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OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate national patterns of care for women with overactive bladder (OAB) in an administrative data set and identify potential areas for improvement. METHODS We performed an analysis using the OptumLabs Data Warehouse, which contains deidentified administrative claims data from a large national US health insurance plan. The study included women, older than 18 years, with a new OAB diagnosis from January 1, 2007, to June 30, 2017. We excluded those with an underlying neurologic etiology, with interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome, were pregnant, or did not have continuous enrollment for 12 months before and after OAB diagnosis. Trends in management were assessed via the Cochran-Armitage test. Time to discontinuation among medications was compared using t test. RESULTS Of 1.4 million women in the database during the study time frame, 60,246 (4%) were included in the study. Median age was 61 years [interquartile range (IQR), 50-73], and median follow-up was 2.6 years (IQR, 1.6-4.2). Overall, 37% were treated with anticholinergics, 5% with beta-3 agonists, 7% with topical estrogen, and 2% with pelvic floor physical therapy; 26% saw a specialist; and 2% underwent third-line therapy. Median time to cessation of prescription filling was longer for beta-3 agonists versus anticholinergics [median, 4.1 months (IQR, 1-15) vs 3.6 months (IQR, 1-10); P < 0.0001]. Use of third-line therapies significantly increased over the study time frame, from 1.1% to 2.2% (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Most of the patients do not continue filling prescriptions for OAB medications, and a minority of patients were referred for specialty evaluation. Although third-line therapy use is increasing, it is used in a small proportion of women with OAB. Given these patterns, there may be underutilization of specialist referral and other OAB therapies.

The objective was to discuss the evaluation and management of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) following traumatic pelvic injury by use of a video case. We present a patient with severe SUI following pelvic trauma and our surgical approach to her case. Her injuries included two sacral compression fractures and four un-united bilateral pubic rami fractures, with her right-upper pubic rami impinging on the bladder. Preoperative assessment included detailed review of her pelvic imaging, multichannel urodynamic testing, cystoscopy, and examination of periurethral and bony pelvis anatomy. We proceeded with a synthetic retropubic mid-urethral sling, which required medial deviation of the trocar passage owing to her distorted anatomy. Rigid cystoscopy provided an inadequate bladder survey following sling placement, thus flexible cystoscopy was used to confirm the absence of bladder perforation. Postoperatively, our patient experienced resolution of SUI. In patients who sustain pelvic fractures, imaging to evaluate bony trauma and genitourinary tract injury is essential. Urodynamic testing provides clarity of the nature and severity of incontinence symptoms. Rigid and/or flexible cystoscopy should be performed for diagnostic purposes pre-operatively and after operative intervention. Typical anti-incontinence procedures can be offered to these patients, but since bony anatomy can be unreliable, an individualized approach to their specific injury should be utilized.

This video reviews technical considerations for performing a modified McIndoe vaginoplasty with skin graft. A 24-year-old female was referred for management of vaginal agenesis. She had unsuccessfully tried vaginal dilation and was interested in vaginal canal creation. A 10 × 20-cm split-thickness skin graft was harvested from the buttock and secured to a condom-covered rubber-sponge mold. The vaginal dissection was initially performed with electrocautery and sharp dissection to enter the plane between the bladder anteriorly and the rectum posteriorly. Then, blunt dissection using a finger, surgical sponges, and retractors was performed to open the space to the level of the peritoneal reflection. With the dissection completed, the graft-covered mold was inserted and secured with labial stay sutures. During the second stage of the procedure, roughly 14 days later, the mold was removed, the graft assessed, and the distal edges secured. A polyethylene mold was then used as the wound continued to heal. The patient had an uncomplicated perioperative course. She had excellent take of her skin graft, with 10 cm vaginal length and adequate vaginal caliber. Vaginoplasty with a split-thickness skin graft is an excellent surgical option for vaginal canal creation in patients with vaginal agenesis.

We compared the degree of pelvic floor symptom improvement between pessary use and prolapse surgery.Pessary-naïve women who elected prolapse surgery were enrolled and used a pessary preoperatively (for ≥7 days and ≤30 days). Pelvic floor symptoms were assessed at baseline, after pessary use, and at 3 months postoperatively. The primary outcome was concordance in the degree of symptoms improvement between pessary use and surgery, as assessed by Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I). Secondary outcomes were related to prolapse specific symptoms on validated questionnaires (POPDI-6, PFIQ-7). The McNemar test was used for comparisons of discordant pairs for comparisons of the PGI-I ratings after pessary use and surgery.Sixty-one participants were enrolled (March 2016 through April 2019) and 58 patients used a pessary. Mean±standard deviation age was 60.7±10.7 years; 24.1% had prior hysterectomy, and 13.8% had prior prolapse surgery. While both treatments demonstrated symptomatic improvement, concordance in the degree of overall improvement on the PGI-I score was poor (n=40); responses significantly favored more improvement postoperatively (p0.001). Pessary use and surgery were associated with significant improvements in prolapse symptoms from baseline on POPDI-6 (both p0.001) and POPIQ-7 (pessary, p=0.002; surgery, p0.001). The degree of improvement was larger postoperatively compared to post-pessary use on POPDI-6 (p0.001) and PFIQ-7 (p=0.004).Both pessary use and surgery significantly improved pelvic floor symptoms from baseline. However, concordance in degrees of improvement between these treatments was poor, with more favorable outcomes after surgery for prolapse symptoms.

Objective To evaluate 1- and 2-year urinary continence rates after Burch retropubic urethropexy compared with a retropubic midurethral sling for women with urinary incontinence undergoing sacrocolpopexy. Methods We conducted a planned secondary analysis of a multicenter, randomized, single-blind trial comparing Burch with a sling that enrolled participants from June 2009 to August 2013. Objective outcome measures of continence were assessed at 1- and 2-year follow-up through office visits and validated questionnaires. Overall continence was defined as a negative stress test, no retreatment for stress incontinence, and no self-reported urinary incontinence (International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire, Short Form, score, 0). Stress-specific continence was defined as fulfillment of the first two criteria and no self-reported stress-related incontinence. Primary outcomes were assessed with intention-to-treat and within-protocol analyses. Comparisons between groups were evaluated using χ or Fisher exact test. Results The two groups were similar in all measured baseline features. Outcome assessments at 2 years were available for 48 of 57 patients (84%) in the sling group and 45 of 56 patients (80%) in the Burch group. With intention-to-treat analysis, the sling group had significantly higher rates of overall continence than the Burch group (49% [28/57] vs 29% [16/56]; 95% CI for absolute risk difference 3.0-38.1; P=.03) at 1- but not 2-year follow-up (47% [27/57] vs 32% [18/56]; 95% CI for absolute risk difference -2.6 to 33.1; P=.10). The sling group had significantly higher rates of stress-specific continence than the Burch group at 1-year (70% [40/57] vs 46% [26/56]; 95% CI for absolute risk difference 6.1-41.4; P=.01) and 2-year (70% [40/57] vs 45% [25/56]; 95% CI for absolute risk difference 7.9-43.2; P=.006) follow-up. No difference was detected in prolapse recurrence, voiding dysfunction, antimuscarinic medication use, urgency incontinence, or patient satisfaction. Conclusion Among women with baseline urinary incontinence undergoing sacrocolpopexy, the retropubic midurethral sling resulted in higher stress-specific continence rates than Burch retropubic urethropexy at 1- and 2-year follow-up.

