Validation of a Chinese Version of the Short Form of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire

Impact of pelvic floor muscle training on sexual function in women affected by stress urinary incontinence

Background

Pelvic floor muscle training can effectively improve pelvic floor muscle strength and activities; however, its impact on sexual function in women with stress urinary incontinence remains unclear.

Aim

The study sought to investigate the impact of pelvic floor muscle training on pelvic floor muscle and sexual function in women with stress urinary incontinence.

Methods

This was a retrospective observational study involving women who visited a urogynecologic clinic at a tertiary medical center. Patients with stress urinary incontinence without pelvic organ prolapse underwent pelvic floor muscle training programs that included biofeedback and intravaginal electrostimulation. Other evaluations included pelvic floor manometry, electromyography, and quality-of-life questionnaires, including the short forms of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire, Urogenital Distress Inventory, and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire.

Outcomes

Clinical characteristics, vaginal squeezing and resting pressure, maximal pelvic floor contraction, duration of sustained contraction, quality-of-life scores, and sexual function were compared between baseline and after the pelvic floor muscle training programs.

Results

There were 61 women included in the study. The mean number of treatment sessions was 12.9 ± 6.3, and the mean treatment duration was 66.7 ± 32.1 days. The short forms of the Urogenital Distress Inventory (7.7 ± 3.8 vs 1.8 ± 2.1; P < .001) and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (5.9 ± 4.3 vs 1.8 ± 2.0; P < .001) scores significantly improved after the pelvic floor muscle training program. In addition, all pelvic floor muscle activities significantly improved, including maximal vaginal squeezing pressure (58.7 ± 20.1 cmH2O vs 66.0 ± 24.7 cmH2O; P = .022), difference in vaginal resting and maximal squeezing pressure (25.3 ± 14.6 cmH2O vs 35.5 ± 16.0 cmH2O; P < .001), maximal pelvic muscle voluntary contraction (24.9 ± 13.8 μV vs 44.5 ± 18.9 μV; P < .001), and duration of contraction (6.2 ± 5.7 s vs 24.9 ± 14.6 s; P < .001). Nevertheless, the short form of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire score demonstrated no significant improvement (28.8 ± 9.7 vs 29.2 ± 12.3; P = .752).

Clinical Implications

Pelvic floor muscle training programs may not improve sexual function in women with stress urinary incontinence.

Strengths and Limitations

The strength of this study is that we evaluated sexual function with validated questionnaires. The small sample size and lack of long-term data are the major limitations.

Conclusion

Pelvic floor muscle training can improve pelvic floor muscle activities and effectively treat stress urinary incontinence; however, it may not improve sexual function.

Anterior-apical Transvaginal Mesh (Calistar-S) for Treatment of Advanced Urogenital Prolapse: Surgical and Functional Outcomes at 1 Year

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Calistar-S is a single-incision synthetic mesh kit that addresses apical and anterior compartment prolapse. The aims of this study were to evaluate the short-term objective and subjective outcomes at the 1-year follow-up. The secondary objectives were to evaluate quality of life and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) outcomes, as well as surgical complications.

METHODS

Records of 108 patients with symptomatic advanced pelvic organ prolapse (stages III and IV) who underwent prolapse surgery using the Calistar-S system from June 2018 to August 2022 were reviewed. The primary outcome was the objective cure of anterior and apical prolapse < stage 1, and the subjective cure was the negative response to questions 2 and 3 of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Distress Inventory-6. Secondary outcomes measured quality of life, the presence of lower urinary tract symptoms, and complications.

RESULTS

A total of 101 patients were evaluated. The overall objective cure rate is 97% and the subjective cure rate is 92.1%. Good outcomes were seen in all three compartments. Secondary outcomes show significant improvement in all validated questionnaires. Persistence and de novo urinary incontinence were 15.2% and 18.2% post-operatively. There is one case of bladder injury and one case of vaginal mesh exposure.

CONCLUSIONS

The Calistar-S System is a safe and efficient method for treating advanced-stage POP. We observed good anatomical results and subjective relief with a minimal complication rate. LUTS have also been positively affected, showing a high success rate. Additional studies are needed to establish the long-term efficacy of this system.

Polypropylene anterior-apical single-incision UPHOLD-LITE mesh surgery in women with severe pelvic organ prolapse: Outcome at 53 months follow up

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

We present this current study to complement with mesh inlays plausible benefits (UPHOLD-LITE System) on available long-term study amidst FDA's concern on mesh complications. This study aims to assess the medium-term outcomes of UPHOLD-LITE system for treatment of advanced pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and its complications, and lower urinary tract symptoms.

METHODS

This is a retrospective case series of 53 months follow-up of 123 consecutive patients who underwent UPHOLD-LITE system. Objective outcome measures the anatomical correction of prolapse with POP-Q ≤ Stage 1. Subjective outcome was patient's feedback to questions 2 and 3 of POPDI-6. Secondary outcome measures the quality of life, presence of lower urinary tract symptoms and complications. Quality of life is assessed by validated questionnaires on Urogenital Distress Inventory 6 (UDI-6), Incontinence Impact Questionnaire 7 (IIQ-7), Pelvic Organ Prolapse Distress Inventory 6 (POPDI-6), and Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Function Questionnaire 12 (PISQ-12) at 1 and 3 years post-operatively.

RESULTS

Objective outcome at 1 and 3 years was at 96.7 % and 95.4 % respectively. The subjective cure was 95.1 % and 91.6 %. Five-year cumulative cure rate maintained at 87.2 %. Secondary outcomes observed improvement on UDI-6, IIQ-7, POPDI-6 and PISQ-12 postoperatively. Bladder outlet obstruction improved while de novo urodynamic stress incontinence (USI) increased slightly post surgically. Mesh erosion rate was 0.8 %.

