinary symptoms (decrease in UDI-6 score and IIQ-7) and BI-score compared to their baseline.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05358769. 27/04/2022.

A pilot trial of movement-based pelvic floor physical therapy to address pelvic floor myofascial pain and lower urinary tract symptoms

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Pelvic floor myofascial pain (PFMP) is associated with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). The objective of this study was to test movement-based pelvic floor physical therapy (PT) for patients with PFMP and LUTS. We hypothesized that movement-based PT designed to target PFMP would result in significant improvement in both PFMP and concomitant LUTS.

METHODS

This pilot trial enrolled patients with moderate-to-severe PFMP on palpation who were referred to movement-based PT to diagnose and treat pelvic floor dysfunction in the context of body alignment and movement patterns. The primary outcome was change in Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI) scores after PT. Factors associated with PT attendance were also measured. We aimed to enroll 55 participants to achieve 80% power to detect a difference in 11 points on the UDI scores with an alpha-level of 0.05, accounting for a 10% loss to follow-up. The sample size was increased to 65 owing to a higher-than-expected loss-to-follow-up rate.

RESULTS

Sixty-five patients were enrolled and 62 analyzed. Thirty-eight (61.3%) attended PT, and 30 (48.4%) completed a follow-up PT Attendance (PTA) survey. Overall, UDI score and irritative, obstructive, and stress subscales (p<0.0001) improved in participants who attended PT as well as mean myofascial examination scores at each site.

CONCLUSIONS

Participants who attended movement-based PT demonstrated an improvement in LUTS. Future studies should extend our findings by: first, confirming whether the myofascial pain-directed elements of PT improved LUTS; second, investigating whether movement-based PT improves prolapse symptoms; and third, including a non-PT control arm to rule out the possible influence of a placebo effect and behavioral modifications on LUTS and PFMP.

Endometrial Cancer Surgery With or Without Concomitant Stress Urinary Incontinence Surgery

OBJECTIVE

To compare quality of life (QOL) among patients with endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia or early-stage endometrial cancer and stress urinary incontinence (SUI) who chose to have concomitant surgery with cancer surgery alone.

METHODS

A multicenter, prospective cohort study was conducted across eight U.S. sites. Potentially eligible patients were screened for SUI symptoms. Those who screened positive were offered referral to urogynecology and incontinence treatment, including concomitant surgery. Participants were categorized into two groups: 1) concomitant cancer and SUI surgery or 2) cancer surgery alone. The primary outcome was cancer-related QOL as measured by the FACT-En (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Endometrial) (range 0-100; higher score indicates better QOL). The FACT-En and questionnaires assessing urinary symptom-specific severity and effects were assessed before surgery and 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. Adjusted median regression accounting for clustering was used to examine the relationship between SUI treatment group and FACT-En scores.

RESULTS

Of 1,322 (53.1%) patients, 702 screened positive for SUI with 532 analyzed; 110 (21%) chose concomitant cancer and SUI surgery, and 422 (79%) chose cancer surgery alone. FACT-En scores increased for both the concomitant SUI surgery and cancer surgery-only groups from the preoperative to the postoperative period. After adjustment for timepoint and preoperative covariates, the median change in FACT-En score (postoperative-preoperative) was 1.2 points higher (95% CI -1.3 to 3.6) for the concomitant SUI surgery group compared with the cancer surgery-only group across the postoperative period. Median time until surgery (22 days vs 16 days; P <.001), estimated blood loss (150 mL vs 72.5 mL; P <.001), and operative time (185.5 minutes vs 152 minutes; P <.001) were all greater for the concomitant cancer and SUI surgery group compared with the cancer-only group, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Concomitant surgery did not result in improved QOL compared with cancer surgery alone for endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia and patients with early-stage endometrial cancer with SUI. However, FACT-En scores were improved in both groups.

The effect of 12 weeks of estriol cream on stress urinary incontinence post-menopause: A prospective multinational observational study

OBJECTIVE

To quantitate the changes in stress urinary incontinence (SUI) outcome measures after 12 weeks of vaginal estriol cream in women with stress incontinence.

METHODS

A prospective multicentre observational study conducted in tertiary urogynaecology centers. Postmenopausal women with pure SUI or stress predominant mixed urinary incontinence (MUI), not receiving any other treatment for their incontinence were given written instructions regarding digital application of a standard dose of vaginal estriol cream. Outcomes were measured at baseline and 12 weeks. The primary objective outcome was vaginal pH. The primary subjective outcome was the stress domain of the Urogenital Distress Inventory-6 (UDI-6). The secondary objective outcome used was the erect cough stress test. Two quality of life questionnaires and two patient reported outcomes were also included.

RESULTS

The 46 postmenopausal recruits had a median age of 62.1 interquartile range (IQR 56.2-65.4). At follow up, the primary subjective outcome SUI domain [UDI-6] significantly improved from 83.3 (IQR 50-100) to 33.3 (33.3-66.7, p ≤ 0.001) as did vaginal pH [from 5.1 (4.9-5.9) to 4.9 (4.6-5.0] p ≤ 0.001; 18/43 patients (42%) were dry on cough stress test.

CONCLUSIONS

Twelve weeks of vaginal estriol cream significantly reduced symptoms of stress urinary incontinence in this sample of postmenopausal women.

Phenotyping of Urinary Urgency Patients Without Urgency Incontinence, and Their Comparison to Urgency Incontinence Patients: Findings From the LURN Study

PURPOSE

We characterize patients with urinary urgency with vs without urgency urinary incontinence who presented to clinics actively seeking treatment for their symptoms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Participants who enrolled in the Symptoms of Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction Research Network were categorized into urinary urgency with vs without urgency urinary incontinence. Participants were followed for 1 year; their urinary symptoms, urological pain, psychosocial factors, bowel function, sleep disturbance, physical activity levels, physical function, and quality of life were compared. Mixed effects linear regression models were used to examine the relationships between urgency urinary incontinence and these factors.

RESULTS

Among 683 participants with urinary urgency at baseline, two-thirds (n=453) also had urgency urinary incontinence; one-third (n=230) had urinary urgency-only without urgency urinary incontinence. No differences were detected in urological pain between urinary urgency-only and urgency urinary incontinence. Those with urgency urinary incontinence had more severe urgency and frequency symptoms, higher depression, anxiety, perceived stress scores, more severe bowel dysfunction and sleep disturbance, lower physical activity levels, lower physical function, and worse quality of life than those with urinary urgency-only. Among those with urinary urgency-only at baseline, 40% continued to have urinary urgency-only, 15% progressed to urgency urinary incontinence, and 45% had no urgency at 12 months. Fifty-eight percent with urgency urinary incontinence at baseline continued to report urgency urinary incontinence at 12 months, while 15% improved to urinary urgency-only, and 27% had no urgency.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with urgency urinary incontinence have severe storage symptoms, more psychosocial symptoms, poorer physical functioning, and worse quality of life. Our data suggested urgency urinary incontinence may be a more severe manifestation of urinary urgency, rather than urinary urgency and urgency urinary incontinence being distinct entities.

