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Laitakari KE, Mäkelä-Kaikkonen JK, Pääkkö E, Kata I, Ohtonen P, Mäkelä J, Rautio TT. Restored pelvic anatomy is preserved after laparoscopic and robot-assisted ventral rectopexy: MRI-based 5-year follow-up of a randomized controlled trial. Colorectal Dis 2020; 22:1667-1676. [PMID: 32544283 DOI: 10.1111/codi.15195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
AIM Our aim was to compare the long-term anatomical outcomes between robot-assisted ventral mesh rectopexy (RVMR) and laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy (LVMR) for external or internal rectal prolapse. METHOD This study is a follow-up of a single-centre randomized controlled trial (RCT). Thirty patients were randomly allocated to RVMR (n = 16) or LVMR (n = 14). The primary end-point was maintenance of the restored pelvic anatomy 5 years after the operation, as assessed by magnetic resonance (MR) defaecography. Secondary outcome measures included the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) measures and functional results assessed using symptom questionnaires. RESULTS Twenty-six patients (14 RVMR and 12 LVMR) completed the 5-year follow-up and were included in the study. The MRI results, POP-Q measurements and symptom-specific quality of life measures did not differ between the RVMR and LVMR groups. The MRI measurements of the total study population remained unchanged between 3 months and 5 years. In the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI-20), the RVMR group had lower symptom scores (mean 96.0, SD 70.7) than the LVMR group (mean 160.6, SD 58.9; P = 0.004). In the subscales of pelvic organ prolapse (POPDI-6) (mean 23.2, SD 24.3 vs mean 52.4, SD 22.4; P = 0.001) and the Colorectal-Anal Distress Inventory (CRADI-8) (mean 38.4, SD 23.3 vs mean 58.6, SD 25.4; P = 0.009), the patients in the RVMR group had significantly better outcomes. CONCLUSION After VMR, the corrected anatomy was preserved. There were no clinically significant differences in anatomical results between the RVMR and LVMR procedures 5 years after surgery based on MR defaecography. However, functional outcomes were better after RMVR.
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Affiliation(s)
- K E Laitakari
- Department of Surgery, Division of Gastroenterology, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland.,Medical Research Center Oulu, Center of Surgical Research, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - J K Mäkelä-Kaikkonen
- Department of Surgery, Division of Gastroenterology, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland.,Medical Research Center Oulu, Center of Surgical Research, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - E Pääkkö
- Department of Radiology, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - I Kata
- Department of Radiology, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - P Ohtonen
- Medical Research Center Oulu, Center of Surgical Research, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Division of Operative Care, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - J Mäkelä
- Department of Surgery, Division of Gastroenterology, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland.,Medical Research Center Oulu, Center of Surgical Research, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - T T Rautio
- Department of Surgery, Division of Gastroenterology, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland.,Medical Research Center Oulu, Center of Surgical Research, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
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Alt CD, Katzenberger SM, Hallscheidt P, Sohn C, Kauczor HU, Eickhoff SB, Brocker KA. Urethral length and bladder neck behavior: can dynamic magnetic resonance imaging give the same results as introital ultrasound? Arch Gynecol Obstet 2019; 299:809-816. [PMID: 30706182 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-019-05060-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) and introital ultrasound results with regard to urethral length measurements and the evaluation of bladder neck changes. METHODS Retrospective analyses of urethral length measurements and detection of bladder neck changes (rotated/vertical bladder neck descent, urethral funneling) were conducted in women-scheduled for surgical treatment with alloplastic material-who had undergone introital ultrasound and dMRI presurgery and 3 months postsurgery. Measurement differences between both imaging modalities were evaluated by assessing the confidence interval for the difference in means between the datasets using bootstrap analysis. RESULTS Based on data from 40 patients (320 image series), the urethra could be clearly measured on every pre- and postsurgical dMRI dataset but not on preoperative ultrasound images in nine women during Valsalva maneuver due to a large cystocele. The estimation of the mean difference distribution based on 500,000 bootstrap resamples indicated that the urethral length was measured shorter by dMRI pre- and postsurgery at rest and postsurgery during Valsalva maneuver (median 1.6-3.1 mm) but longer by dMRI (median 0.2 mm) during Valsalva maneuver presurgery. Rotated/vertical bladder neck descent and urethral funneling diagnoses showed concordance of 67-74% in the direct comparison of patients; the estimation of the concordance indicated poorer outcomes with 50-72%. CONCLUSIONS Metric information on urethral length from dMRI is comparable to that from introital ultrasound. dMRI is more advantageous in cases with an extended organ prolapse. At present, dMRI does not give the same diagnosis on bladder neck changes as introital ultrasound does.
