Levator ani avulsion: a Systematic evidence review (LASER).

BACKGROUND: There is variation in the reported incidence rates of levator avulsion (LA) and paucity of research into its risk factors. OBJECTIVE: To explore the incidence rate of LA by mode of birth, imaging modality, timing of diagnosis and laterality of avulsion. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, AMED and MIDIRS with no language restriction from inception to April 2019. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: A study was included if LA was assessed by an imaging modality after the first vaginal birth or caesarean section. Case series and reports were not included. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: RevMan v5.3 was used for the meta-analyses and SW SAS and STATISTICA packages were used for type and timing of imaging analyses. RESULTS: We included 37 primary non-randomised studies from 17 countries and involving 5594 women. Incidence rates of LA were 1, 15, 21, 38.5 and 52% following caesarean, spontaneous, vacuum, spatula and forceps births, respectively, with no differences by imaging modality. Odds ratio of LA following spontaneous birth versus caesarean section was 10.69. The odds ratios for LA following vacuum and forceps compared with spontaneous birth were 1.66 and 6.32, respectively. LA was more likely to occur unilaterally than bilaterally following spontaneous (P < 0.0001) and vacuum-assisted (P = 0.0103) births but not forceps. Incidence was higher if assessment was performed in the first 4 weeks postpartum. CONCLUSIONS: LA incidence rates following caesarean, spontaneous, vacuum and forceps deliveries were 1, 15, 21 and 52%, respectively. Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging were comparable tools for LA diagnosis. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Levator avulsion incidence rates after caesarean, spontaneous, vacuum and forceps deliveries were 1, 15, 21 and 52%, respectively.

Vaginal birth after Cesarean section and levator ani avulsion: a case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the risk of levator ani muscle (LAM) avulsion and enlargement of the levator hiatus following vaginal birth after Cesarean section (VBAC) in comparison with vaginal delivery in primiparous women. METHODS: In this two-center observational case-control study, we identified all women who had a term VBAC for their second delivery at the Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen and the 1st Faculty of Medicine in Prague, Charles University, Czech Republic, between 2012 and 2016. Women with a repeat VBAC, preterm birth or stillbirth were excluded from the study. As a control group, we enrolled a cohort of primiparous women who delivered vaginally during the study period. To increase our control sample, we also invited all primiparous women who delivered vaginally in both participating units between May and June 2019 to participate. All participants were invited for a four-dimensional pelvic floor ultrasound scan to assess LAM trauma. LAM avulsion and the area of the levator hiatus were assessed offline from the stored pelvic floor volumes obtained at rest, during maximum contraction and during Valsalva maneuver. The laterality of the avulsion was also noted. The cohorts were then compared using the χ2 test and Wilcoxon's two-sample test according to the normality of the distribution. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Multivariate regression analysis, controlling for age and body mass index (BMI), was also performed. RESULTS: A total of 356 women had a VBAC for their second delivery during the study period. Of these, 152 (42.7%) attended the ultrasound examination and full data were available for statistical analysis for 141 women. The control group comprised 113 primiparous women. A significant difference was observed between the VBAC group and the control group in age (32.7 vs 30.1 years; P < 0.05), BMI (28.4 vs 27.4 kg/m2 ; P < 0.05) and duration of the first and second stages of labor (293.1 vs 345.9 min; P < 0.05 and 27.6 vs 35.3 min; P < 0.05, respectively) at the time of the index birth. The LAM avulsion rate was significantly higher in the VBAC compared with the control group (32.6% vs 18.6%; P = 0.01). The difference between the groups was observed predominantly in the rate of unilateral avulsion and remained significant after controlling for age and BMI (adjusted odds ratio 2.061 (95% CI, 1.103-3.852)). There was no statistically significant difference in the area of the levator hiatus at rest (12.0 vs 12.6 cm2 ; P = 0.28) or on maximum Valsalva maneuver (18.6 vs 18.7 cm2 ; P = 0.55) between the VBAC and control groups. The incidence of levator hiatal ballooning was comparable between the groups (17.7% and 18.6%; P = 0.86). CONCLUSIONS: VBAC is associated with a significantly higher rate of LAM avulsion than is vaginal birth in nulliparous women. The difference was significant even after controlling for age and BMI. © 2021 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

The role of mediolateral episiotomy during operative vaginal delivery.

The role of episiotomy with regard to prevention of anal sphincter injuries (OASIS) is under discussion. The recently published guideline of the WHO "Intrapartum care for a positive childbirth experience" states that the role of episiotomy during operative vaginal deliveries remains to be established. This guideline is based on the evidence coming from randomised clinical trials. However, since the turn of the century large observational studies have pointed out that adequately performed mediolateral episiotomies may play an important role in the prevention of OASIS during operative vaginal deliveries. In this paper we present this evidence and plead for a broader vision on, and use of other evidence than randomised clinical trials solely, the preventive role of mediolateral episiotomy with regard to the occurrence of OASIS.

