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Nine percent of adult women experience episodes of fecal incontinence at least monthly. Fecal incontinence is more common in older women and those with chronic bowel disturbance, diabetes, obesity, prior anal sphincter injury, or urinary incontinence. Fecal incontinence negatively affects quality of life and mental health and is associated with increased risk of nursing home placement. Fewer than 30% of women with fecal incontinence seek care, and lack of information about effective solutions is an important barrier for both patients and health care professionals. Even among women with both urinary and fecal incontinence presenting for urogynecologic care, the rate of verbal disclosure of fecal incontinence symptoms remains low. This article provides an overview of the evaluation and management of fecal incontinence for the busy obstetrician-gynecologist, incorporating existing guidance from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American College of Gastroenterology, and the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons. The initial clinical evaluation of fecal incontinence requires a focused history and physical examination. Recording patient symptoms using a standard diary or questionnaire can help document symptoms and response to treatment. Invasive diagnostic testing and imaging generally are not needed to initiate treatment but may be considered in complex cases. Most women have mild symptoms that will improve with optimized stool consistency and medications. Additional treatment options include pelvic floor muscle strengthening with or without biofeedback, devices placed anally or vaginally, and surgery, including sacral neurostimulation, anal sphincteroplasty, and, for severely affected individuals for whom other interventions fail, colonic diversion.

OBJECTIVE: To identify baseline clinical and demographic characteristics associated with clinically important treatment responses in a randomized trial of non-surgical therapies for fecal incontinence (FI). METHODS: Women (N=296) with FI were randomized to loperamide or placebo and manometry-assisted biofeedback exercises or educational pamphlet in a 2×2 factorial design. Treatment response was defined in 3 ways: minimally clinically important difference (MID) of −5 points in St. Mark’s score, ≥50% reduction in FI episodes and combined St. Mark’s MID and ≥50% reduction FI episodes, from baseline to 24 weeks. Multivariable logistic regression models included baseline characteristics and treatment group with and without controlling for drug and exercise adherence. RESULTS: Treatment response defined by St. Mark’s MID was associated with higher symptom severity (adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR] 1.20, 95%CI 1.11 – 1.28) and being overweight vs normal/underweight (aOR 2.15, 95%CI 1.07 – 4.34); these predictors remained controlling for adherence. 50% reduction in FI episodes was associated with combined loperamide/biofeedback group compared to placebo/pamphlet (aOR 4.04, 95%CI 1.36 – 11.98), St. Mark’s score in the placebo/pamphlet group (aOR 1.29, 95%CI 1.01–1.65), FI subtype of urge vs urge plus passive FI (aOR 2.39, 95%CI 1.09–5.25) and passive vs urge plus passive FI, (aOR 3.26, 95% CI 1.48–7.17). Controlling for adherence, associations remained, except St. Mark’s score. CONCLUSION: Higher severity of FI symptoms, being overweight, drug adherence, FI subtype, and combined biofeedback and medication treatment were associated with clinically important treatment responses. This information may assist in counseling patients regarding efficacy and expectations of non-surgical treatments of FI.

Background Prolapse recurrence after transvaginal surgical repair is common; however, its mechanisms are ill-defined. A thorough understanding of how and why prolapse repairs fail is needed to address their high rate of anatomic recurrence and to develop novel therapies to overcome defined deficiencies. Objective This study aimed to identify mechanisms and contributors of anatomic recurrence after vaginal hysterectomy with uterosacral ligament suspension (native tissue repair) vs transvaginal mesh (VM) hysteropexy surgery for uterovaginal prolapse. Study Design This multicenter study was conducted in a subset of participants in a randomized clinical trial by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Pelvic Floor Disorders Network. Overall, 94 women with uterovaginal prolapse treated via native tissue repair (n=48) or VM hysteropexy (n=46) underwent pelvic magnetic resonance imaging at rest, maximal strain, and poststrain rest (recovery) 30 to 42 months after surgery. Participants who desired reoperation before 30 to 42 months were imaged earlier to assess the impact of the index surgery. Using a novel 3-dimensional pelvic coordinate system, coregistered midsagittal images were obtained to assess study outcomes. Magnetic resonance imaging–based anatomic recurrence (failure) was defined as prolapse beyond the hymen. The primary outcome was the mechanism of failure (apical descent vs anterior vaginal wall elongation), including the frequency and site of failure. Secondary outcomes included displacement of the vaginal apex and perineal body and change in the length of the anterior wall, posterior wall, vaginal perimeter, and introitus of the vagina from rest to strain and rest to recovery. Group differences in the mechanism, frequency, and site of failure were assessed using the Fisher exact tests, and secondary outcomes were compared using Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. Results Of the 88 participants analyzed, 37 (42%) had recurrent prolapse (VM hysteropexy, 13 of 45 [29%]; native tissue repair, 24 of 43 [56%]). The most common site of failure was the anterior compartment (VM hysteropexy, 38%; native tissue repair, 92%). The primary mechanism of recurrence was apical descent (VM hysteropexy, 85%; native tissue repair, 67%). From rest to strain, failures (vs successes) had greater inferior displacement of the vaginal apex (difference, −12 mm; 95% confidence interval, −19 to −6) and perineal body (difference, −7 mm; 95% confidence interval, −11 to −4) and elongation of the anterior vaginal wall (difference, 12 mm; 95% confidence interval, 8–16) and vaginal introitus (difference, 11 mm; 95% confidence interval, 7–15). Conclusion The primary mechanism of prolapse recurrence following vaginal hysterectomy with uterosacral ligament suspension or VM hysteropexy was apical descent. In addition, greater inferior descent of the vaginal apex and perineal body, lengthening of the anterior vaginal wall, and increased size of the vaginal introitus with strain were associated with anatomic failure. Further studies are needed to provide additional insight into the mechanism by which these factors contribute to anatomic failure.

