Defining success after surgical treatment of stress urinary incontinence.

BACKGROUND: A consensus standardized definition of success after stress urinary incontinence surgical treatment is lacking, which precludes comparisons between studies and affects patient counseling. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify optimal patient-centric definition(s) of success after stress urinary incontinence surgical treatment and to compare the identified "more accurate" treatment success definitions with a commonly used composite definition of success (ie, no reported urine leakage, negative cough stress test result, and no retreatment). STUDY DESIGN: We evaluated 51 distinct treatment success definitions for participants enrolled in a previously conducted randomized trial of stress urinary incontinence treatments concomitantly performed with sacrocolpopexy (NCT00934999). For each treatment success definition, we calculated the mean (SD) of participant-assessed symptom improvement and participant-assessed surgical success scores with an 11-point Likert scale among those achieving success and failure. The "more accurate" treatment success definition(s) were identified by measuring the magnitude of the mean difference of participant assessments with Hedges g values. The treatment success definitions with the highest Hedges g values were considered "more accurate" treatment success definitions and were then compared with the composite definition of success. RESULTS: The percentage of participants who had treatment success (6.4% to 97.3%) and Hedges g values (-4.85 to 1.25) varied greatly according to each treatment success definition. An International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form score ≤5, Urogenital Distress Inventory-6 score ≤33.3, and a no/mild stress urinary incontinence response on Urogenital Distress Inventory-6 question 3 had the highest Hedges g values and were considered the top 3 "more accurate" treatment success definitions. Paradoxically, treatment success definitions that required a negative cough stress test result or no persistent urinary leakage greatly reduced the ability to differentiate between participant-assessed symptom improvement and surgical success. When the "more accurate" treatment success definitions were compared with the composite definition, patients with failed treatment according to the composite definition had lower Urinary Impact Questionnaire-7 scores and a higher proportion of survey responses indicating complete satisfaction or some level of satisfaction and very good/perfect bladder condition. In addition, the composite definition had considerably fewer favorable outcomes for participants than did the top 3 "more accurate" treatment success definitions. CONCLUSION: Successful outcomes of stress urinary incontinence surgical treatments for women undergoing concurrent sacrocolpopexy varied greatly depending on the definition used. However, stringent definitions (requiring complete dryness) and objective testing (negative cough stress test result) had decreased, rather than increased, participant-assessed symptom improvement and surgical success scores. The "more accurate" treatment success definitions better differentiated between participant-assessed symptom improvement and surgical success than the composite definition. The composite definition disproportionately misidentified participants who reported minor symptoms or complete/partial satisfaction with their outcome as having treatment failures and yielded a considerably lower proportion of women who reported favorable outcomes than did the top 3 "more accurate" treatment success definitions.

Is Same-Day Discharge Following Minimally Invasive Sacrocolpopexy Safe and Feasible? A National Contemporary Database Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate trends and outcomes of ambulatory minimally invasive sacrocolpopexy (MISC) using data from a contemporary multicenter nationwide cohort. METHODS: We used the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database to identify women who underwent nonemergent MISC (laparoscopic and robotic) from 2012 to 2018. Exclusion criteria were age <18 or ≥90 years, rectal prolapse, postoperative discharge day ≥3, and concomitant hysterectomy, transvaginal mesh repair, colpocleisis, and/or colorectal surgery. Baseline demographics and 30-day outcomes were compared between patients who underwent same-day discharge (SDD; discharge on postoperative day [POD] 0) and those discharged on POD 1-2 using Kruskal-Wallis, Fisher exact, and Pearson χ2 tests. A 2-sided Cochran-Armitage trend test assessed SDD over time, and person-years methodology was used to assess readmission rates. Multivariable logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards modeling evaluated associations between SDD and postoperative outcomes. We hypothesized that SDD increased over the study time frame and is not associated with adverse outcomes. RESULTS: Of 2,928 women, 362 (12.4%) were SDD, and 2,566 (87.6%) were discharged POD 1-2. The proportion of SDD nearly quadrupled over time (5.6% [2012], 20.6% [2018]; P < 0.001). The SDD group was younger (mean age, 61.9 vs 63.6; P = 0.04), with lower proportion of American Society of Anesthesiologists class III or higher (21.8% vs 27.5%; P = 0.02) and hypertension (37.3% vs.46.5%; P < 0.001), shorter total operation time (median, 142 vs 172 minutes; P < 0.001), and fewer concomitant slings (21.5% vs 33.0%; P < 0.001). Outcomes were similar for SDD: 30-day overall complications (3.0% vs 4.4%; P = 0.23), readmissions (1.1% vs 2.0%; P = 0.28), and reoperations (1.1% vs 0.9%; P = 0.55) and persisted with multivariable analysis. CONCLUSION: Ambulatory MISC significantly increased during the study period and appears safe and feasible in select patients.

