Complications of sling surgery among female Medicare beneficiaries

Sonography as a Diagnostic Tool in Midurethral Sling Complications: A Narrative Review

Despite the established safety and efficacy of midurethral slings (MUS), which are the current gold standard treatment for stress urinary incontinence (SUI), the potential for postoperative complications remains a significant concern for both healthcare professionals and patients. Meanwhile, sonography has emerged as a significant diagnostic tool in urogynecology, and one of the applications of this imaging modality may be the evaluation of complications arising from MUS procedures. This review, based on a comprehensive literature search, focuses on the use of pelvic floor ultrasound (US) in the context of MUS complications. It includes analyses of randomized controlled trials, prospective, and retrospective studies, covering preoperative and postoperative investigations, to assess complications such as persistent and recurrent SUI, urinary retention and obstructive voiding, de novo urgency/overactive bladder, vaginal exposure, sling erosion, pain, and hematoma. The review critically examines the existing literature, with a particular focus on recent publications. Despite the variability in findings, it appears that for each of the discussed complications, the application of pelvic floor US can significantly support the diagnostic and therapeutic process. The paper also identifies potential future directions for the development of US applications in diagnosing MUS complications.

Postoperative Complications After Sling Operations for Incontinence: Is Race a Factor?

IMPORTANCE

Racial and ethnic disparities exist in urogynecologic surgery; however, literature identifying specific disparities after sling operations for stress incontinence are limited.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to evaluate racial and ethnic disparities in surgical complications within 30 days of midurethral sling operations.

STUDY DESIGN

This retrospective cohort study identified women who underwent an isolated midurethral sling operation between 2014 and 2021 using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Women were stratified by racial and ethnic category to assess the primary outcome, 30-day surgical complications, and the secondary outcome, comparison of urinary tract infections (UTIs).

RESULTS

There were 20,066 patients included. Mean age and body mass index were 53.9 years and 30.8, respectively. More Black or African American women had diabetes and hypertension, and more American Indian or Alaska Native women used tobacco. The only difference in 30-day complications was stroke/cerebrovascular accident, which occurred in only 1 Asian, Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander patient (0.1%, P < 0.0001). The most frequent complication was UTI (3.3%). Black or African American women were significantly less likely to have a diagnosis of UTI than non-Hispanic White (P = 0.04), Hispanic White (P = 0.03), and American Indian or Alaska Native women (P = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical complications within 30 days of sling operations are rare. No clinically significant racial and ethnic differences in serious complications were observed. Urinary tract infection diagnoses were lower among Black or African American women than in non-Hispanic White, Hispanic White, and American Indian or Alaska Native women despite a greater comorbidity burden. No known biologic reason exists to explain lower UTI rates in this population; therefore, this finding may represent a disparity in diagnosis and treatment.

Antibiotic prophylaxis in urologic interventions: Who, when, where?

BACKGROUND

Periprocedural prophylaxis in medicine encompasses the set of measures (physical, chemical, and pharmacological) used to reduce the risk of infection. Antibiotic prophylaxis (AP) refers to the administration of a short-term regimen of antibiotics shortly before a medical procedure to reduce the risk of infectious complications that can result from diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. The outspreading growth of multidrug-resistant bacterial species and changes in the bacterial local ecosystem have impeded the development of a unique scheme of AP in urology.

OBJECTIVES

To review the literature and current guidelines regarding AP for urological diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and to define agents, timing, and occasions when administering pharmacological prophylaxis. Secondly, according to current literature, to open new scenarios where AP can be useful or useless.

RESULTS

Major gaps in evidence still exist in this field. AP appears useful in many invasive procedures and some sub-populations at risk of infectious complications. AP is not routinely recommended for urodynamic exams, diagnostic cystoscopy, and extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy. The available data regarding the use of AP during the transperineal prostate biopsy are still unclear; conversely, in the case of the transrectal approach AP is mandatory. AP is still considered the gold standard for the prevention of postoperative infective complications in the case of ureteroscopy, percutaneous nephrolithotomy, endoscopic resection of bladder tumor, endoscopic resection of the prostate, and prosthetic or major surgery.

CONCLUSION

The review highlights the complexity of determining the appropriate candidates for AP, emphasizing the importance of considering patient-specific factors such as comorbidities, immunocompetence, and the nature of the urologic intervention. The evidence suggests that a one-size-fits-all approach may not be suitable, and a tailored strategy based on the specific procedure and patient characteristics is essential.

Impact of Preoperative Urinary Tract Infection Screening in Asymptomatic Women Undergoing Midurethral Sling

INTRODUCTION

There is limited information regarding the utility of preoperative urine culture (Ucx) screening to decrease postoperative UTI rates following midurethral sling (MUS).

HYPOTHESIS

The primary objective of this study was to determine if the rate of postoperative UTI within the first 6 weeks after surgery is lower in women undergoing MUS when preoperative Ucx is obtained compared to when it is not. Secondary objectives were to determine clinical factors associated with postoperative UTI risk.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study of women who did not have symptoms of or a diagnosis of cystitis at the time of their preoperative evaluation and are undergoing MUS. Patients were grouped into those who had preoperative Ucx screening within 6 weeks preceding surgery and those who did not. UTI rates 6 weeks following surgery were compared between groups. Additionally, factors impacting the risk of developing a UTI within 6 weeks of surgery were assessed.

RESULTS

Among 661 patients, 13.2% had a UTI within the first 6 weeks. There was no significant difference in UTI rates between those who did and did not have preoperative Ucx, respectively (14.9% vs 10.2%, p = 0.09). On multivariable analysis, current smoker status (OR 3.02, 95% CI 1.10-8.26), history of recurrent UTI (OR 3.00, 95% CI 1.14-7.86), and requiring postoperative SIC (OR 8.75, 95% CI 1.83-41.74) were independently associated with a UTI within 6 weeks of MUS.

CONCLUSION

Obtaining preoperative Ucx in asymptomatic women prior to MUS does not appear to be associated with lower postoperative UTIs rates within 6 weeks of surgery.

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

OBJECTIVE

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSIONS

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

FIGO recommendations: Use of midurethral slings for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence

BACKGROUND

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a global problem. It can significantly adversely impact a woman's quality of life. The use of synthetic mesh in vaginal surgery is controversial, especially when used for pelvic organ prolapse surgery. Although negative effects have been reported, the synthetic mesh midurethral sling (MUS) is considered to be safe and effective in the surgical treatment of SUI.

OBJECTIVES

To provide evidence-based data and recommendations for the obstetrician/gynecologist who treats women with SUI and performs or plans to perform MUS procedures.

METHODS

Academic searches of MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, Embase, and Google Scholar articles published between 1987 and March 2020 were performed by a subgroup of the Urogynecology and Pelvic Floor Committee, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO).

SELECTION CRITERIA

The obtained scientific data were associated with a level of evidence according to the Oxford University Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine and GRADE Working Group system. In the absence of concrete scientific evidence, the recommendations were made via professional consensus.

RESULTS

The FIGO Urogynecology and Pelvic Floor Committee reviewed the literature and prepared this evidence-based recommendations document for the use of MUS for women with SUI.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the extensive literature, there is a lack of consensus in the optimal surgical treatment of SUI. These recommendations provide a direction for surgeons to make appropriate decisions regarding management of SUI. The MUS is considered safe and effective in the treatment of SUI, based on many high-quality scientific publications and professional society recommendations. Comprehensive long-term data and systemic reviews are still needed, and these data will become increasingly important as women live longer. These recommendations will be continuously updated through future literature reviews.

