Surgery versus physiotherapy for stress urinary incontinence

'I have no life and neither do the ones watching me suffer': women's experiences of transvaginal mesh implant surgery

Objective: Many women are affected by pelvic floor disorders, such as stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. In recent years, these disorders have been treated with transvaginal mesh implant surgeries involving the vaginal insertion of woven netting. We explored women's experiences of transvaginal mesh implant surgery through a biopsychosocial lens. Design: We analysed women's submissions to an Australian Parliament Senate Inquiry on transvaginal mesh implant surgery using thematic analysis. Main Outcome Methods: One-hundred and fifty-three publicly available submissions detailing women's experiences of transvaginal mesh implant surgery to an Australian Parliament Senate Inquiry were analysed. Adverse and positive accounts were eligible for inclusion. Results: We generated nine themes in three categories relating to the Biopsychosocial Model: Physical Health - comprising three themes; Psychological Health - comprising two themes; and Social Wellbeing - comprising four themes. Physical, psychological and social experiences interacted, resulting in reduced quality of life for women. Conclusion: Most women who made submissions to an Australian government inquiry about transvaginal mesh implant surgery described devastating impacts on physical, psychological, and social wellbeing. We provide recommendations to guide psychologists in assisting women with adverse transvaginal mesh-related outcomes. Further research should explore women's long-term experiences of the various transvaginal mesh procedures.

Midurethral Sling Mesh Exposure Confers a High Risk of Persistent Stress Urinary Incontinence

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

The objective was to investigate the relationship between mesh exposure and persistent stress urinary incontinence (SUI) post-midurethral sling (MUS) surgery.

METHODS

Extensive data collection including patient demographics, obstetric history, existing medical conditions, previous surgeries, and surgical outcomes, encompassing both perioperative and postoperative complications.

RESULTS

Out of 456 patients who underwent the MUS procedure within the specified period, the persistence of SUI was noted in 6.4% of cases. Mesh exposure was observed in 8.8% of these cases. Notably, 25% of patients with mesh exposure suffered from persistent SUI, in stark contrast to 4.6% of those without mesh exposure (p < 0.0001). Further, multivariate analysis indicated that patients with mesh exposure had an approximately 6.5-fold increased likelihood (95% CI: 2.71-15.44) of experiencing persistent SUI compared with those without mesh exposure.

CONCLUSIONS

Mesh exposure is a significant independent risk factor for persistent SUI post-MUS surgery. Patients with mesh exposure are about 6.5 times more prone to persistent SUI than those without. Although mesh exposure is typically managed with expectant measures, vaginal estrogen or mesh excision, current evidence does not support surgical revision of MUS affected by mesh exposure or additional incontinence procedures during mesh excision.

De novo urinary incontinence and lower urinary tract symptoms after colpocleisis: A single-center prospective study

Background

Colpocleisis is one of traditional surgical procedures for elderly and frail women with advanced pelvic organ prolapse. The occurrence of de novo urinary incontinence following colpocleisis was considered to impair the postoperative quality of life. The incidence of de novo urinary incontinence after colpocleisis has been reported to be ranging from 6.6 % to 27 %. There was an absence of prospective large-sample study to investigate the accurate incidence of de novo urinary incontinence following colpocleisis and the impact on the quality of life till now.

Purpose

s The primary objective was to report the incidence of de novo urinary incontinence after colpocleisis. The second objectives were to evaluate the long-term quality of life in patients with de novo urinary incontinence, and to conduct detailed pre- and post-operative evaluations of lower urinary tract symptoms.

Methods

This prospective study included 253 patients with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse who underwent colpocleisis between 2009 and 2021. De novo urinary incontinence was defined as the occurrence of urinary incontinence 3 months postoperatively. All patients were required to complete the Urinary Distress Inventory questionnaire and the Urinary Impact Questionnaire for the evaluation of patients' quality of life, and the Patient Global Impression of Improvement questionnaire for the evaluation of patients' satisfaction.

Results

245 patients (245/253, 96·8 %) completed the 3-month follow-up, and were included in the final analysis. The incidence of de novo urinary incontinence was 5.4 % (10/185). There was no significant difference in the Urinary Distress Inventory -6 scores (22.50 vs. 10.30, P = 0.276) or the subjective satisfaction rate (100 % vs. 98.9 %, P = 0.250) between the patients with or without de novo urinary incontinence at the long-term follow-up. The incidence of voiding difficulty was significantly reduced after colpocleisis (27.8 % vs. 0.0 %, P < 0.001). The patients' quality of life indicated by Urinary Distress Inventory-6 and Urinary Impact Questionnaire-7 scores were significantly improved postoperatively (26.27 vs. 13.39, and 19.13 vs. 6.05, P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The incidence of de novo urinary incontinence after colpocleisis was very low. Patients' quality of life, and low urinary tract symptoms were significantly improved after colpocleisis.

Treatment of Stress Urinary Incontinence: Does Race Matter?

IMPORTANCE

The importance of this study was to examine treatment patterns and surgical complications for stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to describe the treatment of SUI and associated complications in a racially and ethnically diverse population.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a retrospective cohort study of patients with a new diagnosis of SUI. We identified patients who received treatment with a pessary, pelvic floor physical therapy, or surgery. Surgical complications were abstracted. Logistic regression was used to examine the association between race/ethnicity and treatment, as well as surgical complications.

RESULTS

A total of 67,187 patients with a new diagnosis of SUI were included. The population was predominately Hispanic (47.5%) followed by White, Asian, Black, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, and American Indian/Alaska Native. Comparing no treatment to any treatment, all racial/ethnic groups, except American Indian/Alaska Native, had decreased odds of receiving treatment compared with White women. Hispanic and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander women had increased odds of referral for pelvic floor physical therapy compared with White women. All racial/ethnic groups, except for American Indian/Alaska Native women, had decreased odds of receiving a sling procedure compared with White women. When these racial/ethnic minority groups did receive treatment, it was more likely to be conservative treatment compared with White women. There were no significant differences in individual surgical complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Racial minority women were 20-50% less likely to undergo a sling procedure, commonly posited as the gold standard surgical treatment. Racial minority women were 40-100% more likely to receive conservative management and 20-50% less likely to receive any treatment compared with White women.

Cost-effectiveness of pessary therapy versus surgery for symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse: an economic evaluation alongside a randomised non-inferiority controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of pessary therapy as an initial treatment option compared with surgery for moderate to severe pelvic organ prolapse (POP) symptoms in secondary care from a healthcare and a societal perspective.

DESIGN

Economic evaluation alongside a multicentre randomised controlled non-inferiority trial with a 24-month follow-up.

SETTING

21 hospitals in the Netherlands, recruitment conducted between 2015 and 2022.

PARTICIPANTS

1605 women referred to secondary care with symptomatic prolapse stage ≥2 were requested to participate. Of them, 440 women gave informed consent and were randomised to pessary therapy (n=218) or to surgery (n=222) in a 1:1 ratio stratified by hospital.

INTERVENTIONS

Pessary therapy and surgery.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

The Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I), a 7-point scale dichotomised into successful versus unsuccessful, with a non-inferiority margin of -10%; quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) measured by the EQ-5D-3L; healthcare and societal costs were based on medical records and the institute for Medical Technology Assessment questionnaires.

RESULTS

For the PGI-I, the mean difference between pessary therapy and surgery was -0.05 (95% CI -0.14; 0.03) and -0.03 (95% CI -0.07; 0.002) for QALYs. In total, 54.1% women randomised to pessary therapy crossed over to surgery, and 3.6% underwent recurrent surgery. Healthcare and societal costs were significantly lower in the pessary therapy (mean difference=-€1807, 95% CI -€2172; -€1446 and mean difference=-€1850, 95% CI -€2349; -€1341, respectively). The probability that pessary therapy is cost-effective compared with surgery was 1 at willingness-to-pay thresholds between €0 and €20 000/QALY gained from both perspectives.

CONCLUSIONS

Non-inferiority of pessary therapy regarding the PGI-I could not be shown and no statistically significant differences in QALYs between interventions were found. Due to significantly lower costs, pessary therapy is likely to be cost-effective compared with surgery as an initial treatment option for women with symptomatic POP treated in secondary care.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NTR4883.