Perfecting hysterosalpingography: Limitations to the use of disposable balloon catheter and its solution.

OBJECTIVE: To revive the use of the Kahn Uterine Trigger Cannula to overcome limitations associated with technical difficulties during hysterosalpingography (HSG) using the disposable balloon HSG catheter. METHOD: A case series was conducted of 17 patients who encountered technically difficult or incomplete HSG study while using a disposable HSG balloon catheter, also leading to false-positive findings. Nine patients underwent a repeat HSG using a Kahn Uterine Trigger Cannula (Group 1). Eight patients underwent diagnostic laparoscopy and tubal perfusion testing using a Kahn Uterine Trigger Cannula (Group 2). The findings for each group in comparison to their initial HSG results using the disposable balloon HSG catheter are described. RESULTS: All patients were noted to have patent fallopian tubes using a Kahn Uterine Trigger Cannula on repeat HSG or tubal perfusion testing during laparoscopy. CONCLUSION: Providers who perform HSG studies should be familiar with the value of a Kahn Uterine Trigger Cannula when the traditional use of disposable HSG balloon catheter fails due to technical difficulty or incomplete study. The use of the Kahn Uterine Trigger Cannula in such situations can prevent inaccurate assessment and unnecessary interventions.

Evaluation and Management of Pelvic Organ Prolapse.

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a common clinical entity that can have a significant impact on a patient's quality of life secondary to symptoms of pelvic pressure, vaginal bulge, urinary and bowel dysfunction, or sexual dysfunction. It is highly prevalent, with roughly 13% of women undergoing surgery for prolapse in their lifetime. Vaginal prolapse is diagnosed by history and physical examination. Additional testing may be indicated for evaluation of bowel and bladder symptoms. On examination, prolapse can represent descent of the anterior vaginal wall, vaginal apex (cervix/uterus or vaginal cuff scar after hysterectomy), or posterior vaginal wall, although it represents a combination of these in many cases. Treatment options for POP include observation, pelvic floor physical therapy, pessary use, and surgery. In patients with asymptomatic POP, observation is typically used. In those not desiring or medically unfit for surgery, pessaries are an effective nonsurgical option. When it is indicated, surgery can be performed through transvaginal, laparoscopic/robotic, or open approaches, using either the patient's own tissue or mesh augmentation. Deciding between these is based on the compartments involved, extent of prolapse, medical and surgical comorbidities, differences in durability and risk between operations, and shared decision-making with the patient. Here, we review pertinent clinical considerations in the evaluation and management of POP.

Teaching the art of LeFort colpocleisis: a moderate-fidelity, low-cost simulation model.

The objective was to demonstrate the build and use of a low-cost, moderate-fidelity simulation model for LeFort colpocleisis. We a present a video demonstrating the creation of a LeFort colpocleisis model, the mounting of this model to a pre-existing vaginal hysterectomy simulator (SimVaHT), and the use of the model to teach the steps of the LeFort colpocleisis procedure. This LeFort colpocleisis model is easy to make, from readily available materials, and is inexpensive. It can help trainees to enhance their intraoperative learning.