CONCLUSION

The UPHOLD-LITE system demonstrated good medium term anatomical correction of apical and anterior prolapse, with good subjective cure and improved quality of life. Whilst complication rate was low, slight increase in de novo USI was observed.

Tailor-made three-dimensional printing vaginal pessary to treat pelvic organ prolapse: a pilot study

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to apply three-dimensional (3D) printing technology to treat women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and to evaluate efficacy based on the improvement by quality of life (QOL) questionnaires.

METHODS

This was a pilot study at a tertiary urogynecology unit in Taiwan. Between January 2021 and June 6, 2021, participants who opted for self-management using Gellhorn pessaries to treat symptomatic POP were enrolled. For each woman, the original Gellhorn pessary was placed into the vagina to restore the prolapsed tissues and under transvaginal ultrasound guided to evaluate the gap which the Gellhorn pessary cannot cover. Otoform (an impression silicone) was used to make a model and have it hooked onto Gellhorn pessary (template). We collected templates and then applied 3D printing to customize the silicone vaginal pessary. All women completed multiple validated QOL questionnaires at baseline and at 3 and 6 months.

RESULTS

Six women completed the study. The QOL questionnaires revealed significant improvements across the board.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrates that a tailor made 3D pessary can be used for women with POP. A customized pessary can be made with the help of transvaginal ultrasound and 3D printing technology.

Correlation between overactive bladder and detrusor overactivity: a retrospective study

INTRODUCTION

The primary objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of overactive bladder (OAB) and detrusor overactivity (DO) in female patients who were referred for urodynamic study (UDS) because of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). The secondary objective is to determine the subjective and objective differences between female OAB patients with and without DO.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All female patients who underwent UDS for LUTS between June 2016 and September 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Personal history, medical history, physical examination, and validated questionnaires were collected. One-hour pad test and multichannel urodynamic study was performed. All statistical analyses were conducted by SAS 9.4. P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

A total of 4184 female patients underwent UDS because of LUTS between June 2016 and September 2019; 1524 patients were analyzed for OAB or DO. The occurrence of OAB was 36.4%. The overall incidence of DO in OAB patients was 15.5%; 9.5% of all patients had DO findings on UDS, and 4.6% were incidental findings. There were significant differences among mean age, parity, ICIQ-UI SF, OABSS, POPDI-6, and all UDS parameters (except for maximal urethral pressure and pressure transmission ratio) between patients with and without DO. In patients with DO, there were no significant differences among age, parity, and BMI with or without OAB symptoms. However, there were significant differences among mean OABSS, ICIQ-UI SF, UDI-6, POPDI-6, IIQ-7, and pad test.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with DO are associated with older age, increased parity, greater urine leakage, and worse storage and micturition functions on UDS. Combinations of subjective and objective measurements are better predictive models for OAB patients.

A modified technique for paravaginal repair of cystocele with paravaginal defect: A retrospective study

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of a modified protocol for paravaginal repair of symptomatic paravaginal defects and cystocele.

METHODS

This study was an observational case series of 98 consecutive female patients, referred to our hospital between June 2014 and May 2018, with symptomatic grade II to IV paravaginal defects and cystocele. Our modified technique for paravaginal repair is based on the conventional protocol but incorporates reverse bridge repair and the cross-stitching of bilateral sutures. The curative effect of this new technique was evaluated subjectively and objectively during postoperative follow-up.

RESULTS

All operations were successful. Patients were followed up for 12 to 48 months, until June 2019; the mean follow-up period was 32.4 months. Three months after surgery, the rate of success was 100% (98/98 cases); in each case, the top of the vagina lay above the level of the sciatic spine. The rate of success was 94.9% (93/98 cases) at 12 months after surgery, 91.0% (61/71 cases) at 24 months after surgery, and 76.2% (16/21 cases) at 48 months after surgery. Four cases required a second surgery; three of these cases were treated with sacrocolpopexy, and one case was treated with sacrospinous ligament fixation.

CONCLUSION

Our modified technique for paravaginal repair was safe and effective for anterior vaginal prolapse and cystocele, as confirmed by the results observed over a mean follow-up period of 32.4 months.

Association of Baseline Pelvic Floor Muscle Activities With Sexual and Urinary Functions In Female Stress Urinary Incontinence

BACKGROUND

The presence of reactive and strong pelvic floor muscle (PFM) activities is supposed to be associated with better urinary and sexual functions in female stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

AIM

This study was to explore the association of baseline PFM activities, both volitional and reflex, with urinary and sexual functions in women with SUI but who had no experience of PFM training programs before.

METHODS

Secondary analysis of a prospectively maintained database identified 125 sexually active women with SUI who had met the eligibility criteria. All patients had undergone intravaginal digital examination and pelvic ultrasound to detect volitional and reflex PFM activities, respectively, and responded to questionnaire surveys, including short forms of the urogenital distress inventory, incontinence impact questionnaire-7, and Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire. On pelvic ultrasound, an inward clitoral motion and an anorectal lift preceding or during coughing were regarded as the presence of reflex activities of the PFM.

OUTCOMES

The relationship of volitional and reflex PFM activities with pelvic floor dysfunction relating questionnaires and urethral function on urodynamic studies was analyzed.