The aim of this study was to compare outcomes after uterosacral ligament suspension (USLS) or sacrocolpopexy for symptomatic stage IV apical pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and evaluate predictors of prolapse recurrence. The medical records of patients managed surgically for stage IV apical POP from January 2002 to June 2012 were reviewed. A follow-up survey was sent to these patients. The primary outcome, prolapse recurrence, was defined as recurrence of prolapse symptoms measured by validated questionnaire or surgical retreatment. Survival time free of prolapse recurrence was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method, and Cox proportional hazards models evaluated factors for an association with recurrence. Of 2633 women treated for POP, 399 (15.2%) had stage IV apical prolapse and were managed with either USLS (n = 355) or sacrocolpopexy (n = 44). Those managed with USLS were significantly older (p

We present a video reviewing the key steps involved in safe anterior cul-de-sac entry during vaginal hysterectomy, including tips for troubleshooting difficult cases such as: uterine procidentia, cervical elongation, and multiple prior cesarean sections. Anterior cul-de-sac entry is a critical step in performing a vaginal hysterectomy. In this video, we review our approach to anterior entry in patients with normal anatomy, followed by a discussion of techniques that may be useful in cases with challenging anatomy. To start, we drain the bladder, set up exposure with Deaver retractors, and make a circumferential incision at the cervicovaginal junction. In cases with normal anatomy, using sharp, followed by broad blunt finger dissection, the vesicocervical space is opened, and the peritoneal reflection is identified and sharply entered. If this is not possible, additional techniques such cystoscopic bladder illumination, posterior entry first, securing pedicles with extraperitoneal ties, or additional sharp dissection may be utilized. With all techniques, proper intraperitoneal entry should be verified by the visualization of small bowel or fat. This video reviews technical considerations for anterior cul-de-sac entry during vaginal hysterectomy in patients with normal anatomy and provides tips for troubleshooting challenging cases.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES:There is increasing concern regarding the volume of opioid medications prescribed postoperatively, and the rate of prescription opioid related adverse-events. However, d...

OBJECTIVES This study aimed to determine factors influencing the selection of Mayo-McCall culdoplasty (MMC), open abdominal sacrocolpopexy (ASC), or robotic sacrocolpopexy (RSC) for posthysterectomy vaginal vault prolapse. METHODS We retrospectively searched for the records of patients undergoing posthysterectomy apical vaginal prolapse surgery between January 1, 2000, and June 30, 2012, at our institution. Baseline characteristics and explicit selection factors were abstracted from the electronic medical records. Factors were compared between groups using χ tests for categorical variables, analysis of variance for continuous variables, and Kruskal-Wallis tests for ordinal variables. RESULTS Among the 512 patients identified who met inclusion criteria, the MMC group (n = 174) had more patients who were older, had American Society of Anesthesiologists class 3+ or greater, had anterior vaginal prolapse grade 3+, desired to avoid abdominal surgery, and did not desire a functional vagina. Patients in the ASC (n = 237) and RSC (n = 101) groups had more failed prolapse surgeries, suspected abdominopelvic pathologic processes, and chronic pain. Advanced prolapse was more frequently cited as an explicit selection factor for ASC than for either MMC or RSC. CONCLUSIONS The most common factors that influenced the type of apical vaginal vault prolapse surgery overlapped with characteristics that differed at baseline. In general, MMC was chosen for advanced anterior vaginal prolapse and baseline characteristics that increased surgical risks, ASC for advanced apical prolapse, and ASC or RSC for recurrent prolapse, suspected abdominal pathology, and patients with chronic pain or lifestyles including heavy lifting. Thus, efforts should be made to attempt to control for selection bias when comparing these procedures.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS To report on clinical presentation, diagnosis, and outcomes after treatment of female urethral diverticulum (UD). METHODS Using a record linkage system, women with a new diagnosis of UD at Mayo Clinic from January 1, 1980, through December 31, 2011, were identified. The presenting symptoms, clinical characteristics, diagnosis, and management of women presenting with UD were recorded. Outcomes after surgery were assessed using survival analysis. All statistical analyses were 2-sided and P values less than 0.05 were considered significant. Statistical analysis was done using SAS version 9.2 and JMP version 9.0 (SAS Institute Inc.). RESULTS A total of 164 cases were identified. Median age at diagnosis was 46 years (range, 21-83). The most common presenting symptom was recurrent urinary tract infection (98, 59.8%), followed by urinary incontinence (81, 49.4%), dysuria (62, 37.8%), dyspareunia (37, 22.6%), and hematuria (15, 9.1%). Examination revealed vaginal mass in 55 (33.5%) of the women. A significant trend was noted toward an increase in use of both magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography (P < 0.001) along with a progressive decrease in use of urethrogram (P < 0.001) for diagnosis of UD over the years. Among 114 women who underwent surgical treatment for UD, 14(12.3%) women presented with recurrent UD and the 5-year recurrence rate after surgery for UD was 23.4% (95% confidence interval, 13.9-37.0) and a reoperation rate of 17.0% (95% confidence interval, 8.8-30.2) at 5 years. CONCLUSIONS Female UD is a rare and unique condition. Clinical presentation is usually nonspecific, and magnetic resonance imaging is commonly used for confirming the diagnosis. Recurrence is not uncommon, and repeat surgical intervention might be needed.

