A randomized clinical trial comparing internal and external pessaries in the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse in postmenopausal women: A pilot study.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Internal vaginal pessary is among the leading treatments for pelvic organ prolapse (POP); however, it has a high adverse event rate. An external pessary was recently developed as an alternative. The study's objective was to compare the efficacy of external and internal pessaries in treating POP in postmenopausal women. METHODS: This parallel randomized (1:1 ratio) open-blind study included 40 symptomatic women with stage 2 or 3 POP. They were randomized into two groups: group 1 (internal pessary) and group 2 (external pessary) (n = 20 in each); and evaluated at the start of and 3 months after the treatment. Statistical analysis was performed to compare the results within and between the groups before and after the 3-month treatment. RESULTS: The groups were homogeneous, except for the variables previous pregnancies (p = 0.030) and POP-Q score of apical prolapse (p = 0.023) whose values were higher in group 2. A significant improvement in quality of life was observed in both groups after 3 months of follow-up; however, internal pessaries were found to be more effective (p < 0.001). In group 1 there were differences between the initial and final POP-Q scores of anterior (0.004) and apical prolapse (p = 0.005). The complication rate associated with internal pessary use was high (p = 0.044). CONCLUSIONS: The present data suggested that external pessaries have a similar effect to internal ones for the treatment of POP and improvement of the quality of life of postmenopausal women.

A randomized clinical trial comparing internal and external pessaries in the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse in postmenopausal women: A pilot study

Abstract Introduction and hypothesis Internal vaginal pessary is among the leading treatments for pelvic organ prolapse (POP); however, it has a high adverse event rate. An external pessary was recently developed as an alternative. The study's objective was to compare the efficacy of external and internal pessaries in treating POP in postmenopausal women. Methods This parallel randomized (1:1 ratio) open-blind study included 40 symptomatic women with stage 2 or 3 POP. They were randomized into two groups: group 1 (internal pessary) and group 2 (external pessary) (n = 20 in each); and evaluated at the start of and 3 months after the treatment. Statistical analysis was performed to compare the results within and between the groups before and after the 3-month treatment. Results The groups were homogeneous, except for the variables previous pregnancies (p = 0.030) and POP-Q score of apical prolapse (p = 0.023) whose values were higher in group 2. A significant improvement in quality of life was observed in both groups after 3 months of follow-up; however, internal pessaries were found to be more effective (p < 0.001). In group 1 there were differences between the initial and final POP-Q scores of anterior (0.004) and apical prolapse (p = 0.005). The complication rate associated with internal pessary use was high (p = 0.044). Conclusions The present data suggested that external pessaries have a similar effect to internal ones for the treatment of POP and improvement of the quality of life of postmenopausal women.

Comparison of stress urinary incontinence between urban women and women of indigenous origin in the Brazilian Amazon.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: This study compared two populations in the Brazilian Amazon, one comprising urban women and the other indigenous origin women from a riparian population, to assess the prevalence of and risk factors associated with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). METHODS: Following sample calculation, 120 indigenous and 260 urban women underwent evaluations including medical history, UI-oriented physical examination, pelvic organ prolapse, and functional assessment of the pelvic floor. Women with complaints of SUI underwent a urodynamic study and completed a quality of life questionnaire (King's Health Questionnaire). Univariate ORs were calculated, and multiple logistic regression models were then built using the stepwise backward method. RESULTS: The prevalence of SUI was similar in both groups (25.8% in indigenous origin women and 20.4% in the urban group (P > 0.05). The parity and number of spontaneous deliveries and home births were higher in the indigenous origin group. Multivariate analysis showed a decreased prevalence of SUI in patients with modified Oxford Scale scores ≥ 3. Women with homebirths had a 3.45-fold higher likelihood of having SUI than women with hospital deliveries (OR 3.45 -CI 1.78-6.70). Quality of life was worse in the domains of SUI impact, hindering daily and physical activities as well as jeopardizing personal and emotional relationships in urban women. CONCLUSIONS: No significant difference in SUI was observed between the groups, despite significantly higher risk factors for SUI in the indigenous origin group.