RESULT

Of the 125 women studied, 30 (24.0%) had volitional PFM contraction strength less than grade 2, 74 (59.2%) grade 2 to 3, and 21 (16.8%) greater than grade 3 based on the modified Oxford grading scale. During or preceding coughing, an inward clitoral motion was not observed on ultrasound in 9 (7.2%) women and an anorectal lift was not observed in 8 (6.4%) women. The strength of volitional PFM contraction and the presence or absence of anorectal lift reflex was not associated with urethral and sexual function. In contrast, the absence of reflex inward clitoral motion was significantly associated with lower maximum urethral closure pressure (P = .042) and higher scores of urogenital distress inventory-6 (P = .006) and incontinence impact questionnaire-7 (P = .029).

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Higher volitional PFM contraction strength was not associated with better sexual and urinary functions; however, loss of one reflex PFM activity was associated with poorer urinary function.

STRENGTHS & LIMITATION

To our knowledge, this is the first study that evaluates the association of baseline PFM activities with sexual and urinary functions in female SUI. Nevertheless, the cross-sectional design of this study cannot well support the cause-effect relationship CONCLUSION: Besides PFM physiotherapy for enhancing sexual and urinary functions in female SUI, additional treatment strategies such as neuromodulation should take into consideration for those who had absent reflex PFM activities. Yang E, Yang SH, Huang WC, et al. Association of Baseline Pelvic Floor Muscle Activities With Sexual and Urinary Functions In Female Stress Urinary Incontinence. J Sex Med 2021;18:1698-1704.

De novo detrusor overactivity and urgency after mid-urethral slings for urodynamic stress incontinence

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

The objective was to identify incidence and risk factors of de novo urgency and detrusor overactivity (DO) following mid-urethral slings (MUS) in patients with urodynamic stress incontinence (USI) without urgency.

METHODS

A total of 688 women between January 2004 and July 2017 were reviewed retrospectively. De novo urgency was established with a positive response to question 2 on the Urogenital Distress Inventory-6 questionnaire (UDI-6). Objective cure of USI is no involuntary urine leakage during filling cystometry and pad test < 2 g. Subjective cure of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is defined as a negative response to question 3 on UDI-6. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for failure.

RESULTS

Forty-four out of 688 women (6.4%) developed de novo urgency, with 16 out of 688 (2.3%) demonstrating de novo DO. Subjective cure for women with de novo urgency was significantly lower at 35 out of 44 (79.5%) compared with 556 out of 644 (86.3%) in those with no urgency (p < 0.001). Objective cure for women with de novo DO was significantly lower at 8 out of 16 (50%) compared with 599 out of 672 (89.1%) in those with detrusor stability (p < 0.001). Quality of life improved for all. Age ≥ 66 (OR, 1.23; 1.07), increased bladder sensation (OR, 4.18; 3.80), lower bladder capacity (OR, 5.28; 4.97), lower maximum urethral closure pressure (OR, 2.32; 5.20), and pad test > 100 g (OR, 1.08; 1.15) were independent risk factors for de novo urgency and DO. Diabetes (OR, 1.32) was an independent predictor of de novo urgency.

CONCLUSION

Cure is significantly reduced in women who report symptoms of de novo urgency or demonstrate DO after MUS at 1 year. Independent risk factors include age ≥ 66, increased bladder sensation, lower bladder capacity, lower maximum urethral closure pressure, greater pad loss, and diabetes.

Factors associated with treatment outcomes after intravesical hyaluronic acid therapy in women with refractory interstitial cystitis: A prospective, multicenter study

BACKGROUND

Bladder instillation of hyaluronic acid (HA) is an acceptable treatment for bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC). The treatment is limited by a high proportion of non-responders (~30%-40%). Here, we aimed to evaluate predisposing factors associated with treatment outcomes.

METHODS

This is a prospective multicenter study. We enrolled a total of 137 (out of 140) women with refractory IC. They all underwent a standard protocol of 6-month intravesical HA therapy (initial 4 weeks, once weekly, followed by once monthly). To assess the outcomes, we used the pain Visual Analog Scale (Pain-VAS), Interstitial Cystitis Symptom and Problem Index (ICSI & ICPI), and a scaled Global Response Assessment (GRA).

RESULTS

The age of patients was 47.6 ± 27.5 (range 24-77) years. We found statistically significant improvement (p < 0.001) in the Pain-VAS and the ICSI & ICPI scores both after the initial 4-weekly instillations and at the end of 6-month treatment. Those who reported moderate/marked improvement on GRA at the 2 follow-up visits were considered responders: 39.4% (n = 54) at the first follow-up, and 59.9% (n = 82) at the second follow-up. No remarkable side effect was noted. After statistical analyses, treatment outcomes on GRA were positively associated with baseline functional bladder capacity and with Pain-VAS scores. The initial treatment responses optimally (p < 0.001) predicted final treatment outcomes (McNemar).

CONCLUSION

Intravesical HA therapy is safe and effective for most (~60%) of our patients with refractory IC. Functional bladder capacity and Pain-VAS scores before treatment, and the early treatment responses are helpful predictors of treatment outcomes.

