Transobturator Versus Minisling for Urinary Incontinence: A Randomized Controlled Trial

IMPORTANCE

The comparison between single-incision slings (SISs) and midurethral slings has been documented in the literature, but results vary according to the SIS device.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study is to assess whether SIS (Solyx) is noninferior to transobturator (TOT) (Obtryx) sling for treating women with confirmed stress-predominant urinary incontinence.

STUDY DESIGN

A prospective, parallel, nonblinded, multicenter, noninferiority, randomized controlled study with 114 patients were randomized and followed 6 and 12 months after surgery. Interventions were midurethral TOT sling (Obtryx-halo; n = 58) or SIS (Solyx; n = 56). The primary outcome was improvement in the Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I). Secondary outcomes were the Kings Health Questionnaire (KHQ) instruments after treatment, subjective improvement, and surgical outcomes.

RESULTS

Both groups were homogeneous ( P = NS) regarding sociodemographic and clinical variables. There was improvement in the PGI-I after 6 ( P = 0.001) and 12 months ( P = 0.001) of treatment for women who underwent TOT sling. After 6 months, KHQ scores improved in the TOT group for the following domains: role limitations ( P = 0.026) and physical limitations ( P = 0.006). After 12 months, the TOT group presented better KHQ scores that were statistically significant from the SIS group in incontinence impact ( P = 0.012), physical limitations ( P = 0.001), and severity measures ( P = 0.017). Moreover, the TOT group presented higher subjective improvement after 6 months ( P = 0.006) than the SIS group. Mesh erosion was higher in the SIS group ( P = 0.006). Reoperations were not statistically different between groups.

CONCLUSION

There were higher scores in the PGI-I score and higher subjective improvement for the TOT sling after 6 and 12 months of treatment when compared with the SIS group.

Rectovaginal Fistula in Women With Pessary for Pelvic Organ Prolapse: A Case Series and Literature Review

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we present a series of 2 cases of rectovaginal fistula (RVF) due to the use of a ring-type pessary in the conservative treatment of pelvic organ prolapse and a literature review on the management of RVF related to the use of pessaries.

METHODS

Two patients were selected from the medical records of the urogynecology service, and their demographic and clinical data were retrieved. An updated literature review was included presenting cases of RVF induced by or after use of a pessary.

RESULTS

Both patients evolved with removal of the pessary and correction of the fistula. The surgical procedures of choice were Le Fort Colpocleisis and posterior colporraphy without major complications. In the literature review, we selected 17 studies with a total of 23 cases reporting RVFs induced or followed by the use of pessaries.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the pessary is commonly indicated for the conservative treatment of pelvic organ prolapse, this device is not exempt from generating complications.

Mid- to Long-Term Magnetic Resonance Imaging Results of Two Prolapse Surgeries for Apical Defect: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE

 Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been considered another tool for use during the pre- and postoperative periods of the management of pelvic-organ prolapse (POP). However, there is little consensus regarding its practical use for POP and the association between MRI lines of reference and physical examination. We aimed to evaluate the mid- to long-term results of two surgical techniques for apical prolapse.

METHODS

 In total, 40 women with apical POP randomized from 2014 to 2016 underwent abdominal sacrocolpopexy (ASC group; n = 20) or bilateral vaginal sacrospinous fixation with an anterior mesh (VSF-AM group; n = 20). A physical examination using the POP Quantification System (POP-Q) for staging (objective cure) and the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Vaginal Symptoms (ICIQ-VS: subjective cure), were applied and analyzed before and one year after surgery respectively. All MRI variables (pubococcigeous line [PCL], bladder base [BB], anorectal junction [ARJ], and the estimated levator ani subtended volume [eLASV]) were investigated one year after surgery. Significance was established at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

 After a mean 27-month follow-up, according to the MRI criteria, 60% of the women were cured in the VSF-AM group versus 45% in ASC group (p = 0.52). The POP-Q and objective cure rates by MRI were correlated in the anterior vaginal wall (p = 0.007), but no correlation was found with the subjective cure. The eLASV was larger among the patients with surgical failure, and a cutoff of ≥ 33.5 mm³ was associated with postoperative failure (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [ROC]: 0.813; p = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

 Both surgeries for prolapse were similar regarding the objective variables (POP-Q measurements and MRI cure rates). Larger eLASV areas were associated with surgical failure.

