Risk Factors for Microscopic Hematuria in Women.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to determine the risk factors that may contribute to the diagnosis of microscopic hematuria (MH) in women. METHODS: This multicenter case-control study reviewed cases of women presenting to Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery sites with MH from 2010 to 2014. Microscopic hematuria was defined as 3 or more red blood cells per high power field in the absence of infection as indicated in the American Urologic Association guidelines. Controls were matched to cases in a 1:1 ratio and chart review of 10 risk factors was performed (urethral caruncle, pelvic organ prolapse, vaginal atrophy, personal or family history of nephrolithiasis, prior prolapse or incontinence surgery, past or current smoking, chemical exposure, family history of urologic malignancy, prior pelvic radiation, and prior alkylating chemotherapy). Odds ratios were performed to assess risk factors. RESULTS: There were 493 cases and 501 controls from 8 Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery sites. Current smoking, a history of pelvic radiation, and a history of nephrolithiasis were all significant risk factors for MH (P < 0.05). Vaginal atrophy, menopausal status, and use of estrogen were not found to be risk factors for MH (P = 0.42, 0.83, and 0.80, respectively). When stratifying the quantity of MH, women with increased red blood cells per high power field were more likely to have significant findings on their imaging results. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that the risk factors for MH in women are current smoking, a history of pelvic radiation, and a history of nephrolithiasis.

The Role of Chronic Mesh Infection in Delayed-Onset Vaginal Mesh Complications or Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections: Results From Explanted Mesh Cultures.

OBJECTIVES: Vaginal mesh complications necessitating excision are increasingly prevalent. We aim to study whether subclinical chronically infected mesh contributes to the development of delayed-onset mesh complications or recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs). METHODS: Women undergoing mesh removal from August 2013 through May 2014 were identified by surgical code for vaginal mesh removal. Only women undergoing removal of anti-incontinence mesh were included. Exclusion criteria included any women undergoing simultaneous prolapse mesh removal. We abstracted preoperative and postoperative information from the medical record and compared mesh culture results from patients with and without mesh extrusion, de novo recurrent UTIs, and delayed-onset pain. RESULTS: One hundred seven women with only anti-incontinence mesh removed were included in the analysis. Onset of complications after mesh placement was within the first 6 months in 70 (65%) of 107 and delayed (≥6 months) in 37 (35%) of 107. A positive culture from the explanted mesh was obtained from 82 (77%) of 107 patients, and 40 (37%) of 107 were positive with potential pathogens. There were no significant differences in culture results when comparing patients with delayed-onset versus immediate pain, extrusion with no extrusion, and de novo recurrent UTIs with no infections. CONCLUSIONS: In this large cohort of patients with mesh removed for a diverse array of complications, cultures of the explanted vaginal mesh demonstrate frequent low-density bacterial colonization. We found no differences in culture results from women with delayed-onset pain versus acute pain, vaginal mesh extrusions versus no extrusions, or recurrent UTIs using standard culture methods. Chronic prosthetic infections in other areas of medicine are associated with bacterial biofilms, which are resistant to typical culture techniques. Further studies using culture-independent methods are needed to investigate the potential role of chronic bacterial infections in delayed vaginal mesh complications.

Management of genitourinary fistula.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review current literature on the management of genitourinary fistulae, specifically, the techniques for diagnosis, timing to repair, surgical approach and recent advancements in surgical technique. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent advancement in minimally invasive surgery has prompted surgeons to perform fistula repairs with laparoscopic or robotic-assisted laparoscopic techniques. Whereas there is a role for transabdominal fistula closure, the majority of fistulae are still best approached via a transvaginal route. SUMMARY: Genitourinary fistulae from obstetric trauma have received increased attention and funding to treat and prevent this devastating condition in developing countries. Despite multiple classification systems, a standardized classification that accurately identifies predictors of successful repair is lacking. In industrialized nations, genitourinary fistulae are rare and are most frequently associated with pelvic surgery, pelvic radiation, cancer or trauma. Surgical techniques to repair these fistulae have shifted from transabdominal laparotomy to minimally invasive laparoscopic procedures. Vascularized tissue flaps can play an important role in successful closure of complex fistulae. Despite advancements in surgical technology, overarching principles of fistula closure remain. The majority of fistulae can be closed through a transvaginal approach, with a tension-free, watertight, multilayer closure.