Safety and efficacy of a self-developed Chinese pelvic repair system and Avaulta repair system for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse in women: A multicenter, prospective, randomized, parallel-group study

The pelvic organ prolapse (POP) repair systems used in China are imported and expensive. Our aim was to compare the efficacy and safety of a self-developed pelvic floor repair system versus the Avaulta system.This was a multicenter, randomized, parallel-group, noninferiority trial of 132 patients with POP stage ≥II from the Tongji Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University and the General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University enrolled from 02/2014 to 03/2015. The patients were randomized 1:1 to POP repair using the self-developed system or the Avaulta system. Perioperative conditions, POP quantification, pelvic floor impact questionnaire-7, and prolapse quality of life questionnaires, gynecological ultrasound, and postoperative complications were compared. Patients were followed at 1.5, 3, and 6 months.According to the POP quantification scores obtained at 6 months after surgery, the cure rates of the self-developed and Avaulta groups were 98.3% and 100.0%, respectively (P > .999). At 6 months follow-up, the pelvic floor impact questionnaire-7 scores of the self-developed and Avaulta groups were both improved (P < .001 vs baseline), with no between-group difference observed (P = .488). There were no differences between the 2 groups for subjective symptoms of POP (all P > .05). There were no significant differences between the 2 groups regarding complications (all P > .05).The self-developed pelvic reconstruction system is safe and effective for the treatment of POP and improves the patients' quality of life, without difference compared to the Avaulta system.

Anterior-Apical Transvaginal Mesh (Surelift) for Advanced Urogenital Prolapse: Surgical and Functional Outcomes at 1 Year

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To determine the objective and subjective outcomes of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgery using a modified Surelift system (Neomedic International, Barcelona, Spain) and to evaluate surgical complications and postoperative impact on quality of life (QOL) and lower urinary tract symptoms.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Tertiary-care university hospital.

PATIENTS

Patients with symptomatic anterior or apical POP stage III and above.

INTERVENTIONS

All patients underwent pelvic reconstructive surgery with a modified Surelift transvaginal mesh kit.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Eighty-three women who underwent pelvic reconstructive surgery with a modified Surelift for symptomatic anterior or apical prolapse stage III and above from April 2018 to January 2019 were reviewed retrospectively. All completed a 72-hour voiding diary, urodynamic study, and multiple validated QOL questionnaires at baseline and at between 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Descriptive statistics were used for demographics and perioperative data. Paired-samples t test and the McNemar test were applied for comparison of pre- and postoperative continuous and categoric data, respectively. The primary outcomes were the objective cure of POP, defined as anterior and apical prolapse Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification System ≤ stage I, and subjective cure on the basis of negative answers to Pelvic Organ Prolapse Distress Inventory 6. The objective and subjective cure rates at 1 year were 97.6% and 92.8%, respectively. There were significant improvements in QOL scores postoperatively. Although bladder outlet obstruction improved, de novo urodynamic stress incontinence and stress urinary incontinence were increased at 18.9% and 21.6%, respectively, at 1-year follow-up. The mesh extrusion rate was 4.8%.

CONCLUSION

A modified Surelift has good objective and subjective cure rates at 1 year postoperatively with 4.8% mesh extrusion rate. There was significant improvement in lower urinary tract symptoms and QOL. De novo urodynamic stress incontinence at 6 months to 12 months was increased, but it was not sufficiently bothersome to warrant surgery.

The Outcome of a Single-Incision Sling versus Trans-Obturator Sling in Overweight and Obese Women with Stress Urinary Incontinence at 3-Year Follow-Up

Background: Being overweight or obese is a risk factor for incontinence and has negative impacts on the surgical outcomes. Compared with trans-obturator sling (TOS), single incision sling (SIS) is a new generation of anti-incontinence surgery. However, the data on SIS in overweight and obese women remains limited. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed the objective and subjective cure rate of overweight and obese women who underwent sling surgeries. Other evaluations included valid questionnaires to assess quality of life and 1-hour pad test to quantify urine leakage. Surgical characteristics and adverse events were also analyzed. Results: A total of 217 patients were analyzed with a median follow-up period of 37.3 months (range, 9–84 months). For overweight and obese patients, the objective and subjective cure rate were comparable (all p > 0.05). However, the SIS group had worse post-operative incontinence-related symptom distress (p < 0.001) and 1-hour pad test (p = 0.047). On the other hand, SIS had a shorter surgery time (p = 0.017) and lower pain score (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Compared with TOS, SIS had non-significant cure rates in the overweight and obese women. SIS had worse urine leakage and incontinence symptoms, but less surgical and wound pain in obese women. Thorough pre-operative counseling is necessary.

Ultrasonography and clinical outcomes following anti-incontinence procedures (Monarc vs MiniArc): A 3-year post-operative review

Objective

To compare the ultrasonographic positional changes of mid-urethral sling(MUS) tape in relation to symphysis pubis, and the different clinical outcomes among women who underwent MUS insertion with MiniArc^TM or Monarc^TM for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence 3 years after.

Materials and methods

A retrospective follow-up study on patients with clinically confirmed stress urodynamic incontinence and urodynamic stress incontinence who had undergone MiniArc or Monarc surgery. Data regarding preoperative evaluation, intraoperative complications and post-operative follow-ups were collated. Main outcome is to determine the change in position of the sling through measurement of the x- and y-axis at rest and during Valsalva maneuver using the 3D introital ultrasound.

Results

A total of 138 patients were evaluated, 82 belonged to Monarc and 56 to MiniArc. At 3years, objective and subjective cure rates for MiniArc and Monarc were comparable (88%, 91%; p>0.05; 83%, 89%, p>0.05 respectively). Ultrasonographic changes between MiniArc and Monarc from 6 months to 3 years, showed MiniArc to exhibit significant movement in both x- [3.0 ±0.4 mm vs. 2.2 ±0.3 mm (p = 0.02) at rest; 2.6 ±0.3 mm vs. 1.6 ±0.3 mm (p<0.001) during valsalva] and y-axis [3.5 ±0.5 mm vs. 2.0 ±0.3 mm (p<0.001) at rest; 3.3 ±0.5 mm vs. 2.9 ±0.3 mm (p = 0.037) during Valsalva]. The mobility of MiniArc was significantly more than Monarc from rest to Valsalva (1.1 ±0.4 mm vs. 0.3 ±0.3 mm, p = 0.001). Tightness of the sling assessed from the major and minor axis of the urethral core had no significant difference in both groups at rest and during Valsalva. Urethral kinking percentage and the location of the sling did not yield statistical difference.