AIMS This paper aims to report the rationale, design, and the specific methodology of an ongoing nested observational study that will determine the association of the metabolite and microbial composition of stool with fecal incontinence (FI). METHODS Eligible cases are participants with FI enrolled in the Controlling Anal Incontinence in women by Performing Anal Exercises with Biofeedback or Loperamide (CAPABLe) trial, a Pelvic Floor Disorders Network trial across eight clinical centers in the United States. Women of similar age without FI in the last year served as controls. All subject collected stool samples at the baseline and 24-week visit at home using a standardized collection method. Samples were shipped to and stored at centralized laboratories. RESULTS Specimen collection commenced December 2014 and was completed in May 2016. Fecal water and DNA has been extracted and is currently being analyzed by targeted metabolic profiling for stool metabolites and 16S rRNA gene sequencing for stool microbiota. CONCLUSIONS This article describes the rationale and design of a study that could provide a paradigm shift for the treatment of FI in women.

Defecatory symptoms, such as a sense of incomplete emptying and straining with bowel movements, are paradoxically present in women with fecal incontinence. Treatments for fecal incontinence, such as loperamide and biofeedback, can worsen or improve defecatory symptoms, respectively. The primary aim of this study was to compare changes in constipation symptoms in women undergoing treatment for fecal incontinence with education only, loperamide, anal muscle exercises with biofeedback or both loperamide and biofeedback. Our secondary aim was to compare changes in constipation symptoms among responders and nonresponders to fecal incontinence treatment.This was a planned secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial comparing 2 first-line therapies for fecal incontinence in a 2 × 2 factorial design. Women with at least monthly fecal incontinence and normal stool consistency were randomized to 4 groups: (1) oral placebo plus education only, (2) oral loperamide plus education only, (3) placebo plus anorectal manometry-assisted biofeedback, and (4) loperamide plus biofeedback. Defecatory symptoms were measured using the Patient Assessment of Constipation Symptoms questionnaire at baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks. The Patient Assessment of Constipation Symptoms consists of 12 items that contribute to a global score and 3 subscales: stool characteristics/symptoms (hardness of stool, size of stool, straining, inability to pass stool), rectal symptoms (burning, pain, bleeding, incomplete bowel movement), and abdominal symptoms (discomfort, pain, bloating, cramps). Scores for each subscale as well as the global score range from 0 (no symptoms) to 4 (maximum score), with negative change scores representing improvement in defecatory symptoms. Responders to fecal incontinence treatment were defined as women with a minimally important clinical improvement of ≥5 points on the St Mark's (Vaizey) scale between baseline and 24 weeks. Intent-to-treat analysis was performed using a longitudinal mixed model, controlling for baseline scores, to estimate changes in Patient Assessment of Constipation Symptoms scores from baseline through 24 weeks.At 24 weeks, there were small changes in Patient Assessment of Constipation Symptoms global scores in all 4 groups: oral placebo plus education (-0.3; 95% confidence interval, -0.5 to -0.1), loperamide plus education (-0.1, 95% confidence interval, -0.3 to0.0), oral placebo plus biofeedback (-0.3, 95% confidence interval, -0.4 to -0.2), and loperamide plus biofeedback (-0.3, 95% confidence interval, -0.4 to -0.2). No differences were observed in change in Patient Assessment of Constipation Symptoms scores between women randomized to placebo plus education and those randomized to loperamide plus education (P = .17) or placebo plus biofeedback (P = .82). Change in Patient Assessment of Constipation Symptoms scores in women randomized to combination loperamide plus biofeedback therapy was not different from that of women randomized to treatment with loperamide or biofeedback alone. Responders had greater improvement in Patient Assessment of Constipation Symptoms scores than nonresponders (-0.4; 95% confidence interval, -0.5 to -0.3 vs -0.2; 95% confidence interval, -0.3 to -0.0, P.01, mean difference, 0.2, 95% confidence interval, 0.1-0.4).Change in constipation symptoms following treatment of fecal incontinence in women are small and are not significantly different between groups. Loperamide treatment for fecal incontinence does not worsen constipation symptoms among women with normal consistency stool. Women with clinically significant improvement in fecal incontinence symptoms report greater improvement in constipation symptoms.

