Rectoneovaginal Fistula in a Transgender Woman Successfully Repaired Using a Buccal Mucosa Graft.

BACKGROUND: Rectoneovaginal fistulae (RnVFs) are abnormal connections between the rectum and a surgically created neovagina. Although very uncommon, they confer significant morbidity in patients and may require a multidisciplinary team approach to the repair. Risk factors for RnVF include rectal injury at the time of neovaginoplasty, malignancy in the neovagina, trauma (iatrogenic or otherwise), radiation, and neovaginal revision surgery. CASE DESCRIPTION: The patient is a 64-year-old transgender woman with recurrent RnVF following penile skin inversion neovaginoplasty, which was complicated by an intraoperative rectal injury. After failing an initial attempt at repair, the fistula was successfully repaired with a buccal mucosa graft. CONCLUSIONS: In some cases, RnVFs following vaginoplasty surgery for gender affirmation may be repaired successfully with a buccal mucosa graft.

The impact of surgeon volume on perioperative adverse events in women undergoing minimally invasive hysterectomy for the large uterus.

BACKGROUND: There are currently sparse data on the relationship between surgeon- and patient-related factors and perioperative morbidity in the setting of elective hysterectomy for the larger uterus. OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate the impact of surgeon case volume on perioperative adverse events in women undergoing minimally invasive hysterectomy for uteri >250 g. STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective cohort study of all women who underwent total vaginal, total laparoscopic, laparoscopic-assisted vaginal, or robotic-assisted total laparoscopic hysterectomy from January 2014 through July 2016. Hysterectomy was performed for: fibroids, pelvic pain, abnormal uterine bleeding, or prolapse. Patients were identified by Current Procedural Terminology codes and the systemwide electronic medical record was queried for demographic and perioperative data. Perioperative adverse events were defined a priori and classified using the Clavien-Dindo scale. Surgeon case volume was defined as the mean number of minimally invasive hysterectomy cases performed per month by each surgeon during the study period. RESULTS: In all, 763 patients met inclusion criteria: 416 (54.5%) total laparoscopic hysterectomy, 196 (25.7%) robotic-assisted total laparoscopic hysterectomy, 90 (11.8%) total vaginal hysterectomy, and 61 (8%) laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy. Mean (±SD) age was 47.3 ± 6.1 years, and body mass index was 31.1 ± 7.4 kg/m2. In all, 66 surgeons performed minimally invasive hysterectomy for uteri >250 g during the study period, and the median rate of minimally invasive hysterectomy cases for large uteri per month was 3.4 (0.4-3.7) cases/month. The median (IQR) uterine weight was 409 (308-606.5) g. The rate of postoperative adverse events Dindo grade >2 was 17.8% (95% confidence interval, 15.2-20.7). The overall rate of intraoperative adverse events was 4.2% (95% confidence interval, 2.9-5.9). The rate of conversion to laparotomy was 5.5% (95% confidence interval, 4.0-7.4). There was no significant difference in adverse event rates between the routes of minimally invasive hysterectomy cases (25.6% vs 17.5% vs 18.0% vs 14.8% for total laparoscopic hysterectomy, robotic-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy, total vaginal hysterectomy, and laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy, respectively, P = .2). In a logistic regression model controlling for age, body mass index, uterine weight, operating time, and history of laparotomy, higher monthly minimally invasive hysterectomy volume was significantly associated with the likelihood that a patient would experience a postoperative adverse event (adjusted odds ratio, 1.1 for each additional minimally invasive hysterectomy case for large uteri per month; 95% confidence interval, 1.0-1.3). When controlling for the same variables, a higher incidence of intraoperative complications was significantly associated with monthly minimally invasive hysterectomy case volume (adjusted odds ratio, 1.5 for each additional minimally invasive hysterectomy case for large uteri per month; 95% confidence interval, 1.20-2.08). Increasing age was associated with a lower incidence of complications (adjusted odds ratio, 0.9 for each additional year; 95% confidence interval, 0.8-0.9). Higher monthly minimally invasive hysterectomy volume was associated with a lower rate of conversion from a minimally invasive approach to laparotomy (adjusted odds ratio, 0.4 for each additional minimally invasive hysterectomy case for large uteri per month; 95% confidence interval, 0.2-0.5). CONCLUSION: The overall rate of serious adverse events associated with minimally invasive hysterectomy for uteri >250 g was low. Higher monthly minimally invasive hysterectomy case volume was associated with a higher rate of intraoperative and postoperative adverse events but was associated with a lower rate of conversion to laparotomy.