Mixed treatment for same-severe mixed urinary incontinence: A novel method

Key Clinical Message

Innovative mixed treatment offers hope for persistent mixed urinary incontinence (MUI): PRP-Fibrin Glue-Stem Cell injection, Botox, and TVT in a single session. Successful case study reveals promising outcomes, emphasizing the need for further research.

Abstract

Mixed urinary incontinence is a complaint of stress and urge incontinence which affects patients' quality of life and dramatic changes in patients' physical, mental, and socioeconomic status. The treatment is challenging and depends on the dominance of one of the complaints to the other. The progress in the method of treatment is still under discussion. This study reports treatment of a MUI case in a 56-year-old, with a history of MUI of 7-year duration, which was persistent to pharmacological treatment, pelvic muscle training, biofeedback, and anti-incontinence surgery (Burch Colposuspension). PRP-Fibrin Glue-Stem Cell injection, Botox injection, and TVT were performed in a one surgery session. Patient was discharged with ability to urinate with acceptable amount of post void residue. After 3-month follow-up, patient was completely satisfied and happy. Further research is needed to substantiate the efficacy of these mixed treatments for MUI.

Methodologies Used in Studies of Self-Management Interventions for Urinary Incontinence in Adult Women: An Integrative Review

BACKGROUND

Urinary incontinence (UI) affects approximately 60% of women in the United States and negatively impacts self-esteem, sexual function, participation in social activities, and quality of life (QOL). Self-management interventions show promise for improving UI symptoms and QOL. Previous reviews of UI self-management studies have focused on outcomes for older women. However, the literature lacks a synthesis of methodologies of these studies.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this integrative review was to synthesize and evaluate methodologies used in studies of self-management interventions for UI in adult women.

METHODS

Using an integrative review approach, a search of PubMed, CINAHL, and Embase was conducted yielding 1404 results, 23 of which met inclusion criteria. Data abstracted from each article included author(s), year of publication, study design and purpose, sample, country and setting, measures of UI symptoms, and intervention description.

RESULTS

Findings showed methodological differences, particularly in design, assessment of UI subtypes, measures of UI symptoms, and intervention components. Multicomponent self-management interventions were used in 18 studies and 1 component used in 5 studies. Education, pelvic floor muscle exercises, and bladder training were the intervention components most frequently used, either alone or in combination; however, intervention components were not consistently aligned with the UI subtypes. Analysis of ethical matters revealed areas for improvement, specifically in reporting privacy and confidentiality and in methods to obtain informed consent.

CONCLUSIONS

Results highlight opportunities to improve the rigor of methodologies used in studies of self-management interventions for UI in adult women.

Complications of Synthetic Midurethral Slings: Is There a Relevant Discrepancy Between Observational Data and Clinical Trials?

CONTEXT

The complications of synthetic midurethral slings (MUSs) in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) have become a globally debated issue.

OBJECTIVE

To systematically review the short- and long-term complications of mesh slings reported in observational data compared with clinical trial data, to determine whether the complication rates from clinical trials reflects "real-world" observational data.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

PubMed and Cochrane Library were searched. Methods as detailed in Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses and Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions were followed.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Thirty registries/databases including 709 335 MUS procedures (1-22 yr of follow-up) were identified. MUS procedures were associated with intraoperative bladder perforation in 0.86-3.6%, urethral perforation in 0-0.1%, vascular injury in 0.04-0.1%, voiding lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in 1.47-3.5%, vaginal exposure in 0.2-1.9%, and reoperation in up to 9% of cases. Forty-three randomised clinical trials were identified, including 6284 women who underwent MUS procedures and 2177 women who underwent other interventions (1-10 yr of follow-up). MUS procedures were associated with urinary tract perforation in 2.58%, vaginal injury in 1.43%, de novo voiding LUTS in 4.37%, de novo storage LUTS in 5.41%, mesh extrusion/exposure (vaginal/urinary tract) in 2.54%, dyspareunia in 2.26%, pain (pelvic/suprapubic/perineal) in 2.83%, and reoperation for complications required in 1.82% of cases. Meta-analyses of the randomised controlled trials revealed that retropubic MUSs were associated with more events of urinary tract perforation (risk ratio [RR] 9.81, 95% confidence interval [CI] 5.05-19.04, high certainty of evidence [COE]) and voiding LUTS (RR 1.57, 95% CI 1.19-2.07, high COE) than transobturator MUSs. MUSs were associated with more events of pain than mini-slings (RR 1.72, 95% CI 1.04-2.87, moderate COE).

CONCLUSIONS

Short- and long-term data on complications of polypropylene mesh used for female SUI are fairly comparable when using outcome data from well-designed clinical trials or from less structured prospective or retrospective registries. Comparisons have to be made with caution since the two systems of data collection are inherently incomparable. This knowledge should be incorporated in the discussion on how to implement polypropylene mesh for female stress incontinence.

PATIENT SUMMARY

In order to know whether mesh tapes used for treating stress incontinence work well and are safe, high-quality information is important. It appears that well-designed clinical studies give similar results to large registration databases. These data should be interpreted with caution in view of the different ways the information was collected. These results will help physicians and patients understand the risks of mesh tapes.

Treatment for Urinary Incontinence in Women Older Than 65 Years

IMPORTANCE

Urinary incontinence (UI) is common among women older than 65 years and negatively affects quality of life. However, the prevalence of UI treatment and determinants of treatment are largely unknown.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to identify rates of UI treatment and factors associated with treatment in older women with self-reported UI.

STUDY DESIGN

This is a retrospective cohort analysis of a data set linking UI symptoms from the Nurses' Health Study to Medicare claims. We evaluated use of pharmacotherapy, noninvasive, and procedural treatments for UI within 1 year before symptom survey. For pharmacotherapy, we used multivariable logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (ORs) of UI treatment.

RESULTS

Of the 67,587 Nurses' Health Study respondents, 15,088 had linkage to Medicare, subscribed to part D, and answered UI questions. Of these, 8,332 (55.2%) women reported UI, and 10.9% with UI had a Medicare claim for treatment; pharmacotherapy represented 94.6% of all treatments.On regression analysis, women with more severe and longer-term UI had higher odds of treatment (severe vs slight UI: OR, 3.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.2-4.3) (longer vs new UI: OR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.5-2.3). Women with mixed (OR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.9-3.2) or urgency UI (OR, 3.0; 95% CI, 2.2-3.9) had greater odds of treatment compared with women with stress UI.

CONCLUSIONS

We estimate that only approximately 1 in 9 older women with self-reported UI underwent treatment within the year before reporting symptoms, of which pharmacotherapy was the most common UI intervention, and women with more severe and longer duration of symptoms were most often treated.

Significance of 4D US parameters for the clinical treatment of female patients with stress urinary incontinence

Background

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) that has been associated with abnormal pelvic floor muscle function or morphology is a common condition. This research aimed to study the impact of the four-dimensional (4D) pelvic floor ultrasound on the treatment of female patients with clinical diagnosis of SUI and to evaluate its clinical significance on SUI.

Methods

We enrolled 51 women with SUI. Before transobturator suburethral tape procedures, the patients underwent 4D pelvic floor ultrasonography. The measurements include residual urine volume, bladder detrusor thickness in resting state, the vertical distance from the bladder neck to the posterior inferior edge of pubic symphysis at rest and Valsalva movement, posterior angle of bladder urethra, and urethral rotation angle. The degree of movement of the bladder neck (the difference between the vertical distance from the bladder neck to the posterior inferior edge of the pubic symphysis under the resting state and the maximum Valsalva movement) and the formation of a funnel at the internal orifice of the urethra were calculated.

Results

The mean bladder detrusor thickness was 2.6 ± 0.9 mm, the vertical distance from the bladder neck to the posterior inferior edge of pubic symphysis was 27.7 ± 4.5 mm, the posterior angle of the bladder was 122.7 ± 18.9°, the vertical distance from the rectal ampulla to the posterior inferior edge of pubic symphysis was 18.5 ± 4.6 mm, and the mean area of hiatus of the levator ani muscle was 22.1 ± 6.0 cm2. The mean posterior angle of the bladder on Valsalva was 159.3 ± 23.1°, and the mean urethral rotation angle was 67.2 ± 21.4°.