Postoperative Prevention of Urinary Tract Infections in Patients after Urogynecological Surgeries-Nonantibiotic Herbal (Canephron) versus Antibiotic Prophylaxis (Fosfomycin Trometamol): A Parallel-Group, Randomized, Noninferiority Experimental Trial

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common complications of urogynecological surgeries. The risk of UTIs is increased by the catheterization of the bladder, intraoperative cystoscopy, and urine retention after the procedure. Due to increasing antibiotic resistance, there is a need to search for new methods of postoperative UTI prevention. Canephron is a mixture of century herbs, lovage roots, and rosemary leaves with diuretic, spasmolytic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and nephroprotective properties. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the noninferiority of Canephron versus antibiotic prophylaxis with fosfomycin trometamol (FT), based on the collective results of postoperative urine culture analyses.

METHODS

One hundred and twenty-five female patients were randomized into two groups before undergoing urogynecological surgeries, including a control group (n = 67), which received one dose of 3 g of FT the day after the procedure, and a study group (n = 58), which received Canephron three times a day for 14 days, starting the day after the procedure. All the patients were assessed using the Acute Cystitis Symptom Score (ACSS).

RESULTS

UTIs were observed in 6.4% of the patients. There was no statistically significant difference between the use of FT and Canephron in terms of UTIs (Chi^2 N-1 = 0.8837; p = ns). Additional factors, such as menopausal status and the type of procedure performed, increased the risk of developing a UTI. Factors such as the body mass index (BMI) and parity had no correlation.

CONCLUSIONS

Canephron is noninferior to FT in the prevention of postoperative UTIs. The use of such a phytotherapeutic drug may help to decrease antibiotic consumption, which is closely connected to the growing trend of antibiotic resistance.

Femistina versus Canephron as a prevention of urinary tract infections after midurethral sling surgery - Non-inferiority study

OBJECTIVE

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is relatively common post-operative complication following midurethral sling placement (MUS), even in cases where intraoperative antibiotic prophylaxis was given. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the non-inferiority of Femistina as compared with Canephron in reducing symptomatic UTI in first six months following surgery.

STUDY DESIGN

A sample size of 144 patients per group was established, to provide at least 90% power to demonstrate the non-inferiority of phytodrug Femistina versus Canephron as a prevention of post-MUS urinary tract infection.

RESULTS

Women suffering from stress urinary incontinence and mixed urinary incontinence (MUI) with predominant SUI symptoms as confirmed by urodymamics (n = 320) were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to Femistina (40 mg, oral, twice daily for 20 days) or Canephron (3 × 5 ml taken orally-three times daily for 4 weeks). Both groups were homogenous for age, type of operation (only TOT outside-in) and severity of illness as indicated by ICIQ-SF questionnaire. We found that symptoms of UTI were significantly lower in patients receiving Femistina. During first 6 months after surgery UTI was confirmed in only 10 patients receiving Femistina (6,25%) when compared to 25 (15,63%) subjects receiving Canephron, p < 0.007.

CONCLUSION

Femistina is not inferior to Canephron in preventing lower urinary tract infection after midurethral sling surgery.

Cost-effectiveness of bacteriuria screening before urogynecologic surgery

BACKGROUND

Currently, there is controversy over who requires preoperative screening for bacteriuria in the urogynecologic population and whether treating asymptomatic bacteriuria reduces postoperative urinary tract infection rates.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of selective, universal, and no preoperative bacteriuria screening protocols in women undergoing surgery for prolapse or stress urinary incontinence.

STUDY DESIGN

A simple decision tree model was created from a societal perspective to evaluate cost and effectiveness of 3 strategies to prevent postoperative urinary tract infection: (1) a universal protocol where all women undergoing urogynecologic surgery are screened for bacteriuria and receive preemptive treatment if bacteriuria is identified; (2) a selective protocol, where only women with a history of recurrent urinary tract infection are screened and treated for bacteriuria; and (3) a no-screening protocol, where no women are screened for bacteriuria. Our primary outcome was the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio, calculated in cost per quality-adjusted life-years. Secondary outcomes were the number of urine cultures, postoperative urinary tract infections, and pyelonephritis associated with each strategy. Costs were derived from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project, and Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. Clinical estimates were derived from published literature and data from a historic surgical cohort. Quality-of-life-associated utilities for urinary tract infection (0.73), pyelonephritis (0.66), and antibiotic use (0.964) were derived from the published literature using the HALex scale, reported directly by affected patients. One-way sensitivity analyses were performed over the range of reported values.

RESULTS

In the base case scenario, selective screening is more costly (no screen: $101.69, selective: $101.98) and more effective (no screen: 0.096459 quality-adjusted-life-year, selective: 0.096464 quality-adjusted-life-year) than no screening, and is cost-effective, with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $49,349 per quality-adjusted-life-year. Both selective screening and no screening dominate universal screening in being less costly (universal: $111.92) and more effective (universal: 0.096446 quality-adjusted-life-year), with a slightly higher rate of postoperative urinary tract infection (no screen: 17.1%, selective: 16.9%, universal: 16.6%). In 1-way sensitivity analyses, selective screening is no longer cost-effective compared with no screening when the cost of a urine culture exceeds $12, cost of a preoperative urinary tract infection exceeds $93, the cost of a postoperative urinary tract infection is below $339, the specificity of a urine culture is less than 96%, or preoperative bacteriuria rates in those without symptoms but a history of recurrent urinary tract infection is <23%. Universal screening only becomes cost-effective when the postoperative urinary tract infection rate increases to >50% in those without risk factors and untreated preoperative bacteriuria. When compared with no screening, selective screening costs an additional $104 per urinary tract infection avoided and $2607 per pyelonephritis avoided. Compared with selective screening, universal screening costs $4609 per urinary tract infection avoided and $115,223 per pyelonephritis avoided.

CONCLUSION

Implementation of a selective preoperative bacteriuria protocol is cost-effective in most scenarios and associated with only a <1% increase in the 30-day postoperative urinary tract infection rate. No screening is cost-effective when cost of a preoperative urinary tract infection is high and the rate of preoperative bacteriuria in those without risk factors is low.

Frailty Is Associated with an Increased Risk of Complications and Need for Repeat Procedures after Sling Surgery in Older Adults

PURPOSE

Sling surgery is the gold standard treatment for stress urinary incontinence in women. While data support the use of sling surgery in younger and middle-aged women, outcomes in older, frail women are largely unknown.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data were examined for all Medicare beneficiaries ≥65 years old who underwent sling surgery with or without concomitant prolapse repair from 2014 to 2016. Beneficiaries were stratified using the Claims-Based Frailty Index (CFI) into 4 categories: not frail (CFI <0.15), prefrail (0.15 ≤CFI <0.25), mildly frail (0.25 ≤CFI <0.35) and moderately to severely frail (CFI ≥0.35). Outcomes included rates and relative risk of 30-day complications, 1-year mortality and repeat procedures for persistent incontinence or obstructed voiding at 1 year.

RESULTS

A total of 54,112 women underwent sling surgery during the study period, 5.2% of whom were mildly to moderately to severely frail. Compared to the not frail group, moderately to severely frail beneficiaries demonstrated an increased adjusted relative risk (aRR) of 30-day complications (56.5%; aRR 2.5, 95% CI: 2.2-2.9) and 1-year mortality (10.5%; aRR 6.7, 95% CI: 4.0-11.2). Additionally, there were higher rates of repeat procedures in mildly to severely frail beneficiaries (6.6%; aRR 1.4, 95% CI: 1.2-1.6) compared to beneficiaries who were not frail.

CONCLUSIONS

As frailty increased, there was an increased relative risk of 30-day complications, 1-year mortality and need for repeat procedures for persistent incontinence or obstructed voiding at 1 year. While there were fewer sling surgeries in performed frail women, the observed increase in complication rates was significant. Frailty should be strongly considered before pursuing sling surgery in older women.