Conclusion

Maintenance of continence rates of mid-urethral slings depends on the compressive effect of the sling on the urethra, urethral kinking, and sling fixation. From 6months to 3 years, MiniArc changed its position in both x- and y-axis over time, which the authors attribute to loosening of the anchoring mechanism since no clinical relevance could be sought.

Sacrospinous ligament fixation for hysteropexy: does concomitant anterior and posterior fixation improve surgical outcome?

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Uterine preservation in uterine prolapse is an option for young patients. We hypothesized that sacrospinous hysteropexy (SSH) with anchorage to both the anterior and posterior cervix (SSH-ap) would have a better outcome than SSH with anchorage to the posterior cervix only (SSH-p).

METHODS

This was a retrospective study including 75 patients who underwent SSH at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital between March 2008 and August 2013. Five were excluded due to incomplete data. Of the remaining 70 patients, 35 underwent SSH-p between March 2008 and June 2011, and 35 underwent SSH-ap between June 2010 and August 2013. The primary outcome was the objective anatomical result, and a successful outcome was considered anatomical correction (POP-Q stage 1 or less) of anterior and apical prolapse. Subjective outcome was evaluated using the POPDI-6 questionnaire, and a patient response of "No or mild abdominal organ falling out sensation" together with "No or mild heaviness" was considered to indicate a successful outcome. Anterior fornix and cervical diameter measurements were included. The secondary outcome was quality of life according to the UDI-6, IIQ-7, POPDI-6, and PISQ-12 questionnaires. The 3-year outcome was used for comparison.

RESULTS

The subjective overall cure rates were significantly different between the SSH-p and SSH-ap groups (74.3% and 94.3%, respectively; p = 0.023). However, the objective overall cure rates were not significantly different (74.3% and 82.9%, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Anchorage of the anterior cervix and vaginal wall together with the usual posterior anchorage yield better subjective outcomes and apical suspension at 3 years after surgery than anchorage of the posterior cervix and vaginal wall only. The cervix position affected the subjective outcome. Concurrent trachelectomy did not affect the outcome.

Urinary leakage during sexual intercourse among women with incontinence: Incidence and risk factors

BACKGROUND

Coital incontinence is an under-reported disorder among women with urinary incontinence. Women seldom voluntarily report this condition, and as such, related data remains limited and is at times conflicting.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To investigate the incidence and quality of life in women with coital incontinence and to determine associated predictors.

METHODS

This observational study involved 505 sexually active women attending the urogynecologic clinic for symptomatic urinary incontinence at a tertiary medical center. All of the patients were consulted about the experience of coital incontinence and completed evaluations including urodynamics, and valid questionnaires including the short form of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire, the Urogenital Distress Inventory and the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire.

RESULTS

Of these women, 281 (56%) had coital incontinence, while 224 (44%) did not. Among women with coital incontinence, 181 (64%) had urodynamic-proven stress incontinence, 29 (10%) had mixed incontinence, and 15 (5%) had detrusor overactivity. Only 25 (9%) sought consultation for this disorder before direct questioning. Fifty percent (84/281) of the women rarely or sometimes had incontinence during coitus, while 33% (92/281) often had incontinence, and 17% (48/281) always had incontinence. The frequency of coital incontinence was not different regarding the types of incontinence (p = 0.153). Women with mixed incontinence had the worst sexual quality of life and incontinence-related symptom distress. Based on univariate analysis, higher body mass index (OR 2.47, p = 0.027), and lower maximal urethral closure pressure (≤ 30 cmH2O) (OR 4.56, p = 0.007) were possible predictors for coital incontinence. Multivariate analysis showed lower MUCP was independently significant predictors (OR3.93, p = 0.042).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of coital intercourse in urinary incontinence women was high. Coital incontinence in these women was associated with abnormal urodynamic diagnosis and urethral dysfunction.

Determinants of pelvic organ prolapse among gynecologic patients in Bahir Dar, North West Ethiopia: a case-control study

Introduction

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a significant public health problem in developing countries including Ethiopia. However, less has been documented on risk factors of POP. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the determinants factors of POP.

Methods

An unmatched case–control study was conducted among gynecologic patients in Bahir Dar city, North West Ethiopia, from July to October 2014. A total of 370 women (selected from outpatient departments) were included in the study. Cases (clients with stage III or IV POP) and controls (who declared free of any stages of POP) were identified by physicians using the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantitative Examination tool. Data analysis was carried out by SPSS version 20.0. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. Statistical differences were considered at P<0.05, and the strength of association was assessed by odds ratio (OR) and respective confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

This study revealed that determinants such as age of women (>40 years) (adjusted OR [AOR] =3.0 [95% CI: 1.59–5.89]), sphincter damage (AOR =8.1 [95% CI: 1.67–39.7]), family history of POP (AOR =4.9 [95% CI: 1.94–12.63]), parity (≥4) (AOR =4.5 [95% CI: 2.26–9.10]), nonattendance of formal education (AOR =4.3 [95% CI: 1.25–14.8]), carrying heavy objects (AOR =3.1 [95% CI: 1.56–6.30]), body mass index (BMI) <18.5 kg/m² (AOR =3.1 [95% CI: 1.22–7.82]), and delivery assisted by nonhealth professionals (AOR =2.6 [95% CI: 1.24–5.56]) were significantly associated with POP.