Background Women with refractory urgency urinary incontinence can be treated with onabotulinumtoxinA or sacral neuromodulation. Little data exists on the comparative effects of treatment of refractory urgency urinary incontinence on other pelvic floor complaints, such as bowel and sexual function. Objective The objective of this study was to compare the impact of these treatments on fecal incontinence and sexual symptoms. Methods This was a planned supplemental analysis of a randomized trial in women with refractory urgency urinary incontinence treated with onabotulinumtoxinA (n = 190) or sacral neuromodulation (n = 174). Fecal incontinence and sexual symptoms were assessed at baseline and at 6, 12, and 24 months. Fecal incontinence symptoms were measured using the St Mark’s (Vaizey) Fecal Incontinence severity scale. Sexual symptoms were measured using the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire-12 (PISQ-12) and the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire, IUGA-Revised (PISQ-IR). The PISQ-IR allows measurement of sexual symptoms in both sexually active and non–sexually active adults. Primary outcomes were change in Vaizey and PISQ-12 scores between baseline and 6 months. Secondary outcomes were change in PISQ-IR total and subscores between baseline and 6 months and change in Vaizey, PISQ-12, and PISQ-IR scores between baseline and 12 and 24 months. Intent-to-treat analysis was performed using repeated measures mixed model to estimate change in all parameters from baseline while adjusting for the baseline score. A subgroup analysis of women with clinically significant bowel symptoms was conducted based on baseline Vaizey score of ≥12. Results At baseline, mean Vaizey scores were indicative of mild fecal incontinence symptoms and were not different between onabotulinumtoxinA and sacral neuromodulation groups (7.6 ± 5.3 vs 6.6 ± 4.9, P = .07). The proportion of sexually active women (56% vs 63%, P = .25), mean PISQ-12 score (33.4 ± 7.5 vs 32.7 ± 6.7, P = .55), or PISQ-IR subscores were also not different between the onabotulinumtoxinA and sacral neuromodulation groups at baseline. There was no difference between women treated with onabotulinumtoxinA and those treated with sacral neuromodulation at 6 months in terms of improvement in fecal incontinence symptom score (Vaizey: -1.9, 95% confidence interval -2.6 to -1.2 vs -0.9, 95% confidence interval -1.7 to -0.2, P = .07) or sexual symptoms score (PISQ-12: 2.2, 95% confidence interval 0.7 to 3.7 vs 2.2, 95% confidence interval 0.7 to 3.7, P = .99). There was no difference in improvement between groups in the sexual symptom subscores in sexually active and non–sexually active women at 6 months. Similar findings were noted at 12 and 24 months. In a subgroup (onabotulinumtoxinA = 33 and sacral neuromodulation = 22) with clinically significant fecal incontinence at baseline (Vaizey score ≥12), there was a clinically meaningful improvement in symptoms in both groups from baseline to 6 months, with no difference in improvement between the onabotulinumtoxinA and sacral neuromodulation groups (-5.1, 95% confidence interval -7.3 to -2.8 vs -5.6, 95% confidence interval -8.5 to -2.6, P = .8). Conclusion There were no differences in improvement of fecal incontinence and sexual symptoms in women with urgency urinary incontinence treated with onabotulinumtoxinA or sacral neuromodulation. Women with significant fecal incontinence symptoms at baseline had clinically important improvement in symptoms, with no difference between the treatments. Our findings can help clinicians counseling women considering treatment for refractory urgency urinary incontinence.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about short- and long-term pain and functional activity after surgery for pelvic organ prolapse. OBJECTIVE: To describe postoperative pain and functional activity after transvaginal native tissue reconstructive surgery with apical suspension and retropubic synthetic midurethral sling and to compare these outcomes between patients receiving two common transvaginal prolapse repairs, uterosacral ligament and sacrospinous ligament vaginal vault suspension. STUDY DESIGN: This planned secondary analysis of a 2×2 factorial randomized trial included 374 women randomized to receive uterosacral (n=188) or sacrospinous (n=186) vaginal vault suspension to treat both Stages 2–4 apical vaginal prolapse and stress urinary incontinence between 2008 and 2013 at 9 medical centers. Participants were also randomized to receive perioperative pelvic muscle therapy or usual care. All patients received transvaginal native tissue repairs and a midurethral sling. Participants completed the Surgical Pain Scales (0–10 numeric rating scales; higher scores = greater pain) and Activity Assessment Scale (0–100; higher score = higher activity) prior to surgery and at 2 weeks, 4–6 weeks, and 3 months postoperatively. The SF-36 was completed at baseline, 6, 12 and 24 months after surgery; the Bodily Pain, Physical Functioning and Role-Physical subscales were used for this analysis (higher scores = less disability). Self-reported pain medication use was also collected. RESULTS: Before surgery, average pain at rest and during normal activity were (adjusted mean ± standard error) 2.24 ± 0.23 and 2.76 ± 0.25; both increased slightly from baseline at 2 weeks (+0.65, p