Postoperative prophylactic antibiotics for retropubic mid-urethral slings

OBJECTIVES AND HYPOTHESIS

The primary objective is to measure the difference in urinary tract infection (UTI) rates within 6  weeks of placement of a retropubic mid-urethral sling (RMUS) in the setting of various postoperative prophylactic antibiotic regimens. UTI rates were measured by antibiotic prescriptions to treat UTI and/or culture. Secondary aims included determining risk factors for postoperative UTI.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review from 2014 to 2016 was performed at Baylor Scott and White Medical Center-Temple for CPT code 57288. Univariate comparisons were performed using chi-square and Student's t-test. Logistic regression analysis was performed for UTI risk factors with univariate p values ≤ 0.1.

RESULTS

One hundred twelve subjects were included. Seventeen (15%) were treated for postoperative UTI. Postoperative prophylactic antibiotics included trimethoprim (39.3%), nitrofurantoin (31.3%), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (5.4%), ciprofloxacin (2.7%), and cephalexin (1.8%). Ninety subjects were prescribed postoperative prophylactic antibiotics (80.4%). The postoperative UTI rate was not significantly different between those who were prescribed postoperative prophylactic antibiotics (16%) and those who were not (14%). None of the treatments showed a significant difference on postoperative UTI rate compared to no treatment. Significant risk factors for UTI included catheterization past postoperative day 1 (OR 6.4, 95% CI 1.7 - 23.8; p  =  0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

There was no significant difference in postoperative UTI rate in the group without postoperative prophylactic antibiotics compared to those who did receive it. Catheterization past postoperative day 1 was significantly associated with postoperative UTI. However, definitive conclusions are limited by a lack of power.

Chlorhexidine gluconate vs povidone-iodine vaginal antisepsis for urogynecologic surgery: a randomized controlled noninferiority trial

BACKGROUND

Although povidone-iodine (iodine) is the only Food and Drug Administration-approved vaginal antiseptic solution, there is a lack of comparative data evaluating alternatives. Chlorhexidine gluconate is readily accessible, recommended by multiple societies as an alternative for patients with iodine allergy, and preliminary data indicate that it may provide superior antisepsis.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of chlorhexidine and iodine as presurgical vaginal antiseptic solutions in preventing the most common surgery-associated infection after gynecologic surgery, urinary tract infections.

STUDY DESIGN

We conducted a randomized controlled noninferiority trial among women undergoing urogynecologic surgery. The primary outcome measure was symptomatic urinary tract infection within 2 weeks after surgery. The secondary outcomes included culture-proven urinary tract infection at 2 and 6 weeks after surgery, symptomatic urinary tract infections at 6 weeks after surgery, any surgical site infection at 2 weeks after surgery, and patient-reported vaginal irritation after surgery. We required 58 participants per arm to demonstrate noninferiority of chlorhexidine vs iodine (margin of relative risk of <1.5 for the upper limit of 95% confidence interval) between groups for the primary outcome.

RESULTS

A total of 119 participants (61 in the chlorhexidine group and 58 in the iodine group) completed the primary outcome and were included in the analyses. There was no difference in the groups' demographic characteristics, medical history, operations performed, or perioperative factors. Chlorhexidine was not inferior to iodine concerning the primary outcome, symptomatic urinary tract infection at 2 weeks after surgery (10% vs 17%; relative risk, 0.6; 95% confidence interval [-∞, 1.3]). Furthermore, chlorhexidine was not inferior to iodine for the secondary urinary tract infection outcomes (culture-proven urinary tract infection at 2 and 6 weeks after surgery and symptomatic urinary tract infection at 6 weeks after surgery). Groups were similar in terms of surgical site infection (overall 3/119 [2.5%]) and presence of any vaginal irritation (4/54 [7.4%], for both groups).

CONCLUSION

Chlorhexidine was not inferior to iodine for vaginal antisepsis before urogynecologic surgery concerning urinary tract infection. Given the similar postoperative urinary tract infection rates demonstrated in this study and the lack of difference in vaginal irritation, chlorhexidine seemed to be a safe and reasonable option for vaginal antisepsis before surgical procedures. Additional studies are needed to further examine surgical site infection.

Reliability of Symptoms and Dipstick for Postoperative Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to determine the diagnostic reliability of patient symptoms and urine dipstick results, including blood, leukocyte esterase, and nitrite, in diagnosing postoperative catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) after gynecologic surgery.

METHODS

A prospective cohort study of patients undergoing gynecologic surgeries who required short-term (>24 hours) postoperative catheterization was conducted. Patients completed a questionnaire regarding symptoms. Urine dipstick analysis was completed on catheterized urine samples and urine was sent for culture for all patients. Positive likelihood ratios (LRs) were used to examine diagnostic reliability of patient symptoms and urine dipstick results in diagnosing postoperative CAUTIs.

RESULTS

Fifty-seven patients with postoperative short-term indwelling catheterization were recruited, 25 (44%) of whom had CAUTIs diagnosed by urine culture at recruitment and 32 (56%) of whom did not have CAUTIs. Urine dipstick parameters were found to successfully diagnose CAUTIs, with positive LRs of 1.44 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04-1.99), 6.77 (95% CI, 2.23-20.52), and 9.47 (95% CI, 1.23-72.69) for blood, leukocyte esterase, and nitrite, respectively. The combination of leukocyte esterase and nitrite yielded a positive LR of 9.48 (95% CI, 2.62-34.25). Individual symptoms, alone or in combination, did not successfully diagnose positive urine culture (positive LRs <1.8).

CONCLUSIONS

Urine dipstick parameters are reliable diagnostic tests for diagnosing postoperative CAUTIs after gynecologic surgery, particularly when in combination. Patient symptoms have little diagnostic value for positive urine cultures in catheterized patients after gynecologic surgery.

The impact of midurethral sling surgery on the development of urinary tract infections

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE

To measure the impact of the placement of a midurethral sling (MUS) on development of urinary tract infections (UTI) in women with stress urinary incontinence.

METHODS

This is an analysis of a large managed care organization MUS database from 2005 to 2016. The database was queried to identify UTI and diagnosis of recurrent UTI. The primary outcome was the UTI rate after MUS. Secondary outcomes included the recurrent UTI rate and rates of UTI over time.

RESULTS

Over the study period, 13,404 MUS were performed. In the 12 postoperative months, 23% of patients developed a UTI, while 4% developed a de novo recurrent UTI diagnosis. UTIs were most frequently diagnosed in the 1st month, with the 7th postoperative day the most common. Predictors of UTI development included increased age (OR 3.69 [95% CI 2.58-5.26]), being diabetic (OR 1.43 [95% CI 1.28-1.60]), and having urinary retention requiring prolonged catheterization (OR 2.45 [95% CI 2.11-2.85]). UTIs were less likely to be diagnosed in those with transobturator MUS (OR 0.85 [95% CI 0.78-0.94]). Patients who developed a UTI were more likely to have a reoperation (p = 0.0147), including a reoperation for mesh revision/removal (p = 0.0287), and recurrent SUI (p = 0.0394). Patients who developed a UTI were more likely to develop postoperative de novo urgency urinary incontinence (UUI) (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Patients are at risk of UTI and rUTI after MUS. Risk of developing UTIs decreases with time. Predictors of developing UTI can help surgeons in the care of patients after MUS.

Urinary Tract Infection After Midurethral Sling

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to clarify which baseline, operative, and postoperative factors are associated with the development and recurrence of urinary tract infection (UTI) after midurethral sling (MUS).