Conclusions

The 4D pelvic floor ultrasound is a reliable method in evaluating preoperational morphological characteristics of patients with SUI. With the help of the 4D pelvic floor ultrasound, the individualized treatment regimen can be developed and, more importantly, the inappropriate surgical decision can be avoided.

Tape-Releasing Suture with "Long Loop" on Mid-Urethral Sling: A Novel Procedure for Management of Iatrogenic Urethral Obstruction

BACKGROUND

To report our experiences of a tape-releasing suture with "long-loop" in women with iatrogenic urethral obstruction following the mid-urethral sling procedure.

METHODS

A total of 149 women underwent a tape-releasing suture with "Long Loop" during the operation. Post-void residual volume was evaluated after Foley removal. Lower urinary tract symptoms and urodynamic studies were assessed before and six months postoperatively.

RESULTS

Nine women out of 149 who underwent mid-urethral sling surgery were found to have iatrogenic urethral obstruction post-operatively based on their urinary symptoms and ultrasound findings. There was no apparent difference between tested groups in mid-urethral sling products and concomitant procedures. 77.8% had successful releases after the first Long-loop manipulation procedure, and 22.2% required two or more releases. However, the SUI cure rate is similar in groups receiving the Long-loop manipulation or not (88.9% and 87.1%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

We are convinced of the practicability and efficacy of the tape-releasing suture "Long-loop." We adopted subjective and objective means to evaluate both groups before and after a six-month follow-up. The Long-loop manipulation procedure can successfully resolve the iatrogenic urethral obstruction without compromising the effectiveness of mid-urethral sling for the treatment of SUI.

Medium-Term Outcomes of Conservative and Surgical Treatments for Stress Urinary Incontinence: A Medicare Claims Analysis: Developed by the AUGS Payment Reform Committee

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the 3- to 5-year retreatment outcomes for conservatively and surgically treated urinary incontinence (UI) in a population of women 66 years and older.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study used 5% Medicare data to evaluate UI retreatment outcomes of women undergoing physical therapy (PT), pessary treatment, or sling surgery. The data set used inpatient, outpatient, and carrier claims from 2008 to 2016 in women 66 years and older with fee-for-service coverage. Treatment failure was defined as receiving another UI treatment (pessary, PT, sling, Burch urethropexy, or urethral bulking) or repeat sling. A secondary analysis was performed where additional treatment courses of PT or pessary were also considered a treatment failure. Survival analysis was used to evaluate the time from treatment initiation to retreatment.

RESULTS

Between 2008 and 2013, 13,417 women were included with an index UI treatment, and follow-up continued through 2016. In this cohort, 41.4% received pessary treatment, 31.8% received PT, and 26.8% underwent sling surgery. In the primary analysis, pessaries had the lowest treatment failure rate compared with PT (P<0.001) and sling surgery (P<0.001; survival probability, 0.94 [pessary], 0.90 [PT], 0.88 [sling]). In the analysis where retreatment with PT or a pessary was considered a failure, sling surgery had the lowest retreatment rate (survival probability, 0.58 [pessary], 0.81 [PT], 0.88 [sling]; P<0.001 for all comparisons).

CONCLUSIONS

In this administrative database analysis, there was a small but statistically significant difference in treatment failure among women undergoing sling surgery, PT, or pessary treatment, but pessary use was commonly associated with the need for repeat pessary fittings.

A Qualitative and Quantitative Study to Evaluate the Effectiveness and Safety of Magnetic Stimulation in Women with Urinary Incontinence Symptoms and Pelvic Floor Disorders

Background and objectives: Involuntary loss of urine owed to dysfunction of the detrusor muscle or muscles of the pelvic floor is known as urinary incontinence (UI). In this study, ultrasound monitoring was employed for the first time to measure the usefulness and safety of electromagnetic stimulation for women with Stress or Urge UI. Materials and Methods: A total of 62 women were enrolled, with a mean age of 55.1 (±14.5); 60% of them were menopausal and presented with urinary incontinence (UI). Eight validated questionnaires were used to evaluate Stress UI, prolapse, overactive bladder urge, faecal incontinence, and quality of life, and the whole study population was tested with ultrasounds at the beginning and at the end of the treatment cycle. The device used was a non-invasive electromagnetic therapeutic system composed of a main unit and an adjustable chair applicator shaped for deep pelvic floor area stimulation. Results: Ultrasound measurements and validated questionnaires revealed a consistent and statistically significant (p < 0.01) improvement of the mean scores when pre- and post-treatment data were considered. Conclusions: Study results showed that the proposed treatment strategy led to a significant improvement in Pelvic Floor Muscle (PFM) tone and strength in patients with UI and pelvic floor disorders, without discomfort or side effects. The demonstration was qualitatively carried out with validated questionnaires and quantitatively with ultrasounds exams. Thus, the "chair" device we used represents valuable and effective support that could be widely employed in the gynaecological field for patients affected by different pathologies.

Assessment of Stress Urinary Incontinence-Related Podcasts on Stitcher

OBJECTIVE

To assess the quality, understandability, actionability, accuracy and commercial bias of podcasts regarding stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

METHODS

The first 100 Stitcher podcasts from the search, "Stress urinary incontinence" were evaluated using the validated DISCERN criteria, PEMAT tool, and a Misinformation Likert Scale. The accuracy of information was assessed by comparison to the American Urological Association (AUA) SUI Guidelines.

RESULTS

Common publisher types included health/wellness channels (66%). Low-moderate quality, poor understandability and misinformation was seen in 67% (DISCERN ≤3), 69% (PEMAT understandability ≤75%) and 17% of podcasts, respectively. Treatments discussed included pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) (89%) and surgery (47%). Health and wellness channels had the most evidence of commercial bias (44%). Podcasts that discussed surgery more often emphasized shared decision-making (DISCERN15).

CONCLUSION

SUI-related podcasts on Stitcher are mostly published by health/wellness channels and skewed toward discussing PFMT. Podcasts are often low-moderate quality, poorly understandable and often have commercial bias.

Effect of Pessary vs Surgery on Patient-Reported Improvement in Patients With Symptomatic Pelvic Organ Prolapse: A Randomized Clinical Trial

IMPORTANCE

Pelvic organ prolapse is a prevalent condition among women that negatively affects their quality of life. With increasing life expectancy, the global need for cost-effective care for women with pelvic organ prolapse will continue to increase.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether treatment with a pessary is noninferior to surgery among patients with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

The PEOPLE project was a noninferiority randomized clinical trial conducted in 21 participating hospitals in the Netherlands. A total of 1605 women with symptomatic stage 2 or greater pelvic organ prolapse were requested to participate between March 2015 through November 2019; 440 gave informed consent. Final 24-month follow-up ended at June 30, 2022.

INTERVENTIONS

Two hundred eighteen participants were randomized to receive pessary treatment and 222 to surgery.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary outcome was subjective patient-reported improvement at 24 months, measured with the Patient Global Impression of Improvement scale, a 7-point Likert scale ranging from very much better to very much worse. This scale was dichotomized as successful, defined as much better or very much better, vs nonsuccessful treatment. The noninferiority margin was set at 10 percentage points risk difference. Data of crossover between therapies and adverse events were captured.

RESULTS

Among 440 patients who were randomized (mean [SD] age, 64.7 [9.29] years), 173 (79.3%) in the pessary group and 162 (73.3%) in the surgery group completed the trial at 24 months. In the population, analyzed as randomized, subjective improvement was reported by 132 of 173 (76.3%) in the pessary group vs 132 of 162 (81.5%) in the surgery group (risk difference, -6.1% [1-sided 95% CI, -12.7 to ∞]; P value for noninferiority, .16). The per-protocol analysis showed a similar result for subjective improvement with 52 of 74 (70.3%) in the pessary group vs 125 of 150 (83.3%) in the surgery group (risk difference, -13.1% [1-sided 95% CI, -23.0 to ∞]; P value for noninferiority, .69). Crossover from pessary to surgery occurred among 118 of 218 (54.1%) participants. The most common adverse event among pessary users was discomfort (42.7%) vs urinary tract infection (9%) following surgery.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Among patients with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse, an initial strategy of pessary therapy, compared with surgery, did not meet criteria for noninferiority with regard to patient-reported improvement at 24 months. Interpretation is limited by loss to follow-up and the large amount of participant crossover from pessary therapy to surgery.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Netherlands Trial Register Identifier: NTR4883.