Objectives The aim of the study was to compare the short-term outcomes of sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) and intradetrusor injection of OnabotulinumtoxinA (Botox) for overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms refractory to behavioral modifications and pharmacologic therapy. Methods This is a retrospective cohort study evaluating the outcomes of SNS and Botox procedures that were performed for refractory OAB symptoms at a tertiary care referral center. The primary outcome was "failure" of treatment that was defined as less than 50% improvement from the baseline symptoms at 6 months. Results Sixty-five SNS and 63 Botox procedures met the inclusion criteria. Women undergoing Botox were more likely to report failure 6 months after the intervention as compared with those undergoing SNS (20 [31.8%] vs 7 [10.8%], P = 0.003; unadjusted odds ratio = 3.85, confidence interval = 1.5-9.93; adjusted odds ratio = 4.47, confidence interval = 1.69-14.4). However, there was no difference in the proportion of women who were started on antimuscarinic medications for persistent urgency urinary incontinence after both procedures (12 [18.5%] women in SNS group and 17 [27%] women in the Botox group, P = 0.249). The most common complication of the SNS procedure was wound related (8 [12.3%]), whereas the most common complication of the Botox procedure was urinary tract infection (31 [49.2%]). Conclusions The SNS resulted in lower failure rates at 6 months when performed for refractory OAB symptoms as compared with the Botox procedure. However, further studies are needed to evaluate the long-term cost-effectiveness of both procedures.

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (UTI) are the most common health-care-related infections. We aimed to compare the UTI rate among women undergoing urogynecological procedures with a silver-alloy suprapubic catheter (SPC) and a standard SPC, and identify the risk factors predisposing patients to UTI. Patients who were to undergo placement of an SPC as part of pelvic organ prolapse surgery were enrolled between 1 August 2011 and 30 August 2017, and randomized to either standard SPC or silver-alloy SPC. Follow-up was performed at a postoperative visit or via a phone call at 6 weeks. The primary outcome was UTI. Of the 288 patients who were randomized, 127 with standard SPC and 137 with silver-alloy SPC were included in the analysis. Twenty-nine out of 123 women with standard SPC (23.6%) and 24 out of 131 (18.3%) with silver-alloy SPC were diagnosed with UTI within 6 weeks postoperatively (p = 0.30). In univariate analysis, non-white race (odds ratio [OR] 5.36, 95% CI 1.16–24.73) and diabetes (OR 2.80, 95% CI 1.26–6.23) were associated with increased risk of UTI. On multivariate analysis, only diabetes remained an independent risk factor. Comparisons between groups were evaluated using two-sample t test for age, Chi-squared tests for diabetes, and Wilcoxon rank sum test for all other variables. There was only a 5% difference in 6-week UTI rates between those who received standard vs silver-alloy SPC; the study was not powered to detect such a small difference. Diabetes was identified as a risk factor for SPC-associated UTI in women undergoing pelvic reconstructive surgeries.

The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of a novel biomechanical test for evaluating mesh-reinforced repair compared to suture-reinforced repair using an animal model. We hypothesized that the fatigue life of a mesh reinforced repair would be greater than that of xenograft reinforced repair and suture-only repair. Wistar rats were randomly assigned to undergo a ventral hernia repair using sutures or one of the three mesh materials representative of incorporation, encapsulation and resorption host responses (Gynemesh®, Pelvisoft® and Surgisis®, respectively). All surviving animals were killed at 90 days and specimens containing the prosthesis–tissue interface were exposed to cyclic forces. The number of cycles to failure (fatigue life) was compared between groups using a Cox regression model. Of 40 randomly assigned animals, 11 died before 90 days. After randomizing an additional 5 rats, a total of 34 rats were killed at 90 days. The proportions of specimens that failed before 10,000 cycles were 25 % (2/8), 50 % (4/8), 62.5 % (5/8) and 70 % (7/10) in the Gynemesh, Surgisis, Pelvisoft, and suture control groups, respectively. In addition, the median number of cycles to failure was >10,000 in the Gynemesh group, >6,923 in the Surgisis group, 1133 in the Pelvisoft group and 741 in the control group. After adjustment for cross-sectional area, the risk of failure in the suture control group was higher than in all of the reinforced repair groups combined with an adjusted hazard ratio of 2.58 (95 % CI 0.96 – 6.97), and was statistically significantly higher than in the Gynemesh group with an adjusted hazard ratio of 6.67 (95 % CI 1.30 – 34.48). We present a novel biomechanical test that can be used to compare mesh materials in an animal model prior to use in humans. In this animal model, after adjusting for cross-sectional area, suture reinforced repair has a higher risk of failure than graft reinforced repair.

Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome includes vaginal agenesis with varied uterine development. The objective of this video is to illustrate our surgical technique to create a cervical and vaginal canal to relieve menstrual obstruction for a teenager with a functional uterus and vaginal agenesis.Using vaginal dissection and a mini laparotomy, a sound placed through the fundus of the uterus created an endocervical and vaginal channel to relieve her menstrual obstruction. A Foley catheter stented the cervical canal and a red rubber chest tube catheter stented the vagina until epithelization was achieved.No complications were encountered. The patient was examined with intermittent hysteroscopy with gentle dilation of the cervix. She had the red rubber catheter removed at 3 months, and she started using a small dilator. Her menses were suppressed with a gonadotropin releasing-hormone agonist allowing for complete healing. She is now 17. Her vaginal canal is well-epithelialized. Hysteroscopy confirmed a patent endocervical canal and uterine cavity.MRKH is rare. A small percentage of affected women has a functional endometrium requiring intervention for menstrual obstruction. Full vaginal reconstruction may be considered, but creation of a small canal to provide menstrual relief can be a temporary solution in those not desiring sexual function.

We compared musculoskeletal discomfort and postural load among surgeons in sitting and standing positions during vaginal surgery. Assessment of discomfort and posture of the primary surgeons in both positions was performed at two institutions. The primary outcome was an increase in body discomfort score after surgery as determined from subjective responses using validated tools. The secondary outcome was the percentage of time spent in awkward body postures measured objectively and stratified into awkward postures for neck, trunk, and bilateral shoulder angles. Variables were compared between sitting and standing positions using Fisher’s exact test for primary outcomes and Wilcoxon rank-sum test for secondary outcomes. Data were collected for 24 surgeries from four surgeons in sitting position and nine surgeries from nine surgeons in standing position. The standing surgeons reported a significant increase in discomfort postoperatively for bilateral wrists, thighs, and lower legs compared with the sitting surgeons. The median percentage of time spent in awkward postures was significantly lower for the trunk in the standing versus sitting position (median 0.3% vs 58.8%, p