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Affiliation(s)
- C D Alt
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Duesseldorf, Medical Faculty, Moorenstrasse 5, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - S M Katzenberger
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 440, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.,Hannover Medical School, Clinic of Orthodontics, OE 7730, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - P Hallscheidt
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Heidelberg, Medical Faculty, Im Neuenheimer Feld 110, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.,Radiological Department Darmstadt, Academic Teaching Practice, University of Heidelberg Medical Center, Dieburger Str. 29-31, 64287, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - C Sohn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 440, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - H U Kauczor
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Heidelberg, Medical Faculty, Im Neuenheimer Feld 110, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - S B Eickhoff
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-7), Juelich Research Centre, 52428, Juelich, Germany.,Institute of Systems Neuroscience, Heinrich Heine University, 40225, Dusseldorf, Germany
| | - K A Brocker
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 440, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
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El Sayed RF, Alt CD, Maccioni F, Meissnitzer M, Masselli G, Manganaro L, Vinci V, Weishaupt D. Magnetic resonance imaging of pelvic floor dysfunction - joint recommendations of the ESUR and ESGAR Pelvic Floor Working Group. Eur Radiol 2017; 27:2067-2085. [PMID: 27488850 PMCID: PMC5374191 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-016-4471-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2015] [Revised: 05/03/2016] [Accepted: 05/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To develop recommendations that can be used as guidance for standardized approach regarding indications, patient preparation, sequences acquisition, interpretation and reporting of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for diagnosis and grading of pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD). METHODS The technique included critical literature between 1993 and 2013 and expert consensus about MRI protocols by the pelvic floor-imaging working group of the European Society of Urogenital Radiology (ESUR) and the European Society of Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Radiology (ESGAR) from one Egyptian and seven European institutions. Data collection and analysis were achieved in 5 consecutive steps. Eighty-two items were scored to be eligible for further analysis and scaling. Agreement of at least 80 % was defined as consensus finding. RESULTS Consensus was reached for 88 % of 82 items. Recommended reporting template should include two main sections for measurements and grading. The pubococcygeal line (PCL) is recommended as the reference line to measure pelvic organ prolapse. The recommended grading scheme is the "Rule of three" for Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP), while a rectocele and ARJ descent each has its specific grading system. CONCLUSION This literature review and expert consensus recommendations can be used as guidance for MR imaging and reporting of PFD. KEY POINTS • These recommendations highlight the most important prerequisites to obtain a diagnostic PFD-MRI. • Static, dynamic and evacuation sequences should be generally performed for PFD evaluation. • The recommendations were constructed through consensus among 13 radiologists from 8 institutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rania Farouk El Sayed
- Genitourinary & Pelvic Floor MR Imaging Unit, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University Hospitals, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Celine D Alt
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Dusseldorf, Medical Faculty, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Francesca Maccioni
- Department of Radiological Sciences, Oncology and Pathology Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, Sapienza University Rome, Viale Regina Elena, Rome, Italy
| | - Matthias Meissnitzer
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Gabriele Masselli
- Department of Radiology Dea, Umberto I Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Manganaro
- Department of Radiological Sciences, Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Vinci
- Department of Radiological Sciences, Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena, Rome, Italy
| | - Dominik Weishaupt
- Institute of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Triemli Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Khatri G, Carmel ME, Bailey AA, Foreman MR, Brewington CC, Zimmern PE, Pedrosa I. Postoperative Imaging after Surgical Repair for Pelvic Floor Dysfunction. Radiographics 2016; 36:1233-56. [DOI: 10.1148/rg.2016150215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