Concurrent midurethral sling excision or lysis at the time of repeat sling for treatment of recurrent or persistent stress urinary incontinence.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Limited evidence guides operative technique in primary midurethral sling (MUS) lysis or excision at the time of repeat sling placement for persistent or recurrent stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Our objective is to compare subjective improvement in patients undergoing repeat MUS placement with and without concurrent primary sling lysis or removal. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study with a prospective survey of patients who underwent two MUS placements for SUI at a single institution from January 1996 to December 2015. After patient identification, the electronic record was queried for demographic and perioperative data. Subjects then completed the Urogenital Distress Index, (UDI-6), Incontinence Severity Index (ISI), and the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7). Subjects were also asked if they would choose to undergo repeat MUS surgery again. RESULTS: Sixty-one patients were included. 17 out of 61 (28%) underwent concomitant primary sling lysis or excision, and 44 out of 61 (72%) did not. Fifty-seven percent (n = 35) completed the survey. Of the respondents, the median ISI score was 4 (1-8), with no difference between groups; 14 out of 35 (40%) reported the presence of bothersome urge incontinence, 11 out of 35 (31%) reported bothersome stress urinary incontinence, and 8 out of 35 (23%) reported symptoms of voiding dysfunction, with no difference between groups. 57% of patients (20 out of 35) would undergo repeat MUS placement again. CONCLUSIONS: In a small cohort, concurrent excision of the primary sling at the time of repeat MUS did not improve subjective outcomes. Many patients reported urinary urgency and voiding symptoms, and only about half of patients would choose to undergo the surgery again if given the choice.

Long-Term Outcomes After Ventral Rectopexy With Sacrocolpo- or Hysteropexy for the Treatment of Concurrent Rectal and Pelvic Organ Prolapse.

OBJECTIVE: The primary objective is to describe the long-term anatomic and subjective outcomes in women undergoing ventral rectopexy with sacrocolpo- or hysteropexy. The secondary objective is to describe the perioperative adverse events. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort of women who underwent ventral rectopexy with either concurrent sacrocolpo- or hysteropexy at a tertiary care center between 2009 and 2015. A composite outcome for recurrent pelvic organ prolapse and rectal prolapse was defined as subjective failure (vaginal or rectal prolapse symptoms), objective failure (prolapse to or beyond the hymen or full thickness rectal prolapse), or any retreatment for prolapse. Patient's Global Impression of Change was recorded at baseline and at all follow-up visits. Perioperative adverse events were defined a priori and collected up to 6 weeks after surgery. RESULT: A total of 59 patients underwent a ventral rectopexy, either a sacrocolpopexy (48/59, 81.3%) or sacrohysteropexy (11/59, 18.6%). The median follow-up after surgery for all patients was 17 months (range, 1-76) with a composite success rate for both pelvic organ prolapse and rectal prolapse (estimated by Kaplan-Meier method) of 57.4%. Forty (91%) of 44 patients reported a Patient's Global Impression of Change score of 6 or 7, indicating significant improvement after surgery. Of the patients, 15 (25.4%) experienced a perioperative adverse event. Use of biologic graft was associated with a higher rate of adverse event (40.0% [95% confidence interval, 24.6-57.5] vs 10.3% [95% confidence interval, 3.6-26.3]; P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Ventral rectopexy with sacrocolpo- or hysteropexy is associated with significant improvement in anatomic and subjective outcomes. One in 4 women experienced a perioperative adverse event.

Review of the Transgender Literature: Where Do We Go from Here?