METHODS

This is a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent a MUS from February 2010 to April 2014 within a single practice with 2 surgeons. Distribution of perioperative factors with relation to 6-week UTI occurrence (primary outcome) and recurrent UTI (secondary outcome) within a year after surgery were analyzed using Student's t test and χ2 test. Then, independent risk factors were determined using multiple logistic regression. A P value of less than 0.05 defined statistical significance.

RESULTS

From the 500 patients who underwent MUS, 79 (15.8%) developed a UTI within 6 weeks of surgery and 5.8% had recurrent UTI within a year. Looking at the independent effects, patients with a history of recurrent UTI and voiding dysfunction requiring catheterization more than 24 hours were at a higher risk of developing UTI within 6 weeks after surgery. In addition, having a history of recurrent UTI, asymptomatic bacteriuria, and postoperative UTI within 6 weeks after surgery were significantly associated with postoperative recurrent UTI.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, we identified baseline and postoperative characteristics that are associated with greater risk of UTI within 6 weeks and recurrent UTI after MUS. These factors can be potentially modified or useful in counseling patients on personalized risks and benefits of the surgical procedure.

Outcomes of the association of asymptomatic cystocele repair in patients undergoing mid-urethral sling surgery for the correction of stress incontinence

Background

Comparison between the clinical outcomes of mid-urethral sling procedure for stress incontinence with and without repair of asymptomatic stage II cystocele is made.

Methods

This is a prospective randomized study of 72 female patients with stress urinary incontinence and asymptomatic stage II cystocele. The patients were divided into two groups: group 1 treated with trans-obturator tape only and group 2 with repair of cystocele by anterior colporrhaphy in the same session. We compared between both groups in cure rate and voiding function after 1 year.

Results

The cure rate of group 1 was 66.7%, while for group 2 it was 90% after 12 months (p < 0.05). Six patients (17%) with asymptomatic stage II cystocele in group 1 became symptomatic or developed higher stage after 12 months that required surgical repair. The incidence of postoperative irritative urinary symptoms was also significantly higher in group 1. There were no significant differences in the change in maximum flow rate or postvoiding residual urine between the two groups postoperatively.

Conclusion

Concomitant repair of stage II asymptomatic cystocele with mid-urethral sling improves the cure rate of stress urinary insentience and reduces the incidence of irritative urinary symptoms.

Concomitant Sacral Neuromodulation and Gynecologic Surgery: A Single-Institution Experience

AIMS

Sacral Neuromodulation (SNM) is a safe and minimally invasive treatment for urinary and fecal pelvic floor disorders (PFDs). With a high prevalence of women reporting multiple PFDs, knowledge regarding concomitant surgery may inform optimal patient care. Our literature search did not identify any published data on this topic, thus we sought to report our experience with concomitant SNM and gynecologic surgery. Our primary objective was to identify the rate of adverse events among cases. Secondarily, we reviewed the anesthetics used to identify potential associations when performing combined surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was retrospective case series of women undergoing SNM at a single academic center from 2012 to 2018. Cases were identified using current procedural terminology codes for SNM and common gynecologic procedures. These electronic medical records were reviewed to identify cases that occurred concomitantly in addition to obtaining demographics, adverse events, type of anesthesia, and overnight hospital stay. Descriptive data analysis was performed with Excel.

RESULTS

Of 200 identified cases of SNM, 15 (7.5%) were concomitantly performed with another procedure. Most concomitant surgeries occurred with insertion of implantable pulse generator. Three minor adverse events occurred: two urinary tract infections and one occurrence of urinary retention. Eight (53%) cases were performed under general anesthesia while seven (46%) received monitored sedation.

CONCLUSIONS

No serious adverse events or anesthesia-related complications were identified in this series. While general anesthesia was used more often, it was in accordance with our standard practice for the gynecologic procedures. This study supports the safety of concomitant gynecologic and SNM surgery.

Is antibiotic prophylaxis necessary in mid-urethral sling surgery?

Introduction and hypothesis

Antibiotic prophylaxis is commonly used when implanting a mid-urethral sling (MUS) for female stress urinary incontinence. Use of antibiotics may lead to adverse events and the development of antibiotic resistance. This study compared a variety of outcomes after MUS surgery with and without antibiotic prophylaxis using data from the national Norwegian Female Incontinence Registry.

Methods

Preoperative and 6–12 months postoperative subjective and objective data from 28,687 patients who received MUS surgery from 1998 through 2017 were extracted from the registry. Categorical outcomes were compared between women with or without antibiotic prophylaxis using chi-square test for independence. Primary outcome was incidence of postoperative surgical site infection (SSI). Secondary outcomes were incidence of tape exposure, de novo or persistent urgency urinary incontinence, postoperative pain > 3 months, subjective and objective cure rates, and patient satisfaction.

Results

Antibiotic prophylaxis was used in 9131 and not used in 19,556 patients. SSIs and prolonged postoperative pain occurred significantly more often without antibiotic prophylaxis. Subjective and objective cure rates were significantly higher and tape exposures significantly lower in women not receiving prophylactic antibiotics. There were no significant differences in other outcomes.

Conclusions

Antibiotic prophylaxis resulted in fewer women developing postoperative infections or prolonged postoperative pain after MUS surgery, but did not offer protection against tape exposure. The differences in cure rates were small and probably without clinical relevance. If a small increase in surgical site infections is accepted, the routine use of antibiotic prophylaxis can probably be omitted.

The effects of menopause on the quality of life and long-term outcomes of transobturator tape treatment in women with stres urinary incontinence

Purpose:

We aimed to investigate the effects of menopause on long-term outcomes of transobturator tape (TOT) surgery.

Materials and Methods:

Patients who underwent TOT surgery were evaluated under two groups as postmenopausal and premenopausal. The International Consultation on Incontinence short-form questionnaire (ICIQ-SF), Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7) and Urogenital Distress Inventory-Short Form (UDI-6) questionnaires were completed by the patients at the 1^st and 5^th-year follow-up sessions. Patients with a postoperative UDI-6 and IIQ-7 score of <10 were considered as cured, those with lower postoperative scores compared to the preoperative period were regarded as improved, and the cases that had higher postoperative scores than preoperative values were interpreted as TOT failure. The TOT success rates were compared between the results obtained from UDI-6 and IIQ-7.

Results:

A total of 109 patients were included in the study (53 postmenopausal and 56 premenopausal). We contacted with 90 (48 premenopausal and 42 postmenopausal) women at 1^st year control and 80 (44 premenopausal and 36 postmenopausal) women at 5^th year control. There was a significant improvement in all of three questionnaires between the preoperative and post-operative 1^st year control (ICIQ-SF: 15.5±2.5 vs. 1.8±4.3, p <0.001; IIQ-7: 68.9±9.8 vs. 2.75±15.2, p <0.001; UDI-6: 27.1±11.1 vs. 6.0±14.6, p <0.001) and the preoperative and post-operative 5^th year control (ICIQ-SF: 15.5±2.5 vs. 3.1±5.3, p <0.001; IIQ-7: 68.9±9.8 vs. 9.6±26.7, p <0.001; UDI-6: 27.1±11.1 vs. 5.1±10.0, p <0.001). When we compared the premenopausal and postmenopausal patients in terms of recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI); 5 (12%) patients had recurrent UTI in postmenopausal group but no patients had recurrent UTI in premenopausal group at 1^st year follow-up (p=0.039) and similarly the same 5 (13.9%) patients in follow-up had recurrent UTI in postmenopausal group but no patients had recurrent UTI in premenopausal group at 5^th year follow-up (p=0.045). There were no significant differences between the premenopausal and postmenopausal patients in terms of TOT success rates at 1^st and 5^th year control, evaluated with UDI-6 (1st year: p=0.198 and 5^th year: p=0.687) and IIQ-7 (1^st year: p=0.489 and 5^th year: p=0.608) questionnaires.