Objective The aim of this study was to compare outcomes of vaginal hysterectomy between patients with and without the following perceived contraindications to vaginal surgery: uterine weight greater than 280 g, prior cesarean delivery, no vaginal parity, and obesity. Methods Retrospective cohort of benign vaginal hysterectomies between 2009 and 2013 was obtained. Outcomes included uterine debulking, transfusion, intraoperative complications, length of stay, and Accordion grade 2+ postoperative complications. For each outcome, the association between the presence of each contraindication and the outcome was evaluated using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models. Results Among 692 vaginal hysterectomies, 11% (76/691) had a uterine weight greater than 280 g, 11.3% (78/690) had no vaginal parity, 14.9% (103/690) had a history of cesarean delivery, and 37.7% (248/657) had a body mass index of 30 kg/m or greater; 110 (15.9%) had 2 or more contraindications. Uterine debulking occurred in 146 women (21.1%), and both uterine weight greater 280 g (adjusted odds ratio, 39.2; 95% confidence interval, 18.4-83.5) and prior cesarean delivery (adjusted odds ratio, 2.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-3.7) were significantly associated with an increased likelihood of uterine debulking after adjusting for age, hematologic disease, and preoperative diagnosis. None of the contraindications were significantly associated with need for a blood transfusion, presence of an intraoperative complication, length of stay greater than 2 days, or presence of an Accordion grade 2+ postoperative complication, which occurred in 2.7%, 2.5%, 14.0%, and 6.9% of all women, respectively. Conclusions Vaginal hysterectomy can be safely performed with favorable outcomes, even in women with a uterus greater than 280 g, prior cesarean delivery, no vaginal parity, and obesity. Our findings challenge several perceived contraindications to vaginal hysterectomy.

Objectives The aim of this work was to determine the degree of symptom relief and survival free of retreatment after Mayo-McCall culdoplasty (MMC), open abdominal sacrocolpopexy (ASC), and robotic sacrocolpopexy (RSC) for posthysterectomy vaginal vault prolapse. Methods We retrospectively studied patients who had undergone surgery for posthysterectomy apical vaginal prolapse from January 1, 2000, through June 30, 2012, at our institution. Baseline characteristics and perioperative outcomes were abstracted from electronic health records. Cross-sectional data for current pelvic floor symptoms were collected by using validated questionnaires. Survival free of retreatment was estimated with the Kaplan-Meier method. To account for selection bias, adjusted analyses using inverse probability weighting (IPW) were performed to compare outcomes for MMC versus ASC, MMC versus RSC, and ASC versus RSC. Results Of 512 patients, 337 completed at least a validated or abbreviated questionnaire. Among MMC, ASC, and RSC groups, overall Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory 20, Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire Short Form 7, and Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Function Questionnaire 12 summary scores were not significantly different. There was no significant difference in 5-year survival free of retreatment for MMC (94.0%) versus RSC (95.5%) and ASC (94.8%) versus RSC (92.1%). However, patients who had MMC were more likely to have retreatment than patients who had ASC during the first 10 years (10-year survival free of retreatment: 81.1% vs 95.4%; hazard ratio, 3.68 [95% confidence interval, 1.51-8.98]); the 10-year data were not available for RSC comparisons, given the later initiation of RSC. Conclusions Symptom relief was comparable after MMC, ASC, and RSC. Among all groups, most patients were free of retreatment for prolapse at 5 years. Between the MMC and ASC groups, survival free of retreatment (%) within 10 years was still favorable, but ASC had greater durability, particularly after accounting for selection bias.

Open abdominal sacrocolpopexy has been the preferred treatment for post-hysterectomy vaginal vault prolapse. In light of the rise in popularity of less invasive robotic sacrocolpopexy, our objective was to compare perioperative complications of robotic vs open sacrocolpopexy. This was a single-institution, retrospective cohort study of robotic and open sacrocolpopexies. Robotic sacrocolpopexies performed between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2009 were compared with open cases performed between 1 January 2002 and 31 December 2006. Baseline and intraoperative variables of the groups were compared. Complications were compared univariately and in a multivariable logistic regression model to adjust for prior transabdominal surgery. A total of 50 robotic and 87 open sacrocolpopexies were analyzed. Baseline characteristics were similar, but patients in the open group had more prior transabdominal surgeries. The robotically assisted group had decreased estimated blood loss (median, 100 mL vs 150 mL; P = 0.002) and hospital stay (median, 2 days vs 3 days; P

BIwastoldIhadthebestprocedureformycondition.IsittrueI could have had vaginal surgery without mesh?^ This ques-tionwasposedbythe43-year-oldwomannowfacingtheneedfor adhesiolysis and trachelectomy due to pelvic pain andcyclic bleeding two years after undergoing laparoscopicsupracervical hysterectomy and mesh sacrocervicopexy forstage 3 uterine prolapse (Fig. 1).Theclaimofsuperiorityofsacrocolpopexy(SC)overotherpelvic organ prolapse (POP) procedures was initiated by theresults ofthree randomizedcontrolledtrials(RCTs)involvinga total of 287 patients comparing abdominal SC (ASC) andsacrospinous ligament fixation (SSLF) published in 1996,1998and2004[1–3].Thesestudiesreportedsuperioranatom-ic outcomes with ASC when compared with SSLF, but alsoshowed higher short-term morbidity with ASC. The claim ofsuperiorityofASCoverSSLFwasfurtherreinforcedwiththepublication ofthe first CochranesystematicreviewofsurgeryforPOPpublishedin2004,whichsummarizedthefindingsofthe three previously mentioned studies stating Babdominalsacral colpopexy was better than vaginal sacrospinouscolpopexy in terms of a lower rate of recurrent vault prolapseand less dyspareunia, but the trend towards a lower re-operation rate for prolapse following abdominalsacrocolpopexy was not statistically significant^ [4]. SincetheseinitialRCTscomparingASCwithSSLF,severalsystem-atic reviews have shown the same findings of superior ana-tomic outcomes associated with ASC compared with SSLF[4–11]. These reviews reinforce the perception that there is alarge body of evidence supporting ASC as the best option fortreating POP.Laparoscopic SC (LSC) and robot-assisted SC have beendeveloped to reduce the short-term morbidity associated withASC [12, 13]. Many surgeons consider these less invasiveapproaches to SC (and variations such as sacrocervicopexy)equivalenttoASCintermsofanatomicoutcomeleadingthemtoclaimthatLSCandroboticSCapproachesarenowthebestoptions for treating POP. The most recent Cochrane reviewpublished in 2013 concludes Bsacral colpopexy has superioroutcomes to a variety of vaginal procedures includingsacrospinous colpopexy, uterosacral colpopexy andtransvaginal mesh^ implyingthatall formsofSC are superiorto all other surgical options for treating apical prolapse [9].A close look at the current literature, however, reveals thatthereareactuallyveryfewlevel1studiesfromwhichtoderivesuch a bold conclusion concerning SC compared with otheroptionsfortreatingPOP.OnlytwostudiescomparingSCwithother procedures have been added to the Cochrane reviewover the past decade and both of these are controversial. Oneis a trial comparing LSC with total vaginal mesh (TVM) thatshowedsuperiorityofLSCcomparedtoTVM[14].Thestudyis controversial because the reported success rate for TVMwassignificantlylowerthantherateachievedbyotherauthorsand because of this low rate, LSC was reported as superior.The other is an abstract of a trial comparing ASC withuterosacral ligament suspension (USLS) that showed superi-ority of ASC, but this study is yet to be published as a fullpeer-reviewed article limiting the ability to assess the qualityand potential confounding factors affecting the results [15]. Itistheadditionofthesetwocontroversial studieswhich result-edinthechangeofwordingintheCochraneReviewsummaryfrom the more specific statement that BASC is superior to