Digital Therapeutic Device for Urinary Incontinence: A Longitudinal Analysis at 6 and 12 Months

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the long-term efficacy of an 8-week regimen of pelvic floor muscle training guided by a motion-based digital therapeutic device compared with a standard home program in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and stress-predominant mixed urinary incontinence (MUI).

METHODS

The primary virtual trial was conducted from October 2020 to March 2021; 363 women with SUI or stress-predominant MUI were randomized to complete pelvic floor muscle training using the device (intervention group) or a standard home pelvic floor muscle training program (control group) for 8 weeks. Primary outcomes included change in UDI-6 (Urogenital Distress Inventory, Short Form) score and SUI episodes on a 3-day bladder diary. The PGI-I (Patient Global Impression of Improvement) was also assessed, with "much better" and "very much better" responses considered as improvement. In this planned secondary analysis, symptom and adherence data were collected in follow-up at 6 and 12 months. A modified intention-to-treat analysis was performed using Student's t tests and χ2 tests as appropriate.

RESULTS

Of 299 participants analyzed at 8 weeks, 286 (95.7%) returned 6- and 12-month data (151 in the control group, 135 in the intervention group). Mean age was 51.9±12.8 years, and mean body mass index (BMI) was 31.8±7.4; 84.6% of participants were parous, and 54.9% were postmenopausal. Mean change in UDI-6 score from baseline to 6 and 12 months was significantly greater in the intervention group than in the control group (20.2±20.9 vs 14.8±19.5, P=.03 and 22.7±23.3 vs 15.9±20.3, P=.01, respectively). Participants in the intervention group had more than twice the odds of reporting improvement on the PGI-I compared with participants in the control group (OR 2.45, 95% CI 1.49-4.00).

CONCLUSION

Pelvic floor muscle training guided by a motion-based digital therapeutic device yielded significantly greater urinary incontinence symptom improvement compared with a standard home pelvic floor muscle training program at 6 and 12 months, although continued improvement waned over time. This technology may facilitate pelvic floor muscle training access and adherence for women with SUI and stress-predominant MUI and represents an effective modality for scaling first-line care.

FUNDING SOURCE

Renovia Inc.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04508153.

The efficacy and safety of a single maintenance laser treatment for stress urinary incontinence: a double-blinded randomized controlled trial

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a single carbon dioxide (CO₂) laser maintenance treatment in women previously treated successfully with laser for stress urinary incontinence (SUI), who have demonstrated a decline in treatment effect.

METHODS

Women aged 40-70 years who experienced temporary significant improvement in symptoms following CO₂ laser treatments for SUI were randomized to either the treatment group or the sham treatment control group. Cough test results, 1-h pad weights and scores on the Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI6), the International Consultation of Incontinence Questionnaire (ICIQ-UI) and the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ-12) were obtained at baseline and 3 and 6 months.

RESULTS

Of 183 women screened, 131 were included in the final analysis. Demographic characteristics and baseline measures in the outcome tests were similar between the groups. Statistically significant improvements were demonstrated in the study compared to the control group at 3 months post-treatment in positive cough test (44.4% vs. 79.4%, P = 0.002), mean pad weight test (2.3 g ± 1.3 vs. 5.6 ± 1.1, P < 0.001), mean UDI-6(24.7 ± 12.1 vs. 45.1 ± 13.6 SD, P = 0.004), mean ICIQ-UI (16.5 ± 4.3 vs. 10.3 + 3.8, P = 0.003) and mean PISQ-12 (21.3 ± 6.8 vs. 36.6 ± 7.5, P = 0.003). However, values at 6 months post-treatment were similar to those at baseline.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that a single maintenance laser treatment for reducing symptoms of SUI is transiently effective, well tolerated and safe. This treatment modality provides alternative non-surgical therapy for women with SUI.

A digital health program for treatment of urinary incontinence: retrospective review of real-world user data

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

To determine the effectiveness of a prescription digital therapeutic (pDTx) in reducing urinary incontinence (UI) symptoms in real-world users.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study of real-world data from users of a pDTx designed to guide pelvic floor muscle training(PFMT) between July 1, 2020-December 31, 2021. The primary outcome was UI symptom change as reported via in-app Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6). Included subjects were female, ≥ 18 years with a diagnosis of stress, urgency, or mixed UI who completed the UDI-6 at baseline and 8 weeks. Demographic, symptom, and adherence data were summarized. Paired t-test and Wilcoxon signed rank test were used to analyze change in outcomes from baseline to 8 weeks across adherence and UI diagnosis groups.

RESULTS

Of 532 women with UI, 265 (50%) met criteria and were included in the analysis. Mean age was 51.2 ± 11.5 years (range 22-84, N = 265). Mean body mass index (BMI) was 27.3 ± 6.2 kg/m² (range 15.2-46.9, N = 147). Most participants had stress UI (59%) followed by mixed UI (22%), urgency UI/OAB (11%), and unspecified UI (8%). UDI-6 scores improved by 13.90 ± 15.53 (p ≤ 0.001); 62% met or exceeded MCID. Device-reported PFMT adherence was 72% at 4 weeks and 66% at 8 weeks (100% = 14 uses/week). Participants in each diagnosis category reported significant improvement on UDI-6 score from baseline to 8 weeks. No association between UDI-6 score improvement and adherence category, age, BMI, or UI subtype was identified.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates effectiveness of a pDTx in reducing UI symptoms in a real-world setting. Users achieved statistically and clinically significant symptom improvement over an 8-week period.

Urinary Symptoms and Bladder Voiding Dysfunction Are Common in Young Men with Defecatory Disorders: A Retrospective Evaluation

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are frequently reported by constipated patients. Prospective studies investigating the association between defecatory disorders (DDs) and voiding dysfunction, predominantly in women, have reported conflicting results. This study investigated (1) the prevalence of LUTS in young men with DDs and (2) the association between objectively documented DDs and voiding dysfunction in constipated young men with LUTS.

METHODS

We reviewed the medical records, including validated questionnaires, of men aged 18-40 with confirmed DDs treated with pelvic floor physical therapy (PT) at our institution from May 2018 to November 2020. In a separate group of constipated young men with LUTS who underwent high-resolution anorectal manometry (HRM), rectal balloon expulsion test (BET), and uroflowmetry, we explored the relationship between DDs and voiding dysfunction.

RESULTS

A total of 72 men were evaluated in the study. Among 43 men receiving PT for a proven DD, 82% reported ≥ 1 LUTS, most commonly frequent urination. Over half of these men experienced a reduction in LUTS severity after bowel-directed pelvic floor PT. Among 29 constipated men with LUTS who had undergone HRM/BET and uroflowmetry, 28% had concurrent defecatory and voiding dysfunction, 10% had DD alone, 14% had only voiding dysfunction, and 48% had neither. The presence of DD was associated with significantly increased odds of concurrent voiding dysfunction (odds ratio 9.3 [95% CI 1.7-52.7]).