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to characterize clinical success, impact on quality of life, and durability up to 1 year in women with fecal incontinence (FI) responsive to an initial test period with a trial vaginal bowel control system. METHODS: This was a prospective open-label study in subjects with FI and successfully fit who underwent an initial 2-week trial period. Those achieving 50% or greater reduction in FI episodes were provided the long-term system. Primary outcome was success at 3 months defined as 50% or greater reduction in baseline FI episodes, also assessed at 6 and 12 months. Secondary outcomes included symptom impact measured with Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life scale, symptom severity by the St Mark’s (Vaizey) questionnaire, Patient Global Impression of Improvement, and satisfaction. Adverse events were collected. Primary analysis was intention to treat (ITT). RESULTS: Seventy-three subjects with baseline mean of 14.1 ± 12.15 FI episodes over 2 weeks entered the treatment period. Success rate at 3 months was 72.6% (53/73, P < 0.0001); per-protocol, 84.1% (53/63, P < 0.0001). Significant improvement in all Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life subscales and St Mark’s questionnaire meeting minimally important differences was noted. Satisfaction was 91.7%, 89.7%, and 94.4% at 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively; 77.4%, 77.6%, and 79.6% were very much/much better on the Patient Global Impression of Improvement at 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. Most common adverse event was vaginal wall injury, with most adverse events (90/134, 67%) occurring during fitting period. CONCLUSIONS: In women with successful fitting and initial treatment response, durable efficacy was seen at 3, 6, and 12 months by objective and subjective measures, with favorable safety.

Missing data is frequently observed in clinical trials; high rates of missing data may jeopardize trial outcome validity. We determined the rates of missing data over time, by type of data collected and compared demographic and clinical factors associated with missing data among women who participated in two large randomized clinical trials of surgery for stress urinary incontinence, the Stress Incontinence Surgical Treatment Efficacy Trial (SISTEr) and the Trial of Midurethral Sling (TOMUS). The proportions of subjects who attended and missed each follow-up visit were calculated. The chi-squared test, Fisher’s exact test and t test were used to compare women with and without missing data, as well as the completeness of the data for each component of the composite primary outcome. Data completeness for the primary outcome computation in the TOMUS trial (62.3 %) was nearly double that in the SISTEr trial (35.7 %). The follow-up visit attendance rate decreased over time. A higher proportion of subjects attended all follow-up visits in the TOMUS trial and overall there were fewer missing data for the period that included the primary outcome assessment at 12 months. The highest levels of complete data for the composite outcome variables were for the symptoms questionnaire (SISTEr 100 %, TOMUS 99.8 %) and the urinary stress test (SISTEr 96.1 %, TOMUS 96.7 %). In both studies, the pad test was associated with the lowest levels of complete data (SISTEr 85.1 %, TOMUS 88.3 %) and approximately one in ten subjects had incomplete voiding diaries at the time of primary outcome assessment. Generally, in both studies, a higher proportion of younger subjects had missing data. This analysis lacked a patient perspective as to the reasons for missing data that could have provided additional information on subject burden, motivations for adherence and study design. In addition, we were unable to compare the effects of the different primary outcome assessment time-points in an identically designed trial. Missing visits and data increased with time. Questionnaire data and physical outcome data (urinary stress test) that could be assessed during a visit were least prone to missing data, whereas data for variables that required subject effort while away from the research team (pad test, voiding diary) were more likely to be missing. Older subjects were more likely to provide complete data.