Urethral diverticulum (UD) is a protrusion of the urethra through the periurethral fascia. We aimed to determine the population-based incidence of female UD. Using the records-linkage system of the Rochester Epidemiology Project (REP), we identified women 18 years and older with a new diagnosis of UD in Olmsted County, Minnesota, USA, from 1 January 1980, through 31 December 2011. We also identified cases meeting the same criteria diagnosed at Mayo Clinic, regardless of county of residency. Incidence rates were calculated and trends for changes in incidence over time were tested. We conducted a systematic search of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Systematic Reviews, CENTRAL, Web of Science, and Scopus databases from inception through 30 March 2013, to identify published reports of UD incidence or prevalence. We identified 164 incidence cases, including 26 women residing in Olmsted County. Age-adjusted annual incidence of UD in Olmsted County was 17.9 per 1,000,000 women (

OBJECTIVE The optimal suture selection for mesh attachment during robotic sacrocolpopexy (RSC) is currently unknown. Here, we sought to evaluate the outcomes of RSC using absorbable sutures for vaginal and sacral mesh attachment. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed 132 RSC surgeries that were performed for vaginal vault prolapse in the Division of Gynecologic Surgery at our institution from February 2007 to December 2013. All cases were performed with absorbable suture (polyglactin) for vaginal and sacral mesh fixation. Sacrocolpopexy failure was defined as patients undergoing either repeat prolapse surgery or pessary use for recurrent prolapse. The durability of RSC was assessed via Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS The median age at surgery was 61.1 years (interquartile range [IQR], 55.6-68.2) and the median length of postoperative follow-up was 33 months (IQR, 15.7-57). The median body mass index was 26.5 kg/m (IQR, 24.3-29.7). During follow-up, 10 patients underwent prolapse retreatment. There were 2 apical recurrences, 4 distal anterior recurrences, 2 posterior recurrences, and, in 2 cases, the location was unknown. One apical recurrence was confirmed to be secondary to detachment of the mesh from the sacral promontory. Among those with recurrence, the median time to recurrence was 15.5 months (IQR, 4.22-35.9). Overall, the 1-year and 3-year freedom from repeat surgery rates were 96% and 93%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS With a median follow-up of 33 months, the use of absorbable suture for both vaginal and sacral attachments during RSC is effective. Further studies evaluating suture selection and mesh attachment techniques for RSC are needed.

We present a video describing the technical considerations for performing a total colpocleisis in the management of symptomatic post-hysterectomy pelvic organ prolapse.A 76-year old female presented with pelvic pressure and the presence of a palpable vaginal bulge. She had significant bother and had previously failed use of a pessary. She wasnot sexually active, with no plans for future sexual activity. Her medical history was significant for coronary artery disease with prior myocardial infarction. She had high-grade vaginal vault prolapse, without occult incontinence. After discussing observation, pessaries, restorative and obliterative procedures, she elected to undergo colpocleisis. Following hydrodissection with lidocaine with epinephrine, a quadrant-based dissection was performed to remove the vaginal epithelium circumferentially. Following this, serial purse string sutures were used to reduce the prolapse, with meticulous hemostasis. The vaginal epithelium was then closed transversely. Next, a perineorrhaphy was performed. The midline was plicated and the perineal body reconstructed.The patient had an uncomplicated postoperative course. At six-week follow-up she had no evidence of recurrent prolapse and was voiding without difficulty.Colpocleisis can provide excellent anatomic and subjective outcomes. Our goal is to highlight pertinent technical considerations in order to optimize patient outcomes.

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate patient-reported outcomes after sling release for obstructive voiding after sling operation for female stress urinary incontinence. Methods All female patients who had sling release for obstructive voiding at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, from January 1, 2000, through October 31, 2008, were identified and mailed a survey including validated questions for voiding symptoms. A composite outcome for surgical success was chosen in which participants reported global improvement (at least "much better") and complete satisfaction on a 7-point Likert scale. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify clinical and surgical predictors of this outcome. Results In total, 101 women were identified, of which 98 were alive at the time of mailing, and 55 women (56.1%) responded to the survey. Surgery before sling release was a synthetic midurethal sling in 62 patients and biologic sling in 39 patients. Clinical characteristics among mailing responders and nonresponders were similar aside from time from revision surgery to survey (median, 38.8 vs 54.6 months; P = 0.05). Overall, 23 (41.8%) of the 55 responding patients met the predefined criteria for surgical success. Multivariable analysis identified age younger than 60 years (odds ratio [OR], 4.22; P = 0.02), absence of overactive bladder symptoms before sling release (OR, 3.99; P = 0.04), and type of sling release (sling incision or loosening vs partial or complete excision) (OR, 3.78; P = 0.05) as predictors of success. Conclusions Of responders, 23 (41.8%) reported global improvement and satisfaction. Younger age, lack of documented overactive bladder symptoms before sling release, and performing sling release with sling incision or loosening rather than partial or complete excision were associated with better satisfaction and patient-reported improvement.