Perioperative outcomes of reconstructive surgery for apical prolapse in the very elderly: a national contemporary analysis.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: It is predicted that the number of women aged 80 years or older will more than triple by 2050. In the US, women have a 13% lifetime risk of undergoing pelvic organ prolapse surgery. Our aim was to compare the perioperative outcomes following various reconstructive approaches for apical prolapse surgery in the very elderly. METHODS: The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was used to identify women age ≥ 80 years of age who underwent reconstructive apical prolapse surgery from 2010 to 2017. Perioperative morbidity of vaginal colpopexy, minimally invasive sacrocolpopexy (MISC) and abdominal sacrocolpopexy (ASC) were compared. The primary outcome was the rate of composite serious complications. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of serious complications. RESULTS: A total of 1012 patients were identified: vaginal (n = 792), MISC (n = 151) and ASC (n = 69). The composite serious complication rate was higher in the ASC group compared to vaginal/MISC groups (18.8% vs. 9.3% and 9.3%, p < 0.05). ASC had higher rates of blood transfusion, thromboembolism and reintubation. Life-threatening complications, readmission, pneumonia, stroke and 30-day mortality were lowest in the vaginal group. ASC (aOR 2.27), age > 85 years (aOR 1.98), operative time > 3 h (aOR 2.02), baseline dyspnea (aOR 2.17), "other race" (aOR 2.04), preoperative coagulopathy (aOR 2.92) and ASA (aOR 1.47) were associated with composite serious complications. CONCLUSION: ASC is associated with higher perioperative morbidity in the very elderly population. MISC and vaginal colpopexy have similar rates of composite serious complications; however, vaginal colpopexy is overall the safest approach in this population.

Safety of salpingectomy at time of delivery.

OBJECTIVE: The most common methods of sterilization during cesarean delivery rely on excision of a mid-segment of the fallopian tube. Contemporary data suggest ovarian cancers may originate in the fimbriae of the fallopian tube; therefore, a strategy of prophylactic salpingectomy (SL) has been adopted during gynecologic surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety of SL compared to traditional mid-segment excision at time of cesarean and after vaginal delivery through change in perioperative hemoglobin (Hgb). STUDY DESIGN: We retrospectively evaluated patients undergoing sterilization concurrent with cesarean delivery or in the post-vaginal delivery period between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2017 in the Mayo Clinic Health System; a community-based practice. In order to test for non-inferiority, 30 patients in each arm (tubal ligation (TL) and SL) were required to detect a pre- and post-operative Hgb difference of 0.5 mg/dL between groups with a power of 80%. Exclusion criteria included: age <18 years, BMI >50 kg/m2, endometriosis, other concurrent surgical procedures, bleeding disorders, postpartum hemorrhage due to atony, trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC), and the presence of ovarian masses. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-two patients met inclusion criteria. There was no evidence of inferiority in either the post-vaginal delivery or the cesarean groups with a mean difference in pre- and post-op Hgb of 0.18 mg/dL (p = .99) post-cesarean and 0.04 mg/dL post-vaginal delivery with less reduction in Hgb from SL. The mean length of the procedure was 10.0 and 9.9 min (p = .005) longer for SL procedures amongst cesarean and postpartum procedures, respectively. Subgroup analyses did not demonstrate differences in blood loss between different techniques. Clamp-cut-tie techniques took longer than all other procedures in both groups. CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence that the practice of salpingectomy at the time of cesarean and post-vaginal delivery may be safe and should form the basis of prospective trials.