Conclusion

In our study, sphincter damage, family history of POP, being uneducated, having ≥4 vaginal deliveries, carrying heavy objects, BMI <18.5 kg/m², age ≥40 years, and having delivery assisted by nonhealth professional were the independent determinants of POP. Therefore, skilled delivery, further promoting family planning and girls’ education, early pelvic floor assessment, and counseling on avoidance of carrying heavy objects are recommended.

Five-year follow-up study of Monarc transobturator tape for surgical treatment of primary stress urinary incontinence

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

We hypothesized that transobturator tape (TOT) is safe and efficacious for the treatment of urodynamic stress incontinence in the long term.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective study of patients with confirmed urodynamic stress incontinence (USI) who underwent a Monarc^TM TOT procedure in a tertiary center between February 2006 and March 2009 without other concurrent surgical procedures. Urodynamics were conducted at 1 and 3 years postoperatively. Subjective evaluation included Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7), Urinary Distress Inventory Questionnaire (UDI-6), and Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ-12). Objective cure was defined as no urinary leakage demonstrable on provocative filling cystometry and/ or 1-h pad test of <2 g. Subjective cure was based on a negative response to question 3 in UDI-6. Paired-samples t test, chi-square, and Fisher exact tests were applied; p < 0.05 was considered significant. The log-rank tests were used to compare event-free survival.

RESULTS

Sixty patients were enrolled, and 56 were evaluated at 5 years postoperatively. The majority were middle aged, postmenopausal, and overweight. Mean operating time was 31.1 ± 8.9 min, intraoperative complications were minor, and median period of follow-up was 80.3 ± 9.6 months. At 5 years of follow-up, objective and subjective cure rates were 89.3 % and 87.5 %, respectively. No mesh-related complications were seen. One patient needed a repeat midurethral sling procedure, and one patient each had bladder and bowel cancer.

CONCLUSION

Monarc TOT was safe and retained its high cure rate in the short- and long-term treatment of stress urinary incontinence.

Risk factors for failure of repeat midurethral sling surgery for recurrent or persistent stress urinary incontinence

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

To study the outcomes following repeat midurethral sling (MUS) surgery in patients with persistent or recurrent stress urinary incontinence after failure of primary MUS surgery and risk factors for surgical failure.

METHODS

The medical records of 24 patients who underwent repeat MUS surgery at a single tertiary center from January 2004 to February 2014 were reviewed. The types of MUS used for the repeat surgey were transobturator, retropubic and single incision slings. Objective cure was defined as no demonstrable involuntary leakage of urine during increased abdominal pressure in the absence of a detrusor contraction observed during filling cystometry, and subjective cure was defined as a negative response to Urogenital Distress Inventory six (UDI-6) question 3 during follow-up between 6 months and 1 year postoperatively. The change in the inclination angle between the urethra and pubic axis was measured with introital ultrasonography and the cotton swab test performed.

RESULTS

The objective and subjective cure rates were 79.2 % and 75 %, respectively. There were no differences in demographics between the patients with failure of surgery and those with successful surgery. Significant independent risk factors for failure of repeat MUS surgery were a change in cotton swab angle at rest and straining of <30° (OR 4.6, 95 % CI 2.5 - 7.9°), a change in inclination angle of <30° (OR 4.6, 95 % CI 2.5 - 7.9°), intrinsic sphincter deficiency (OR 3.4, 95 % CI 1.8 - 6.1) and a mean urethral closure pressure of <60 cm H2O (OR 2.9, 95 % CI 1.5 - 4.5). In one patient the bladder was perforated.

CONCLUSIONS

Repeat MUS surgery is safe and has a good short-term success rate, both objectively and subjectively, with independent risk factors for failure related to bladder neck hypomobility and poor urethral function.

Validation of the Polish version of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

The aim of the study was to develop a Polish version of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ) to evaluate sexual function in patients with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) versus a control group.

METHODS

Before the validation study, a pilot study of the Polish version of the PISQ was performed in 22 women with pelvic floor dysfunctions. The respondents completed the questionnaire at recruitment and 2 weeks later. Test-retest reliability and internal consistency were determined. The validation study was performed in 249 sexually active women (123 with urodynamic SUI and POP; 126 healthy controls). The study group reported urinary incontinence (UI) at the urogynecological ambulatory clinic, where they underwent urogynecological and urodynamic examinations. All participants completed the questionnaire. PISQ results from both groups were compared and correlated with those of the King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ) and patient age.

RESULTS

Test-retest reliability was good according to Pearson's correlation coefficient (r = 0.89, p < 0.001). PISQ had high internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.878). The total PISQ score was significantly lower in the study group compared with the controls (83.6 ± 14.9 vs 95.7 ± 10.3, p < 0.001), as were scores for individual domains: Behavioral/Emotive, Physical, Partner-Related (33.9 ± 10.2 vs 39.8 ± 7.8, 31.7 ± 6.9 vs 37.1 ± 2.8, and 18.0 ± 3.1 vs 19.4 ± 2.6 respectively; p < 0.001), confirming the lower quality of sexual function in women with SUI and POP. A correlation between PISQ and KHQ scores and patient age was confirmed.

CONCLUSIONS

The Polish version of the PISQ is a reliable tool for evaluating sexual function in women with POP and UI.