To evaluate the carcinogenic potential of implanted synthetic mesh midurethral slings in the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence. We identified female patients undergoing implantation of mesh materials for stress urinary incontinence at our institution from 1 January 2002 to 31 December 2012. This was accomplished by querying the medical records for CPT code 57288 (“sling operation for stress incontinence”) and a subsequent chart review to identify patients who underwent synthetic mesh sling placement. Medical records were then evaluated for the documentation of bladder, urethral, vaginal, cervical, uterine or ovarian cancers via the International Classification of Disease (ninth edition) coding. A chart review of patients with a cancer diagnosis was performed for verification of the diagnosis and evaluation of the temporal relationship with sling placement. During the study period, 2,474 patients underwent polypropylene midurethral sling placement. The median age was 57 years (IQR 47, 69) and the median follow-up was 60 months (IQR 23.3, 94.9). Overall, 51 patients also had a cancer diagnosis (8 bladder cancers, 7 vaginal malignancies, 8 ovarian carcinomas, 26 endometrial cancers, 2 cervical malignancies); however, only 2 cancers (0.08 %, 2 out of 2,474) developed following sling placement (a vaginal melanoma 3 years after sling placement and an ovarian tumor 1 year after sling placement). No cases of sarcoma formation, bladder, urethral or squamous cell carcinomas were identified. With a median follow-up of 5 years after synthetic midurethral sling placement, development of pelvic malignancy was rare (0.08 %) and unlikely to be secondary to foreign body reaction from the implanted material.

Background While bowel and bladder dysfunction are recognized consequences of a radical hysterectomy, the effects of a simple hysterectomy on anorectal sensorimotor functions, particularly rectal sensation, vary among studies and the effects on rectal compliance remain unknown. Our aims were to prospectively evaluate anorectal sensorimotor functions before and after a hysterectomy. Methods Anal pressures, rectal compliance, capacity, sensation, and bowel symptoms were assessed before, at 2 months, and at 1 year after a simple vaginal hysterectomy for benign indications in 19 patients. Rectal staircase (0–44 mmHg, 4-mmHg steps), ramp (0–200 mL at 50, 200 and 600 mL min−1) and phasic distentions (8, 16, and 24 mmHg above operating pressure) were performed. Key Results Anal resting (63 ± 4 before, 56 ± 4 mmHg after) and squeeze pressures (124 ± 12 before, 124 ± 12 mmHg after), rectal compliance and capacity (285 ± 12 before, 290 ± 11 mL 1 year after), and perception of phasic distentions were not different before vs after a hysterectomy. Sensory thresholds for first sensation and the desire to defecate were also not different, but pressure and volume thresholds for urgency were somewhat greater (Hazard ratio = 0.7, 95% CI [0.5, 1.0]) 1 year after (vs before) a hysterectomy. Rectal pressures were higher (P

To assess the medium-term performance of the Uretex Urethral Support System, patients were evaluated by the 1-h pad test, cough stress test (CST), Valsalva leak-point pressure test (VLPP), and validated questionnaires. Seventy-five patients were enrolled; median follow-up was 3.6 years (range, 3.1–4.3 years). All patients had a negative CST, 65 (87%) had no leakage during VLPP, and 62 of 72 patients (86%) had a negative 1-h pad test. Compared with baseline values of 50.0 and 28.6, median Urogenital Distress Inventory and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-7 scores at 3-year follow-up were 16.7 and 0, respectively (P < 0.001). Observed medium-term morbidity included de novo urgency in four (5%), frequency in three (4%), and urge incontinence in one (1%). No patients reported graft erosion. The Uretex Urethral Support System is highly effective (both objectively and subjectively) for treatment of stress urinary incontinence and improves quality of life in women with minimal adverse sequelae.

Xenografts, bovine or porcine acellular collagen bioprostheses derived from dermis, pericardium, or small-intestine submucosa, were introduced to overcome synthetic mesh-related complications. Although there are eight commercially available xenografts, there is a paucity of empiric information to justify their use instead of the use of synthetic grafts. In addition, limited data are available about which graft characteristics are important and whether graft-reinforced repairs reduce recurrences and improve outcomes. To address these knowledge gaps, we conducted a Medline search of published reports on xenografts in animal and human trials. Histologic host response to implanted xenograft material depends primarily on chemical cross-linking and porosity, and it is limited to four responses: resorption, incorporation, encapsulation, and mixed. No clinical data unequivocally demonstrate an improved benefit to graft-reinforced repair.

Objective We aimed to determine whether pelvic organ prolapse quantification measurements of genital hiatus (gh) or perineal body (pb) obtained in the late third trimester are predictors of obstetric perineal laceration in nulliparous women. Methods Nulliparous women with singleton gestation were prospectively recruited after 35-week gestation, and gh and pb measurements were obtained. After delivery, determination of the presence and degree of perineal laceration were recorded. Correlation of gh and pb measurements with risk of perineal laceration (defined as second, third, or fourth degree) was assessed using the Wilcoxon rank sum test. Results We recruited 224 patients and 133 met inclusion criteria after delivery. The mean (SD) age was 27.2 (4.0) years and mean (SD) prepregnancy body mass index was 24.1 (4.6) kg/m. Seventy patients (52.6%) had either a second-degree (n = 64) or third-degree (n = 6) laceration. No fourth-degree lacerations were recorded. We found no significant difference in the median gh (3.5 vs 3.0 cm, P = 0.34) and pb (3.5 vs 3.5 cm, P = 0.54) measurements among women with and without perineal lacerations. Conclusions Our data suggest that antenatal measurement of gh and pb does not correlate with the risk of obstetric perineal laceration in nulliparous patients undergoing spontaneous vaginal delivery.

The aim was to evaluate the learning curve of robotic sacrocolpopexy, adjusted for surgical risk.The charts of 145 robotic sacrocolpopexies performed by urogynecologists at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA, from 2007 to 2013, were reviewed. Outcomes of interest included operative time, intraoperative complications, and postoperative complications with a Clavien-Dindo grade 2 or higher. Risk-adjusted cumulative summation analysis was performed by comparing a calculated complication risk score with observed patient outcomes, and then cumulatively recalculating the rate of expected vs observed complications after each procedure. Proficiency was defined as the point at which the surgeon's complication rates were better than expected, given the patient's risk factors.The median operative time decreased significantly, from 5.3 to 3.6 h, during the 7-year period, and plateaued after the first 60 cases. A higher ASA classification was associated with an increased risk of intraoperative complications (p = 0.02), and a higher Charlson comorbidity index was associated with an increased risk of intraoperative or postoperative complications (p = 0.01). In risk-adjusted CUSUM analyses, accounting for these factors, and for body-mass index and vaginal parity, proficiency was identified at 55 cases for intraoperative complications and 84 cases for intraoperative or postoperative complications.Operative time plateaued after the first 60 cases, whereas complication rates continued to decrease beyond this. Proficiency, as determined by a risk-adjusted CUSUM analysis for complication rates, was achieved after approximately 84 cases. Evaluation of postoperative complications in addition to intraoperative complications, in a risk-adjusted model, is critical in depicting the surgical learning curve.

