The posterior intravaginal slingplasty operation: results of the Austrian registry.

OBJECTIVE: We set up a registry to assess complications and short-term results of the posterior intravaginal slingplasty operation. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 14 gynecology departments in Austria completed questionnaires addressing the patient's history, the operation itself and the postoperative course. In the follow-up we asked for information on tape exposure and functional and anatomical results. RESULTS: Fourteen centers entered a total of 577 patients operated between 2001 and 2006. 560 (97%) posterior slingplasty operations were done in conjunction with other procedures. Intraoperative complications were reported for 16 (2.8%) procedures. Postoperatively five hematomas required reoperation. 496 (86%) patients were available for follow-up after a median of 7 weeks (range, 1-156). 54 (9.4%) patients required reoperation. Vaginal tape exposure was seen in 50 (8.7%) women. Physicians assessed the functional and anatomical results as excellent or good in 83% and 88% of patients, respectively. CONCLUSION: Despite the limitations of a registry and the high rate of concomitant procedures, this study provides data on the complications and results of the posterior intravaginal slingplasty operation.

Influence of bleaching agents and desensitizing varnishes on the water content of dentin.

This in vitro study investigated the possible dehydration of dentin caused by bleaching agents. Furthermore, it tested whether protective dentin varnishes can maintain the physiological moisture of dentin during bleaching treatment. Fifty-five standardized dentin cylinders were prepared from freshly extracted bovine incisors under constant water irrigation. Prior to bleaching, the treatment specimens were conditioned at room temperature in a hygrophor for 14 days. The samples were divided into 11 groups. The Group A specimens, which were completely dehydrated, and Group B, which was stored for 2 weeks in a hygrophor, served as controls (A, B n=5). The other samples (n=10 each group) were coated with Vivasens [VS] (C), Bilfuorid [BF] (D) and Seal&Protect [SP] (E). Five specimens from each group (C-E) were subsequently treated with an experimental bleaching gel (Exp BG) (20% carbamide peroxide [CP], glycerine-based gel): Cb, Db, Eb. The remaining specimens were bleached with Exp BG (F) only, Vivastyle (G: 16% CP, glycerine-based gel) or Vivastyle Paint On (H: 6% CP-varnish) for 7 days (n=5 each group) with bleaching time for gels: 2 hours/day, paint on: 20 minutes/day. After the respective treatments, the overall water content of each specimen was determined using the analytical method of Karl-Fischer-titration. The water content of bovine dentin (Group B, mean%+/-SD) obtained in this study amounted to 15.24+/-0.4. All bleaching products significantly reduced the water content compared to the controls (exp BG: 13.32+/-0.47, Vivastyle 13.2+/-0.27, paint on 13.72+/-0.54; p<0.05). Also, application of SP before bleaching resulted in reduced water content (14.06+/-0.12; p=0.0005). However, bleaching with exp BG following use of VS (14.99+/-0.42) or SP (13.85+/-0.26) did not result in a reduction of water content in dentin. Pretreatment with BF did not protect dentin from water loss during bleaching (12.44+/-0.38; bi p=0.0009). All glycerine-based bleaching products used in this study had a significant dehydrating effect on dentin. The application of protective varnishes prior to bleaching treatment may reduce or even prevent dentin dehydration.