Patients' perspectives about doctor-patient communication regarding transvaginal mesh implant surgery

OBJECTIVES

Many women experience pelvic floor disorders which may require medical intervention such as transvaginal mesh implant surgeries (TVM; the abdominal or vaginal insertion of woven netting to support pelvic tissue). We examined women's perceptions of communication with their health professionals concerning TVM.

DESIGN

We analysed 153 women's written submissions to an Australian Government Inquiry regarding their experiences of transvaginal mesh surgery to explore their perceptions of TVM-related doctor-patient communication. Data were analysed using deductive and inductive reflexive thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Women expressed several challenges in their communication with their health professionals. Three themes regarding communication were generated: Insufficient information was abundant; Normalisation and minimisation of the procedure and risks; and, Desired communication interactions.

CONCLUSIONS

According to women's accounts, doctor-patient communication was poor. Health professionals must be knowledgeable about medical procedures and their potential complications and provide their patients with adequate, accurate information to make informed choices about their health. Health professionals should also document informed consent.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Health professionals should be well-informed about TVM, including best-practice treatments for pelvic floor disorders, indications for TVM, the risks, outcomes and potential complications from various forms of TVM, and ways to adequately communicate sufficient information to women.

Physicians’ perspectives on using a patient decision aid in female stress urinary incontinence

Introduction and hypothesis

A treatment choice for female stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is preference sensitive for both patients and physicians. Multiple treatment options are available, with none being superior to any other. The decision-making process can be supported by a patient decision aid (PDA). We aimed to assess physicians’ perceptions concerning the use of a PDA.

Methods

In a mixed methods study, urologists, gynecologists and general practitioners in the Netherlands were asked to fill out a web-based questionnaire. Questions were based on the Tailored Implementation for Chronic Diseases checklist using the following domains: guideline factors, individual health professional factors, professional interactions, incentives and resources, and capacity for organizational change. Participants were asked to grade statements using a five-point Likert scale and to answer open questions on facilitators of and barriers to implementation of a PDA. Outcomes of statement rating were quantitatively analyzed and thematic analysis was performed on the outcomes regarding facilitators and barriers.

Results

The response rate was 11%, with a total of 120 participants completing the questionnaire. Ninety-two of the physicians (77%) would use a PDA in female SUI. Evidence-based and unbiased content, the ability to support shared decision making, and patient empowerment are identified as main facilitators. Barriers are the expected prolonged time investment and the possible difficulty using the PDA in less health-literate patient populations.

Conclusions

The majority of physicians would use a PDA for female SUI. We identified facilitators and barriers that can be used when developing and implementing such a PDA.

Is It Possible to Improve Urinary Incontinence and Quality of Life in Female Patients? A Clinical Evaluation of the Efficacy of Top Flat Magnetic Stimulation Technology

Background and Objectives: Urinary incontinence is the accidental loss of urine that can occur at any age, especially among women over 50; however, its prevalence is increasing. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of a device that uses Top Flat Magnetic Stimulation for the management of women with mixed urinary incontinence. Materials and Methods: A total of 50 female patients underwent a total of six treatment sessions performed twice a week for three consecutive weeks, for 28 min. Three questionnaires were used for the evaluation of the urinary improvements: Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI-SF), Incontinence Questionnaire Overactive Bladder Module (ICIQ-OAB), and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-Short Form (IIQ-7). The questionnaires were compiled immediately before each treatment, within the treatment period (until the sixth treatment session), and up to 3 months of follow-up. Results: Improvement in quality of life is observed according to the results of the questionnaire, already after six sessions and at three months follow-up. ICIQ-UI-SF’s average score at baseline was 20.2 (±1.1), and it significantly declined (p < 0.01) to 1.8 (±2.4) after six sessions and to 4.8 (±2.8) at 3 months follow-up; ICIQ-OAB’s average score significantly decreased (p < 0.01) from 10.4 (±3.2) at baseline to 1.4 (±0.8) after six sessions and 2.3 (±1.6) at 3 months follow-up. IIQ-7’s average score significantly decreased (p < 0.01) from 20.2 (±1.7) at baseline to 0.4 (±0.5) after six sessions and to 4.7 (±2.8) at 3 months follow-up. Conclusions: Our results suggest that Top Flat Magnetic Stimulation technology can reduce mixed urinary incontinence symptoms for all women examined, leading to an improvement in the patient quality of life and patient awareness of their pelvic floor area with good results.

Primary care diagnostic and treatment pathways in Dutch women with urinary incontinence

OBJECTIVE

To investigate how GPs manage women with urinary incontinence (UI) in the Netherlands and to assess whether this is in line with the relevant Dutch GP guideline. Because UI has been an underreported and undertreated problem for decades despite appropriate guidelines being created for general practitioners (GPs).

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Routine primary care data for 2017 in the Netherlands.

SUBJECTS

We included the primary care records of women aged 18-75 years with at least one contact registered for UI, and then extracted information about baseline characteristics, diagnosis, treatment, and referral to pelvic physiotherapy or secondary care.

RESULTS

In total, 374 records were included for women aged 50.3 ± 15.1 years. GPs diagnosed 31.0%, 15.2%, and 15.0% women with stress, urgency, or mixed UI, respectively; no diagnosis of type was recorded in 40.4% of women. Urinalysis was the most frequently used diagnostic test (42.5%). Education was the most common treatment, offered by 17.9% of GPs; however, no treatment or referral was reported in 15.8% of cases. As many as 28.7% and 21.7% of women were referred to pelvic physiotherapy and secondary care, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Female UI is most probably not managed in line with the relevant Dutch GP guideline. It is also notable that Dutch GPs often fail to report the type of UI, to use available diagnostic approaches, and to provide appropriate education. Moreover, GPs referred to specialists too often, especially for the management of urgency UI.Key pointsUrinary incontinence (UI) has been an underreported and undertreated problem for decades. Despite various guidelines, UI often lies outside the GPs comfort zone.•According to this study: general practitioners do not treat urinary incontinence according to guidelines.•The type of incontinence is frequently not reported and diagnostic approaches are not fully used.•We believe that increased awareness will help improve treatment and avoidable suffering.

Evaluation and Treatment of Urinary Incontinence in Women

This review focuses on the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of urinary incontinence (UI). UI is a common diagnosis that is encountered among women in their lifetime. Stress, urge (overactive bladder), and overflow are the most commonly encountered types of incontinence, but anatomic and neurologic causes are important to rule out. There are many treatment options available for the management of UI, and most patients will benefit from conservative strategies including weight loss, timed voiding, fluid intake reduction, pelvic floor strengthening exercises, and medications. For those who do not achieve adequate improvement with conservative measures, surgical intervention can provide good symptom relief.

Predictors of postoperative complications from stress urinary incontinence procedures: a NSQIP database study

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

There are few studies examining patient risk factors for postoperative complications following midurethral sling (MUS) placement for stress urinary incontinence (SUI). The objective of this study was to describe 30-day postoperative complications after MUS using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Secondary objectives included rates of readmission and patient factors associated with postoperative complications and readmissions following MUS.

METHODS

We identified 16,491 women who underwent MUS for SUI between 2014 and 2018. American Society of Anesthesia (ASA) classification, medical comorbidities, readmission, reoperation, and 30-day postoperative complications were extracted. Outcomes included the 30-day postoperative complications, readmission, and reoperations. Descriptive statistics, univariate analyses, and multivariate logistic regression were used.

RESULTS

The majority of patients were white (66.9%) and had an ASA classification II (60.9%). Postoperative complications occurred in 4.2% of patients; 1.5% required readmission and 1.0% required reoperation. The most common complication was urinary tract infection (3.4%). Using multivariate logistic regression, older age, i.e., ≥80 years of age, was associated with increased odds of complication (aOR 1.77, 95%CI 1.14-2.72) and readmission (aOR 3.84, 95%CI 1.76-8.66). ASA class III and IV were associated with increased odds of complications (aOR 1.55, 95%CI 1.13-2.14, and aOR 3.06, 95% CI 1.48-5.86 respectively) and readmissions. Women of Asian, American Indian or Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander descent ("other") were associated with increased postoperative complications (aOR 1.51, 95%CI 1.07-2.07).