Conclusions:

Transobturator tape surgery is an effective and reliable method according to the long-term outcomes reported in this paper. In the current study, we determined that the TOT success rates were not affected by the presence of menopause.

Risk of Urinary Tract Infection Symptoms after Posthysterectomy Cystoscopy with 50% Dextrose as Compared with Saline Cystoscopy with Indigo Carmine

STUDY OBJECTIVE

Compare odds of postoperative urinary symptoms in women who had cystoscopy after benign laparoscopic hysterectomy with 50% dextrose and with normal saline solution with intravenous indigo carmine.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Two tertiary care centers.

PATIENTS

All women who underwent benign laparoscopic hysterectomy and intraoperative cystoscopy carried out by a single surgeon.

INTERVENTIONS

We compared postoperative urinary symptoms in patients who received 50% dextrose cystoscopy fluid (January 2016-June 2017) with those who received saline cystoscopy with intravenous indigo carmine (November 2013-April 2014).

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

A total of 96 patients had cystoscopy with 50% dextrose and 104 with normal saline with intravenous indigo carmine. Differences in baseline characteristics of the two groups of participants mainly reflected institutional population diversity: age (45.2 vs 41.9, p = .01), body mass index (26.9 vs 33.4, p <.01), race, current smoking status (1% vs 7.8%, p = .04), diabetes (2.1% vs 11.5%, p = .01), history of abdominal surgery (53.1% vs 74%, p <.01), hysterectomy type, receipt of intraoperative antibiotics (92.7% vs 100%, p <.01), recatheterization (10.4% vs 0%, p <.01), and removal of catheter on postoperative day 0 (66.7% vs 12.5%, p <.01). Urinary symptoms were similar for 50% dextrose and saline (12.5% vs 7.7%, p = .19). After adjusting for age, body mass index, race, diabetes, and day of catheter removal, there remained no significant differences in urinary symptoms between the groups (odds ratio 3.19 [95% confidence interval, 0.82-12.35], p = .09). One immediate bladder injury was detected in the saline group and 1 delayed lower urinary tract injury in the 50% dextrose group.

CONCLUSION

Overall, most women experienced no urinary symptoms after benign laparoscopic hysterectomy. There were no significant differences in postoperative urinary symptoms or empiric treatment of urinary tract infection after the use of 50% dextrose cystoscopy fluid as compared with normal saline. The previous finding of increased odds of urinary tract infection after dextrose cystoscopy may be due to use in a high-risk population.

Is a pelvic examination contributory in the initial evaluation of women with recurrent urinary tract infections?

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTIs) affect up to 44% of women; evidenced-based guidelines regarding the contributory role of a pelvic examination in these women are lacking. We hypothesize that routine pelvic examination has a limited role in evaluation and management of women with rUTI when appropriate symptoms-based screening is performed and normal post-void residual volume (PVR) is confirmed.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective chart review of women ages 18-85 years presenting to Wake Forest Pelvic Health Center with two culture-proven UTIs in 6 months or three UTIs in 12 months with a documented pelvic examination. Pregnant women were excluded. Data extraction included demographics, medical history, screening assessment of vaginal bulge symptoms, urine culture results, imaging, physical/pelvic examination findings, PVR, treatment recommendations and outcomes within 1 year of initial assessment. Descriptive statistics and Fisher's exact test were performed.

RESULTS

Of 160 charts screened, 91 met the inclusion criteria. Nineteen (21%) had symptoms of vaginal bulge, and 14 (17%) had PVR > 100 ml. Pelvic examination provided new/contributory information in eight (8.8%) of women. The negative predictive value of absence of bulge symptoms and normal PVR was 89%. Within 1 year, 41 (46%) reported symptom resolution with rUTI treatment with no difference between those with or without a contributory pelvic examination (p value = 0.64).

CONCLUSIONS

In women with rUTI who report absence of vaginal bulge symptoms and have a PVR < 100 ml, a pelvic examination provides contributory information in < 10% of women and did not change treatment outcomes.

Impact of per-operative antibiotics on the urinary tract infection rate following mid-urethral sling surgery for urinary incontinence: a randomized controlled trial

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

The objective was to compare the effect of antibiotics versus no antibiotics prophylaxis per-operatively on the frequency of urinary tract infection (UTI) following mid-urethral sling application to treat stress or mixed urinary incontinence.

METHODS

This study was designed as a multicenter prospective randomized trial. Women were included from eight centers in three countries. Women were aged under 60 years and had objectively verified stress urinary incontinence. Women with mixed urinary incontinence were also included. Randomization was held in blocks for operation with either antibiotics or no antibiotics. UTI was defined in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) criteria for symptomatic UTI. Women were followed up at 3, 12, and 36 months. This was part of a trial comparing subjective cure rate in relation to application of Ajust® (single-incision mid-urethral slings) versus standard mid-urethral slings.

RESULTS

The main outcome was to evaluate if per-operative antibiotics had any impact on UTI following sling surgery. In total, 305 women were randomized (158 [52%] to antibiotics and 147 [48%] to no antibiotics). Demographic data disclosed no differences between the two groups. The trial did not show any difference between the two groups regarding the frequency of postoperative UTI. Logistic regression analysis disclosed only residual urine volume at 3 months' follow-up as a significant risk factor for UTIs. Per-operative antibiotics had no influence on the frequency of mesh erosions or any other complication.

CONCLUSIONS

Our trial does not suggest any beneficial effect of per-operative antibiotics on the risk of post-operative UTIs.

The effect of cadaveric hands-on training model on surgical skills and confidence for transobturator tape surgery

Objective:

To demonstrate the role of cadaveric hands-on training model on surgical skills and confidence levels of surgeons during transobturator tape (TOT) surgery.

Material and Methods:

A pre-test and post-test evaluation to measure skills during the practice of the steps of TOT surgery was performed on a total of 15 postgraduate urologists and gynecologists during a urogynecologic cadaveric dissection course. The course was shaped with regard to theoretical lessons, full pelvic cadaveric dissection and TOT surgery on cadavers.

Results:

Good handling of the TOT needle, identifying the right place for groin incision, adequate size of groin incision, identifying the right place for incision at the anterior vagina, dissection of bladder pillars from the vagina, identifying the right place at the vaginal foramina for TOT needle exit, and good placement of mesh were reviewed. The post-test scores were statistically significant for all parameters and also for self confidence level (p<0.001).

Conclusion:

Cadaveric workshops are important landmarks of surgical education to improve surgical skills, and gain experience and confidence.

Urinary tract infection after clean-contaminated pelvic surgery: a retrospective cohort study and prediction model

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Postoperative urinary tract infection (UTI) leads to increased patient morbidity and health care costs. A prediction model may identify patients at highest risk for UTI development. Our primary objective was to determine the rate of UTI in the first 6 weeks after benign gynecologic surgery. Our secondary objective was to identify risk factors and build a predictive model for postoperative UTI.

METHODS

We reviewed 310 patient records, which represent all patients who underwent clean-contaminated surgery at a tertiary center (2016-2017). UTI was defined as positive urine culture (> 100,000,000 CFU/l) in a symptomatic patient. Pre-, intra- and postoperative variables were collected. The relation between these variables and UTI was assessed through logistic regression. A clinical prediction model was built.