Influence of anterior vaginal mesh with concomitant mid-urethral sling surgery on stress urinary incontinence: clinical and sonographic outcome

INTRODUCTION

To clinically and sonographically evaluate the influence of anterior vaginal mesh (AVM) surgery with concomitant mid-urethral sling surgery (MUS) for stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Women with severe symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse (POP) stage III or IV with concomitant SUI were divided into two groups: Group I had transobturator tape (TOT) and AVM surgery and Group II underwent TOT without AVM surgery. Clinical outcome was assessed pre-operatively and 1 year post-operatively, while ultrasound evaluations were performed after one year. Objective cure was defined as no urinary leakage demonstrable on provocative filling cystometry. Subjective SUI cure was a negative response to Urogenital Distress Inventory Six (UDI-6) (question 3).

RESULTS

A total of 97 women were recruited, 57 in Group I and 40 in Group II. Three women had symptomatic prolapse in Group I and 5 in Group II. There were no differences in the ultrasound and clinical outcomes between women who had mid-urethral slings with and without AVM. Successful SUI outcome was reported in 85 women. Urethral kinking was demonstrable in 50% of successful cases, but none with failed outcomes. Subanalysis among those with successful SUI outcome (n = 85) and failure (n = 12) revealed the tape, bladder neck and mesh mobility was significantly higher (P < 0.001) among those with SUI success.

CONCLUSIONS

Among women who had MUS, there were no differences in the ultrasound and clinical outcome between those who had AVM or otherwise.

Comparison between Elevate anterior/apical system and Perigee system in pelvic organ prolapse surgery: clinical and sonographic outcomes

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of de novo stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and sonographic features of implanted transvaginal mesh in continent women treated with Elevate(™) anterior/apical [single-incision mesh (SIM-A)] or Perigee(™) [transvaginal mesh with sacrospinous fixation (TVM + SSF)] in extensive pelvic organ reconstruction surgery.

METHODS

This prospective observational study was done from May 2010 to January 2013. Patients were recruited from two tertiary centers, and the Elevate(™) and Perigee(™) systems were compared. Patients who had overt or occult SUI, previous prolapse or mesh insertion were excluded.

RESULT

Fifty-seven patients in the SIM-A group and sixty-one in the TVM + SSF group were analysed. All completed a minimum of 1-year follow-up. Groups were demographically and statistically similar. There was a significantly high incidence of de novo SUI postoperatively in the SIM-A group. The objective and subjective cure rate of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) were comparable between groups, with incidence of mesh erosion in the SIM-A group and three in the TVM + SSF group. Sonographic evaluation showed significant increase in mesh length in the SIM-A group.

CONCLUSION

Elevate(™) a offered lower incidence of mesh erosion and comparable results on anatomical POP correction; however, incidence of de novo SUI was high. There is an apparent lengthening of implanted Elevate® mesh sonographically.

Outcome after conservative management for mixed urinary incontinence

AIM

Recommended initial treatment for mixed urinary incontinence involves behavioral therapy, and drug and pelvic floor muscle exercises. Our objective is to evaluate the outcome of these conservative treatments in our patients with mixed urinary incontinence.

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted in patients with mixed urinary incontinence who were offered sequential conservative treatment modalities comprised of medication and physiotherapy. Outcome was defined as a score of 1 or less for questions 2 and 3 on the six-item Urodynamic Distress Inventory (UDI-6) and seven-item Incontinence Impact Questionnaire, in addition to clinical symptomatic improvement with no urgency, urge incontinence and voiding frequency of less than eight times per 24 h on a 3-day bladder diary after treatment. Treatment outcome of patients opting for medication plus physiotherapy (M + P) were analyzed against patients preferring medication only (M).

RESULTS

Sixty-two mixed urinary incontinent patients received an initial treatment with conservative measures with mean follow-up of 14 months. A total of 61.2% (30/49) and 56.3% (9/13) subjects had improved symptoms in the M + P and M group, respectively. There was significant improvement in UDI-6 total score in the M + P group after conservative treatment, despite no significant difference when compared to the M group. Only 6.45% required subsequent anti-incontinence surgery after conservative treatment, amongst whom only half showed improvement after the surgery.

CONCLUSION

Combined treatment with medication and physiotherapy is highly recommended for patients with mixed urinary incontinence. Conservative measures should still precede any surgical intervention. Further studies are needed to evaluate the long-term efficacy.

Ultrasonography and clinical outcomes following surgical anti-incontinence procedures (Monarc vs Miniarc)

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the ultrasound morphology and its clinical outcome among women who had undergone Miniarc™ vs Monarc™ in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

STUDY DESIGN

This was a prospective study on 140 patients with USI and undergone either Miniarc or Monarc surgery. From March 2010 to December 2011, patients with clinically SUI and urodynamic stress incontinence (USI) were included in the study. Objective cure of SUI was defined as no urinary leakage on provocative filling cystometry and 1-h pad test of <2 g. Subjective cure of SUI was the negative response to UDI-6. Introital ultrasound at one-year explored the sling and bladder neck's position, mobility, sling tension, percentile of urethra where the sling was located and urethral kinking.

RESULTS

Postoperative data was available from 130 women. The ultrasound objective data for successful treatment post-operative follow-up was available from 119 women (46 Monarc, 73 Miniarc), the rest failed to follow-up. A bladder perforation was diagnosed in the Monarc group and 15 cases (7.1% of Monarc and 16.3% of Miniarc, p=0.082) of urinary retention was reported due to over-tensioning of the sling, majority of cases came from the Miniarc group. At rest and during Valsalva, analogous distances of the bladder neck and sling as well as the center of the urethral core were similar for both procedures. In both groups, shortest (Us) and longest diameters (Ul) of the urethral core were comparable at Valsalva which was significantly shorter and longer, respectively, compared to the values at rest. Sling position and percentage of urethral kinking were similar. Statistical analysis failed to detect any significant difference between the two groups with regards to the objective and subjective cure (p>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, a Miniarc and Monarc exhibit similar mechanism of action with comparable subjective and objective clinical outcomes. Majority of urethral impingement was noted in the Miniarc group. A higher maximum urethral closure pressure (MUCP), longer resting Ul, and shorter resting Us suggested these observations. Postoperative ultrasonographic evaluation may give a promising future perspective for the evaluation of sling tension.