CONCLUSION

Postoperative complications following MUS are rare. Factors associated with complications following MUS for SUI include age, ASA class, and women of "other" race.

2021 opinion from the CUROPF on THE efficacy and safety of mid-urethral slings used in women WITH urinary stress incontinence

OBJECTIVE

To determine the usefulness of mid-urethral slings (MUS) in the surgical management of women presenting with urinary stress incontinence (USI) METHOD: A consensus committee of multidisciplinary experts (CUROPF) was convened and focused on PICO questions concerning the efficacy and safety of MUS surgery compared to other procedures and concerning which approach (retropubic (RP) vs transobturator (TO)) should be proposed as a first-line MUS surgery for specific subpopulations (obese; intrinsic sphincteric deficiency (ISD); elderly) RESULTS: As compared to other procedures (urethral bulking agents, traditional slings and open colposuspension), the MUS procedure should be proposed as the first-line surgical therapy (strong agreement). MUS surgery can be associated with complications and proper pre-operative informed consent is mandatory (strong agreement). Mini-slings (SIS/SIMS) should only be proposed in clinical trials (strong agreement). Both RP and TO approaches may be proposed for the insertion of MUS (strong agreement). However, if the woman is willing to accept a moderate increase in per-operative risk, the RP approach should be preferred (strong agreement) since it is associated with higher very long-term cure rates and as it is possible to completely remove the sling surgically if a severe complication occurs. The RP approach should be used for the insertion of MUS in a woman presenting with ISD (strong agreement). Either the RP or TO approach should be used for the insertion of MUS in an obese woman presenting with USI (strong agreement). In very obese women (BMI ≥35-40kg/m²), weight loss should be preferred prior to MUS surgery and bariatric surgery should be discussed (strong agreement) CONCLUSION: The current Opinion provides an appropriate strategy for both the selection of patients and the best therapeutic approach in women presenting with USI.

[Voiding dysfunction after TVT: A 20-year experience TVT-placement under local anesthesia and sedation]

BACKGROUND

Trans-vaginal tape has become the gold standard for the cure of urinary stress incontinence, but post-operative voiding dysfunction is frequently reported. The purpose of this study is to assess the incidence of voiding dysfunction, dysuria, chronic urinary retention, and necessity of reoperation after retropubic TVT placement under local anaesthesia and sedation.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

We perform a retrospective study of a cohort of patient treated with the placement of a retropubic TVT under local anaesthesia and sedation between 1999 and 2019 for a SUI. Post-operative voiding dysfunction and necessity of reoperation were reviewed to access the principal aim of this study.

RESULTS

Three hundred and two patients who met the eligibility criteria were included in the study. At 3 months, the dysuria rate and chronic urinary retention rate was 4.3% and 1%. At 12 months it was 2.6% and 0.3% respectively. The 12-month sling section rate was 1% and long-term self-catherization rate was 0.3%. The objective cure rate was 93% and subjective cure was 92%.

CONCLUSION

TVT placement under local anaesthesia and sedation resulted in few voiding dysfunctions at medium/long-term, necessity of re-operation for refractory obstructive disorder and well functional results. Even if these results support more frequent use of this type of anaesthesia, it would be interesting to be able to follow them in a prospective study to conclude.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4.

Pessary or surgery for a symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse: the PEOPLE study, a multicentre prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To compare the 24-month efficacy of pessary or surgery as the primary treatment for symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse (POP).

DESIGN

Multicentre prospective comparative cohort study.

SETTING

Twenty-two Dutch hospitals.

POPULATION

Women referred with symptomatic POP of stage ≥2 and moderate-to-severe POP symptoms.

METHODS

The primary outcome was subjective improvement at the 24-month follow-up according to the Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I) scale. Secondary outcomes included improvement in prolapse-related symptoms measured with the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI-20), improvement in subjective severeness of symptoms according to the Patient Global Impression of Severity (PGI-S) scale and crossover between therapies. The primary safety outcome was the occurrence of adverse events.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

PGI-I at 24 months.

RESULTS

We included 539 women, with 335 women (62.2%) in the pessary arm and 204 women (37.8%) in the surgery arm. After 24 months, subjective improvement was reported by 134 women (83.8%) in the surgery group compared with 180 women (74.4%) in the pessary group (risk difference 9.4%, 95% CI 1.4-17.3%, P < 0.01). Seventy-nine women (23.6%) switched from pessary to surgery and 22 women (10.8%) in the surgery group underwent additional treatment. Both groups showed a significant reduction in bothersome POP symptoms (P ≤ 0.01) and a reduction in the perceived severity of symptoms (P ≤ 0.001) compared with the baseline.

CONCLUSIONS

Significantly more women in the surgery group reported a subjective improvement after 24 months. Both therapies, however, showed a clinically significant improvement of prolapse symptoms.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

Pessary treatment and vaginal surgery are both efficacious in reducing the presence and severity of prolapse symptoms, although the chance of significant improvement is higher following surgery.

Transurethral versus suprapubic catheterization to test urethral function in rats

Transurethral and suprapubic catheterization have both been used to test urethral function in rats; however, it is unknown whether these methods affect urethral function or if the order of catheterization affects the results. The aim of this cross-over designed experiment was to compare the effects of catheterization methods and order on leak point pressure (LPP) testing. LPP and simultaneous external urethral sphincter electromyography (EUS EMG) were recorded in anesthetized female virgin Sprague-Dawley rats in a cross-over design to test the effects of transurethral and suprapubic catheterization. There was no significant difference in peak bladder pressure during LPP testing whether measured with a transurethral or suprapubic catheter. There was no significant difference in peak bladder pressure between the first and second catheter insertions. However, peak EMG firing rate, as well as peak EMG amplitude and EMG amplitude difference between peak and baseline were significantly higher after the first catheter insertion compared to the second insertion, regardless of the catheter method. Our results suggest that route of catheterization does not alter urethral function, e.g. create a functional partial outlet obstruction. Either catheterization method could be used for LPP and/or EUS EMG testing in rats.

Impact of preoperative pelvic floor muscle training (pretraining) on urinary storage and emptying symptoms in women undergoing sling surgery

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Although pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is an option for female mixed incontinence (MUI), the role of PFMT prior to midurethral sling (MUS) surgery is not well defined. We hypothesize that preoperative PFMT (pretraining) positively impacts urinary storage and voiding symptoms prior to retropubic MUS.

METHODS

We carried out an institutional review board-approved, retrospective chart review of women with stress-predominant MUI undergoing a retropubic MUS. Seventy-two women elected for initial PFMT before MUS (group 1). These were age-matched with 72 women who underwent MUS only (group 2). The primary outcome was the change in urinary voiding and storage symptoms (Emptying [E] and Inhibition [I; UUI] subsets of the SEAPI classification). Additional outcomes were stress urinary incontinence (SUI) resolution and change in quality of life (QoL) indices.

RESULTS

Mean age and follow-up were 49 ± 12 years and 33 ± 12 months respectively. After MUS, SUI resolved in 79.2% and 69.4% in groups 1 and 2 respectively (p > 0.05). In group 1, 18% and 20.8% had improvement/resolution in the E and I subsets prior to MUS. Postoperatively, similar rates of improvement/resolution in the E (25% for both) and I (68% vs 63.9%) subsets were observed in groups 1 and 2 respectively. Postoperative QoL indices were statistically improved in both groups, with no significant difference between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Pretraining with PFMT before MUS was associated with preoperative improvement in emptying symptoms and UUI. Although not statistically significant, pretraining was associated with a higher chance of SUI resolution in the long term. If pretraining is beneficial before MUS, the effect appears to be small.

A systematic review of stem cell therapy treatment for women suffering from stress urinary incontinence

BACKGROUND

Stem cell therapy (SCT) is used for regeneration of injured tissues. This seems a novel promising strategy for restoring urethral sphincter function in patients with stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

OBJECTIVE

To summarize the clinical trials available to date on SCT for treatment of SUI in women.