CONCLUSIONS

Most young men with DDs experience LUTS, which may respond to bowel-directed physical therapy. Patients with DD and urinary symptoms have increased odds of voiding dysfunction.

Comparing the efficacy of the Knack maneuver on pelvic floor muscle function and urinary symptoms using different teaching methods: a prospective, nonrandomized study

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

This study was aimed at comparing the efficacy of Knack maneuver training taught using different techniques on pelvic floor muscle (PFM) function, urinary symptoms, and perception of improvement in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

METHODS

We conducted a prospective nonrandomized study of 46 women with SUI. Assessments included: PFM functions (secondary outcome, SO) using a Myomed 932 EMG biofeedback device, urinary incontinence symptoms using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Urinary Incontinence-Short Form (ICIQ-SF; primary outcome), the Urogenital Distress Inventory-6 (UDI-6; SO), and the Incontinence Severity Index (ISI; SO), and perception of improvement using the Global Perceived Impact scale. The women were divided into three groups according to their preference: group 1 (Knack maneuver training with electromyography biofeedback), group 2 (Knack maneuver training with verbal instruction), and group 3 (Knack maneuver training with vaginal palpation). An education program was also given to all women individually. The training program was 1 day per week for 4 weeks.

RESULTS

There was an improvement in UDI-6, ICIQ-SF, and ISI scores in all groups (p<0.05). The maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) of the PFMs increased in group 2 (p=0.002), whereas both the MVC of PFMs and PFM contraction during Valsalva increased in group 3 (p=0.011 and p=0.042).

CONCLUSIONS

Regardless of the teaching methods, the Knack maneuver and education programs were effective on urinary symptoms in women with mild to moderate SUI. The Knack maneuver training with vaginal palpation and verbal instruction improved MVC of PFMs. All three different teaching methods might be used in SUI treatment programs.

Digital Therapeutic Device for Urinary Incontinence: A Randomized Controlled Trial

To evaluate whether pelvic floor muscle training using a motion-based digital intravaginal device is more effective than home pelvic floor muscle training for treatment of stress or stress-predominant mixed urinary incontinence (UI).

Long-term Urinary Outcomes After Transvaginal Uterovaginal Prolapse Repair With and Without Concomitant Midurethral Slings

IMPORTANCE

Many health care providers place concomitant midurethral slings during pelvic organ prolapse repair, yet growing evidence supports staged midurethral sling placement.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to compare urinary function after transvaginal uterovaginal prolapse repair with and without midurethral sling.

STUDY DESIGN

Secondary analysis of the Study of Uterine Prolapse Procedures Randomized Trial (hysterectomy with uterosacral ligament suspension vs mesh hysteropexy). Our primary outcome was Urinary Distress Inventory score (UDI-6) through 5 years compared between women with and without a concomitant sling within prolapse repair arms. Sling effect was adjusted for select clinical variables and interaction terms (α = .05).

RESULTS

The sling group included 90 women (43 hysteropexy, 47 hysterectomy), and the no-sling group included 93 women (48 hysteropexy, 45 hysterectomy). At baseline, the sling group reported more bothersome stress (66% vs 36%, P < 0.001) and urgency incontinence (69% vs 48%, P = 0.007). For hysteropexy, there were no significant long-term differences in UDI-6 scores or bothersome urine leakage between sling groups. For hysterectomy, women with sling had better UDI-6 scores across time points (adjusted mean difference, -5.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], -9.9 to -0.2); bothersome stress and urgency leakage were less common in the sling group (stress adjusted odds ratio, 0.1 [95% CI, 0.0-0.4]; urge adjusted odds ratio, 0.5 [95% CI, 0.2-1.0]). Treatment for stress incontinence over 5 years was similar in the sling (7.9%) versus no-sling (7.6%) groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Five-year urinary outcomes of concomitant midurethral sling may vary by type of transvaginal prolapse surgery, with possible benefit of midurethral sling at the time of vaginal hysterectomy with apical suspension but not after mesh hysteropexy.

A Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating the Effect of an Educational Video on Patient Understanding of Midurethral Sling

OBJECTIVE

The primary objective was to evaluate the use of a novel video for enhancing patient knowledge of midurethral sling compared with standard handout.

METHODS

Participants scheduled for midurethral sling were randomized to 1 of 2 preoperative educational interventions, either video or standard handout. The primary outcome was change in knowledge measured via a 15-question questionnaire completed immediately before and after the intervention. Secondary outcomes were knowledge retention, urinary symptoms, decision satisfaction, and regret measured via validated questionnaires at 2 and 6 weeks postoperatively. Data are presented as median (interquartile range) and comparisons between intervention groups made using non-parametric statistics. A sample size of 16 per arm was calculated to detect a 20% effect size.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight participants, 19 per site, were randomized from August 2019 to October 2020 and 37 (97%) completed the primary outcome per protocol. Median age was 51 years (18 years), and there were no significant demographic differences between groups. Participants randomized to video demonstrated greater change in knowledge than those randomized to handout (+8.5 (3) vs +2.0 (4), P < 0.0001). Those randomized to video demonstrated improved 6 week postoperative urinary symptoms (Urogenital Distress Inventory-6, 0.0 [8.3] vs 14.6 [26.0]; P = 0.02; Incontinence Severity Index, 0.0 [2] vs 3.0 [4]; P = 0.005). There were no differences in satisfaction with decision (5.0 [0] video vs 5.0 [0.9] handout; P = 0.48) or decision regret (1.0 [0.5] video vs 1.0 [0.8] handout; P = 0.80) at 6 weeks postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

A preoperative educational video improved knowledge and urinary symptoms after midurethral sling compared with a standard handout.

Exploring the impact of urogenital organ displacement after abdominoperineal resection on urinary and sexual function

PURPOSE

This study aimed to establish the functional impact of displacement of urogenital organs after abdominoperineal resection (APR) using validated questionnaires.

METHODS

Patients who underwent APR for primary or recurrent rectal cancer (2001-2018) with evaluable pre- and postoperative radiological imaging and completed urinary (UDI-6, IIQ-7) and sexual questionnaires (male, IIEF; female, FSFI, FSDS-R) were included from 16 centers. Absolute displacement of the internal urethral orifice, posterior bladder wall, distal end of the prostatic urethra, and cervix were correlated to urogenital function by calculating Spearman's Rho (ρ). Median function scores were compared between minimal or substantial displacement using median split.

RESULTS

There were 89 male and 36 female patients included, of whom 45 and 19 were sexually active after surgery. Absolute displacement of the internal urethral orifice and posterior bladder wall was not correlated with UDI-6 in men (ρ = 0.119 and ρ = 0.022) nor in women (ρ =  - 0.098 and ρ =  - 0.154). In men with minimal and substantial displacement of the internal urethral orifice, median UDI-6 scores were 10 (IQR 0-22) and 17 (IQR 5-21), respectively, with corresponding scores of 25 (IQR 10-46) and 21 (IQR 16-36) in women. Displacement of the cervix and FSDS-R were correlated (ρ = 0.433) in sexually active patients.