Vaginal hysterectomy with bilateral sacrospinous fixation plus an anterior mesh versus abdominal sacrocervicopexy for the treatment of primary apical prolapse in postmenopausal women: a randomized controlled study

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

We compared vaginal hysterectomy with bilateral sacrospinous fixation plus an anterior polyvinylidene fluoride mesh versus abdominal sacrocolpopexy for the treatment of primary apical prolapse in postmenopausal women.

METHODS

A prospective, randomized, single-blind, parallel study [Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clinicos (REBEC) trial register code RBR-7t6rg2] was performed from October 2015 to May 2016. A total of 71 postmenopausal women with advanced pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and undergoing surgery were randomized to the abdominal sacrocolpopexy (ASC) (n = 36) or the vaginal sacrospinous fixation with anterior mesh (VSF-AM) (n = 35) groups. Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) system classification was performed for objective assessment, and the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Vaginal Symptoms (ICIQ-VS), International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF), and International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Overactive Bladder (ICIQ-OAB) questionnaires were filled out for subjective evaluation by women before and 1 year after surgery. All procedures were performed by a single surgeon.

RESULTS

Both groups had improvement in almost POP-Q points (except for vaginal length in the VSF-AM group) and all ICIQ scores. The ASC group had a longer operative time (129 versus 117 min, p = 0.0038) and duration for return to activities (103 versus 57 days, p < .05). Four women (11%) in the VSF-AM group were reoperated versus none from the ASC group (p = .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Although the study did not achieve the planned recruitment, after 12 months of follow-up, ASC did not differ from VSF-AM in objective and subjective scores (ICIQ questionnaires; POP-Q measurements). Recovery time was longer after open abdominal surgery.

Quality of life and vaginal symptoms of postmenopausal women using pessary for pelvic organ prolapse: a prospective study

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The use of pessary is an option for the conservative treatment of pelvic organ prolapse (POP). However, here are few studies assess the quality of life (QoL) after inserting the pessary for POP. We have hypothesized that the use of pessary would modify QoL in women with POP. METHODS: A prospective, observational study was performed that included 19 women with advanced POP. Pessary was introduced, and the SF-36 (general quality of life) and ICIQ-VS (vaginal symptoms and quality of life subdomain) questionnaires were applied before the introduction and after six months. A single question about the satisfaction regarding the use of the device was presented (subjective impression). RESULTS: The mean age of the women included was 76 years. Most of them were non-caucasian (52.6%), with no prior pelvic surgery (57.5%), with urinary symptoms (78.9%). A third of the patients reported sexual activity. After treatment, 22.2% of them presented vaginal infection, and 27.7% increased vaginal discharge. Urinary symptoms remained unaltered. Women reported 100% satisfaction after using the pessary (77.7% partial improvement; 22.3% total improvement). SF-36 had significant improvement in three specific domains: general state of health (p=0.090), vitality (p=0.0497) and social aspects (p=0.007). ICIQ-VS presented a reduction in the vaginal symptoms (p < 0.0001) and an improvement in QoL (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The use of pessary for six months improved the QoL and reduced vaginal symptoms for women with advanced POP.

Mesh Surgery for Anterior Vaginal Wall Prolapse: A Meta-analysis

Purpose Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a major health issue worldwide, affecting 6-8% of women. The most affected site is the anterior vaginal wall. Multiple procedures and surgical techniques have been used, with or without the use of vaginal meshes, due to common treatment failure, reoperations, and complication rates in some studies. Methods Systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis regarding the use of vaginal mesh in anterior vaginal wall prolapse was performed. A total of 115 papers were retrieved after using the medical subject headings (MESH) terms: 'anterior pelvic organ prolapse OR cystocele AND surgery AND (mesh or colporrhaphy)' in the PubMed database. Exclusion criteria were: follow-up shorter than 1 year, use of biological or absorbable meshes, and inclusion of other vaginal wall prolapses. Studies were put in a data chart by two independent editors; results found in at least two studies were grouped for analysis. Results After the review of the titles by two independent editors, 70 studies were discarded, and after abstract assessment, 18 trials were eligible for full text screening. For final screening and meta-analysis, after applying the Jadad score (> 2), 12 studies were included. Objective cure was greater in the mesh surgery group (odds ratio [OR] = 1,28 [1,07-1,53]), which also had greater blood loss (mean deviation [MD] = 45,98 [9,72-82,25]), longer surgery time (MD = 15,08 [0,48-29,67]), but less prolapse recurrence (OR = 0,22 [01,3-0,38]). Dyspareunia, symptom resolution and reoperation rates were not statistically different between groups. Quality of life (QOL) assessment through the pelvic organ prolapse/urinary incontinence sexual questionnaire (PISQ-12), the pelvic floor distress inventory (PFDI-20), the pelvic floor impact questionnaire (PFIQ-7), and the perceived quality of life scale (PQOL) was not significantly different. Conclusions Anterior vaginal prolapse mesh surgery has greater anatomic cure rates and less recurrence, although there were no differences regarding subjective cure, reoperation rates and quality of life. Furthermore, mesh surgery was associated with longer surgical time and greater blood loss. Mesh use should be individualized, considering prior history and risk factors for recurrence.