SEARCH STRATEGY

PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus and Embase.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Prospective interventional case series, randomized prospective interventional study and prospective cohort study assessing women aged 18 years and over diagnosed with SUI and treated by SCT were included. The quality of studies was finally assessed using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklists according to the PRISMA guidelines.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Nineteen studies (n = 773 patients) were selected for final analysis. These were conducted worldwide between the years 2005 and 2016. Although different cell types were used, general processing steps were similar. The follow-up period ranged between 6 weeks and 6 years and included common subjective and objective evaluation tools.

RESULTS

Overall, the studies imply that SCT for treatment of SUI is a safe and effective treatment.

CONCLUSION

In our opinion, the initial results of SCT for the treatment of SUI seem promising. Standardization and validation of this treatment modality is required before it can be recommended for routine use.

Update on surgical treatment of female stress urinary incontinence

INTRODUCTION

Urinary incontinence is a common condition that negatively impacts quality of life of millions of women. It is a result of a synergy between the structures of pelvic floor in particular levator ani muscle and pelvic connective tissues. Urinary incontinence, increasing with age, is associated with considerable personal and societal expenditure.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

Systematic data search performed using PubMed/Medline database up to August 20, 2020. Focus was only for English language publications of original studies on urinary incontinence and in particular stress urinary incontinence.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Given the basis of published evidence and the consensus of European experts, this study provides an updated overview on clinical applications and surgical procedures of urinary incontinence.

CONCLUSIONS

Urinary incontinence is an underestimated health problem. Many surgical options exist for women with stress urinary incontinence. Nevertheless, new strategies need to be evaluated in order to improve quality of life of patients.

Pelvic floor muscle training as an adjunct to a midurethral sling: a single-blind randomised controlled trial

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

This single-blind, randomised controlled trial was aimed at determining whether peri-operative physiotherapist-supervised pelvic floor muscle (PFM) training was superior to standard care (handout) in terms of improvements in stress urinary incontinence (SUI) symptoms, cure rate, and/or post-operative filling or voiding symptoms among women undergoing surgical mid-urethral sling (MUS) insertion for SUI.

METHODS

Women with SUI were recruited from surgical wait lists at four participating urogynecology clinics. Participants were assessed at baseline (V1) then randomised (1:1 allocation) to receive supervised PFM training or a handout. Immediately following the 12-week intervention period (V2) and at 12 weeks following surgery (V3) the groups were compared based on the Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (FLUTS) questionnaire total score and urinary incontinence, filling, and voiding subscale scores as well as on a standardised 30-min pad test administered by a blinded assessor. Intention-to-treat analyses were performed.

RESULTS

A total of 52 participants were randomised to physiotherapy and 51 to the control group between December 2012 and August 2016. The groups were not different on any outcomes at V1 and all were improved at V3 compared with V1 (p < 0.001). At V3 the physiotherapy group reported significantly fewer UI symptoms (FLUTS UI subscale score) than the control group; yet, there were no group differences in FLUTS overall score or the pad test (p > 0.05). Based on a FLUTS UI subscale score <4, the cure rate at V3 was higher in the intervention group (73%) than in the control group (47%); (2.36 < OR < 3.47, p = 0.012). There were no group differences in cure rate at V3 based on a pad test (p = 0.27). No group differences were found in the filling or voiding symptoms at V3 (p > 0.05). No adverse events were reported.

CONCLUSION

Physiotherapist-supervised PFM training improves SUI cure rates associated with surgical MUS insertion when considering symptoms of SUI, but does not improve post-operative continence function as measured by a pad test, nor does it lead to fewer post-operative voiding or filling symptoms.

Clinical Guidelines for Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (second edition)

The present article is an abridged English translation of the Japanese Clinical Guidelines for Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (second edition), published in September 2019. These guidelines consist of a total of 212 pages and are unique worldwide in that they cover female lower urinary tract symptoms other than urinary incontinence. They contain two algorithms for "primary treatment" and "specialized treatment," respectively. These guidelines, consisting of six chapters, address a total of 26 clinical questions including: (i) treatment algorithms; (ii) what are female lower urinary tract symptoms?; (iii) epidemiology and quality of life; (iv) pathology and illness; (v) diagnosis; and (vi) treatment. When the patient's symptoms mainly involve voiding and post-micturition symptoms, specialized treatment should be considered. In the event of voiding symptoms concurrent with storage symptoms, residual urine should be measured; if the residual urine volume is <100 mL, then diagnosis and treatment for storage symptoms is prioritized, and if the volume is ≥100 mL, then specialized treatment should be considered. When storage symptoms are the primary condition, then the patient is subject to the primary treatment algorithm. Specialized treatment for refractory overactive bladder includes botulinum toxin injection and sacral nerve stimulation. For stress urinary incontinence, surgical treatment is indicated, such as urethral slings. The two causes of voiding symptoms and post-micturition symptoms are lower urinary tract obstruction and detrusor underactivity (underactive bladder). Mechanical lower urinary tract obstruction, such as pelvic organ prolapse, is expected to improve with surgery.

Electroacupuncture for stress-predominant mixed urinary incontinence: a protocol for a three-armed randomised controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Evidence specific for stress-predominant mixed urinary incontinence is still lacking at present, and acupuncture may relieve the symptoms. We plan to conduct this multi-centre, three-armed, randomised controlled trial to investigate the efficacy and safety of electroacupuncture among women with stress-predominant mixed urinary incontinence.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

The trial will be conducted at five hospitals in China. Two hundred thirty-two eligible women will be randomly assigned (2:1:1) to the electroacupuncture, sham electroacupuncture or waiting-list group to receive either 24-session acupuncture/sham acupuncture treatment over 8 weeks and 24-week follow-up or 20-week watchful waiting. The primary outcome is the proportion of participants with at least 50% reduction in mean 24-hour stress incontinence episode frequencies from baseline to week 8. The outcome will be analysed with the intention to treatpopulation (defined as participants randomised) with a two-sided p value of less than 0.05 considered significant.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The protocol has been approved by Guang'anmen Hospital Institutional Review Board (2019-241-KY). Detailed information of the trial will be informed to the participants, and written informed consent will be obtained from every participant. Results of the trial are expected to be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ClinicalTrials.gov Registry (NCT04299932).

Complications and re-operations after tension-free vaginal tape operation in women with stress urinary incontinence

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

We evaluate intraoperative and short-term postoperative (≤ 3 months) complications and long-term re-operations (up to 6 years) after tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) operation in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

METHODS

Data from 446 women undergoing TVT operation between 2012 and 2016 at a tertiary referral center was retrospectively collected. Data included patient baseline demographics, information from the TVT operation and the following postoperative period, and scores from patient questionnaires [the International Consultation of Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF) and Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I)]. Collected data were investigated for incidence of complications and re-operations, postoperative improvement in patient questionnaires, and association between complications and baseline patient demographics.

RESULTS

The only intraoperative complication was bladder perforation (2.0%). Postoperative complications included: infection (0.7%), hematoma (0.9%), bleeding (0.2%), pain (0.9%), erosion of the vaginal mucosa (1.1%), persistent SUI (0.7%), and voiding dysfunction > 24 h (10.3%). Re-operations included: operation due to infections (0.4%), incontinence surgery for persistent SUI (0.4%), revision for tape erosion (1.1%), tape mobilization (3.6%), and tape division (0.2%). A significant reduction in urinary incontinence symptoms was observed in the ICIQ-UI SF and PGI-I. The reduction in ICIQ-UI SF did not vary significantly between patients with and without complications. No association between complications and baseline patient demographics was found.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated high safety and efficacy of the TVT operation with only minor short-term complications and few long-term re-operations. The ICIQ-UI SF improved significantly postoperatively and was not statistically significantly affected by the occurrence of complications.

Effects of extracorporeal magnetic stimulation on urinary incontinence: A systematic review and meta-analysis

AIMS

To examine the effectiveness of extracorporeal magnetic stimulation for treatment of stress urinary incontinence.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

DATA RESOURCES

Four electronic databases from inception to 18 May 2019.

REVIEW METHODS

Two authors independently performed the search, assessed the methodological quality, and extracted data. The final studies included in the analysis were selected after reaching consensus with the third author.