Validation of the Brazilian Portuguese version of the pelvic floor bother questionnaire.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The Pelvic Floor Bother Questionnaire (PFBQ) was designed to identify the presence and degree of bother associated with common pelvic floor symptoms. The PFBQ can be used in clinical practice and for research purposes, but it is not available in Brazilian Portuguese. We aimed to validate a cross-culturally adapted Brazilian Portuguese version of the PFBQ. METHODS: A pilot-tested version of the PFBQ translated from English was evaluated with Brazilian patients suffering from pelvic floor disorders. Internal reliability, test-retest reliability, validity, and responsiveness to change were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 147 patients (mean age, 60.49 years) were enrolled in the study. The Brazilian Portuguese version of the PFBQ demonstrated good reliability (α = 0.625; ICC = 0.981). There was strong agreement beyond chance for each item (κ = 0.895-1.00). The PFBQ correlated with stage of prolapse (p < 0.01), number of urinary (ρ = 0.791, p < 0.001) and fecal (ρ = 0.78, p < 0.001) incontinence episodes, and obstructed defecation (ρ = 0.875, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The Brazilian Portuguese version of the PFBQ is a reliable, valid, and user-friendly instrument that can be used for assessing the presence and severity of pelvic floor symptoms in clinical and research settings in Brazil.

Relationship between BMI and three different devices used in urinary incontinence procedures and anatomical structures in fresh cadavers. A pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the needle positioning during three types of slings in relation to anatomical structures in fresh cadavers and to evaluate if this positioning is influenced by body mass index (BMI). METHODS: TVTr sling (retropubic), TVT-O sling (transobturator) and mini-sling (TVT-Secur™) were performed in ten fresh cadavers, followed by dissection of the pudendal (genital) area (external evaluation) and abdominal cavity (internal evaluation). The distance between the devices used in each technique and specific anatomical structures (vessels and bowel) was measured. RESULTS: The mean distance between TVTr needles and the closest segment of the bowel was 5.0±1.1cm. The mean distance between the TVTr needles and iliac vessels was 8.55±1.59cm, and this distance was inversely proportional to BMI. However, the both correlations were not significantly (p<0.05). The mean distance from TVT-O needle to obturator vessels and nerve was 2.25±0.34cm. This distance was inversely proportional to BMI, but it was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Our data suggested that BMI may be not an important factor for influencing the relationship between the devices and anatomical structures in three different slings in fresh cadavers.

Predictive factors for voiding dysfunction after transobturator slings.

PURPOSE: To identify the predictive factors for voiding dysfunction after transobturator slings. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of all patients who underwent a transobturator sling between March 2003 and December 2008. A total of 514 women had available data with at least a six-week follow-up. Patients' demographics, preoperative symptoms, urodynamic testing including multichannel voiding studies and surgical variables were tabulated. Voiding dysfunction was defined by a catheterized or ultrasonographic postvoid residual greater than 100 cc (≥six weeks after the procedure) associated with any complaints of abnormal voiding. Univariate logistic regression analysis was performed with respect to postoperative voiding dysfunction. RESULTS: The patient population had a mean age of 58.5 ± 12.9 years. Thirty-three out of 514 patients (6.4%) had postoperative voiding dysfunction according to our definition, and 4 (0.78%) required sling transection. No differences were observed between normal and dysfunctional voiders in age, associated prolapse surgery, preoperative postvoid residual, preoperative urinary flow rate, prior pelvic surgery, and menopausal status. Valsalva efforts during the preoperative pressure flow study was the only predictive factor for postoperative voiding dysfunction, 72.4% dysfunctional versus 27.6% normal (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Preoperative Valsalva maneuver during the micturition could identify those at risk for voiding dysfunction after transobturator sling, and it should be noted during preoperative counseling.

Predictive factors for voiding dysfunction after transobturator slings / Fatores preditivos para disfunção miccional após cirurgia de sling transobturador

PURPOSE: To identify the predictive factors for voiding dysfunction after transobturator slings. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of all patients who underwent a transobturator sling between March 2003 and December 2008. A total of 514 women had available data with at least a six-week follow-up. Patients' demographics, preoperative symptoms, urodynamic testing including multichannel voiding studies and surgical variables were tabulated. Voiding dysfunction was defined by a catheterized or ultrasonographic postvoid residual greater than 100 cc (≥six weeks after the procedure) associated with any complaints of abnormal voiding. Univariate logistic regression analysis was performed with respect to postoperative voiding dysfunction. RESULTS: The patient population had a mean age of 58.5±12.9 years. Thirty-three out of 514 patients (6.4%) had postoperative voiding dysfunction according to our definition, and 4 (0.78%) required sling transection. No differences were observed between normal and dysfunctional voiders in age, associated prolapse surgery, preoperative postvoid residual, preoperative urinary flow rate, prior pelvic surgery, and menopausal status. Valsalva efforts during the preoperative pressure flow study was the only predictive factor for postoperative voiding dysfunction, 72.4% dysfunctional versus 27.6% normal (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Preoperative Valsalva maneuver during the micturition could identify those at risk for voiding dysfunction after transobturator sling, and it should be noted during preoperative counseling.