Women with refractory urgency urinary incontinence (ie, unresponsive to behavioral and pharmacological interventions) are treated with onabotulinumtoxinA or sacral neuromodulation.The objective of the study was to compare treatment efficacy and adverse events in women65 and ≥65 years old treated with onabotulinumtoxinA or sacral neuromodulation.This study was a planned secondary analysis of a multicenter, randomized trial that enrolled community-dwelling women with refractory urgency urinary incontinence to onabotulinumtoxinA or sacral neuromodulation treatments. The primary outcome was a change in mean daily urgency urinary incontinence episodes on a bladder diary over 6 months. Secondary outcomes included ≥75% urgency urinary incontinence episode reduction, change in symptom severity/quality of life, treatment satisfaction, and treatment-related adverse events.Both age groups experienced improvement in mean urgency urinary incontinence episodes per day following each treatment. There was no evidence that mean daily urgency urinary incontinence episode reduction differed between age groups for onabotulinumtoxinA (adjusted coefficient, -0.127, 95% confidence interval, -1.233 to 0.979; P = .821) or sacral neuromodulation (adjusted coefficient, -0.698, 95% confidence interval, -1.832 to 0.437; P = .227). Among those treated with onabotulinumtoxinA, women65 years had 3.3-fold greater odds of ≥75% resolution than women ≥65 years (95% confidence interval, 1.56 -7.02). Women65 years had a greater reduction in Overactive Bladder Questionnaire Short Form symptom bother scores compared with women ≥65 years by 7.49 points (95% confidence interval, -3.23 to -11.74), regardless of treatment group. There was no difference between quality of life improvement by age. Women ≥65 years had more urinary tract infections following onabotulinumtoxinA and sacral neuromodulation (odds ratio, 1.9, 95% confidence interval, 1.2-3.3). There was no evidence of age differences in sacral neuromodulation revision/removal or catheterization following onabotulinumtoxinA treatment.Younger women experienced greater absolute continence, symptom improvement, and fewer urinary tract infections; both older and younger women had beneficial urgency urinary incontinence episode reduction, similar rates of other treatment adverse events, and improved quality of life.

Background There is significant need for trials evaluating the long-term effectiveness of a rigorous program of perioperative behavioral therapy with pelvic floor muscle training (BPMT) in women undergoing transvaginal reconstructive surgery for prolapse. Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of perioperative BPMT on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and sexual function following vaginal surgery for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Design This study is a secondary report of a 2 × 2 factorial randomized controlled trial. Setting This study was a multicenter trial. Participants Participants were adult women with stage 2–4 POP and SUI. Intervention Perioperative BPMT versus usual care and sacrospinous ligament fixation (SSLF) versus uterosacral ligament suspension (ULS) were provided. Measurements Participants undergoing transvaginal surgery (SSLF or ULS for POP and a midurethral sling for SUI) received usual care or five perioperative BPMT visits. The primary outcome was change in body image and in Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire (PFIQ) short-form subscale, 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), Pelvic Organ Prolapse-Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire short form (PISQ-12), Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGII), and Brink scores. Results The 374 participants were randomized to BPMT (n = 186) and usual care (n = 188). Outcomes were available for 137 (74%) of BPMT participants and 146 (78%) of the usual care participants at 24 months. There were no statistically significant differences between groups in PFIQ, SF-36, PGII, PISQ-12, or body image scale measures. Limitations The clinicians providing BPMT had variable expertise. Findings might not apply to vaginal prolapse procedures without slings or abdominal apical prolapse procedures. Conclusions Perioperative BPMT performed as an adjunct to vaginal surgery for POP and SUI provided no additional improvement in QOL or sexual function compared with usual care.

Obstetrical external anal sphincter (EAS) injury and subsequent dysfunction are leading risk factors for female fecal incontinence (FI). Limited knowledge of the EAS structure–function relationship hinders treatment optimization. We directly measured functionally relevant intrinsic parameters of human EAS and tested whether vaginal delivery alters the EAS structure–function relationship. Major predictors of in vivo EAS function were compared between specimens procured from vaginally nulliparous (VN, n = 5) and vaginally parous (VP, n = 7) cadaveric donors: operational sarcomere length (Ls), which dictates force–length relationship; physiological cross-sectional area (PCSA), which determines isometric force-generating capacity; fiber length (Lfn), responsible for muscle excursion and contractile velocity; and muscle stiffness. Data were analyzed using unpaired and paired t tests, α

Introduction and hypothesisWe hypothesized that there would be a significant difference in changes in obstructed defecation symptoms and posterior compartment prolapse between women who underwent posterior vaginal wall prolapse repair (PR) and those who did not.MethodsThis was a two-site prospective cohort study of women undergoing prolapse or incontinence surgery in which a PR was, or was not, performed at the discretion of the surgeon. Women were assessed using validated obstructed defecation questionnaires and standardized examination measures (including POP-Q, measurement of transverse gh, and assessment for a rectovaginal pocket and laxity) prior to pelvic surgery and 12weeks after surgery.ResultsOf 68 women who underwent surgery, 43 had PR. The PR group had higher obstructed defecation symptoms and greater posterior compartment prolapse at baseline. At 12weeks, obstructed defecation symptoms had improved significantly more in the PR group than in the no PR group (all p