Purpose: The "transgender tipping point" has brought transgender social and health issues to the forefront of American culture. However, medical professionals have been lagging in academic research with a transgender-specific focus resulting in significant knowledge gaps in dealing with the care of our transgender patients. The aim of this article is to analyze all published Medline-available transgender-specific articles, identify these knowledge gaps, and direct future research to where it is most needed. Methods: We surveyed all Medline-available articles up to June 2016 using a combination of medical subject headings and keywords in titles and abstracts. Articles meeting inclusion criteria were reviewed, categorized, and analyzed for content and study design. Results: In our review of the literature, we identified 2405 articles published from January 1950 to June 2016 that focused on transgender health, primarily in the fields of surgery, mental health, and endocrinology. Conclusion: Significant knowledge gaps were found across the subspecialties, and there was a lack of prospective robust research and representation of transgender-specific data in the core medical journals. More data and research are needed to bridge the knowledge gaps that currently exist and improve the care of the transgender community.

Long-Term Effectiveness of Uterosacral Colpopexy and Minimally Invasive Sacral Colpopexy for Treatment of Pelvic Organ Prolapse.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to estimate rates of recurrent pelvic organ prolapse (POP) 6 years after patients underwent transvaginal uterosacral colpopexy, or laparoscopic or robotic sacral colpopexy at a large tertiary care center. We hypothesized that recurrence rates would be higher than those previously reported. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of women who underwent uterosacral colpopexy, laparoscopic, and robotic sacral colpopexy for treatment of POP between 2006 and 2012. A composite outcome for recurrent POP was defined as subjective failure (vaginal bulge symptoms), objective failure (prolapse to or beyond the hymen), or any retreatment for POP (reoperation or use of a pessary). Kaplan-Meier survival curves were generated from each patient's date of follow-up, and parametric survival modeling was used to estimate recurrent POP over 6 years. Annual estimated recurrence rates by type of colpopexy are reported using the composite and individual definitions for recurrent POP. RESULTS: One thousand three hundred eighty-one subjects met inclusion criteria: 983 (71.1 %) uterosacral, 256 (18.5%) laparoscopic, and 142 (11.2%) robotic colpopexies. Median (range) months to failure using composite recurrence were as follows: uterosacral, 17.1 (7.6-41); laparoscopic, 10.1 (4.7-25.1); robotic, 9.7 (1.6-17.2). By year 6 in the model, the estimated composite recurrence rates for the uterosacral colpopexy, robotic, and laparoscopic sacral colpopexy groups were 43%, 49%, and 57%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Estimated recurrence rates for uterosacral ligament colpopexy, laparoscopic, and robotic sacral colpopexy may be as high as 40% to 60% 6 years after surgery.

Risk factors for robotic gynecologic procedures requiring conversion to other surgical procedures.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of, and risk factors for, conversion from robotic gynecologic procedures to other procedure types. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study included data from women who underwent any robotic gynecologic procedures between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2012 at a tertiary care referral center in the USA. Demographic data, perioperative data, and surgeon experience (monthly case volume) data were retrieved; potential risk factors were compared between robotic procedures that were converted to other procedures and those completed as robotic procedures. RESULTS: There were 942 robotic procedures during the study period. Conversion from robotic to any other type of procedure was recorded for 47 (5.0%, 95% confidence interval 3.8-6.6) procedures and robotic-to-open-surgery conversion occurred in 16 (1.7%, 95% confidence interval 1.0-2.7) procedures. Conversion from robotic surgery to another approach was associated with higher body mass index (P<0.001), previous laparotomy (P=0.042), and surgeons having a lower monthly robotic surgical case volume (P=0.011). Asthma (P=0.008), intra-operative bowel injury (P<0.001), intra-operative vascular injury (P=0.003), and single-port robotic surgery (P=0.034) were associated with increased odds of requiring conversion from robotic procedures. CONCLUSION: The overall incidence of conversion from robotic surgery to laparotomy was low. Higher body mass index, previous laparotomy, history of asthma, using a single-port approach, and surgeon case volume were associated with the risk of conversion.