Assessment of collagen-coated anterior mesh through morphology and clinical outcomes in pelvic reconstructive surgery for pelvic organ prolapse

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To assess the morphologic features of anterior armed transobturator collagen-coated polypropylene mesh and its clinical outcomes in pelvic reconstructive surgery to treat pelvic organ prolapse.

DESIGN

Evidence obtained from several timed series with intervention (Canadian Task Force classification II-3).

SETTING

Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan, China.

PATIENTS

Between April 2010 and October 2012, 70 patients underwent surgery to treat symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse, stage III/IV according to the POP-Q (Pelvic Organ Quantification System).

INTERVENTION

Anterior armed transobturator collagen-coated mesh.

MEASUREMENT AND MAIN RESULTS

Morphologic findings and clinical outcome were measured. Morphologic features were assessed via 2-dimensional introital ultrasonography and Doppler studies. Clinical outcome was measured via subjective and objective outcome. Objective outcome was assessed via the 9-point site-specific staging method of the International Continence Society Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification before the operation and at 1-year postoperative follow-up. Subjective outcome was based on 4 validated questionnaires: the 6-item UDI-6 (Urogenital Distress Inventory), the 7-item IIQ-7 (Incontinence Impact Questionnaire), the 6-item POPDI-6 (Pelvic Organ Prolapse Distress Inventory 6), and the 12-item PISQ-12 (Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire), at baseline and at 12 months after the operation. Data were obtained for 65 patients who underwent the combined surgery and were able to comply with follow-up for >1 year. Ultrasound studies reveal that mesh length tends to shorten and decrease in thickness over the 1-year follow-up. Vagina thickness also was reduced. Neovascularization through the mesh was observed in <8.5% of patients in the first month and at 1 year, and was evident in approximately 83%. The mesh exposure rate was 6.4%. The recorded objective cure was 90.8% (59 of 65 patients), and subjective cure was 89.2% (58 of 65 patients) at mean (SD) follow-up of 19.40 (10.98) months. At 2 years, UDI-6, IIQ-7, and POPDI-6 scores were all significantly decreased (p < .001), whereas the PISQ-12 score was significantly increased (p = .01).

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasound features suggest that the degeneration of collagen barrier may be longer than expected and that integration of collagen-coated mesh could occur up to 1 year. A substantially good clinical outcome was noted.

Assessment of female sexual function among women with pelvic organ prolapse or urinary incontinence via an Arabic validated short-form sexual questionnaire

OBJECTIVE

To assess female sexual function among women with pelvic organ prolapse or urinary incontinence via an Arabic, validated, short-form sexual questionnaire (PISQ-12).

METHODS

The present study was conducted among women attending Suez Canal University Hospital, Ismailia, Egypt, between September 2009 and August 2011. In the pilot study, 42 women completed the final version of the Arabic PISQ-12 at recruitment and then 2 weeks later, and the data were compared to evaluate reliability and internal consistency. The formal comparative study included 154 premenopausal sexually active women: 80 control women, and 74 women with some degree of pelvic prolapse with or without stress incontinence. All participants had a vaginal examination and completed the questionnaire. The main outcome measures were the mean questionnaire scores within its 3 domains (behavioral, physical, and partner-related).

RESULTS

The test-retest reliability and internal consistency of the Arabic PISQ-12 were excellent. Validity was approved by an expert panel. The case group had a significantly lower mean total questionnaire score (31.07 ± 4.2 vs 34.7 ± 6.2; P<0.05) but a higher partner-related score (9.0 ± 2.4 vs 8.4 ± 2.5; P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

The Arabic version of PISQ-12 was shown to be an effective and objective method of evaluating sexual function among patients with pelvic organ prolapse.

Effect of extracorporeal magnetic energy stimulation on bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms and quality of life in female patients with stress urinary incontinence and overactive bladder

AIMS

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of extracorporeal magnetic stimulation (EMS) for the treatment of bothersome and severe symptoms of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) in female patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted on patients with SUI and OAB who were referred to EMS therapy. Successful treatment for the bothersome symptoms of OAB and SUI was defined as score ≤1 for questions 2 and 3 on the Urodynamic Distress Inventory-6. The objective cure of SUI and OAB was defined as no urinary leakage during the cough stress test and any urgency, urge incontinence and voiding frequency of less than eight times per 24 h based on the 3-day bladder diary, after the 9 weeks of treatment, respectively.

RESULTS

Ninety-three patients with SUI or OAB underwent a 9-week course of EMS at 20 min twice weekly. Seventy-two (77%) patients completed EMS treatment. Geographical factor and poor economic status were two main factors for dropout. A total of 94.1% (32 of 34) and 86.8% (33 of 38) of subjects had successful treatment for the bothersome symptoms of OAB and SUI, respectively. In contrast, the cure rate for OAB and SUI was only 61.7% and 42.1%, respectively. There was also a significant improvement in both Urogenital Distress Inventory Short Form (bothersome on lower urinary tract symptoms) and the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire Short Form (quality of life) total score in both groups after EMS.

CONCLUSIONS

EMS is a safe and effective alternative method for treating SUI and OAB. Further studies are needed to evaluate the long-term efficacy.