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Brocker KA, Alt CD, Rzepka J, Sohn C, Hallscheidt P. One-year dynamic MRI follow-up after vaginal mesh repair: evaluation of clinical, radiological, and quality-of-life results. Acta Radiol 2015; 56:1002-8. [PMID: 25136056 DOI: 10.1177/0284185114544241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2014] [Accepted: 06/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a common disorder in elderly women often surgically repaired with alloplastic meshes; yet knowledge of the pelvic floor behavior and multi-compartment defects postoperatively is scarce. PURPOSE To evaluate the 1-year outcome after mesh repair in patients with POP using clinical examination (CE), dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI), and the prolapse quality-of-life (P-QOL) questionnaire. MATERIAL AND METHODS A prospective observational study was conducted of 69 women undergoing pelvic mesh surgery. Clinical examination, dMRI, and the P-QOL questionnaire were applied before and after surgery to evaluate POP. Mean outcome measures were POP outcome as determined on clinical and dMRI examinations and its impact on quality of life. Statistical results were obtained with SPSS version 15.0. ANOVA was used to compare pre-/postsurgical quality of life data. RESULTS Sixty-nine women (mean age, 64.75 years; BMI, 26.75 kg/m(2); postmenopausal, 89.2%) were recruited and treated with Seratom® or Perigee™ mesh implants. A significant improvement in the position of bladder neck, vaginal vault/uterus, pouch of Douglas, and rectum was found 12 weeks and 1 year after surgery using POP-Q scale and dMRI. Advanced cystoceles and enteroceles seem underestimated by CE using the POP-Q system compared to dMRI results (P = 0.003 and P < 0.001), vice versa dMRI overestimated POP compared to CE. Sixty-four women completed the P-QOL questionnaire, presenting reduced quality of life before surgery which improves postsurgically. Prolapse impact and physical, social, and role limitations correlated strongest with a low quality of life (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION The 1-year follow-up after mesh repair showed statistical and clinical improvement for all tools employed. dMRI seems a reliable tool for simultaneous assessment of defects in all three compartments, but tends to overestimate POP compared to clinical examination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin A Brocker
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Heidelberg, Medical School, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Celine D Alt
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University of Heidelberg, Medical School, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jakub Rzepka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Center of Postgraduate Education, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Christof Sohn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Heidelberg, Medical School, Heidelberg, Germany
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Soljanik I, Brocker K, Solyanik O, Stief CG, Anding R, Kirschner-Hermanns R. [Imaging for urinary incontinence]. Urologe A 2015; 54:963-71. [PMID: 26162272 DOI: 10.1007/s00120-015-3872-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ultrasonography and functional cine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are noninvasive and x-ray free tools, which are currently widely used in clinical diagnostics and scientific research of male and female urinary incontinence. The increasing use and improving techniques of modern imaging tools are closely linked to rapid development of minimally invasive surgery in patients with urinary incontinence and insights gained in continence mechanisms. METHODS Whereas ultrasonography is a cost-efficient and readily available diagnostic tool for a routine use, the more expensive functional MRI, as a tool with more precise visualization of functional interactions and spatial representation of anatomical structures of the pelvic floor, is suitable for complex diagnostic purposes and scientific research. Both tools are already well established for evaluations of the female pelvic floor. For evaluation of the male pelvic floor, and in particular postprostatectomy incontinence, perineal ultrasonography and functional cine MRI are becoming increasingly evident. CONCLUSION Further development of both imaging tools will contribute to new insights into the continence mechanism and improve the techniques of radical prostatectomy and minimally invasive surgery of male and female urinary incontinence in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Soljanik
- Neuro-Urologie, Klinik für Paraplegiologie, Department für Orthopädie, Unfallchirurgie und Paraplegiologie, Universität Heidelberg, Schlierbacher Landstraße 200a, 69118, Heidelberg, Deutschland,