The Incidence of Perioperative Adverse Events in the Very Elderly Undergoing Urogynecologic Surgery.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the incidence of perioperative adverse events in very elderly women (age ≥ 80 years) undergoing urogynecologic procedures and to examine the effect of preoperative functional status/capacity on these outcomes. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of all women aged 80 years or older who underwent a urogynecologic procedure at a tertiary care specialty practice between 2006 and 2014. Subjects were identified by their Current Procedural Terminology codes and the electronic medical record was queried for demographic and perioperative data. Functional status was recorded using data from the preoperative anesthesia assessment, and included the functional status score (range, 1-4) and a functional capacity evaluation (metabolic equivalents [METs, range, 1 to 8+]). RESULTS: One hundred sixty-four women aged 80 years or older underwent a urogynecologic procedure during the study period. Mean age was 83 years (±3; range, 80-95 years). The median functional status was 2 (1-4) and median functional capacity was 5.5 METs (1.75-8.0). The overall postoperative adverse event rate was 18.3%; the incidence of serious events was 7.8%. Most serious events were associated with preexisting medical conditions. Presence of 3 or more comorbid conditions was associated with a higher risk of postoperative readmission, need for transfusion and deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolism. Preoperative functional status and functional capacity were not associated with postoperative adverse events. Patients with METs scores of 4.5 or less were more likely to need home services or a skilled nursing facility (SNF) postoperatively compared with patients with higher scores (28.9% vs 6.7%, P < 0.0001; odds ratio, 4.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.6-11.9). Dementia was also associated with SNF admission (36.3% vs 10%; P = 0.01; odds ratio, 3.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-12.8). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of serious postoperative adverse events is low in very elderly patients undergoing urogynecologic procedures. Dementia and poor functional capacity appear to be associated with a higher need for postoperative home services or SNF admission.

The effect of surgical start time in patients undergoing minimally invasive sacrocolpopexy.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The objective was to determine if the surgical start time affects operating room time and the incidence of perioperative adverse events in patients undergoing minimally invasive sacrocolpopexy. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort of 396 women who underwent laparoscopic and robotic sacrocolpopexy at a tertiary care center between January 2006 and December 2012. Cases were divided into those with a first, second or third start time. Operating room (OR) time was defined as time the patient entered the room to time out of the room (minutes) and the case time was defined as the period between incision and closure (minutes). Adverse events were defined a priori and also reported using the Clavien-Dindo grading scale. Logistic regression analysis was performed for categorical variables and multiple linear regression analysis for continuous variables. RESULTS: A total of 145 robotic and 261 conventional laparoscopic minimally invasive sacrocolpopexies were performed. Operating room time data were available for 396 cases. Of the cases, 63.9 % (253 out of 396) had a first start, 32.1 % (127 out of 396) had a second start, and 4 % (16 out of 396) had a third start. Robotic and concomitant rectopexy cases were more likely to be performed as first-start cases and operating room time and case time were longest for first-start cases. However, after adjusting for mode of surgery, concomitant procedures, previous surgeries, BMI, and age, this finding was no longer statistically significant. There was no difference in the rate of perioperative adverse events among first-, and second-/third-start cases. CONCLUSION: Surgical case start time does not appear to be associated with operating time or the incidence of perioperative adverse events in patients undergoing minimally invasive sacrocolpopexy.

Ultrasound Evaluation of the Urethra and Bladder Neck Before and After Transurethral Bulking.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of the study were to describe ultrasound findings in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) after transurethral injection of Coaptite, to describe symptoms 3 months after injection, and to determine whether there was an association between degree of improvement and sonographic findings. METHODS: This is a prospective cohort study of women with SUI undergoing transurethral Coaptite injection. Subjects completed the Urinary Distress Inventory and Incontinence Severity Index preinjection and 3 months postinjection. Translabial ultrasound was performed immediately after and 3 months postinjection. Two- and three-dimensional images were captured to measure the dimensions and location of Coaptite in relation to the bladder neck as well as degree of coaptation. Change in volume of injection over time was calculated using these measurements. RESULTS: Twenty subjects were enrolled in the study. At 3 months, 45% of subjects had 90% or greater improvement, 45% had 50% to 75% improvement, and 10% had less than 30% improvement. Mean distance of Coaptite from the bladder neck at 3 months was not statistically different from the distance immediately after injection. There was a 40.9% to 45.8% mean reduction in volume at 3 months as well as a 39.5% reduction in coaptation. Degree of improvement was associated with mean change in volume over time: those with the least improvement had the greatest reduction in volume. Volume of initial injection, percent coaptation, and number of vials used to perform the injection were not associated with patient symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: In this series, 90% of patients who underwent Coaptite injection for SUI reported 50% or greater improvement. The volume of Coaptite decreased by 40% over time, and the degree of shrinkage correlated with clinical outcomes.