CONCLUSION

This first analysis on functional impact of urogenital organ displacement after APR suggests that more displacement of the cervix might be associated with worse sexual function, while the data does not indicate any potential functional impact of bladder displacement. Studies are needed to further explore this underexposed topic.

Cost-effectiveness of behavioral and pelvic floor muscle therapy combined with midurethral sling surgery vs surgery alone among women with mixed urinary incontinence: results of the Effects of Surgical Treatment Enhanced With Exercise for Mixed Urinary Incontinence randomized trial

BACKGROUND

Urinary incontinence is prevalent among women, and it has a substantial economic impact. Mixed urinary incontinence, with both stress and urgency urinary incontinence symptoms, has a greater adverse impact on quality of life and is more complex to treat than either stress or urgency urinary incontinence alone. Studies evaluating the cost-effectiveness of treating both the stress and urgency urinary incontinence components simultaneously are lacking.

OBJECTIVE

Cost-effectiveness was assessed between perioperative behavioral and pelvic floor muscle therapies combined with midurethral sling surgery and midurethral sling surgery alone for the treatment of women with mixed urinary incontinence. The impact of baseline severe urgency urinary incontinence symptoms on cost-effectiveness was assessed.

STUDY DESIGN

This prospective economic evaluation was performed concurrently with the Effects of Surgical Treatment Enhanced with Exercise for Mixed Urinary Incontinence randomized trial that was conducted from October 2013 to April 2016. Participants included 480 women with moderate-to-severe stress and urgency urinary incontinence symptoms and at least 1 stress urinary incontinence episode and 1 urgency urinary incontinence episode on a 3-day bladder diary. The primary within-trial analysis was from the healthcare sector and societal perspectives, with a 1-year time horizon. Costs were in 2019 US dollars. Effectiveness was measured in quality-adjusted life-years and reductions in urinary incontinence episodes per day. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios of combined treatment vs midurethral sling surgery alone were calculated, and cost-effectiveness acceptability curves were generated. Analysis was performed for the overall study population and subgroup of women with Urogenital Distress Inventory irritative scores of ≥50th percentile.

RESULTS

The costs for combined treatment were higher than the cost for midurethral sling surgery alone from both the healthcare sector perspective ($5100 [95% confidence interval, $5000-$5190] vs $4470 [95% confidence interval, $4330-$4620]; P<.01) and the societal perspective ($9260 [95% confidence interval, $8590-$9940] vs $8090 [95% confidence interval, $7630-$8560]; P<.01). There was no difference between combined treatment and midurethral sling surgery alone in quality-adjusted life-years (0.87 [95% confidence interval, 0.86-0.89] vs 0.87 [95% confidence interval, 0.86-0.89]; P=.90) or mean reduction in urinary incontinence episodes per day (-4.76 [95% confidence interval, -4.51 to 5.00] vs -4.50 [95% confidence interval, -4.25 to 4.75]; P=.13). When evaluating the overall study population, from both the healthcare sector and societal perspectives, midurethral sling surgery alone was superior to combined treatment. The probability that combined treatment is cost-effective compared with midurethral sling surgery alone is ≤28% from the healthcare sector and ≤19% from the societal perspectives for a willingness-to-pay value of ≤$150,000 per quality-adjusted life-years. For women with baseline Urogenital Distress Inventory irritative scores of ≥50th percentile, combined treatment was cost-effective compared with midurethral sling surgery alone from both the healthcare sector and societal perspectives. The probability that combined treatment is cost-effective compared with midurethral sling surgery alone for this subgroup is ≥90% from both the healthcare sector and societal perspectives, at a willingness-to-pay value of ≥$150,000 per quality-adjusted life-years.

CONCLUSION

Overall, perioperative behavioral and pelvic floor muscle therapies combined with midurethral sling surgery was not cost-effective compared with midurethral sling surgery alone for the treatment of women with mixed urinary incontinence. However, combined treatment was of good value compared with midurethral sling surgery alone for women with baseline severe urgency urinary incontinence symptoms.

Symptomatic improvement after mesh removal: a prospective longitudinal study of women with urogynaecological mesh complications

OBJECTIVE

To compare clinical characteristics and outcomes in patients undergoing excision of polypropylene urogynaecological mesh for pain, mesh exposure or both.

DESIGN

Prospective, longitudinal cohort.

SETTING

Academic tertiary referral centre.

POPULATION

Women undergoing complete vaginal mesh excision for mesh exposure and/or pain.

METHODS

Clinical and patient-reported outcomes assessing pain (visual analog scale, VAS), bother (Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory, PFDI) and functional impact (Pelvic Functional Impact Questionnaire, PFIQ) were collected at baseline, 6, 12 and 24 months after complete mesh excision. Outcomes were compared by mesh type (sling, prolapse [transvaginal or sacrocolpopexy mesh], both) and complication (pain, exposure, both).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

'Much better' or 'Very much better' on Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I) up to 2 years after removal.

RESULTS

Of 173 women, 48 underwent removal for pain, 27 for exposure and 98 for exposure plus pain. 'Moderate to severe' baseline symptoms were reported by 75%; the most prevalent and severe symptom was dyspareunia. Patients with pain alone were most bothered (PFDI median 234.2, interquartile range 83, P = 0.02) and had the highest functional impact (PFIQ median 181, interquartile range 138, P < 0.001). After excision, only 33.3% of women with pain alone reported 'improved' symptoms (PGI-I), versus 73.9% with exposure, 58.3% with exposure plus pain (P = 0.03) with no differences in PGI-I by mesh type. VAS scores decreased in all groups, but PFDI and PFIQ did not improve in pain patients.

CONCLUSIONS

In women experiencing a pain complication after urogynaecological mesh insertion, mesh removal often does not improve symptoms.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

Only 33% of women with pain complications have improved symptoms after urogynaecological mesh removal.

Protocol for a prospective multisite cohort study investigating hysterectomy versus uterine preservation for pelvic organ prolapse surgery: the HUPPS study

INTRODUCTION

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is the descent of pelvic organs into the vagina resulting in bulge symptoms and occurs in approximately 50% of women. Almost 20% of women will elect surgical correction of this condition by age 85. Removal of the uterus (hysterectomy) with concomitant vaginal vault suspension is a long-standing practice in POP surgery to address apical (uterine) prolapse. Yet, contemporary evidence on the merits of this approach relative to preservation of the uterus through suspension is needed to better inform surgical decision making by patients and their healthcare providers. The objective of this study is to evaluate POP-specific health outcomes and service utilisation of women electing uterine suspension compared with those electing hysterectomy and vaginal vault suspension for POP surgery up to 1-year postsurgery.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This is a prospective cohort study planning to enrol 321 adult women with stage ≥2 POP from multiple sites in Alberta, Canada. Following standardised counselling from study surgeons, participants self-select either a hysterectomy based or uterine preservation surgical group. Data are being collected through participant questionnaires, medical records and administrative data linkage at four time points spanning from the presurgical consultation to 1-year postsurgery. The primary outcome is anatomic failure to correct POP, and secondary outcomes include changes in positioning of pelvic structures, retreatment, subjective report of bulge symptoms, pelvic floor distress and impact, sexual function and health service use. Data will be analysed using inverse probability weighting of propensity scores and generalised linear models.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This study is approved by the Conjoint Health Research Ethics Board at the University of Calgary (REB19-2134). Results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publications, presentations at national and international conferences, and educational handouts for patients.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT04890951.