RESULTS

A total of 20 studies were included in the systematic review and 12 of these in the meta-analysis. Quality assessment indicated that only 8 of 17 randomized controlled trials had low risk in overall risk of bias, whereas all controlled trials had serious risk of bias. The weighted mean effect size of magnetic stimulation on quality of life, number of leakages, pad test outcomes, and number of incontinence events was 1.045 (95% CI: 0.409-1.681), -0.411 (95% CI: 0.178-0.643), -0.290 (95% CI: 0.025-0.556), and -0.747 (95% CI: -1.122 to -0.372), respectively. Subgroup analysis revealed a significant difference in the type of quality of life measurement used. Sensitivity analyses revealed that a high degree of heterogeneity persisted even after omitting studies individually.

CONCLUSIONS

Extracorporeal magnetic stimulation may be effective in treating urinary incontinence and improving quality of life without major safety concerns. However, because of a high degree of heterogeneity among studies, inferences from the results must be made with caution.

IMPACT

We recommend that clinical nurses apply extracorporeal magnetic stimulation to treat stress urinary incontinence among female patients and encourage researchers to conduct further qualitative and quantitative studies to develop consistent content and dosage for the intervention.

STUDY REGISTRATION

The review protocol was registered a priori and published online in the PROSPERO database of systematic reviews (www.crd.york.ac.uk/Prospero with the registration number #CRD42019138835).

Management of Urinary Incontinence With Underactive Bladder: A Review

Urinary incontinence is caused by storage function failure, while underactive bladder (UAB) is caused by a decline in detrusor contractility and voiding dysfunction. As the treatment mechanisms for incontinence and UAB are contrary to each other, it is difficult to treat both incontinence and UAB, and the patient's quality of life can be further degraded. Conventional midurethral sling (MUS), such as transobturator tape or retropubic MUS, introduces a risk of postoperative voiding dysfunction in stress urinary incontinence with UAB. However, there have been several reports about the efficacy and safety of conventional MUS. Adjustable sling procedures, such as transobturator adjustable tape or the Remeex system, have better outcomes than conventional MUS because they control tension both during and after surgery. When voiding dysfunction occurs after incontinence treatment with UAB, voiding symptoms can be improved by various therapeutic modalities. Clean intermittent catheterization is recommended for patients with significant increased postvoid residual volumes or urinary retention. Although pharmacotherapy such as with alpha-blockers or parasympathomimetics can be considered for UAB, there is insufficient evidence of their effect on incontinence with UAB. Future therapies, such as stem cell therapy or gene therapy, may be used to treat incontinence with UAB. The possibility of management urgency urinary incontinence that related to detrusor hyperactivity with impaired contractility using sacral neuromodulation has been suggested. Further research is needed to establish evidence for the efficacy and safety of treatments for incontinence with UAB and improve patient quality of life.

A Multicenter Prospective Study Evaluating Efficacy and Safety of a Single-incision Sling Procedure for Stress Urinary Incontinence

STUDY OBJECTIVE

The aim of the Altis 522 study was to compare the safety and efficacy of the Altis Single-Incision Sling System (SIS) (Coloplast, Minneapolis, MN) with standard midurethral transobturator and/or retropubic slings through 36 months. In this report, we present data through 12 months of follow-up.

DESIGN

Postmarket, prospective, multicenter, nonrandomized cohort design.

SETTING

The study was performed at 23 hospitals in the United States and Canada.

PATIENTS

Adult female patients with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) clinically indicated for an incontinence sling were treated (n = 355).

INTERVENTIONS

Altis SIS was compared with any Food and Drug Administration-cleared transobturator or retropubic sling.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Collected measures included device- and/or procedure-related serious adverse events, relevant nonserious and all adverse events, and revision surgery. Objective efficacy measures included 24-hour pad weight, dryness (defined as pad weight ≤4.0 g), and cough stress test. Subjective outcome measures included patient global impression of improvement, urogenital distress inventory, Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-Short Form, Surgical Satisfaction Questionnaire, and visual analog scale for pain. At 12 months, 24-hour pad weight success (≥50% reduction), negative cough stress test, patient global impression of improvement, urogenital distress inventory, and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-Short Form appeared similar between groups. Through 12 months, 2 subjects in the Altis group and 3 subjects in the comparator group experienced a serious device- and/or procedure-related adverse event. In the Altis group, 1 subject (0.5%) experienced a device revision, and 1 subject (0.5%) had the device explanted. In the comparator group, 7 subjects (4.1%) experienced a device revision, and 1 device (0.6%) was explanted before the 12-month visit. The occurrence of relevant nonserious procedure and/or device-related adverse events was similar between groups.

CONCLUSION

At 12-months follow-up, safety and efficacy appeared similar between Altis SIS and standard transobturator and retropubic midurethral slings.

Interventions and Quality of Life in Stress Urinary Incontinence

Introduction:

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI), though is more prevalent than many chronic diseases, has remained largely underreported and underdiagnosed condition. We aimed to find the improvement in the quality of life (QoL) of women with SUI after individual interventions, namely mid-urethral sling (MUS), pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT), and no treatment/control group, as primary treatment modalities.

Materials and Methods:

This was a prospective interventional case–control study conducted at a university teaching hospital, over a period of 2 years. Parous women with at least one vaginal delivery, attending the gynecology outpatient department, were encouraged to fill the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form. Those with SUI were divided into three arms (MUS, PFMT, and no treatment/control group), according to the informed decision for choice of management. Baseline QoL was documented for all with King's Health Questionnaire. QoL was again recorded after 3 months of the start of treatment and was compared with the baseline.

Results:

In our study cohort, the prevalence of SUI was 15.2%, with a consultation rate of only 30.7%. MUS surgery improves QoL significantly in women with SUI, followed by PFMT. We found 100% symptomatic relief, high rate of improvement in QoL with minimal easy to manage complications, in the surgical intervention arm. PFMT, though has a positive impact on QoL, requires continuous motivation, as 22% discontinued. Without treatment, QoL in SUI patients remained more or less the same.

Conclusion:

The help-seeking behavior (consultation rate) for SUI is poor. MUS (surgical arm) had 100% symptom relief in 3-month follow-up. MUS showed the best results in terms of QoL improvement, followed by PFMT in SUI in our study. It is important not only to educate women about the problem but also to encourage them to seek treatment and indicate that it is a treatable condition.

Multifaceted self-management interventions for older women with urinary incontinence: a systematic review and narrative synthesis

OBJECTIVE

To synthesise the evidence for the multifaceted self-management interventions for older women with urinary incontinence (UI) and to understand the outcomes associated with these interventions.

DESIGN

A systematic review and narrative synthesis to identify randomised controlled trials that investigated the effect of multifaceted self-management interventions for older women with UI.

METHODS

MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, CINAHL and Applied Social Sciences Index and Abstracts databases were searched (January 1990 to May 2019) using a systematic search strategy, complemented by manually screening the reference lists and citation indexes. Study selection, data extraction and risk of bias assessment were undertaken independently. A narrative synthesis was undertaken in which studies, interventions and outcomes were examined based on the intervention components. The effect size and 95% CI were estimated from each study.

RESULTS

A total of 13 147 citations were identified and 16 studies were included. There was no study rated as of high quality. Three types of multifaceted interventions were found: those that had an element of pelvic floor muscle exercises (PFME), those with bladder retraining and some with combination behavioural interventions. Outcome measures varied across studies. A statistically significant improvement in incontinence symptoms was reported in the intervention group compared with the control in 15 studies.

CONCLUSION

Multifaceted interventions that included PFME, bladder retraining or combination behavioural techniques appear to be useful in some settings for UI management in older women, but the quality of the evidence was poor and unclear. There was insufficient evidence to determine whether any of the combination of components is superior to others in improving UI symptoms. There is a need for high-quality studies to confirm the effectiveness of these interventions and to identify comparative effectiveness.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42018104010.