Assessing ureteral patency using 10% dextrose cystoscopy fluid: evaluation of urinary tract infection rates.

BACKGROUND: Intravenous indigo carmine has routinely been used to confirm ureteral patency after urogynecologic surgery. Recent discontinuation of the dye has altered clinical practice. In the absence of indigo carmine, we have used 10% dextrose in sterile water (D10) as cystoscopic fluid to evaluate ureteral patency. Glucosuria has been associated with urinary tract infection (UTI) in vivo and significantly enhanced bacterial growth in vitro. The concern is that the use of D10 would mimic a state of glucosuria albeit transient and increase the risk of postoperative UTI. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to compare the rates of postoperative UTI and lower urinary tract (LUT) injuries between patients who underwent instillation of D10 vs normal saline at the time of intraoperative cystoscopy after urogynecological surgery. STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective cohort study of all women who underwent cystoscopic evaluation of ureteral patency at the time of urogynecological surgery from May through December 2014 at a tertiary care referral center. We compared patients who received D10 cystoscopy fluid vs those who used normal saline. Outcomes included UTI and diagnosis of ureteral or LUT injuries. UTI was diagnosed according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines by symptoms alone, urine dipstick, urinalysis, or urine culture. Descriptive statistics compared the rates of UTI between the 2 groups, and a multivariable model was fit to the data to control for potential confounders and significant baseline differences between the groups. RESULTS: A total of 303 women were included. D10 was used in 113 cases and normal saline (NS) was used in 190. The rate of UTI was higher in the D10 group than the NS group: 47.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 38.3-57.4) vs 25.9% (95% CI, 19.8-32.8, P < .001). After adjusting for age, pelvic organ prolapse stage, use of perioperative estrogen, days of postoperative catheterization, menopausal status, diabetes mellitus, and history of recurrent UTI, the UTI rate remained significantly higher with the use of D10 (adjusted odds ratio, 3.4 [95% CI, 1.6-7.5], P = .002) compared with NS. Overall, 3 cases of transient ureteral kinking (1.0%) and one cystotomy (0.3%) were identified intraoperatively. However, ureteral and LUT injuries were not different between groups. No unidentified injuries presented postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Although the use of D10 cystoscopy fluid has been successful in identifying ureteral patency in the absence of indigo carmine, it is associated with an increased rate of postoperative UTI compared with NS.

Hormone therapy for transgender patients.

Many transgender men and women seek hormone therapy as part of the transition process. Exogenous testosterone is used in transgender men to induce virilization and suppress feminizing characteristics. In transgender women, exogenous estrogen is used to help feminize patients, and anti-androgens are used as adjuncts to help suppress masculinizing features. Guidelines exist to help providers choose appropriate candidates for hormone therapy, and act as a framework for choosing treatment regimens and managing surveillance in these patients. Cross-sex hormone therapy has been shown to have positive physical and psychological effects on the transitioning individual and is considered a mainstay treatment for many patients. Bone and cardiovascular health are important considerations in transgender patients on long-term hormones, and care should be taken to monitor certain metabolic indices while patients are on cross-sex hormone therapy.

Perioperative adverse events associated with colpocleisis for uterovaginal and posthysterectomy vaginal vault prolapse.