Home Biofeedback Versus Physical Therapy for Stress Urinary Incontinence: A Randomized Trial

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to assess whether home biofeedback is noninferior to supervised pelvic floor physical therapy (PFPT) for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in women.

METHODS

The study used a randomized controlled noninferiority trial to compare a home biofeedback device with PFPT. Women older than 18 years with SUI and no history of a prior incontinence surgery or PFPT were eligible. Forty-two participants were required to determine noninferiority for the primary outcome, improvement in quality of life as measured by the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form. The noninferiority margin was 4 points. Secondary outcomes included sexual function, overactive bladder symptoms, and patient impression of improvement.

RESULTS

From June 2018 to October 2019, 54 women with SUI were recruited (27 biofeedback, 27 PFPT) and 43 (21 biofeedback, 22 PFPT) completed follow-up. The groups had comparable baseline characteristics. For the primary outcome of change in mean International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form scores (where lower scores indicate less incontinence), home biofeedback was found to be noninferior to PFPT with a mean decrease from baseline of -3.95 (95% confidence interval [CI] = -2.21 to -5.70) in the home biofeedback group versus -4.73 (95% CI = -3.21 to -6.25) and -3.95 (95% CI = -2.21 to -5.70) in the PFPT group (P = 0.009). The PFPT group showed more improvement in overactive bladder symptoms, but not in incontinence severity without difference in sexual function.

CONCLUSIONS

Home biofeedback was noninferior to PFPT for the primary treatment of SUI in women at 3 months. These results support the use of personal biofeedback devices for the treatment of SUI.Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, http://www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03443687.

Success of Concomitant Versus Interval Slings for Prevention and Treatment of Bothersome de Novo Stress Urinary Incontinence

BACKGROUND

Despite large trials designed to guide management on whether to perform a prophylactic continence procedure at the time of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) repair, it remains unclear if a staged or interval approach confers advantages in treatment of bothersome stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in women without bothersome SUI before their POP repair.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to compare success of concomitant versus interval slings for the prevention/treatment of de novo bothersome SUI after POP repair.

STUDY DESIGN

This multicenter retrospective cohort with prospective follow-up enrolled women with minimal or no SUI symptoms who underwent minimally invasive apical surgery for stage 2 or higher POP between 2011 and 2018 and had a concomitant sling placed at the time of POP surgery or an interval sling placed. Prospectively, all patients were administered the Urogenital Distress Inventory Short-Form 6, the Patient Global Impression of Improvement, and questions on reoperation/retreatment and complications.

RESULTS

A total of 120 patients had concomitant slings, and 60 had interval slings. There were no differences in the proportion of patients who had intrinsic sphincter deficiency (22% vs 20%), although the concomitant sling group was more likely to have a positive cough stress test result (30% vs 8%, P = 0.006). The interval sling group was more likely to report "yes" to SUI symptoms on Urogenital Distress Inventory Short-Form 6 (3% vs 30%, P = 0.0006) and during their postoperative visit (0% vs 24%, P < 0.0001). There were no differences in surgical complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Among women with minimal or no SUI symptoms undergoing prolapse repair, concomitant slings resulted in lower rates of bothersome SUI compared with similar women undergoing interval sling placement.

A randomized trial comparing continence pessary to continence device (Poise Impressa®) for stress incontinence

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

To conduct a multi-centered randomized trial evaluating stress urinary incontinence (SUI) treatment based on the Patient Global Impression of Improvement score after 4 weeks using a continence pessary (CP) or a disposable intravaginal continence device (DICD). The null hypothesis is no difference in treatment success between cohorts.

METHODS

This parallel group, active treatment comparative effectiveness trial randomized women with SUI to either CP or DICD for 4 weeks in a 1:1 allocation ratio. Exclusion criteria included pregnancy, UTI, postmenopausal bleeding, neurogenic bladder, urinary retention, prolapse, contraindication to or prior treatment with CP/DICD, and prior SUI surgery. Assuming an 80% power, an alpha of 5% and 20% dropout, we needed 138 participants to detect 50% success with CP versus 25% with DICD. Due to slow enrollment, the study was stopped after 16 months with 50 participants enrolled.

RESULTS

Of the 50 women enrolled, 25 (50%) were randomized to CP and 25 (50%) to DICD. Thirty-five of 50 (70%) completed a fitting, and 22/50 (44%) completed 4-week and 17/50 (34%) completed 6-month follow-up. Baseline characteristics were similar, and there was high treatment success in each cohort [80% (8/10) CP vs. 75% (9/12) DICD; p = 1.0]. DICD patients showed improvement on all questionnaires but had higher use of other therapies over 6 months. CP patients showed improvements except for lower sexual function scores at 4 weeks. No serious adverse events occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

Most women fitted with a CP/DICD experienced treatment success after 4 weeks without serious adverse events.

Vaginal CO2 laser therapy versus sham for genitourinary syndrome of menopause management: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

IMPORTANCE

The research of new therapeutic modalities, especially with energy-based devices, has been increasing nowadays for genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) management. Microablative fractional CO2 laser has been used for pelvic floor dysfunction management.

OBJECTIVE

To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to compare fractional CO2 laser therapy versus sham therapy for GSM management.

EVIDENCE REVIEW

We searched for the available randomized clinical trials in Cochrane Library, PubMed, ISI web of science, and Scopus during March 2021. We included randomized clinical trials that compared CO2 laser to sham among postmenopausal women with GSM diagnosis. We extracted the available data from included studies and pooled them in a meta-analysis model using RevMan software. Our main outcomes were total vaginal score assessment using the Vaginal Assessment Scale, sexual function using the Female Sexual Function Index, urinary symptoms using the Urogenital Distress Inventory-6, and satisfaction.

FINDINGS

Three studies met our inclusion criteria with a total number of 164 women. The CO2 laser was linked to a significant reduction in Vaginal Assessment Scale score when compared with the sham group (mean difference [MD] = -0.49, 95% CI [-0.75 to -0.22], P = 0.004). The CO2 laser was associated with a significant improvement in Female Sexual Function Index score in comparison with sham group (MD = 9.37, 95% CI [6.59-12.14], P < 0.001). In addition, a significant reduction in Urogenital Distress Inventory-6 score was reported among the CO2 laser group (MD = -6.95, 95% CI [-13.24 to -0.67], P = 0.03). More women were significantly satisfied among the CO2 laser group (risk ratio  = 1.98, 95% CI [1.36-2.89], P = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

CO2 laser therapy is a promising alternative for GSM management. Further randomized trials with larger sample sizes are required to confirm our findings.