Impact of Sacrospinous Colpopexy Associated with Anterior Colporrhaphy for the Treatment of Dome Prolapse on all Three Vaginal Compartments

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the results of sacrospinous colpopexy surgery associated with anterior colporrhaphy for the treatment of women with post-hysterectomy vaginal vault prolapse.

METHODS

This prospective study included 20 women with vault prolapse, Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification System (POP-Q) stage ≥ 2, treated between January 2003 and February 2006, and evaluated in a follow-up review (more than one year later). Genital prolapse was evaluated qualitatively in stages and quantitatively in centimeters. Prolapse stage < 2 was considered to be the cure criterion. Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon test (paired samples) to compare the points and stages of prolapse before and after surgery.

RESULTS

Evaluation of the vaginal vault after one year revealed that 95% of subjects were in stage zero and that 5% were in stage 1. For cystocele, 50% were in stage 1, 10% were in stage 0 (cured) and 40% were in stage 2. For rectocele, three women were in stage 1 (15%), one was in stage 2 (5%) and 16 had no further prolapse. The most frequent complication was pain in the right buttock, with remission of symptoms in all three cases three months after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

In this retrospective study, the surgical correction of vault prolapse using a sacrospinous ligament fixation technique associated with anterior colporrhaphy proved effective in resolving genital prolapse. Despite the low complication rates, there was a high rate of cystocele, which may be caused by posterior vaginal shifting due to either the technique or an overvaluation by the POP-Q system.

[Correlation of the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionaire: Urinary Incontinence/Short Form to Urodynamic diagnosis in women with urinary incontinence]

PURPOSE

To evaluate the correlation between the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Urinary Incontinence/Short Form (ICIQ-UI/SF) and Urodynamic evaluation (UE) in women with urinary incontinence (UI).

METHODS

Clinical data, UE and ICIQ-UI/SF scores for 358 patients from private health service were analyzed retrospectively . The correlation between ICIQ-UI/SF and urodynamic parameters was determined by Spearman's test. A ROC curve with the sensitivity and specificity of the ICIQ-UI/SF scores was utilized to establish the value of the questionnaire that would predict an altered urodynamic parameter. The χ(2) test or Fisher's exact test was used to calculate the p-value. The level of significance was 5% and the software used was SAS 9.2.

RESULTS

Sixty-seven point three percent of the patients presented Stress UI (SUI) according to the UE (urodynamic SUI); those with SUI and Detrusor overactivity (DO) at UE represented 16.2% of the women (SUI+DO), and those with only DO at UE (DO) represented 7.3% of the women. Patients with normal UE represented 9.2% of the women. There was a significant association between ICIQ-UI/SF scores ≥14 and patients with urodynamic SUI, with or without DO. Patients with Valsava Leak Point Pressure (VLPP)≤90 cmH2O presented ICIQ-UI/SF≥15. Spearman's test showed a weak inverse correlation between ICIQ-UI/SF score and VLPP, although it did not show any correlation with maximum cystometric capacity or with bladder volume on first desire to void.

CONCLUSION

There was an association between ICIQ-UI/SF score and patients with SUI, with or without DO, but no association between the score and patients with DO alone. The lower the VLPP value, the higher the ICIQ-UI/SF score. The ICIQ-UI/SF was not able to distinguish the different types of UI in the studied population.