BACKGROUND: Colpocleisis, a vaginal obliterative procedure, offers women with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse an effective, durable anatomic repair and is associated with high patient satisfaction rates. Historically, colpocleisis was reserved for the medically frail or elderly with the goal of limiting anesthetic exposure, decreasing operative time, and minimizing adverse events. Several colpocleisis and colpectomy procedures exist and limited evaluation has been performed comparing these differences in regards to perioperative adverse events. OBJECTIVE: The primary objective was to describe the overall rate of perioperative adverse events in patients undergoing colpocleisis. The secondary objective was to compare rates of adverse events between different colpocleisis procedures. STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective chart review of patients who underwent colpocleisis at a tertiary care center from January 2003 through December 2013. Subjects were identified by their Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes and categorized into 3 groups: (1) partial or complete vaginectomy/colpectomy (CPT 57106, 57110); (2) vaginal hysterectomy with total or partial colpectomy (CPT 58275, 58280); and (3) Le Fort colpocleisis (CPT 57120). Baseline demographics, perioperative data, and postoperative data were collected. Analysis of variance was used to describe perioperative and postoperative adverse events in all subjects and to compare outcomes among the 3 groups. RESULTS: In all, 245 subjects underwent colpocleisis during the study period. Mean age and body mass index were 78 (±7) years and 27.7 (±5.8) kg/m(2), respectively; 59.1% (140/245) of subjects had stage-4 prolapse. The most common adverse event was urinary tract infection occurring in 34.7% of subjects. Major adverse events were uncommon. There were no differences in event rates among the groups except for the following: patients undergoing concurrent vaginal hysterectomy had longer mean operative time (144 vs 108 vs 111 minutes, P = .0001), had higher estimated blood loss (253 vs 135 vs 146 mL, P = .0001), and were more likely to experience postoperative venous thromboembolism (4.6% vs 0% vs 0%, P = .01). After controlling for age, body mass index, medical comorbidities, estimated blood loss, and operative time, the risk of venous thromboembolism was no longer significant. CONCLUSION: The overall rate of major perioperative and postoperative adverse events in women undergoing colpocleisis is low; however, concomitant hysterectomy is associated with longer operative times and higher blood loss.

Comprehensive evaluation of the effect of bariatric surgery on pelvic floor disorders.

BACKGROUND: The association of pelvic floor disorders (PFD) with obesity is well documented. The spectrum of PFD includes stress urinary incontinence (SUI), urge urinary incontinence (UUI), pelvic organ prolapse (POP), and fecal incontinence (FI). Resolution or improvement of SUI after bariatric surgery has been previously reported. However, the data regarding UUI and other forms of PFD with objective testing are sparse. OBJECTIVES: Prospectively evaluate the effects of bariatric surgery on the prevalence and severity of pelvic floor disorders. SETTING: U.S. Academic Hospital. METHODS: From December 2008 to December 2012, patients who screened positive on a screening questionnaire were asked to participate in the study. Participants completed 3 validated condition-specific questionnaires before surgery and 6-12 months after. A subgroup consented to gynecologic examination (Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification [POP-Q] test) and urodynamic testing at similar time points. RESULTS: Seventy-two study patients underwent laparoscopic gastric bypass (n = 65), sleeve gastrectomy (n = 5), and gastric banding (n = 2). Mean BMI decreased from 47.5 to 32.7 kg/m(2) 1 year after surgery (P<.001). Based on questionnaires, the most prevalent PFD was SUI, identified in 60 (83.3%) patients at baseline and 32 (44.4%, P<.001) at follow-up. There was significant improvement in PFD-related symptoms, quality of life, POP, and sexual function at follow-up. Decrease in prevalence of SUI after surgery was also confirmed with urodynamic testing (from 76.9% to 30.8%, P = .01). There was no significant change in prevalence and severity of POP based on POP-Q exam. CONCLUSIONS: Bariatric surgery is associated with a decrease in prevalence and severity of diverse forms of urinary incontinence as well as improvement in quality of life and sexual function of morbidly obese women.