Eight cases of vesicouterine fistula (VUF) (obstetrical etiology in six cases and inflammatory bowel disease in two) have been treated in the past 14 years. All six obstetrical cases were related to cesarean section. Both cases of colovesicouterine fistula presented acutely with watery vaginal discharge or fecaluria. Presenting complaints were vaginal urinary incontinence (five cases), hematuria (three), and vaginal discharge (two). Diagnosis was made with cystoscopy in seven cases and computed tomography in one. VUF usually was between posterior bladder and anterior uterine walls above the internal os. Of the initial treatments, six were surgical (three hysterectomies) with an abdominal (five) or transvaginal (one) approach. Mean follow up was 9 months (range, 2-24). Urinary incontinence resolved in all surgically treated patients. Two patients reporting cyclic hematuria were initially managed medically (medroxyprogesterone injections), with delayed surgical repair elsewhere. Surgical repair is the primary treatment for VUF. Successful pregnancy and cesarean delivery have been reported after VUF repair, without sequelae.

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to determine the utility of intraoperative cystoscopy in detecting and managing ureteral injury among women undergoing vaginal hysterectomy. METHODS We performed a secondary analysis of a retrospective cohort study of 593 patients who underwent vaginal hysterectomy for benign indications, with or without additional pelvic floor reconstructive surgery, from January 2, 2004, through December 30, 2005. A logistic regression model determining the propensity to undergo intraoperative cystoscopy was constructed. Comparisons of ureteral injury and cost between patients with and without cystoscopy were adjusted for the cystoscopy propensity score. We further explored the feasibility of using perioperative change in creatinine level to detect ureteral injury. RESULTS In total, 230 (38.8%) of 593 patients underwent cystoscopy. Six patients (2.6%) in the cystoscopy group and 5 (1.4%) in the no-cystoscopy group had ureteral injuries (odds ratio, 1.92; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.58-6.36). This association was further attenuated after adjusting for the propensity to undergo cystoscopy (odds ratio, 1.31; 95% CI, 0.19-9.09). Four injuries detected cystoscopically were managed intraoperatively. Adjusted mean-predicted costs for patients undergoing cystoscopy were $10,686 (95% CI, $7500-$13,872) versus $10,217 (95% CI, $6894-$13,540). In the no-cystoscopy group, patients with ureteral injury had a median increase in creatinine level of 0.2 mg/dL, whereas patients without injury had a median decrease of 0.1 mg/dL (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The level of selection for cystoscopy did not significantly increase the mean predicted costs for patients. Reliance on postoperative creatinine level to detect ureteral injury, while highly sensitive, is limited by a low positive predictive value and variable range.

A 50-year-old woman was referred for evaluation with an 8-month history of intermittent malodorous vaginal discharge initially noted 2 months after placement of a transobturator tape for stress urinary incontinence. Evaluation revealed erosion of the tape through the vaginal wall with a sinus tract associated with an ischiorectal abscess. Surgical removal of the tape with excision of the sinus tract, drain placement, and antibiotic therapy was needed for complete resolution of the symptoms. Infectious complications need to be considered when counseling women prior to synthetic sling placement. A high index of suspicion, meticulous sub- and periurethral inspection, along with aggressive surgical management are required to treat an infected draining abscess following synthetic transobturator sling placement.

Tactile needle tip control was used to aid perforation during standard tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) placement to treat urinary incontinence. The success and complications of this novel method were compared retrospectively with the reported results of the standard technique. One hundred nine patients had TVT placement between 1998 and 2001, with follow-up continuing into 2002. Preoperatively, the severity of urinary incontinence was assessed objectively. Postoperatively, TVT effectiveness was assessed subjectively by standardized questionnaire, completed by 78 of the 109 patients (72%). Objective 2-year rates for continence or improvement and most complication rates were similar to previously reported results. Needle tip control was helpful in lowering the occurrence of bladder perforation. Longer postoperative recovery times associated with postoperative dysuria or obstruction did not decrease patient satisfaction if the patient experienced a marked improvement in leakage.

Estrogen receptors are present in the urogenital tract. However, little is known about the quantitative distribution of the traditional estrogen receptor (ERalpha) mRNA and the recently identified ERbeta mRNA. By quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis, the distributions of ERalpha and ERbeta mRNA in mouse urogenital tissues and their expression in selected urogenital tissues after oophorectomy, with or without estrogen replacement, were evaluated. ERalpha mRNA concentrations were higher in the ovary, oviduct, uterus and vagina than in the kidney, ureter or bladder ( P0.05); ERbeta transcripts were highest in the ovary, oviduct and bladder ( P0.05). After oophorectomy and estrogen replacement, significant changes were identified in ERalpha and ERbeta mRNA expression. ERalpha and ERbeta mRNA are differentially expressed in mouse urogenital tissues. Oophorectomy and estrogen replacement affect estrogen receptors differently in the bladder, vagina and uterus. These results may explain some tissue-specific responses to estrogen and selective estrogen receptor modulators. The mRNA distributions of estrogen receptors alpha and beta and their expression after oophorectomy, with or without estrogen replacement, differ in mouse urogenital tissues.

Diskitis after sacrocolpopexy for pelvic organ prolapse has been increasingly reported in the literature. We present a case of vesicosacrofistulization resulting in diskitis and osteomyelitis after robotically assisted laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy performed at an outside institution. A 70-year-old woman with uterovaginal prolapse and stress urinary incontinence underwent robotic supracervical hysterectomy with sacrocolpopexy and transobturator sling placement at an outside hospital. Postoperatively, she had recurrent urinary tract infections; by 3 months postoperatively, fevers and leg and back pain had developed. She was given a diagnosis of L5-S1 spondylodiskitis. After 3.5 weeks of intravenous antibiotic therapy failed, further evaluation revealed a fistulous tract to the sacrum. She was transferred to our institution and underwent sacrocolpopexy mesh removal, L5-S1 debridement, antibiotic treatment, and physical therapy. One year after this repair surgery, she has returned to her usual activities with no current symptoms of infection, prolapse, urinary incontinence, or back pain. Vesicosacrofistulization is a serious complication of sacrocolpopexy that can result in diskitis and osteomyelitis. Prevention involves avoiding placing mesh on the bladder and at the L5-S1 disk space during open or minimally invasive sacrocolpopexy. A high index of suspicion for diskitis, even several months after surgery, should be maintained to expedite evaluation. If fistulization of pelvic structures to the sacrum is suspected, a multidisciplinary evaluation and treatment approach should be considered to optimize patient care.