Long-term outcomes of primary cystocele repair by transvaginal mesh surgery versus laparoscopic mesh sacropexy: extended follow up of the PROSPERE multicentre randomised trial

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effectiveness and safety of laparoscopic sacropexy (LS) and transvaginal mesh (TVM) at 4 years.

DESIGN

Extended follow up of a randomised trial.

SETTING

Eleven centres.

POPULATION

Women with cystocele stage ≥2 (pelvic organ prolapse quantification [POP-Q], aged 45-75 years without previous prolapse surgery.

METHODS

Synthetic non-absorbable mesh placed in the vesicovaginal space and sutured to the promontory (LS) or maintained by arms through pelvic ligaments and/or muscles (TVM).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Functional outcomes (pelvic floor distress inventory [PFDI-20] as primary outcome); anatomical assessment (POP-Q), composite outcome of success; re-interventions for complications.

RESULTS

A total of 220 out of 262 randomised patients have been followed at 4 years. PFDI-20 significantly improved in both groups and was better (but below the minimal clinically important difference) after LS (mean difference -7.2 points; 95% CI -14.0 to -0.05; P = 0.029). The improvement in quality of life and the success rate (LS 70%, 61-81% versus TVM 71%, 62-81%; hazard ratio 0.92, 95% CI 0.55-1.54; P = 0.75) were similar. POP-Q measurements did not differ, except for point C (LS -57 mm versus TVM -48 mm, P = 0.0093). The grade III or higher complication rate was lower after LS (2%, 0-4.7%) than after TVM (8.7%, 3.4-13.7%; hazard ratio 4.6, 95% CI 1.007-21.0, P = 0.049)).

CONCLUSIONS

Both techniques provided improvement and similar success rates. LS had a better benefit-harm balance with fewer re-interventions due to complications. TVM remains an option when LS is not feasible.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

At 4 years, Laparoscopic Sacropexy (LS) had a better benefit-harm balance with fewer re-interventions due to complications than Trans-Vaginal Mesh (TVM).

A systematic review of utility-based and disease-specific quality of life measurement instruments for women with urinary incontinence

AIM

This systematic review aims to identify disease-specific and generic quality of life (QoL) outcome measurement instruments used in populations of women with urinary incontinence (UI) and to determine the most psychometrically robust and appropriate disease-specific and generic tools for measuring the quality of life in this population.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted of PubMed, Embase, SCIELO, and CINAHL databases for studies evaluating measurement properties of QoL instruments in women with UI. The methodological quality of studies and the quality of measurement properties were evaluated using the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health status Measurement INtruments (COSMIN) checklist and quality criteria. Overall, evidence for measurement properties was graded using the modified grading of recommendations, assessment, development & evaluation approach.

RESULTS

A total of 73 studies were included, and 27 specific and 6 generic instruments were identified. The Incontinence QoL questionnaire (IQoL) had the highest overall psychometric quality for English-speaking populations and was the most widely translated tool. Evidence for generic QoL tools in this population is limited. Few studies evaluated measurement error or cross-cultural validity.

CONCLUSION

The IQoL is the most psychometrically robust disease-specific tool for use in this population. More research is needed to determine the most psychometrically robust generic tool. Future studies should also evaluate measurement error and cross-cultural validity as evidence for these properties is particularly lacking.

A systematic review of English language patient-reported outcome measures for use in urogynaecology and female pelvic medicine

INTRODUCTION

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are widely used in clinical practice and research in urogynaecology. There is no consensus on which PROMs should be used. No unifying document identifies all available PROMs and compares the psychometric properties of these.

METHODS

Systematic review of the literature following PRISMA guidelines. Studies where women had been administered an English-language PROM which assessed pelvic-floor symptomatology and psychometric properties had been reported were included.

RESULTS

85 PROMs assessing pelvic-floor symptoms in a urogynaecology population were identified. 43 PROMs assessed lower urinary tract symptoms in 95 studies, four PROMS assessed vaginal symptoms in seven studies, 20 PROMs assessed bowel symptoms in 27 studies and three PROMs assessed sexual symptoms in seven studies. 15 PROMs assessed two or more of these symptom areas in 60 studies. PROMs with the with the best available psychometric evidence within these five areas were (urinary symptoms) the Incontinence Quality-of-Life questionnaire (I-QOL aka ICIQ-UIqol) and International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire (ICIQ-UI-SF), (bowel symptoms) the Accidental Bowel Leakage Evaluation (ABLE) questionnaire and the International Consultation on Incontinence Bowel questionnaire (ICIQ-B), (vaginal symptoms) the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Symptom Score (POPSS), (sexual symptoms) the Pelvic organ prolapse- urinary Incontinence Sexual function Questionnaire- IUGA revised (PISQ-IR) and (comprehensive PROMs) the Australian Pelvic Floor Questionnaire and the Electronic Personal Assessment Questionnaire-Pelvic-Floor (ePAQ-PF).

CONCLUSIONS

Multiple PROMs with robust psychometric properties are available. Some widely used PROMs have weak evidence. Formal recommendations on which English-language PROMs to use within clinical practice and research in urogynaecology are required.

Return to Baseline Functional Status in Older Women Undergoing Surgery for Pelvic Organ Prolapse

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to determine the rate of return to baseline functional status 3 months after surgery for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) in women 65 years or older.

METHODS

This is a multicenter prospective cohort study of women older than 65 years undergoing POP surgery. Functional status was determined by the Activities Assessment Scale at the preoperative visit and 3 months after surgery. We compared a variety of clinical variables and preoperative functional status scores for women who worsened, improved, or returned to baseline functional status after surgery using univariable and multivariable analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 192 women were enrolled in the study. Of 176 women who completed both sets of questionnaires, 59% improved, 35% returned, and 6% worsened from their baseline functional status. Variables significantly associated with postoperative functional status score were depression (P < 0.002) and preoperative functional status score (P < 0.001). The group that improved from baseline had the lowest (worst) preoperative functional status score (78.7 ± 16.4), whereas the group that worsened after surgery had the highest (best) preoperative functional status score (98.6 ± 2.2). After adjusting for age and depression, higher preoperative functional status score was predictive of failure to return to baseline functional status.

CONCLUSIONS

Most older women undergoing surgery for POP, including those with low preoperative functional status, return to or improve from their baseline functional status within 3 months of surgery. Women with higher functional status before surgery are less likely to report improvement in physical functioning after surgery.

Validation of the Sinhala translations of the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory and the Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire in a Sri Lankan population

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

This study was to translate and validate self-reported questionnaires, the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI-20) and the Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire (PFIQ-7) into Sinhala, the language spoken by the majority of Sri Lankans.