RESULTS

Patients' mean age was 58.5 years and mean body mass index was 27.5 kg/m². Most were inpatients (65.8%) and 269 had urogynecologic procedures, with the remainder undergoing pelvic surgery for other indications. The most common operation was vaginal reconstruction for prolapse (59.7%), associated with concomitant synthetic midurethral sling in 1/3 cases. Forty patients (12.9%) developed UTI. Multivariate prediction modeling showed increasing age (OR 1.33, CI 1.01-1.75), increasing number of procedures (OR 1.42, CI 1.14-1.78) and prolonged voiding dysfunction (OR 3.78, CI 1.66-8.60) to be significant UTI predictors.

CONCLUSIONS

Urinary tract infection in the first 6 weeks after complex pelvic surgery is common. Our prediction model identifies that patients who are older women, have prolonged voiding dysfunction and have a greater number of concomitant pelvic floor surgeries have higher risk of postoperative UTI.

The Effect of Catheterization on Susceptibility of Uropathogens After Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine whether bacterial uropathogens from positive urine cultures and uropathogen antibiotic susceptibility differ between catheterized (C) and noncatheterized (NC) patients after pelvic reconstructive surgery.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study of patients with a positive urine culture within 1 year of pelvic reconstructive surgery. Patients were categorized as having an indwelling catheter placed for urinary retention or voiding dysfunction within 48 hours of specimen collection versus no catheter. Microbiology reports provided uropathogens and antibiotic susceptibility for each culture. Student t test, χ, and logistic regression were used to compare rates of non-Escherichia coli uropathogens and susceptibility to first-line antibiotics between C and NC groups.

RESULTS

A total of 427 positive urine cultures from 317 unique patients were identified. Positive urine cultures from C patients were less likely to contain E. coli (47.1% NC vs 29.2% C; P = 0.0009), with enterococcus being the most common non-E. coli uropathogen. The odds of non-E. coli uropathogens increased with age (adjusted odds ratio, 4.25; 95% confidence interval, 1.95-9.28; P = 0.0003 for the oldest patients). Cultures from C patients were more likely to have a uropathogen not susceptible to sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (20.5% NC vs 32.1% C; P = 0.03), nitrofurantoin (19.2% NC vs 34.6% C; P = 0.002), and cefazolin (18.1% NC vs 49.4% C; P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

After pelvic reconstructive surgery, patients with a positive urine culture who have undergone catheterization within 48 hours of specimen collection are more likely to have non-E. coli uropathogens, with 1 in 3 cultures being not susceptible to common first-line antibiotics. This highlights the importance of performing susceptibility testing rather than treating empirically after pelvic reconstructive surgery.

Prevalence and risk factors for urinary tract infection following stress urinary incontinence surgery with two midurethral sling procedures

OBJECTIVE

To compare prevalence and risk factors for urinary tract infection (UTI) following midurethral sling surgery with either the GYNECARE ABBREVO Continence System (Ethicon, Somerville, NJ, USA) or a standard transobturator.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted among women who underwent midurethral sling surgery to treat stress urinary incontinence at a single tertiary hospital in Israel between January 1, 2014, and August 11, 2015. Data were retrieved from medical records. The diagnosis of UTI was based on a positive urine culture result.

RESULTS

Of 178 patients included, 30 (16.9%) underwent the ABBREVO procedure and 148 (83.1%) underwent the standard transobturator procedure. The mean ± SD BMI at the time of surgery was 28.1 ± 4.5 for the standard transobturator procedures and 30.7 ± 15.2 for the ABBREVO procedures. Women who underwent the ABBREVO procedure had an increased duration of hospitalization (P=0.004), and higher rates of concomitant anterior colporrhaphy procedures (P=0.009) and concomitant hysterectomy (P=0.009). Only 38 (21.3%) women developed UTIs within 12 months of surgery (seven in the ABBREVO procedure group and 31 in the standard transobturator procedure group). No statistically significant between-group differences were found for the risk of UTI or for urinary tract adverse events, such as recurrent UTI and the need for rehospitalization.

CONCLUSIONS

The two procedures were comparable in terms of prevalence and risk factors for UTI during the postoperative period.

Microbiological Analysis of Urine Cultures in Women after Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery

Background/Aims

The rate of urinary tract infection (UTI) after pelvic reconstructive surgery ranges from 9 to 48% and the most common uropathogen is Escherichia coli (E. coli). The aim of the study is to identify the predominant uro-pathogen from urine cultures in women undergoing pelvic reconstructive surgery.

Methods

A retrospective review was conducted on women who underwent pelvic reconstructive surgery at a tertiary care center from July 2013 to June 2015. Data was collected from each postoperative visit to evaluate urinary tract symptoms, culture results and treatment in the 3-month postoperative interval.

Results

There were 880 cases reviewed (mean age of 59.6 years) during the study period. The most common organism in positive cultures was E. coli after surgery. The total UTI rate was 11.3%. Patients discharged with a Foley catheter had a UTI rate of 65.6% (p = 0.003). Diabetes, neurologic disease, tobacco use, recurrent UTIs and breast or gynecologic cancers had no significant association with UTI after surgery.

Conclusion

The most common organism identified is E. coli. Almost 12% of patients will develop a UTI after pelvic reconstructive surgery. The results of this study can influence management of lower urinary tract symptoms in the postoperative period.

Prevalence and risk factors for urinary tract infection up to one year following midurethral sling incontinence surgery

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of urinary tract infection (UTI) one year following sub-midurethral sling (SMUS) incontinence surgery in a university affiliated medical center in southern Israel.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted to identify and characterize patients who suffered UTI within a year following SMUS surgery. The study population comprised of all patients who underwent a SMUS surgery between the years 2014 and 2015. Demographic and clinical data were retrieved from the patients' medical records, and a comparison between patients with and without a positive urine culture was performed.

RESULTS

During the study period, there were 178 SMUS surgeries. Urine culture positive UTI was noted in 21% (38 patients) within the first year following surgery. The mean age and BMI of patients complicated with UTI was 64.8 and 29.1, respectively. The most common pathogen found in urine culture was E. coli that accounted for 55% of all UTIs. When comparing patients with and without UTI, no significant difference was noted in the pre- and intra-operative characteristics. However, duration of hospitalization and readmissions in the first year following surgery, were significantly associated with the risk of UTI (p < 0.026 and p < 0.003, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Approximately one in every five women undergoing a SMUS operation in our population will suffer from UTI within a year from surgery. A significant association was found between the duration of hospitalization and readmissions in the first postoperative year and suffering from UTI.

Military Surgeon Volume and Stress Incontinence Surgery Complications: A Retrospective Cohort Study

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To compare 12-month postoperative complication rates in women who underwent sling procedures by high-volume versus low-volume surgeons at US military treatment facilities (MTFs).

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2).

SETTING

US MTFs.

PATIENTS

Female military beneficiaries enrolled in TRICARE.

INTERVENTIONS

Sling surgery for stress urinary incontinence between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2012.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The primary exposure was surgeon volume (high vs low). Surgeon volume was categorized as high or low based on the number of slings performed in the previous 2 years at US MTFs (January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2010). The primary outcome was a composite variable indicating at least 1 postoperative complication within 12 months. We used International Classification of Diseases, 9th revision and Current Procedural Terminology codes to identify postoperative complications that occurred in the 12 months after the index sling procedure. During the study period 348 gynecologic and urologic surgeons performed 1632 slings. The average patient age was 47.2 years. Based on our data distribution we classified surgeons as high volume (>12 slings/2 years) or low volume (<4 slings/2 years). High-volume surgeons operated on patients who were older, more likely to have comorbidities, and more likely to receive concomitant prolapse surgery. Using a cluster analysis the overall likelihood of at least 1 postoperative complication in 12 months for high-volume versus low-volume surgeons was 48.4% versus 42.2% (adjusted odds ratio, 1.24; 95% confidence interval, .99-1.54; p = .06). There were no differences between high- and low-volume surgeons in the rate of almost all other postoperative complications.

