Validation of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Simple Screening Inventory (POPSSI) in a population of Ethiopian women.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) in the developing world is not known. A nonclinical screening tool for prolapse is needed in the resource poor setting. In this study, we aim to determine the validity of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Simple Screening Inventory (POPSSI) for detection of POP in a population of women at two academic hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. METHODS: Women from two teaching hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia were recruited to complete the POPSSI questionnaire as well as a Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) exam. Descriptive data on exam findings were collected. Questionnaire responses were then correlated to exam findings and data analyzed to determine the validity of this test as a screening tool for prolapse in our patient population. RESULTS: Majority of the women with POP had advanced stage. The sensitivity and specificity of the POPSSI for identifying pelvic organ prolapse in our study patient population was 91.7 and 60.6% respectively. CONCLUSION: The POPSSI has a high sensitivity for detecting women with POP. "Feeling or seeing bulge" had a higher sensitivity and specificity.

Retrospective Cohort Study on the Perioperative Risk Factors for Transient Voiding Dysfunction After Apical Prolapse Repair.

OBJECTIVES: The primary aim was to compare the incidence of transient voiding dysfunction (TVD) between vaginal uterosacral ligament suspension, sacrospinous ligament fixation, and robotic sacrocolpopexy. Secondarily, we identified risk factors for TVD and associated postoperative complications. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of women who underwent apical repair at 1 institution. Data were collected from electronic medical records and were presented as means (SD) or numbers (percent) as appropriate. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify risk factors for TVD and its associated postoperative complications. RESULTS: Three hundred sixty women were included in analysis. Two hundred nineteen (60.8%) passed their voiding trial and 141 (39.2%) experienced TVD. The TVD group demonstrated a higher age, age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index score, and preoperative postvoid residual (all P < 0.05). Univariate analysis demonstrated higher rates of TVD in the vaginal uterosacral ligament suspension and sacrospinous ligament fixation groups compared with the robotic sacrocolpopexy group (P = 0.012). Transient voiding dysfunction occurred more frequently with a concomitant anti-incontinence procedure, anterior repair, and/or posterior repair (all P < 0.05). In multivariate analysis, only an anti-incontinence procedure and concomitant anterior repair were independently associated with a risk of TVD (odds ratio [OR], 2.23; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.37-3.62, and OR, 2.20; CI, 1.14-4.27, respectively). Transient voiding dysfunction was associated with a culture-proven urinary tract infection within 6 weeks (OR, 3.2; CI, 1.3-8.55). CONCLUSIONS: There was no difference in TVD between types of apical repair. Concomitant anti-incontinence procedure and anterior repair were associated with TVD. Women with TVD have an increased risk of postoperative urinary tract infections.

What Should a Gynecologist Know about Li-Fraumeni Syndrome? Lessons from a Patient Undergoing Hysterectomy for Benign Indications.

Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) is a rare highly penetrant cancer syndrome characterized by mutation in the TP53 tumor suppressor gene. Recent data suggest that this germline mutation is more frequent than once thought. While LFS has not been associated previously with pelvic serous carcinoma, gynecologic malignancies have been reported in this patient population. We present the case report of a 37-year-old patient with known LFS and a history of multiple cancers who underwent total abdominal hysterectomy for benign indications with incidental bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. On final pathology, she was found to have serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma of bilateral fallopian tubes. Our findings raise the question of the potential role of prophylactic gynecologic cancer-reducing surgery in this patient population.

Interactive Pelvic Anatomy Model: A Tool for Teaching Basic Pelvic Anatomy.

BACKGROUND: A knowledge deficit of pelvic anatomy has been noted in obstetrics and gynecology residents. In this article, we introduce an innovative anatomic model that uses readily accessible and reusable materials to simulate and teach anatomic relationships in the female pelvis. INSTRUMENT: Our anatomic model is a reusable and cost-effective modification of an existing pelvic model. We used felt fabric pieces with hook-and-loop fasteners to simulate the pelvic floor, perineum, and surrounding musculature as they attach to corresponding sites on a standard bony pelvis. Our design incorporates the relationship of the ureter and major blood vessels in the pelvis by using yarn and ribbon. By allowing the student to build the anatomy of the pelvis piece by piece, the model provides the student a hands-on illustration of anatomic relationships in three dimensions. EXPERIENCE: At our institution, both learners and faculty have positively evaluated our model. We have used it to teach residents and fourth-year medical students surgically relevant anatomy. It is currently being evaluated as an addition to standard anatomy lectures in medical student clerkships. CONCLUSION: Our model introduces an innovative design that uses inexpensive and reusable materials. Residents, faculty, and student learners at our institution have positively received the model.