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Alt CD, Brocker KA, Lenz F, Sohn C, Kauczor HU, Hallscheidt P. MRI findings before and after prolapse surgery. Acta Radiol 2014; 55:495-504. [PMID: 23939382 DOI: 10.1177/0284185113497201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Therapeutical outcome after prolapse surgery is evaluated using a standardized grading system based on maximum prolapse extent, which might not provide the full picture of the patient's subjective outcome. We therefore applied an evaluation method, which is detached from a grading system. PURPOSE To evaluate the impact of pelvic organ mobility in dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before and after mesh-repair surgery in patients with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse. MATERIAL AND METHODS To obtain measurements, we performed parasagittal T2-weighted turbo spin echo sequence at rest (TR, 3460 ms; TE, 85 ms; matrix, 512; slice thickness [ST], 5 mm), parasagittal T2-weighted true fast imaging with steady-state precession (TrueFISP) single-shot sequence during straining (TR, 397.4 ms; TE, 1.5 ms; matrix, 256; ST, 8 mm), and parasagittal T2-weighted TrueFISP sequence at maximum strain (TR, 4.3 ms; TE, 2.15 ms; matrix, 256; ST, 5 mm) at 1.5 T MRI. Pelvic organ prolapse (anatomical landmarks: bladder, cervix, pouch, rectum) was measured perpendicularly with reference to the pubococcygeal and the midpubic line. Pelvic organ mobility was defined as the difference between the measured distance at rest and at maximum strain for each anatomical landmark. All patients underwent mesh-repair procedure. Eighty patients could be included in this short-term follow-up study. Due to the physical diagnosis of pelvic organ prolapse, 51 underwent anterior mesh repair, 16 underwent posterior mesh repair, and 13 underwent total mesh repair. Surgery was performed by one surgeon, using mesh implants from several manufacturers. RESULTS Median values of maximum organ prolapse for bladder, cervix, pouch, and rectum preoperatively were 2.54 cm, 0.33 cm, 2.47 cm, and 0.32 cm, respectively, and 12 weeks postoperatively 0.87 cm, -1.79 cm, 1.49 cm, and 0.49 cm, respectively. Highly significant improvement (P < 0.001) of pelvic organ mobility was observed in the treated compartment at 4- and 12-week follow-up. Physical evaluation 12 weeks after mesh-repair showed an asymptomatic POP-Q stage I, if any. CONCLUSION Dynamic MRI is useful in visualizing the maximum extent of pelvic organ prolapse, as the evaluation of pelvic organ mobility documents the intraindividual therapeutic outcome detached from a grading system based on maximal prolapse values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Céline D Alt
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University of Heidelberg Medical School, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kerstin A Brocker
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Heidelberg Medical School, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Florian Lenz
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Marienhospital, Neustadt / Weinstrasse, Germany
| | - Christof Sohn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Heidelberg Medical School, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hans-Ulrich Kauczor
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University of Heidelberg Medical School, Heidelberg, Germany
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Ginath S, Garely AD, Luchs JS, Shahryarinejad A, Olivera CK, Zhou S, Ascher-Walsh CJ, Condrea A, Brodman ML, Vardy MD. Magnetic resonance imaging of abdominal versus vaginal prolapse surgery with mesh. Int Urogynecol J 2012; 23:1569-76. [PMID: 22543549 DOI: 10.1007/s00192-012-1783-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2012] [Accepted: 03/25/2012] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS We compared two surgical approaches in patients with symptomatic prolapse of the vaginal apex with normal controls by analyzing pelvic landmark relationships measured using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before and after surgery. METHODS In this prospective multicenter pilot study involving 16 participants, nulliparous controls (n = 6) were compared with ten parous (3.0 ± 1.0) women with uterine apical prolapse equal to or greater than stage 2. Group A (n = 5) underwent abdominal sacral colpopexy with monofilament polypropylene mesh and group B (n = 5) with vaginal mesh kit repair (Total ProLift). Subtotal hysterectomy was performed in all group A and no group B women. All patients underwent preoperative and 3-month postoperative Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) and dynamic MRI. Comparison of MRI pelvic angles and distances was performed and analyzed by Mann-Whitney rank sum test and chi-square test. RESULTS Vaginal apical support is similar at 3 months for abdominal sacral colpopexy (ASCP) and ProLift by POP-Q examination and MRI analysis. In both treatment groups, the postoperative POP-Q point C and MRI parameters were similar to nulliparous controls at 3 months. CONCLUSIONS Anatomic outcomes for ASCP compared with ProLift were similar at 3 months in terms of vaginal apical support by POP-Q and MRI analysis. Continued comparative analysis of postoperative support with objective imaging seems warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shimon Ginath