Aims Minimum important difference (MID) estimates the minimum degree of change in an instrument's score that correlates with subjective sense of improvement. The aim of this study was to estimate the MID for the Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI), Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ) and Overactive Bladder Questionnaire (OAB-q) using anchor and distribution-based approaches in patients with urge-predominant incontinence and whether MID changes over time. Methods This was a sub-analysis of a multi-center trial of 307 women with pure urge (11) or urge-predominant (296) incontinence who completed condition-specific instruments 10 weeks and 8 months after randomization to anticholinergic medication with or without behavioral therapy. We applied anchor-based methods only when the Kendall's rank correlations between the anchors (Global Perception of Improvement (GPI), Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (PSQ), and incontinence episodes) and the incontinence instruments (UDI, UDI irritative subscale, IIQ, and OAB-q subscales) were ≥0.3. We applied three distribution-based methods to all instruments: effect sizes of ±0.2 SD (small) and ±0.5 SD (medium), and standard error of measurement of ±1. Analyses were performed at both time points. Results Anchor-based MIDs for the UDI ranged from −35 to −45 and −15 to −25 for the irritative subscale distribution-based methods MIDs for UDI and IIQ ranged between −10 to −25 and −19 to −49, respectively, reflective of a reduction in bother and symptom severity (SS). OAB-q subscale MIDs ranged from +5 to +12, denoting improved quality of life (HRQL) and −13 to −25, consistent with a reduction in SS. Conclusions The MID in women with urge-predominant UI for the UDI and UDI irritative are −35 and −15. Our findings are consistent with previously reported MIDs for the OAB-q subscales. Distribution-based method MIDs are lower values than anchor-based values. The MID did not typically change over the time. Neurourol. Urodynam. 30:1319–1324, 2011. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

The goals of this trial are to determine the efficacy and safety of two treatments for women experiencing fecal incontinence. First, we aim to compare the use of loperamide to placebo and second, to compare the use of anal sphincter exercises with biofeedback to usual care. The primary outcome is the change from baseline in the St. Mark's (Vaizey) Score 24 weeks after treatment initiation. As a Pelvic Floor Disorders Network (PFDN) trial, subjects are enrolling from eight PFDN clinical centers across the United States. A centralized data coordinating center supervises data collection and analysis. These two first-line treatments for fecal incontinence are being investigated simultaneously using a two-by-two randomized factorial design: a medication intervention (loperamide versus placebo) and a pelvic floor strength and sensory training intervention (anal sphincter exercises with manometry-assisted biofeedback versus usual care using an educational pamphlet). Interventionists providing the anal sphincter exercise training with biofeedback have received standardized training and assessment. Symptom severity, diary, standardized anorectal manometry and health-related quality of life outcomes are assessed using validated instruments administered by researchers masked to randomized interventions. Cost effectiveness analyses will be performed using prospectively collected data on care costs and resource utilization. This article describes the rationale and design of this randomized trial, focusing on specific research concepts of interest to researchers in the field of female pelvic floor disorders and all other providers who care for patients with fecal incontinence.

Objectives The objective of this study was to estimate the minimum important difference (MID) for the Fecal Incontinence Severity Index (FISI), the Colorectal-Anal Distress Inventory (CRADI) scale of the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory, the Colorectal-Anal Impact Questionnaire (CRAIQ) scale of the Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire, and the Modified Manchester Health Questionnaire (MMHQ). Methods We calculated the MIDs using anchor-based and distribution-based approaches from a multicenter prospective cohort study investigating adaptive behaviors among women receiving nonsurgical and surgical management for fecal incontinence (FI). Patient responses were primarily anchored using a Global Impression of Change scale. The MID was defined as the difference in mean change from baseline between those who indicated they were "a little better" and those who reported "no change" on the Global Impression of Change scale 3 months after treatment. The effect size and SE of measurement were the distribution methods used. Results The mean changes (SD) in FISI, CRADI, CRAIQ, and MMHQ scores from baseline to 3 months after treatment were -8.8 (12.0), -52.7 (70.0), -60.6 (90.0), and -12.6 (19.2), respectively. The anchor-based MID estimates suggested by an improvement from no change to a little better were -3.6, -11.4 and -4.7, -18.1 and -8.0, and -3.2 for the FISI, CRADI (long and short version), CRAIQ (long and short version), and MMHQ, respectively. These data were supported by 2 distribution-based estimates. Conclusions The MID values for the FISI are -4, CRADI (full version, -11; short version, -5), CRAIQ (full version, -18; short version, -8), and MMHQ -3. Statistically significant improvements that meet these thresholds are likely to be clinically important.

