ABSTRACT
Background@#This retrospective cohort study assessed the outcomes of combined surgeries for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in 31 patients with a follow-up of 7 years.@*Objectives@#The study aimed to determine the success and recurrence rates of POP and SUI while comparing the outcomes, analyzing the predictors for recurrence, and reporting on complications.@*Materials and Methods@#Demographic and clinical profiles were analyzed descriptively using frequency and percentages. Objective SUI cure rate was assessed via office cystometry with a cough stress test, while POP was evaluated using the POP-Q system. Subjective cure rates for both conditions were determined using a symptom severity checklist based on the King's Health Questionnaire. Chi-square tests assessed associations between objective outcome parameters and time elapsed since surgery, and other outcome predictors, with significance set at p < 0.05.@*Results@#The results showed a high objective cure rate of 96% for SUI and subjective cure rates of 96% for both SUI and POP. Long-term symptoms included urine frequency and retention, while mesh erosion occurred in one patient. The objective cure rate for POP was 67.7%, with recurrence in the anterior compartment at the midterm and in various compartments at long term. Vault fixation suggests efficacy in reducing apical prolapse recurrence. The preoperative age was identified as a significant risk factor for POP recurrence. @*Conclusion@#This study supports the durability and efficacy of combined surgeries for SUI and POP, with high patient satisfaction.
Subject(s)
Suburethral SlingsABSTRACT
@#A cervical length <25 mm is correlated with an increased risk of preterm delivery. Pessaries have been used in patients with a short cervix to prevent preterm birth. Compared to cerclage, it is seen as a novel approach, which is more affordable, less invasive, and can be inserted at a later gestational age. We present our experience on the use of pessaries for shortened cervix. In this case series, we inserted a pessary in pregnant patients from 10 to 30 weeks of age of gestation (mean 23 weeks) with cervical length of 0.9 cm to 2.1 cm. We were able to prolong the pregnancy in 5 of the 7 cases with a mean interval to delivery of 14 weeks. One proposed mechanism of a pessary for shortened cervix is that it directs the inclination of the cervix posteriorly, which allows majority of the weight of the pregnancy to lie on the anterior segment of the uterus instead of on the internal cervical os. Based on the cases presented, we have proposed some guidelines in offering a pessary for patients with a shortened cervix: (1) recommend a pessary in patients with a cervical length <25 mm or a diagnosis of cervical insufficiency; (2) exclude infection or active labor; and (3) remove the pessary if there is rupture of membranes, significant vaginal bleeding, or persistent uterine contractions.