METHODS

A total of 270 patients were enrolled in this study. Two groups were selected with pelvic organ prolapse (POP)-cases and without POP-controls in a ratio of 1:2 respectively. Psychometric properties of the questionnaires were assessed using content validity, face validity, convergent validity, construct validity, internal consistency, and reliability. Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) was used as the test to quantify POP.

RESULTS

Excellent content validity was demonstrated by a content validity ratio for all items by experts. Face validity was confirmed by non-experts using a five-point Likert scale and Mann-Whitney U test for all items. Internal consistency was found to be high for both questionnaires (Cronbach's alpha >0.8) in all items. Construct validity was assessed by receiver-operating characteristic curves and the area under the curve is above 0.5 in all items in both questionnaires. Convergent validity was assessed using Pearson coefficient correlation, which was above 0.8 for all subscales. Reliability was low for all subscales in the paired t test.

CONCLUSIONS

The Sinhala versions of PFDI-20 and PFIQ-7 were valid, consistent, responsive, but have low reliability in the Sri Lankan setting.

Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial of Pelvic Floor Muscle Training with a Motion-based Digital Therapeutic Device versus Pelvic Floor Muscle Training Alone for Treatment of Stress-predominant Urinary Incontinence

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether use of an intravaginal motion-based digital therapeutic device for pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) was superior to PFMT alone in women with stress-predominant urinary incontinence (SUI).

METHODS

A multicenter, randomized-controlled trial was conducted where women with SUI or SUI-predominant mixed urinary incontinence were treated with either PFMT using the device (intervention group) or PFMT alone (control group). Primary outcomes, measured at 8 weeks, included change in Urinary Distress Inventory, short-version and improvement in the Patient Global Impression of Improvement, defined as "much better" or "very much better." Participants also completed Pelvic Organ Prolapse and Colorectal-anal Distress Inventories, Pelvic-Floor-Impact Questionnaire and a 3-day bladder diary. Primary analysis used a modified intention-to-treat approach. Statistical analysis used Student t test and χ2 test. The trial was prematurely halted due to device technical considerations.

RESULTS

Seventy-seven women were randomized, and final analysis included 61 participants: 29 in intervention and 32 in control group. There was no statistical difference in Urinary Distress Inventory, short-version scores between the intervention (-13.7 ± 18.7) and the control group (-8.7 ± 21.8; P = 0.85), or in Patient Global Impression of Improvement (intervention 51.7% and control group 40.6%; P = 0.47). Pelvic Organ Prolapse and Colorectal-anal Distress Inventories and Pelvic-Floor-Impact Questionnaire scores improved significantly more in the intervention group than the control group (all P < 0.05). Median number of SUI episodes decreased from baseline to 8 weeks by -1.7 per-day [(-3)-0] in the intervention group and -0.7[(-1)-0] in the control group, (P = 0.047).

CONCLUSIONS

In this prematurely terminated trial, there were no statistically significant differences in primary outcomes; however, PFMT with this digital therapeutic device resulted in significantly fewer SUI episodes and greater improvement in symptom-specific quality of life outcomes. A larger powered trial is underway.

Symptom and Quality of Life Improvements After Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy in a Clinical Population of Women With Pelvic Pain and Other Symptoms

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate changes in validated symptom scores at intake and discharge in women undergoing pelvic floor physical therapy (PFPT) for pain and other pelvic floor symptoms.

METHODS

Consecutive women starting PFPT during 1 year were reviewed. History, demographics, and Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory Questionnaire - Short Form 20 (PFDI) total and domain scores (Pelvic Organ Prolapse Distress Inventory-6, Urogenital Distress Inventory-6, Colorectal-Anal Distress Inventory-8), Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire (PFIQ-7), and pain levels on a numeric rating scale (NRS) were collected at intake and discharge. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and sign tests.

RESULTS

Of 474 women, mean age was 50.3 ± 16.7 years (range, 18-87 years) and the most common indication for PFPT was pelvic pain (208/474; 43.9%). In women with complete data, pretreatment to posttreatment median scores improved on the PFDI (77.3 vs 41.8; P < 0.0001), Urogenital Distress Inventory (37.5 vs 16.0; P < 0.0001), and PFIQ (58.0 vs 19.0; P < 0.0001), and the minimal clinically important difference was met for the PFDI, PFIQ, and Colorectal-Anal Distress Inventory. Women with primarily pelvic pain (n = 208) achieved significant improvements in PFDI, PFIQ, and NRS scores (P < 0.0001 for all) as well as the minimal clinically important difference for these measures. Pain patients with a history of pelvic surgery (n = 50) also had significant improvements in PFIQ and NRS but not PFDI scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Most women referred to PFPT demonstrated symptom improvements as measured by validated instruments.

Satisfaction and Regret Following Uterosacral Ligament Suspension and Sacrocolpopexy: A Prospective Multicenter Analysis From the Fellows' Pelvic Research Network

OBJECTIVES

The primary objective was to compare levels of satisfaction, regret, and Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I) scores between women who underwent vaginal uterosacral ligament suspension (USLS) and minimally invasive sacrocolpopexy (SCP). Secondary objectives were to identify which preoperative counseling resources were most useful.

METHODS

This was a multicenter, retrospective cohort study through the Fellows' Pelvic Research Network that included women who underwent a USLS or SCP between January 2013 and January 2016 with 1-year follow-up. Women completed the Decision Regret Scale for Pelvic Floor Disorders, Satisfaction with Decision Scale for Pelvic Floor Disorders, and PGI-I. Data were also collected on usefulness of various educational preoperative resources.

RESULTS

A total of 175/367 (47.6%) women participated; 45 (25.7%) and 130 (74.3%) in the USLS and SCP groups, respectively. Mean Decision Scale for Pelvic Floor Disorders scores were 4.6 ± 0.8 and 4.5 ± 0.7 (P = 0.30) in the USLS and SCP groups, respectively, indicating a high level of satisfaction with surgical decision. The mean Decision Regret Scale for Pelvic Floor Disorders score was 1.5 ± 0.8 in USLS and 1.6 ± 0.8 in SCP (P = 0.53). The SCP group had higher PGI-I scores (1.7 ± 1.4 vs 2.0 ± 1.3, P = 0.02), indicating lower perceived postoperative improvement. Most women (151 [86.3%] of 175) reported that verbal counseling was sufficient and would not have found additional resources helpful.

CONCLUSIONS

Women have high satisfaction and low regret with their decision to pursue surgical correction with USLS or SCP. Most are satisfied with only verbal preoperative counseling.

Pilot study of fractional CO2 laser therapy for genitourinary syndrome of menopause in gynecologic cancer survivors

PURPOSE

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of fractional CO₂ laser therapy in gynecologic cancer survivors.