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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Short-range clinical, dynamic magnetic resonance imaging and P-QOL questionnaire results after mesh repair in female pelvic organ prolapse. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2011; 157:107-12. [PMID: 21459506 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2011.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2010] [Revised: 12/08/2010] [Accepted: 02/23/2011] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate clinical, quality-of-life (QoL) and dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) results in patients with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) preoperatively, and 4 and 12 weeks after anterior and/or posterior mesh repair. STUDY DESIGN Thirty-six patients (mean age 65 years) with symptomatic pelvic floor descent underwent mesh repair. The prolapse was quantified using the POP-Q system. Before surgery as well as 4 and 12 weeks after surgery, the pelvic organ positions were measured on dynamic magnetic resonance imaging during Valsalva manoeuvre in relation to the pubococcygeal and mid-pubic lines to assess surgery outcome. Patients also completed the P-QOL questionnaire to evaluate subjective changes at each visit. RESULTS Four and 12 weeks after surgery patients showed improvement of the POP on clinical examination and on dynamic MRI. The latter demonstrated high significance (p<0.001) especially in bladder and vaginal cuff/cervix positions during maximal straining. All quality-of-life domains and some symptom questions of the P-QOL questionnaire significantly improved (p<0.05) 12 weeks after surgery. CONCLUSION Significant anatomical and quality-of-life improvement was demonstrated after anterior and/or posterior mesh repair for POP using dynamic MRI and the P-QOL questionnaire.
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Preoperative and Postoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Female Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: Correlation with Clinical Findings. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005. [DOI: 10.1097/01.jwi.0000201538.37340.95] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Ongoing controversy exists as to the extent of the necessary evaluation of the female presenting with lower urinary tract symptoms. Most would agree that a detailed history, a physical examination and a urine analysis are essential components of the initial evaluation of lower urinary tract symptoms in the female. Beyond these assessments, however, there are no universally accepted guidelines or recommendations. In selected patients, a urodynamic, endoscopic and/or radiographic evaluation may be indicated. When further investigation of lower urinary tract symptoms is being considered, individual test characteristics, including sensitivity, specificity, reproducibility and accuracy, must be balanced against such factors as cost, morbidity, discomfort, availability and invasiveness. This review discusses some of the recent reports, controversies and developments in the evaluation of lower urinary tract symptoms in the female, and briefly reviews the most recent relevant International Continence Society subcommittee publications. RECENT FINDINGS The proceedings of the International Consultation on Incontinence, as well as recent publications by a number of its subcommittees, have provided some guidance for the structured evaluation of lower urinary tract symptoms in the female, especially with regard to the investigation of urinary incontinence. The role of urodynamics and radiographic imaging continues to be refined. Magnetic resonance imaging is, at present, still primarily a research tool in the evaluation of lower urinary tract disorders in the female; however, a clinical role for this technology is evolving. SUMMARY The goal of a diagnostic evaluation is the accurate characterization of lower urinary tract symptoms for the purposes of treatment. Ideally, a brief, low-cost, non-invasive evaluation would provide a high degree of diagnostic accuracy. However, existing technology is limited in this regard. Until future refinements permit a completely non-invasive, cost-effective and accurate analysis of female lower urinary tract symptoms, existing technology must be appropriately utilized. Well-conducted, evidence-based, prospective studies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric S Rovner
- University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA.
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