OBJETIVO: Identificar fatores preditivos para disfunção miccional após a cirurgia de sling transobturador. MÉTODOS: Foram revisados, retrospectivamente, os protocolos de todas as pacientes que foram submetidas à cirurgia de sling transobturador. Entre março de 2003 e dezembro de 2008, 514 mulheres apresentavam dados disponíveis com ao menos seis semanas de seguimento. Foram avaliados os dados demográficos, os sintomas pré-operatórios, o estudo urodinâmico e as variáveis cirúrgicas. A disfunção miccional foi definida como o resíduo pós-miccional (verificado por sondagem vesical ou ecografia) superior a 100 mL (≥seis semanas após procedimento cirúrgico), que foi associado à queixa de micção anormal. Realizou-se análise por regressão logística univariada com relação à disfunção miccional pós-operatória. RESULTADOS: A população de pacientes tinha uma média de idade de 58,5±12,9 anos. Trinta e três das 514 (6,4%) participantes apresentavam disfunção miccional pós-operatória de acordo com a nossa definição e 4 (0,78%) necessitaram secção do sling. Não houve diferenças com relação à cirurgia para prolapso associada, ao resíduo pós-miccional pré-operatório, à urofluxometria pré-operatória, à cirurgia pélvica prévia e ao estado menopausal entre aquelas que apresentaram disfunção miccional quando comparadas às outras. A identificação da manobra de Valsalva durante o estudo miccional pré-operatório foi o único fator preditivo para disfunção miccional pós-operatória, 72,4% no grupo com disfunção versus 27,6% nas normais (p<0,001). CONCLUSÃO: A manobra de Valsalva pré-operatória durante a micção pôde identificar as mulheres que apresentavam maior risco para disfunção miccional após cirurgia de sling transobturador, e deve ser levada em consideração no aconselhamento pré-operatório das mesmas.

Müllerian duct anomalies: review of current management.

The aim of this paper was to discuss the embryological aspects of Müllerian duct anomalies and to analyze the current diagnostic methods and therapy. Müllerian anomalies are congenital defects of the female reproductive tract resulting from failure in the development of the Müllerian ducts and their associated structures. Their cause has yet to be fully clarified, and it is currently believed to be multifactorial. Symptoms appear principally during adolescence or early adulthood, and affect the reproductive capacity of these women. When clinically suspected, investigations leading to diagnosis include imaging methods such as hysterosalpingography, ultrasonography and magnetic resonance. The classification of these malformations relates to their embryogenesis, and defines the therapy and prognosis. Müllerian anomalies consist of a wide range of defects that may vary from patient to patient. Therefore, their management must also be individual, taking anatomical and clinical characteristics into consideration, as well as the patient's wishes.

Müllerian duct anomalies: review of current management / Malformações Müllerianas: revisão da abordagem atual

The aim of this paper was to discuss the embryological aspects of Müllerian duct anomalies and to analyze the current diagnostic methods and therapy. Müllerian anomalies are congenital defects of the female reproductive tract resulting from failure in the development of the Müllerian ducts and their associated structures. Their cause has yet to be fully clarified, and it is currently believed to be multifactorial. Symptoms appear principally during adolescence or early adulthood, and affect the reproductive capacity of these women. When clinically suspected, investigations leading to diagnosis include imaging methods such as hysterosalpingography, ultrasonography and magnetic resonance. The classification of these malformations relates to their embryogenesis, and defines the therapy and prognosis. Müllerian anomalies consist of a wide range of defects that may vary from patient to patient. Therefore, their management must also be individual, taking anatomical and clinical characteristics into consideration, as well as the patient's wishes.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi discutir as malformações müllerianas desde seus aspectos embriológicos, analisando os atuais métodos diagnóstico e terapêuticos. As malformações müllerianas são anomalias congênitas do trato reprodutivo feminino decorrentes de falha do desenvolvimento dos ductos de Müller e estruturas associadas. Sua causa não foi completamente elucidada, acreditando-se, atualmente, que seja multifatorial. Os sintomas se manifestam, principalmente, durante a adolescência e início da vida adulta, e afetam a capacidade reprodutiva dessas mulheres. A partir da suspeita clínica, a investigação diagnóstica inclui métodos de imagem, como a histerosalpingografia, ultrassonografia e ressonância magnética. A classificação das malformações está relacionada à sua embriogênese e direciona a terapêutica e prognóstico. As malformações müllerianas são um grupo amplo de anomalias que variam de paciente para paciente. Portanto, sua abordagem também é individual, devendo-se considerar os aspectos anatômicos, clínicos e o desejo da paciente.