Objectives Vaginal shortening and narrowing is an uncommon complication of vaginal reconstructive surgery for prolapse and may cause sexual dysfunction and dyspareunia. We hypothesize that vaginal length, caliber, and sexual function will remain unchanged between the initial (6 weeks to 6 months) and medium-term (18-36 months) postoperative periods. Methods Women who had previously undergone native tissue vaginal reconstructive surgery for symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse and did not undergo intentional vaginal shortening and narrowing were invited to participate by completing a survey and undergoing a physical examination. Vaginal obturators of variable diameters were used to measure vaginal length and caliber. Sexual function was assessed using the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire-12. Women were asked to complete the same checklist assessing barriers (if not sexually active) or interfering factors (if sexually active) to sexual activity. Results Survey results were available from 41 women with mean ± SD age at surgery of 63.7 ± 10.6 years. Among those sexually active at both postoperative periods (22 women), mean Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire-12 scores were unchanged between the initial and medium-term postoperative periods (34.1 ± 6.0 vs 32.9 ± 6.0; P = 0.19). Vaginal dryness was the most common interfering factor to sexual activity. Vaginal length and caliber were unchanged between measurements at the initial postoperative and the medium-term postoperative periods. Conclusion There was no significant change in vaginal anatomy measurements or sexual function between initial (6 weeks to 6 months) and medium-term (18-36 months) postoperative periods after vaginal reconstructive surgery.

Despite established comparable efficacy between retropubic midurethral (RMUS) and transobturator slings, there are conflicting data regarding single-incision mini-slings (SIMS). This study tests the null hypothesis that the MiniArc® Single-Incision Sling is equivalent to the ALIGN® Urethral Support System for treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Women who underwent a sling for SUI from 1 January 2008 through 31 December 2009 were identified (N = 324). A follow-up survey was mailed. Primary outcomes were treatment failure, defined as International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire (ICIQ) score >0 or additional anti-incontinence procedure, and stress-specific incontinence (SSI). Secondary outcomes included Patient Global Impression of Severity and Improvement (PGI-SI), satisfaction, de novo urge, and complications. The study included 202 women who returned the survey. The SIMS group had higher body mass index (BMI) (30.7 ± 6.5 vs 28.9 ± 6.0 kg/m2, P = 0.052) and shorter follow-up (18.6 ± 11.5 vs 22.9 ± 14.6 months, P = 0.019). Treatment failure was higher in SIMS compared with RMUS (76.3 % vs 64.2 %) with adjusted odds ratio of 1.84 (95 % CI, 1.0, 3.5). The SIMS group was more likely to have postoperative SSI, with adjusted OR of 2.4 (95 % CI; 1.3–4.5). The RMUS group reported more improvement and satisfaction. Incidence of de novo urge and complications were similar between groups. Reoperation for mesh erosion was more likely in the RMUS group, while the SIMS had a higher reoperation rate for SUI. Compared with retropubic ALIGN® Slings, MiniArc® Single-Incision Slings are less effective, with more postoperative incontinence, less patient-reported improvement, satisfaction, and higher reoperation rates for SUI.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) reportedly affect a large proportion of providers in obstetrics and gynecology. We hypothesize a high MSD prevalence rate among vaginal surgeons associated with surgeon- and work-related characteristics.Surveys were distributed to members of the International Urogynecological Association and American Urogynecological Society. Exclusion criteria included inability to read English, no computer access, invalid or unavailable e-mail address, and missing50% of responses.Among respondents, 86.7% (436/503) reported ever having work-related MSDs. On univariate analysis, surgeons involved in surgical teaching were significantly more likely to report work-related MSDs. Female surgeons had more frequent and more severe MSDs in the neck, dominant shoulder, and upper back. Older age and more years of work experience were associated with seeking medical attention. Right-hand dominance was associated with negative consequences on work behavior.A large proportion of vaginal surgeon respondents reported work-related MSDs.

OBJECTIVE : This study aimed to validate a visual analog scale (VAS) form of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire-12 (PISQ-12). METHODS : This was a planned secondary analysis of a vaginal anatomy and sexual function study. All women undergoing vaginal reconstruction between October 2008 and December 2009 were asked to participate. We planned for an analysis of 30 women for this validation. Preoperatively, sexually active participants completed a questionnaire containing a PISQ-12 in Likert (0-4) and VAS (0-10) format. Within 30 days, participants completed a PISQ-12 in VAS form only for evaluation of test-retest reliability. At 6 months after surgery, participants completed the PISQ-12 in both the Likert and VAS forms. For each item on the PISQ-12, the Spearman rank correlation coefficient was used to estimate the correlation between the Likert and VAS formats using the responses from the same assessment period (before or after surgery). The intraclass correlation coefficient was estimated to assess the test-retest agreement. RESULTS : A total of 43 women completed the preoperative questionnaire, 25 completed the retest, and 37 completed the postoperative questionnaire. When PISQ-12 scores were compared between the Likert and VAS forms, correlation values were 0.88 preoperatively and 0.91 postoperatively. Test-retest reliability was high with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.87. Most women preferred the Likert version (71.4% preoperatively and 55.0% postoperatively). CONCLUSIONS : The VAS form of the PISQ-12 is both reliable and reproducible and avoids the limitations of the Likert scale.

The study’s objectives were to determine changes in vaginal length and caliber after vaginal surgery and to correlate changes with sexual function. This prospective study measured vaginal length and caliber before and immediately after vaginal surgery and at 5- to 8-week follow-up. A sexual function questionnaire was administered preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively. Ninety-two women were enrolled (mean age, 64 years); 44 (47.8%) were sexually active. The most common procedure was Mayo-McCall culdoplasty in 85 women (92.4%). Fourteen (15.2%) had intentional vaginal shortening and narrowing (coning). Mean vaginal length changed from 10.4 cm preoperatively to 8.7 cm at 5- to 8-week follow-up in women not having coning. Mean vaginal caliber changed from 3.2 to 2.8 cm. Preoperative and postoperative sexual function questionnaire scores did not correlate with vaginal measurements. Vaginal shortening and narrowing occurred after vaginal surgery; sexual function was unchanged.