Perioperative Outcomes of Rectovaginal Fistula Repair Based on Surgical Approach: A National Contemporary Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the perioperative outcomes of transvaginal/perineal and abdominal approaches to rectovaginal fistula (RVF) repair using a national multicenter cohort. METHODS: The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was utilized to identify women undergoing RVF repair from 2005 to 2016. Emergent cases and those with concomitant bowel diversion were excluded. Baseline patient demographics, procedure characteristics, 30-day postoperative complications, return to the operating room, and readmission were evaluated. Baseline characteristics were compared across surgical approach. Multivariable logistic regression models identified preoperative characteristics independently associated with postoperative complications. RESULTS: A total of 2288 women underwent RVF repair: 1560 (68.2%) via transvaginal/perineal approach and 728 (31.8%) via abdominal approach. Patients undergoing transvaginal/perineal repair were significantly younger (median age, 46 years vs 63 years), with lower American Society for Anesthesiologist (ASA) scores, and less frequency of diabetes mellitus, dyspnea, severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, disseminated cancer, and bleeding disorders (all P < 0.01). Those undergoing abdominal repair had higher rates of major complications (25.8% vs 8.7%), minor complications (13.5% vs 6.3%), and readmission (13.2% vs 7.8%). On multivariable analyses, ASA Class 3/4, disseminated cancer, and hematocrit <30% (P < 0.01) were associated with major complications in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing RVF repair via abdominal approach were older with more comorbidities and had higher postoperative complications rates, likely secondary to underlying differences in the treated populations. Irrespective of surgical approach, ASA class, disseminated cancer, and preoperative anemia were associated with higher postoperative morbidity. This may enhance preoperative counseling and allow for careful patient selection.

Evaluation and Treatment of Overactive Bladder in Women.

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a symptom complex that includes urinary urgency, frequency, urgency incontinence, and nocturia. It is highly prevalent, affecting up to 12% of the adult population, and can significantly impact quality of life. The diagnosis of OAB is made by history, physical examination, and a urinalysis to rule out underlying infection or other concerning potential etiologies. The need for additional testing is based on the initial evaluation findings, and is recommended in cases of underlying urinary tract infection, microscopic hematuria, obstructive voiding symptoms, and symptoms refractory to previous treatments. Initial management includes behavioral modification with attention to total daily fluid intake, avoidance of bladder irritants, treatment of constipation, weight loss, timed voiding, urge-suppression techniques, and pelvic floor physical therapy. Options for oral medications include antimuscarinic agents and ß adrenergic agents, and can be used following or in conjunction with behavioral treatment. For patients refractory to behavioral therapy and oral medications, consideration should be given to referral to a specialist (eg, a urologist or urogynecologist) for discussion of more advanced therapies such as sacral neuromodulation, percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation, and intradetrusor injection of onabotulinumtoxinA. These more advanced treatments have favorable efficacy compared with oral agents in randomized trials, although each has a unique risk/benefit profile and shared decision-making with the individual patient is crucial. Here, we review pertinent considerations in the clinical evaluation and management of OAB in women.

LeFort partial colpocleisis: tips and technique.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: We present a video describing the technical considerations for performing a LeFort colpocleisis. METHODS: A 79-year-old woman presented with a symptomatic vaginal bulge. She was not sexually active, and had no desire to maintain the vaginal canal. Her history was significant for aortic valve replacement, chronic anticoagulation, and a cardiac pacemaker. She had uterine procidentia, with occult stress urinary incontinence. After discussing options, she elected to undergo LeFort colpocleisis. Following sharp endometrial curettage, hydro-dissection was performed with lidocaine and epinephrine. Rectangular patches of vaginal epithelium were excised anteriorly and posteriorly, and the proximal margins were re-approximated, inverting the cervix. Following this, the lateral margins were re-approximated to create lateral channels. The anterior and posterior rectangles were then plicated, reducing the prolapse. The vaginal incision was closed transversely. A retropubic, synthetic, mid-urethral sling was placed, and an aggressive posterior colpoperineorrhaphy was performed. RESULTS: Her postoperative course was uncomplicated. At her 6-week follow-up she had no recurrent prolapse, denied stress incontinence, and was voiding without difficulty. CONCLUSIONS: Important tips for LeFort colpocleisis include ruling out underlying malignancy, using lidocaine with epinephrine for hydrodissection, creating adequate lateral channels, closure in multiple layers with excellent hemostasis, and an aggressive posterior repair.