Preparo Cervical com Misoprostol em Histeroscopias Diagnósticas / Cervical Priming using Misoprostol prior to Diagnostic Hysteroscopy

Introdução: A histeroscopia diagnóstica é considerada o exame padrão ouro para avaliação de lesões da ca­vidade endometrial. Algumas situações podem dificultar sua realização, como estenose ou cicatrizes cervicais e atrofia senil. O misoprostol é uma prostaglandina sintética que pode ser utilizada no preparo cervical para diversos procedimentos cirúrgicos. Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia e os efeitos clínicos do misoprostol em grupo selecionado de pacientes submetidas à tentativa sem sucesso de histeroscopia ambulatorial, devído à estenose ou a atrofia cervical. Material e métodos: Em 192 pacientes previamente submetidas a histeroscopia díagnóstica, nas quais o procedimento não foi possível, foi admínistrado 1 comprimido de misoprostol de 200 miug foi admininstrado por via vaginal 8-10 horas antes de outra tentativa de histeroscopia. Resultados: Entre as 192 pacientes incluídas no estudo, houve dilatação e passagem do hísteroscópio em 127 (66,2%). A introdução foi considerada fácil em 111 (87,4%). Não houve relato de dor em 115 pacientes (59,8 %), enquanto que 77 (40,2 %) referiram alguma dor durante o exame, sendo necessária anestesia local em cinco pacientes (2,6%). As complicações observadas durante e imediatamente após o procedimento foram sangramento vaginal em três pacientes (1,56%), dois casos de perfuração uterina (1,04%) e outro de falso trajeto (0,52 %). Conclusões: Em casos selecionados, o misoprostol pode ser utilizado antes da histeroscopia diagnóstica, tomando viável a realízação do exame graças à dilatação do colo do útero e, consequentemente, gerando menor desconforto global e menor índice de complicações.

Cistoadenocarcinoma mucinoso de ovário e esclerose sistêmica / Ovarian mucinous cystadenocarcinoma and systemic sclerosis

O câncer de ovário é a terceira causa de morte entre as neoplasias malignas em mulheres e o cistoadenocarcinoma mucinoso é uma neoplasia maligna originária do epitélio ovariano e que pode adquirir grandes dimensões. Alguns estudos sugerem um aumento do risco de neoplasia em pacientes com esclerose sistêmica (ES), mas a associação com neoplasia de ovário, principalmente do subtipo mucinoso, não é comum. Os autores descrevem um caso de cistoadenocardinoma mucinoso de ovário em uma mulher branca de 52 anos com diagnóstico de ES difusa há seis anos, tratada previamente com D-penicilamina e ciclofosfamida, que procurou o serviço médico com queixa de dor e aumento do volume abdominal há três meses. Ao exame físico apresentava facies esclerodérmica, membros superiores com diminuição da elasticidade e enxerto bitibial em membros inferiores; no abdome havia a presença de uma massa endurecida estendendo-se da região suprapública até o epigástrico. Foi realizada laparotomia exploradora onde se encontrou uma massa cística no ovário direito, com peso de 3.300 gramas. Em seguida procedeu-se exérese do tumor com histerectomia total e ooforectomia bilateral. O exame histológico confirmou tratar-se de um cistoadenocarcinoma mucinoso sem invasão de cápsula.

Hepatite C e crioglobulinemia / Hepatitis C and cryoglobulinemia

A hepatite C e considerada atualmente a hepatite viral de maior importancia nos aspectos clinico e epidemiologico devido ao carater infeccioso lento e progressivo culminando com maior incidencia de cronicidade e consequentemente de maior suceptibilidade a cirrose e a um risco anual de aproximadamente 3 por cento para hepatocarcinoma...