Multiple doses of stem cells maintain urethral function in a model of neuromuscular injury resulting in stress urinary incontinence

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is more prevalent among women who deliver vaginally than women who have had a cesarean section, suggesting that tissue repair after vaginal delivery is insufficient. A single dose of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has been shown to partially restore urethral function in a model of SUI. The aim of the present study was to determine if increasing the number of doses of MSCs improves urethral and pudendal nerve function and anatomy. We hypothesized that increasing the number of MSC doses would accelerate recovery from SUI compared with vehicle treatment. Rats underwent pudendal nerve crush and vaginal distension or a sham injury and were treated intravenously with vehicle or one, two, or three doses of 2 × 10⁶ MSCs at 1 h, 7 days, and 14 days after injury. Urethral leak point pressure testing with simultaneous external urethral sphincter electromyography and pudendal nerve electroneurography were performed 21 days after injury, and the urethrovaginal complex and pudendal nerve were harvested for semiquantitative morphometry of the external urethral sphincter, urethral elastin, and pudendal nerve. Two and three doses of MSCs significantly improved peak pressure; however, a single dose of MSCs did not. Single, as well as repeated, MSC doses improved urethral integrity by restoring urethral connective tissue composition and neuromuscular structures. MSC treatment improved elastogenesis, prevented disruption of the external urethral sphincter, and enhanced pudendal nerve morphology. These results suggest that MSC therapy for postpartum incontinence and SUI can be enhanced with multiple doses.

Adverse Events Associated with Nonsurgical Treatments for Urinary Incontinence in Women: a Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Urinary incontinence (UI) is a common malady in women. Numerous nonsurgical treatments are available, each associated with risk of adverse events (AEs).

METHODS

We systematically reviewed nonsurgical interventions for urgency, stress, or mixed UI in women, focusing on AEs. We searched MEDLINE®, Cochrane Central Trials Registry, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Embase® through December 4, 2017. We included comparative studies and single-group studies with at least 50 women. Abstracts were screened independently in duplicate. One researcher extracted study characteristics and results with verification by another independent researcher. When at least four studies of a given intervention reported the same AE, we conducted random effects model meta-analyses of proportions. We also assessed the strength of evidence.

RESULTS

There is low strength of evidence that AEs are rare with behavioral therapies and neuromodulation, and that periurethral bulking agents may result in erosion and increase the risk of voiding dysfunction. High strength of evidence finds that anticholinergics and alpha agonists are associated with high rates of dry mouth and constitutional effects such as fatigue and gastrointestinal complaints. Onabotulinum toxin A (BTX) is also associated with increased risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and voiding dysfunction (moderate strength of evidence).

DISCUSSION

Behavioral therapies and neuromodulation have low risk of AEs. Anticholinergics and alpha agonists have high rates of dry mouth and constitutional effects. BTX is associated with UTIs and voiding dysfunction. Periurethral bulking agents are associated with erosion and voiding dysfunction. These AEs should be considered when selecting appropriate UI treatment options. AE reporting is inconsistent and AE rates across studies tended to vary widely. Trials should report AEs more consistently.

Management of vaginal mesh exposure: A systematic review

Objectives: To identify various predisposing factors, the clinical presentation, and the management of vaginal mesh-related complications, with special emphasis on mesh exposure and the indications for and results of vaginal mesh removal.

Methods: A systematic literature review was performed using a search strategy based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses criteria. PubMed was queried for studies regarding aetiology, risk factors, and management of vaginal mesh exposure from 1 January 2008 to June 2018. Full-text articles were obtained for eligible abstracts. Relevant articles were included, and the cited references were used to identify relevant articles not previously included.

Results: A total of 102 abstracts were identified from the PubMed search criteria. An additional 45 studies were identified based on review of the cited references. After applying eligibility criteria and excluding impertinent articles, 58 studies were included in the final analysis.

Conclusion: Numerous studies have found at least some degree of symptomatic improvement regardless of the amount of mesh removed. Focal areas of exposure or pain can be successfully managed with partial mesh removal with low rates of complications. With partial mesh removal, many patients will ultimately require subsequent mesh removal procedures. For this reason, complete mesh excision is an alternative for patients with diffuse vaginal pain, large mesh exposure, and extrusion of mesh into adjacent viscera. However, when considering complete mesh removal, it is important to counsel patients regarding possible complications of removal and the increased risk of recurrent stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse postoperatively.

Abbreviations: MUS: midurethral sling; OR: odds ratio; POP: pelvic organ prolapse; PRISMA: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses; SUI: stress urinary incontinence; TOT: transobturator; TVT: tension-free vaginal tape

Revisiting current treatment options for stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse: a contemporary literature review

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) affect many women in their lifetime. In this review, we describe and evaluate the latest treatment options for SUI and POP, including the controversy around transvaginal mesh (TVM) use. Growing evidence supports the utilization of pelvic floor muscle training as first-line treatment for both SUI and POP. Vaginal pessaries continue to be an effective and reversible option to manage SUI and POP symptoms. The midurethral sling remains the gold standard for surgical treatment of SUI, although patients and clinicians should acknowledge the potentially serious complications of TVM. Burch urethropexy and pubovaginal sling offer good SUI cure and may be preferred in women wishing to avoid mesh implants; however, their operative morbidities and more challenging surgical approach may limit their use. Site-specific cystocele or rectocele repairs may be indicated for isolated anterior or posterior vaginal compartment prolapse; however, in women with more severe POP, evidence supports using a vaginal native-tissue repair involving apical suspension as the primary surgical technique. Although abdominal and laparoscopic sacrocolpopexies are both effective in treating POP, their failure and mesh complication rates increase with time. There is insufficient evidence to support the widespread use of uterine-preserving surgical POP repairs at present due to the lack of long-term data. Routine TVM use is not recommended in POP surgeries and should only be considered on a case-by-case basis by trained surgeons, primarily in women with multiple risk factors for POP recurrence. In general, clinicians should individualize SUI and POP treatment options for women based on their symptoms, comorbidities, and risk factors for mesh-related complications.

A prospective observational cohort study of the Ajust® single incision sling performed under conscious sedation with local infiltration

AIMS

To evaluate the adjustable single-incision sling (Ajust®) in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI), when placed under conscious sedation with local infiltration, using the cough test during surgery.

METHODS

In this multicenter observational study, 90 women who had moderate to severe SUI, were asked to have the Ajust® procedure performed under sedation with local infiltration with levobupivacain. This allowed for a perioperative cough test to adjust the sling to the urethra till continence was reached. The primary outcome of the study was subjective cure of stress incontinence at 1 year follow up. Secondary objectives were objective and subjective improvement, complications during and after the procedure, and postoperative pain scores. These results were compared with the results of a historical control group of 96 patients who received their Ajust® under general or regional (spinal) anesthesia.

RESULTS

At 6 weeks and 12 months, there were no statistical significant differences in the results for subjective cure (83.6% and 71.6% sedation group, 88.4% and 77.2% general/regional anesthesia group), objective cure (96% and 86.9% sedation group, 88.1% and 91.8% general/regional anesthesia group), de novo urgency (10.5% and 6.7% sedation group, 7.1% and 24.1% general/regional anesthesia group) and the patients global impression of improvement (96% and 89.2% sedation group, 91.4% and 84.4% general/regional anesthesia group).

CONCLUSION

The performance of a cough test during the placement of an adjustable single-incision sling for the treatment of SUI does not affect the functional outcome, and is therefore not necessary.

Optimising the tension of an autologous fascia pubovaginal sling to minimize retentive complications

AIM

To determine the optimal degree of pubovaginal slings (PVS) tension, measured by lax sling dimensions to minimize the risk of urinary retention.

METHODS

This prospective study analyzed female patients undergoing PVS for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) by two surgeons over 24 months from January 2016. Intra-operative measurements of lax sling dimensions tented over rectus fascia were recorded. Logistic regression was used to analyse the likelihood of urinary retention (more than 3 months of intermittent self-catheterisation (ISC) or surgical revision) for given PVS dimensions. The secondary analysis assessed for an association between PVS measurements and persistent SUI.

RESULTS

Fifty-one patients were recruited with a median age of 53 (34-78) and follow-up of 11 (3-20) months. All but one patient reported improvement of SUI. Ten (19.6%) patients developed postoperative urinary retention. Five (9.8%) resolved after a temporary period of ISC. The other five (9.8%) required ongoing ISC or sling division. A strong association existed between short sling height and prolonged urinary retention (P = 0.00). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed a sling height of 40 mm had a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 51% for retentive complications (area under curve [AUC]  = 0.90). Lax sling height up to 60 mm was not associated with persistent SUI.

CONCLUSIONS

Stretching the sling suspension sutures at least 40 mm above the rectus fascia was associated with a lower risk of urinary retention than less than 40 mm. This simple technique would appear to be worth evaluating in a larger sample. A looser sling did not compromise the cure of SUI at a mean follow-up of 11 months.