A Modified Technique of Temporary Suspension of the Ovary to the Anterior Abdominal Wall.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate a modified technique of temporary suspension of the ovary to the fascia of the anterior abdominal wall after operative laparoscopy for advanced stage-endometriosis to reduce postoperative adhesion formation. DESIGN: Video illustrating this modified technique of ovarian suspension (Canadian Task Force classification III). SETTING: A previous study described a technique of temporary suspension of the ovary to the abdominal wall using nylon suture [1]. Here we demonstrate a modification of this technique involving underwent temporary suspension of the right ovary, using dissolvable 3-0 plain catgut suture, after operative laparoscopy for advanced-stage endometriosis (American Society for Reproductive Medicine stage III classification). INTERVENTIONS: This patient underwent right ovariolysis for stage III endometriosis. A CO2 laser was used to evaporate spots of endometriosis on the surface of the ovary, ovarian fossa, and the wall of a small endometrioma. A 3-0 plain catgut suture was placed in the right ovarian ligament, and the needle was cut and removed from the peritoneal cavity. The ends of the sutures were brought out of the peritoneal cavity through a 3-mm skin incision using an Endo Close device (Medtronic, Minneapolis, Minnesota). The suture was tied over the fascia while allowing CO2 gas out of the peritoneal cavity, to ensure that the suture remained under tension and the ovary was well suspended without touching the abdominal wall. The suture was used to elevate the ovary away from the ovarian fossa, to avoid recurrence of adhesions between it and the ovary. Postoperatively the patient did well and was discharged home on oral pain medication on the same day of surgery. No postoperative complications related to the suspension procedure were reported. The patient had an uneventful recovery. CONCLUSION: This modified approach of temporary ovarian suspension to the fascia of the anterior abdominal wall appears to be simple, safe, and easy to learn.

Should Prophylactic Anticoagulation Be Considered with Large Uterine Leiomyoma? A Case Series and Literature Review.

Introduction. Uterine leiomyomas, also called uterine fibroids or myomas, are the most common pelvic tumors in women. They are very rarely the cause of acute complications. However, when complications occur they cause significant morbidity and mortality. Thromboembolic disease has been described as a rare complication of uterine leiomyomas. DVT is a serious illness, sometimes causing death due to acute PE. Cases. We report a case series of 3 patients with thromboembolic disease associated with uterine leiomyoma at Hurley Medical Center, Flint, Michigan, during 2015 and conduct a literature review on the topic. A literature search was conducted using Medline, PubMed, and PMC databases from 1966 to 2015. Conclusion. The uterine leiomyoma is a very rare cause of PE and only few cases have been reported. DVT secondary to uterine leiomyoma should be considered in a female presenting with abdominal mass and pelvic pressure, if there is no clear common cause for her symptoms. Thromboembolic disease secondary to large uterine leiomyoma should be treated with acute stabilization and then hysterectomy. Prophylactic anticoagulation would be beneficial for lowering the risk of VTE in patients with large uterine leiomyoma.

Congenital hernia of cord: an often misdiagnosed entity.

Congenital hernia of the cord, also known as umbilical cord hernia, is an often misdiagnosed and under-reported entity, easily confused with a small omphalocele. It is different from postnatally diagnosed umbilical hernias and is believed to arise from persistent physiological mid-gut herniation. Its incidence is estimated to be 1 in 5000. Unlike an omphalocele, it is considered benign and is not linked with chromosomal anomalies. It has been loosely associated with intestinal anomalies, suggesting the need for a complete fetal anatomical ultrasound evaluation. We present a case of a fetal umbilical cord hernia diagnosed in a 28-year-old woman at 21 weeks gestation. The antenatal and intrapartum courses were uncomplicated. It was misdiagnosed postnatally as a small omphalocele, causing unwarranted anxiety in the parents. Increased awareness and knowledge of such an entity among health professionals is important to prevent unwarranted anxiety from misdiagnosis, and inadvertent bowel injury during cord clamping at delivery.