Introduction and hypothesis: Optimal measures for assessing anatomy and defecatory symptoms related to posterior compartment prolapse are unknown. Our objectives were: (1) to test the inter- and intrarater reliability of commonly used or reported anatomic measures of posterior compartment prolapse performed in the clinic setting and under anesthesia; and (2) to examine the correlation between posterior compartment anatomy and defecatory symptoms prior to surgical intervention. Methods: A prospective cohort of women with pelvic floor disorders was assessed using a variety of validated questionnaires and standardized examination measures at baseline, at a preoperative visit, and intraoperatively. Inter- and intrarater reliability for anatomic measures were assessed by two separate examiners at the initial visit and repeated by one of the original examiners at a preoperative visit. Reliability was measured using kappa or intraclass correlations according to data type. Symptom and anatomic measure correlations were analyzed using Spearman rank tests. Results: Mean age of the 120 women recruited was 57±15 years, 49 (41 %) had a point Bp≥0; 59 % reported at least moderate bother from at least one obstructed defecation symptom on the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI). At baseline, most anatomic measures showed at least moderate to good inter/intrarater reliability (>0.5). There were no moderate or better correlations between any symptom and anatomic measure (all r < 0.27). Conclusions: Most anatomic measures of posterior compartment prolapse are reliable and reproducible; however, they do not correlate well with defecatory symptoms. © 2014 The International Urogynecological Association.

Patient preparedness for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) surgery is associated with improvements in post-operative satisfaction, symptoms and quality of life (QoL). This planned secondary analysis examined the association of patient preparedness with surgical outcomes, treatment satisfaction and quality of life. The ValUE trial compared the effect of pre-operative urodynamic studies with a standardized office evaluation of outcomes of SUI surgery at 1 year. In addition to primary and secondary outcome measures, patient satisfaction with treatment was measured using a five-point Likert scale (very dissatisfied to very satisfied) that queried subjects to rate the treatment’s effect on overall incontinence, urge incontinence, SUI, and frequency. Preparedness for surgery was assessed using an 11-question Patient Preparedness Questionnaire (PPQ). Based on PPQ question 11, 4 out of 5 (81 %) of women reported they “agreed” or “strongly agreed” that they were prepared for surgery. Selected demographic and clinical characteristics were similar in unprepared and prepared women. Among SUI severity baseline measures, total UDI score was significantly but weakly associated with preparedness (question 11 of the PPQ; Spearman's r = 0.13, p = 0.001). Although preparedness for surgery was not associated with successful outcomes, it was associated with satisfaction (r s = 0.11, p = 0.02) and larger PGI-S improvement (increase; p = 0.008). Approximately half (48 %) of women “strongly agreed” that they felt prepared for SUI. Women with higher pre-operative preparedness scores were more satisfied, although surgical outcomes did not differ.

Background Standardized training and clinical protocols using biofeedback for the treatment of fecal incontinence (FI) are important for clinical care. Our primary aims were to develop, implement, and evaluate adherence to a standardized protocol for manometric biofeedback to treat FI. Methods In a Pelvic Floor Disorders Network (PFDN) trial, participants were enrolled from eight PFDN clinical centers across the United States. A team of clinical and equipment experts developed biofeedback software on a novel tablet computer platform for conducting standardized anorectal manometry with separate manometric biofeedback protocols for improving anorectal muscle strength, sensation, and urge resistance. The training protocol also included education on bowel function, anal sphincter exercises, and bowel diary monitoring. Study interventionists completed online training prior to attending a centralized, standardized certification course. For the certification, expert trainers assessed the ability of the interventionists to perform the protocol components for a paid volunteer who acted as a standardized patient. Postcertification, the trainers audited interventionists during trial implementation to improve protocol adherence. Key Results Twenty-four interventionists attended the in-person training and certification, including 46% advanced practice registered nurses (11/24), 50% (12/24) physical therapists, and 4% physician assistants (1/24). Trainers performed audio audits for 88% (21/24), representing 84 audited visits. All certified interventionists met or exceeded the prespecified 80% pass rate for the audit process, with an average passing rate of 93%. Conclusions & Inferences A biofeedback protocol can be successfully imparted to experienced pelvic floor health care providers from various disciplines. Our process promoted high adherence to a standard protocol and is applicable to many clinical settings.