CONCLUSION

No significant differences in 12-month complication rates after sling surgery, stratified by surgeon volume, were seen in a setting of overall low-volume military surgeons.

Complications of Sling Surgery for Stress Urinary Incontinence Among Female Military Beneficiaries

BACKGROUND

Prior studies of complications after sling surgery excluded the large number of women in military treatment facilities (MTFs).

OBJECTIVE

To characterize the postoperative complication rates after sling surgery for Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) within MTFs in the United States.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective cohort study of women aged 18 and older, with SUI, and who underwent either an outpatient or inpatient mid-urethral sling placement for SUI in any MTF in the United States between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2012.

RESULTS

During the study period, 348 surgeons performed 1632 slings. The average patient age was 47.2 years, and 22.4% of the patients had a concomitant pelvic organ prolapse procedure. Overall, 45.5% of subjects had at least one postoperative complication. Of the specific complications, urologic infectious complications were the most frequent, occurring in 25.2% of patients. Overall, only 0.9% of patients underwent a repeat incontinence procedure. In multivariate analyses, concomitant pelvic organ procedure was associated with an increased risk of bladder outlet obstruction and noninfectious urologic complications. Those with a Charlson comorbidity index score of 1 or more were more likely to have an infectious complication and a new diagnosis of pelvic pain. Women older than the median age were less likely than those below to experience treatment failure and a new diagnosis of pelvic pain.

CONCLUSIONS

The population of women with SUI undergoing sling surgery at MTFs is a young population with postoperative complication rates lower than previously reported. However, the absolute overall complication rate is still high, specifically related to urinary tract infections, suggesting that significant opportunities exist for quality improvement.

Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection After Midurethral Sling: A Retrospective Study

OBJECTIVES

Our primary objective was to estimate the proportion of patients with culture-proven urinary tract infection (UTI) and recurrent UTI after midurethral sling (MUS), as well as to evaluate their risk factors. Our secondary objective was to characterize the difference in the proportion of patients with recurrent UTI before and after MUS.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study of patients who underwent MUS from 2009 to 2012 within a large health maintenance organization and subsequently had documentation of at least 1 positive urine culture (>100 K CFU/mL) within 1 year. Validated procedural and diagnostic codes were used to identify patients undergoing MUS and the diagnosis of UTI, respectively.

RESULTS

Of the 7461 MUS performed, 883 (12%) patients had at least 1 culture-proven UTI and 258 (3.5%) patients met the definition of recurrent UTI postoperatively. Of those 883 patients, 89 (10%) patients met the definition of recurrent UTI before, and 258 (29%) patients after, MUS. McNemar χ test revealed that patients were more likely to have recurrent UTI after MUS compared with before (P < 0.0001). In multivariate logistic regression, Caucasian (odds ratio [OR], 1.60, 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.12-2.29; P = 0.01) and African-American (OR, 3.42; 95% CI, 1.42-8.29; P = 0.01) ethnicity, older age (OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.00-1.04; P = 0.03), and a history of recurrent UTI (OR 3.79, 95% CI 1.88-7.93, P = 0.0003) were risk factors for postoperative recurrent UTI.

CONCLUSIONS

In this population, preoperative recurrent UTI was the only modifiable risk factor associated with an increased risk of postoperative recurrent UTI.

Update on complications of synthetic suburethral slings

Synthetic suburethral slings have become the most widely used technique for the surgical treatment of stress urinary incontinence. Despite its high success rates, significant complications have been reported including bleeding, urethral or bladder injury, urethral or bladder mesh erosion, intestinal perforation, vaginal extrusion of mesh, urinary tract infection, pain, urinary urgency and bladder outlet obstruction. Recent warnings from important regulatory agencies worldwide concerning safety issues of the use of mesh for urogynecological reconstruction have had a strong impact on patients as well as surgeons and manufacturers. In this paper, we reviewed the literature regarding surgical morbidity associated with synthetic suburethral slings.

Assessing ureteral patency using 10% dextrose cystoscopy fluid: evaluation of urinary tract infection rates

BACKGROUND

Intravenous indigo carmine has routinely been used to confirm ureteral patency after urogynecologic surgery. Recent discontinuation of the dye has altered clinical practice. In the absence of indigo carmine, we have used 10% dextrose in sterile water (D10) as cystoscopic fluid to evaluate ureteral patency. Glucosuria has been associated with urinary tract infection (UTI) in vivo and significantly enhanced bacterial growth in vitro. The concern is that the use of D10 would mimic a state of glucosuria albeit transient and increase the risk of postoperative UTI.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this study were to compare the rates of postoperative UTI and lower urinary tract (LUT) injuries between patients who underwent instillation of D10 vs normal saline at the time of intraoperative cystoscopy after urogynecological surgery.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a retrospective cohort study of all women who underwent cystoscopic evaluation of ureteral patency at the time of urogynecological surgery from May through December 2014 at a tertiary care referral center. We compared patients who received D10 cystoscopy fluid vs those who used normal saline. Outcomes included UTI and diagnosis of ureteral or LUT injuries. UTI was diagnosed according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines by symptoms alone, urine dipstick, urinalysis, or urine culture. Descriptive statistics compared the rates of UTI between the 2 groups, and a multivariable model was fit to the data to control for potential confounders and significant baseline differences between the groups.

RESULTS

A total of 303 women were included. D10 was used in 113 cases and normal saline (NS) was used in 190. The rate of UTI was higher in the D10 group than the NS group: 47.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 38.3-57.4) vs 25.9% (95% CI, 19.8-32.8, P < .001). After adjusting for age, pelvic organ prolapse stage, use of perioperative estrogen, days of postoperative catheterization, menopausal status, diabetes mellitus, and history of recurrent UTI, the UTI rate remained significantly higher with the use of D10 (adjusted odds ratio, 3.4 [95% CI, 1.6-7.5], P = .002) compared with NS. Overall, 3 cases of transient ureteral kinking (1.0%) and one cystotomy (0.3%) were identified intraoperatively. However, ureteral and LUT injuries were not different between groups. No unidentified injuries presented postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

Although the use of D10 cystoscopy fluid has been successful in identifying ureteral patency in the absence of indigo carmine, it is associated with an increased rate of postoperative UTI compared with NS.

Outcomes of Surgery for Stress Urinary Incontinence in the Older Woman

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

Pelvic Organ Prolapse-Associated Cystitis

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and urinary tract infection (UTI) are important problems, estimated to affect around 14 and 40 % of women, respectively, at some point in their lives. Positive urine culture in the presence of symptoms is the cornerstone of diagnosis of UTI and should be performed along with ultrasound assessment of postvoid residual (PVR) in all women presenting with POP and UTI. PVR over 30 mL is an independent risk factor for UTI, although no specific association with POP and UTI has been demonstrated. The use of prophylactic antibiotics remains controversial. The major risk factors for postoperative UTI are postoperative catheterisation, prolonged catheterisation, previous recurrent UTI and an increased urethro-anal distance—suggesting that global pelvic floor dysfunction may play a role.

A prospective study of a single-incision sling at the time of robotic sacrocolpopexy

Introduction and hypothesis

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the Miniarc Precise® single-incision sling (American Medical Systems, Minnetonka, MN, USA) placed at the time of a robotic sacrocolpopexy.