METHODS

This was a pilot, multi-institutional randomized sham-controlled trial of women with gynecologic cancers with dyspareunia and/or vaginal dryness. Participants were randomized to fractional CO₂ laser treatment or sham laser treatment. The primary aim was to estimate the proportion of patients who had improvement in symptoms based on the Vaginal Assessment Scale (VAS). Secondary aims included changes in sexual function assessed using the Female Sexual Functioning Index (FSFI) and urinary symptoms assessed using the the Urinary Distress Inventory (UDI-6).

RESULTS

Eighteen women participated in the study, ten in the treatment arm and eight in the sham arm. The majority of participants had stage I (n = 11, 61.1 %) or II (n = 3, 16.7 %) endometrial cancer with adenocarcinoma histology (n = 9, 50 %). In total, 15 (83.3 %) of the participants completed all treatments and follow-up visit. There was no difference in the change in the median VAS score from baseline to follow-up. However, there was an improvement in change in the median total FSFI score with treatment compared with sham (Δ 6.5 vs -0.3, p = 0.02). The change in the median UDI-6 score was lower in the treatment arm (Δ -14.6 vs -2.1, p = 0.17), but this was not statistically significant. There were no reported serious adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

Fractional CO₂ laser therapy is feasible in gynecologic cancer survivors, with preliminary evidence of safety. In addition, there was preliminary evidence of improvement in sexual function compared with sham treatment. Clinicaltrial.gov Identifier: NCT03372720 (OSU-17261; NCI-2017-02051).

Risk Factors for Surgical Failure and Worsening Pelvic Floor Symptoms Within 5 Years After Vaginal Prolapse Repair

OBJECTIVE

To assess independent risk factors for surgical failure and worsening pelvic floor symptoms within 5 years after vaginal prolapse surgery.

METHODS

This secondary analysis includes OPTIMAL (Operations and Pelvic Muscle Training in the Management of Apical Support Loss) (n=374) and E-OPTIMAL (Extended) (n=285) trial participants. Surgical failure was defined as apical descent greater than one third of the total vaginal length, anterior or posterior vaginal wall past the hymen, subsequent surgery or bothersome vaginal bulge. Worsening pelvic floor symptoms were defined as increases from baseline as large as the minimally important difference for subscale scores of the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory: 11 for the Urinary Distress Inventory and Colorectal-Anal Distress Inventory and 34.3 for the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Distress Inventory. Outcomes were measured at 6 months then 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years. Chi-square and t test results from bivariate models and clinical relevance were used to inform final models.

RESULTS

Baseline risk factors for surgical failure were Hispanic ethnicity (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.92, 95% CI 1.17-3.15), perineal body (aOR 1.34, 95% CI 1.09-1.63), and pretreatment Pelvic Organ Prolapse Distress Inventory score (aOR 1.16, 95% CI 1.05-1.28). Risk factors for worsening of pelvic floor symptoms were pretreatment Pelvic Organ Prolapse Distress Inventory score (aOR 0.75, 95% CI 0.60-0.94) for worsening Pelvic Organ Prolapse Distress Inventory score, vaginal deliveries (aOR 1.26, 95% CI 1.10-1.44) and pretreatment Urinary Distress Inventory score (aOR 0.86, 95% CI 0.80-0.93) for worsening Urinary Distress Inventory score, and age (aOR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01-1.05) and pretreatment Colorectal-Anal Distress Inventory score (aOR 0.95, 95% CI 0.92-0.98) for worsening Colorectal-Anal Distress Inventory score.

CONCLUSIONS

Hispanic ethnicity, larger preoperative perineal body, and higher pretreatment Pelvic Organ Prolapse Distress Inventory scores were risk factors for surgical failure up to 5 years after vaginal prolapse repair. Participants with higher baseline Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory scores were less likely to worsen. Risk factors for worsening Urinary Distress Inventory and Colorectal-Anal Distress Inventory scores included more vaginal deliveries and increased age, respectively.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT00597935, NCT01166373.

Urinary symptoms in women receiving carboplatin/paclitaxel for treatment of gynecologic cancers

OBJECTIVES

Urinary incontinence is estimated to affect up to 34% of women with gynecologic cancers. Chemotherapeutic effects on urinary symptoms have been scarcely studied. The aim of our study was to examine the impact of carboplatin/paclitaxel chemotherapy on urinary symptoms.

METHODS

This was a prospective cohort study of all women undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy with carboplatin/paclitaxel after their primary debulking surgery for ovarian, fallopian tube, peritoneal, or endometrial cancers performed at a tertiary medical center by board certified gynecologic oncologists. We used validated questionnaires (incontinence impact questionnaire (IIQ-7), medical, epidemiologic, and social aspects of aging (MESA), urogenital distress inventory (UDI-6), the Sandvik severity index, and functional assessment of cancer therapy/GynecologicOncology Group-neurotoxicity (FACT/GOG-Ntx)) to assess the effects of carboplatin/paclitaxel therapy on the incidence and severity of urinary incontinence at three time points during the participants' chemotherapy regimen: start of chemotherapy (pretreatment), during the fifth chemotherapy cycle (mid-cycle), and during the 6-12 week post-chemotherapy visit (post-treatment).

RESULTS

We identified 62 women with ovarian, fallopian, peritoneal, and endometrial cancer who received carboplatin/paclitaxel therapy between May 2009 and December 2012 who met all of the inclusion criteria. Analysis of median IIQ-7 scores, across all time points, showed a statistically significant difference (0.0 (0.0 to 4.8), 0.0 (0.0 to 7.1), 0.0 (0.0 to 0.0), p=0.002, respectively). Examining pairwise differences between two treatment points, IIQ-7 pretreatment versus mid-treatment and pretreatment versus post-treatment, did not achieve significance (0.0 (0.0 to 2.4), p=0.13 and 0.0 (0.0 to 0.0), p>0.999, respectively), but the decrease in IIQ-7 mid-treatment versus post-treatment was statistically significant (0.0 (-2.4 to 0.0), p=0.003). Generalized estimating equation model analysis also showed significant changes in both median MESA for urge urinary incontinence (MESA-UUI) and median MESA for stress urinary incontinence (MESA-SUI) across all time points (p=0.003 and p=0.009, respectively). MESA-UUI and MESA-SUI pretreatment versus mid-treatment analysis achieved significance (2.0 (0.0 to 4.0), p=0.003 and 0.0 (0.0 to 2.0), p=0.01, respectively), demonstrating an increase in the incidence of stress urinary incontinence and urge urinary incontinence. There was a statistically significant association between the changes in FACT and UDI-6 scores from pretreatment versus mid-treatment, with a correlation coefficient of 0.37 (95% CI 0.08 to 0.61, p=0.005).

CONCLUSION

The study achieved its primary aim in demonstrating an impact of carboplatin/paclitaxel therapy on urinary incontinence severity and suggests if may be a factor leading to new onset or worsening urinary incontinence. As quality of life can be significantly impacted by these chemotherapeutic changes, further investigation is warranted to determine if the effects on urinary incontinence and neuropathy are transient or permanent.