The Activities Assessment Scale (AAS) is a 13-item postoperative functional activity scale validated in men who underwent hernia surgery. We evaluated the psychometric characteristics of the AAS in women who underwent vaginal surgery for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI).Participants included 163 women with POP and SUI enrolled in a randomized trial comparing sacrospinous ligament fixation to uterosacral vault suspension with and without perioperative pelvic floor muscle training. Participants completed the AAS and SF-36 at baseline and 2 weeks and 6 months postoperatively. Internal reliability of the AAS was evaluated using Cronbach α. Construct validity and responsiveness were examined in cross-sectional and longitudinal data using Pearson correlation coefficient and analysis of variance. The AAS is scored from zero to 100 (higher scores=better function).Mean (SD) baseline AAS score was 87 (17.3) (range, 25-100). Functional activity declined from baseline to 2 weeks postoperatively (mean change, -4.5; 95% confidence interval, -7.6 to -1.42) but improved above baseline at 6 months (mean change, +10.9; 95% confidence interval, 7.8-14.0). Internal reliability of the AAS was excellent (Cronbach α=0.93). Construct validity was demonstrated by a correlation of 0.59 to 0.60 between the AAS and SF-36 physical functioning scale (P0.0001) and lower correlations between the AAS and other SF-36 scales. Patients who improved in physical functioning based on the SF-36 between 2 weeks and 6 months postoperatively showed an effect size of 0.86 for change in the AAS over the same period.The AAS is a valid, reliable, and responsive measure for evaluation of physical function in women after pelvic reconstructive surgery.

OBJECTIVE Surgical pain scales (SPS) consist of 4 items that measure pain at rest, during normal activities, and during work/exercise and quantify unpleasantness of worst pain, which are valid and responsive in men undergoing hernia repair. Our objective was to evaluate the psychometric properties of SPS in women undergoing vaginal surgery for pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence. METHODS We modified SPS by converting original response scales from a visual analog scale to numerical rating scales. Numerical rating scales have lower error rates and higher validity than visual analog scale. The sample included 169 women with stage II to IV pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence in a randomized trial comparing sacrospinous ligament fixation to uterosacral vault suspension with and without pelvic floor muscle training. Participants completed SPS and SF-36 at baseline, and 2 weeks and 6 months after surgery. Construct validity and responsiveness were examined in cross-sectional and longitudinal data using Pearson correlation and analysis of variance. RESULTS Pain at rest, during normal activities, and during work/exercise worsened at 2 weeks (P

Minimum important difference (MID) estimates the minimum degree of change in an instrument's score that correlates with subjective sense of improvement. The aim of this study was to estimate the MID for the Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI), Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ) and Overactive Bladder Questionnaire (OAB-q) using anchor and distribution-based approaches in patients with urge-predominant incontinence and whether MID changes over time.This was a sub-analysis of a multi-center trial of 307 women with pure urge (11) or urge-predominant (296) incontinence who completed condition-specific instruments 10 weeks and 8 months after randomization to anticholinergic medication with or without behavioral therapy. We applied anchor-based methods only when the Kendall's rank correlations between the anchors (Global Perception of Improvement (GPI), Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (PSQ), and incontinence episodes) and the incontinence instruments (UDI, UDI irritative subscale, IIQ, and OAB-q subscales) were ≥ 0.3. We applied three distribution-based methods to all instruments: effect sizes of ± 0.2 SD (small) and ± 0.5 SD (medium), and standard error of measurement of ± 1. Analyses were performed at both time points.Anchor-based MIDs for the UDI ranged from -35 to -45 and -15 to -25 for the irritative subscale distribution-based methods MIDs for UDI and IIQ ranged between -10 to -25 and -19 to -49, respectively, reflective of a reduction in bother and symptom severity (SS). OAB-q subscale MIDs ranged from +5 to +12, denoting improved quality of life (HRQL) and -13 to -25, consistent with a reduction in SS.The MID in women with urge-predominant UI for the UDI and UDI irritative are -35 and -15. Our findings are consistent with previously reported MIDs for the OAB-q subscales. Distribution-based method MIDs are lower values than anchor-based values. The MID did not typically change over the time.

We describe a case of a urinary tract infection with an unusual pathogen, Photobacterium damsela, in a pregnant female. This pathogen has been described as having a virulent life threatening nature, so a detailed history and prompt treatment is needed.

Objective The purpose of this study was to assess prospectively the effects of midurethral sling surgery on sexual function and activity. Study Design Sexual activity and function was assessed in 597 women with stress urinary incontinence who were enrolled in a randomized equivalence trial of retropubic compared with transobturator midurethral slings. Repeated measures analysis of variance was used to assess changes in Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire scores over a 2-year period. Results Significant, similar improvements in sexual function were seen in both midurethral sling groups. Mean Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire scores increased from 32.8 at baseline to 37.6 at 6 months and 37.3 at 24 months ( P P = .02); postoperative urge incontinence negatively impacted sexual function ( P = .047). Conclusion Midurethral sling surgery for stress urinary incontinence significantly improves sexual function, although coexistent urge incontinence has a negative impact.