Indications and risk factors for midurethral sling revision.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: To determine the indications and risk factors for needing midurethral sling revision in a cohort of women undergoing midurethral sling placement. METHODS: This was a case-control study of all women undergoing midurethral sling placement for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) between January 2003 and December 2013. Cases were patients who underwent midurethral sling placement followed by sling revision (incision, partial or complete excision). Controls were patients who underwent sling placement only. Once all subjects had been identified, the electronic medical record was queried for demographic and perioperative and postoperative data. RESULTS: Of 3,307 women who underwent sling placement, 89 (2.7%, 95% CI 1.9 - 3.4) underwent sling revision for one or more of the following indications: urinary retention (43.8%), voiding dysfunction (42.7%), recurrent urinary tract infection (20.2%), mesh erosion (21.3%), vaginal pain/dyspareunia (7.9%), and groin pain (3.4%). The median time from the index to the revision surgery was 7.8 months (2.3 - 17.9 months), but was significantly shorter in patients with urinary retention. The type of sling placed (retropubic or transobturator) was not associated with indication for revision. Patients who underwent revision surgery were more likely to have had previous SUI surgery (adjusted odds ratio 4.4, 95% CI 1.7 - 6.5) and to have undergone concomitant vaginal apical suspension (adjusted odds ratio 2.4, 95% CI 1.4 - 4.5). CONCLUSIONS: The rate of sling revision after midurethral sling placement was 2.7%. Urinary retention and voiding dysfunction were the most common indications. Patients with a history of previous SUI surgery and concomitant apical suspension at the time of sling placement may be at higher risk of requiring revision surgery.

Vaginal Mesh in Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery: Controversies, Current Use, and Complications.

In 2001, the Food and Drug Administration approved the first surgical mesh product specifically designed for the surgical repair of pelvic organ prolapse and between 2004 and 2008, the use of vaginal mesh in gynecologic surgery was at its peak. Unfortunately, the rise in transvaginal mesh use was accompanied by a surge of adverse events and mesh-related complications. As a result, the Food and Drug Administration put forth several efforts to regulate the manufacturing of vaginal mesh products. These notifications have been supported by several gynecologic societies, and recommendations now exist not only on the placement of mesh and patient selection, but also on the evaluation and management of mesh-related complications. In addition, data on outcomes following management of these complications are now emerging.

Ultrasound Evaluation of Midurethral Sling Position and Correlation to Physical Examination and Patient Symptoms.

OBJECTIVE: The primary objective was to evaluate the position and angle variation between 3 different midurethral slings (MUSs) using 3-dimensional ultrasound (US) technology. The secondary objective was to compare differences in findings on physical examination and symptoms of incontinence and sexual dysfunction between subjects. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of 61 subjects who had undergone MUS placement without concomitant anterior or apical compartment prolapse surgery (21 retropubic [RP], 19 out-to-in transobturator [TOT], 21 in-to-out transobturator [TVT-O]). Subjects completed validated questionnaires (Sandvik Incontinence Severity Index, Urogenital Distress Inventory 6) and underwent a pelvic examination and standardized 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional ultrasonography evaluation. RESULTS: On translabial US, the median RP sling angle was 108.2 degrees (72.6-135.9), significantly more acute than the angle of TOT and TVT-O slings (119.3 degrees [72.3-140.4, P = 0.02] and 118.5 degrees [99.0-154.7, P = 0.004]). There was no difference in the sling angles between the TOT and TVT-O slings (P = 0.86). No difference was noted in the position of the sling along the urethra (P = 0.82). The TOT sling was more often palpable (57.8%, P = 0.02) compared with the RP or TVT-O groups.Fifteen patients (4 RP, 5 TOT, 6 TVT-O) reported discomfort during intercourse that they attributed to the MUS. Three of 19 TOT subjects reported that their partner experienced pain with intercourse because of the sling. However, sexual function and urinary symptoms were not statistically different between the 3 groups. CONCLUSIONS: On 3-dimensional US, RP sling angle was found to be significantly more acute than the angles of the TOT and TVT-O slings, and there was no difference between the 2 transobturator slings. The TOT sling was more often palpable on examination, but this finding did not correlate with increased pain on palpation.