Methods

This was a prospective study of a single-incision suburethral sling placed at the time of robotic sacrocolpopexy in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and pelvic organ prolapse. Primary outcome measure was cure at 1 year, defined objectively by a negative cough stress test (CST) and subjectively by a score of “0 or 1” on question 17 of the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI-20): “Do you experience urine leakage related to coughing/sneezing/laughing?” Secondary outcome measures included the change in Urinary Distress Inventory (UDI-6) and Urinary Impact Questionnaire (UIQ-7) scores at 1 year. All sling-related complications were reported. Paired Student’s t test and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test were used for statistical analysis.

Results

One hundred and one patients were included between August 2010 and July 2012. One-year follow-up was available for 97 out of 101 patients (96 %). Objective cure was 90 % and subjective cure was 87 %. Baseline UDI-6 scores improved from 34.8 ± 25.1 to 6.7 ± 11.2 at 1 year (p < 0.001). Similarly, UIQ-7 scores improved from 21.1 ± 22.8 to 2.4 ± 8.2 at 1 year (p < 0.001). There were no intraoperative cystotomies, no mesh erosions, no sling revisions, and no cases of urinary retention. The retreatment rate for persistent SUI was 8 % (8 out of 97).

Conclusions

The addition of a single-incision suburethral sling at the time of robotic sacrocolpopexy in women with SUI resulted in an 87 % cure rate at 1 year.

Short-term outcomes of vaginal mesh placement among female Medicare beneficiaries

OBJECTIVE

To compare short-term outcomes between prolapse repairs with and without mesh using a national data set. Mesh use in surgical treatment of pelvic organ prolapse has gained wide popularity. However, mesh complications have increased concomitantly with its use.

METHODS

Public Use File data were obtained for a 5% random national sample of female Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 years and older. Women who underwent prolapse surgery were identified using Current Procedural Terminology Coding System, Fourth Edition (CPT-4) codes. Because the code for mesh placement was effected in 2005, we separated patients into 3 cohorts as follows: those who underwent prolapse repairs from 1999 to 2000 (presumably without mesh), those who underwent repairs from 2007 to 2008 (presumably without mesh), and those with mesh (based on CPT-4 code 57267) from 2007 to 2008. One-year outcomes were identified using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision diagnosis and procedure codes and CPT-4 procedure codes.

RESULTS

A total of 9180 prolapse repairs without mesh were performed from 1999 to 2000, 7729 without mesh from 2007 to 2008, and 1804 prolapse repairs with mesh from 2007 to 2008. Prolapse reoperation within 1 year of surgery was higher in nonmesh vs mesh cohorts (6%-7% vs 4%, P <.02). Mesh removal rates were higher in mesh vs nonmesh group (4% vs 0%-1%, P <.001). Mesh use was associated with more dyspareunia, mesh-related complications, and urinary retention, even when controlling for concomitant sling.

CONCLUSION

Mesh to treat pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence was associated with a small decrease in early reoperation for prolapse. This decrease came at the expense of increased rates of pelvic pain, retention, mesh-related complications, and mesh removal.

Use of antibiotics for urinary tract infection in women undergoing surgery for urinary incontinence: a cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To describe the use of antibiotics for urinary tract infection (UTI) before and after surgery for urinary incontinence (UI); and for those with use of antibiotics before surgery, to estimate the risk of treatment for a postoperative UTI, relative to those without use of antibiotics before surgery.

DESIGN

A historical population-based cohort study.

SETTING

Denmark.

PARTICIPANTS

Women (age ≥18 years) with a primary surgical procedure for UI from the county of Funen and the Region of Southern Denmark from 1996 throughout 2010. Data on redeemed prescriptions of antibiotics ±365 days from the date of surgery were extracted from a prescription database.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Use of antibiotics for UTI in relation to UI surgery, and the risk of being a postoperative user of antibiotics for UTI among preoperative users.

RESULTS

A total of 2151 women had a primary surgical procedure for UI; of these 496 (23.1%) were preoperative users of antibiotics for UTI. Among preoperative users, 129 (26%) and 215 (43.3%) also redeemed prescriptions of antibiotics for UTI within 0-60 and 61-365 days after surgery, respectively. Among preoperative non-users, 182 (11.0%) and 235 (14.2%) redeemed prescriptions within 0-60 and 61-365 days after surgery, respectively. Presurgery exposure to antibiotics for UTI was a strong risk factor for postoperative treatment for UTI, both within 0-60 days (adjusted OR, aOR=2.6 (95% CI 2.0 to 3.5)) and within 61-365 days (aOR=4.5 (95% CI 3.5 to 5.7)).

CONCLUSIONS

1 in 4 women undergoing surgery for UI was treated for UTI before surgery, and half of them had a continuing tendency to UTIs after surgery. Use of antibiotics for UTI before surgery was a strong risk factor for antibiotic use after surgery. In women not using antibiotics for UTI before surgery only a minor proportion initiated use after surgery.

Effectiveness of mesh compared with nonmesh sling surgery in Medicare beneficiaries

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effectiveness of mesh compared with nonmesh slings placed in different surgical settings as measured by the frequency of complications within 1 year.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study of Medicare beneficiaries undergoing sling surgery from 2006 to 2008 in hospital outpatient departments and hospital-based ambulatory surgery centers. Slings were identified and categorized according to the use of mesh by Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System codes and temporary "C" Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System codes. Patients were followed for 1 year after each procedure to identify complications. Logistic models were fit to assess relationships among sling type, surgical setting, and various complications.

RESULTS

We identified 6,698 Medicare beneficiaries who underwent mesh sling procedures and 445 Medicare beneficiaries who underwent nonmesh sling procedures. The overall frequency of complications was similar between the two groups at 69.8% and 72.6% in the mesh and nonmesh groups, respectively (P=.22). Infectious complications were the most common complication at 45.4% and 50.1% of the mesh and nonmesh groups, respectively (P=.06). Patients undergoing mesh procedures were less likely than patients undergoing nonmesh procedures to require management for bladder outlet obstruction (13.9% compared with 19.3%, adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.66, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.52-0.85) and were less likely to have a subsequent sling removal and revision or urethrolysis (2.7% compared with 4.7%, adjusted OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.35-0.89).

CONCLUSION

Frequencies of most complications were similar regardless of the use of mesh except for the management of bladder outlet obstruction. These results did not differ based on the surgical setting where the sling procedure was performed.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II.

Comparative outcomes of open versus laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy among Medicare beneficiaries

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Since the first reported laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy in 1991, a limited number of single-center studies have attempted to assess the procedure's effectiveness and safety. Therefore, we analyzed a national Medicare database to compare real-world short-term outcomes of open and laparoscopically assisted (including robotic) sacrocolpopexy in a United States sample of patients.

METHODS

Public Use File data for a 5% random national sample of all Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 and older were obtained from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for the years 2004-2008. Women with pelvic organ prolapse were identified using ICD-9 diagnosis codes. CPT-4 procedure codes were used to identify women who underwent open (code 57280) or laparoscopic (code 57425) sacrocolpopexy. Individual subjects were followed for 1 year post-operatively. Outcomes measured, using ICD-9 and CPT-4 codes, included medical and surgical complications and re-operation rates.

RESULTS

Seven hundred and ninety-four women underwent open and 176 underwent laparoscopic (including robotic) sacrocolpopexy. Laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy was associated with a significantly increased rate of re-operation for anterior vaginal wall prolapse (3.4% vs 1.0%, p = 0.018). However, more medical (primarily cardiopulmonary) complications occurred post-operatively in the open group (31.5% vs 22.7%, p = 0.023). When sacrocolpopexy was performed with concomitant hysterectomy, mesh-related complications were significantly higher in the laparoscopic group (5.4% vs 0%, p = 0.026).

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy resulted in an increased rate of reoperation for prolapse in the anterior compartment. When hysterectomy was performed at the time of sacrocolpopexy, the laparoscopic approach was associated with an increased risk of mesh-related complications.