[Awareness of the methods of primary and secondary childbirth trauma prevention among parturients]. / Informovanost rodicek v oblasti primární a sekundární prevence poruch pánevního dna po porodu.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the awareness of fresh mothers regarding the primary prevention of pelvic floor disorders after childbirth. The secondary objective was to identify sources of information, reality of childbirth trauma prevention and attitude to pelvic floor muscle training. DESIGN: Prospective survey study. SETTING: Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital and Medical Faculty in Pilsen, Charles University. METHODS: We included 202 women after a vaginal delivery at our center from 6/2015 to 12/2015. These women completed anonymous questionnaire with six questions. RESULTS: 83% of respondents were informed regarding the possibility of primary prevention of childbirth, nulliparas were informed better (88%). The main source of information was the Internet (46%), while only 5% of women received information from their doctor. Despite the high awareness of postpartum trauma prevention, less than half of interviewed women actually performed it (35%). The most widely used method was the massage of the perineum (29%), vaginal dilatation balloons were used less (7%) and alternative methods were pursued by only 4% of women. Experience with pelvic floor muscle exercises had 79% of women, while 90% wanted to exercise after the delivery. CONCLUSION: Awareness of mothers regarding primary and secondary prevention of pelvic floor disorders is satisfactory. Nevertheless, the information from doctors is inadequate. Despite high awareness, the antepartum prevention methods are used relatively rarely. The study clearly shows the level of awareness and reality of primary and secondary prevention of pelvic floor disorders in our region.

Risk of anal incontinence in women with inflammatory bowel diseases after delivery.

AIM: The aim of our prospective study was to evaluate the development of postpartum anal incontinence in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) compared to healthy women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients with IBD and healthy controls enrolled in the study from January 1st 2013 to November 30th 2016 and filled in the anal incontinence questionnaire in the beginning of pregnancy and after vaginal delivery. The results were statistically processed using suitable tests. RESULTS: A total of 57 women were enrolled, 17 (29.8 %) with ulcerative colitis, 23 (40.4 %) with Crohn's disease, and 17 (29.8 %) healthy controls. Incidence of postpartum anal incontinence is comparable across all groups; there was no statistically significant difference between the IBD and control groups (Kruskal-Wallis test by ranks with Dunn correction, non-significant). Postpartum anal incontinence was strongly correlated with the extent of perineal injury (r = 0.80; p < 0.0001; Pearson's linear correlation). CONCLUSIONS: Women with inflammatory bowel disease in remission do not exhibit higher incidence of postpartum anal incontinence (PPAI) compared to healthy controls; the key correlate of PPAI appears to be the extent of obstetric injury, consistently across all study groups. These results suggest that concerns about postpartum anal incontinence development should not be an indication for Caesarean section in IBD patients (Tab. 6, Fig. 1, Ref. 34).

[Czech linguistic validation of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/ Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire - IUGA revised]. / Ceský preklad a validace dotazníku kvality pohlavního zivota u zen s prolapsem pánevních orgánu ci inkontinencí moci nebo stolice - PISQ-IR.

OBJECTIVE: To produce a Czech version of a validated tool for sexual quality of life assessment among women with pelvic floor disorders; PISQ-IR (Pelvic organ prolapse/Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire - Internationally Revised). DESIGN: Original study. SETTING: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Pilsen. METHODS: The whole process of translation and linguistic validation of the questionnaire followed the protocol of the International Urogynecology Association developed for this purpose. The original translation was repeatedly discussed with patients with incontinence or prolapse in order to preserve the meaning and comprehensibility of the items. The resulting questionnaire was reversely translated into English by an independent translator and sent to IUGA translation working group for validation. The translation was finalized based on recommendations from the group. RESULTS: PISQ-IR is a self-administered questionnaire improved from the previous and short versions. It contains 20 questions, the first question determines whether section 1 for sexually inactive or section 2 for sexually active women is to be completed. The first section for sexually inactive women contains five questions with 12 items. The second section comprises of 14 questions with 22 items for sexually active women with a partner or 12 questions with 19 items for those without a partner. The questionnaire is evaluated separately for individual sub-scales. Compared to former PISQ-12, the PISQ-IR was improved to enable separate assessment of individual domains and its subscales, and to be useful also in non-sexually active women and women with anal incontinence. At the same time it can be also utilized in case of incompletely filled-in questionnaire. A certain disadvantage for clinical practice is its more complex evaluation. CONCLUSION: Linguistic validation of a PISQ-IR questionnaire was performed and the questionnaire is presented. We present a Czech translation of a validated tool for assessment of quality of sexual life in women with prolapse or urinary/anal incontinence. Psychometric evaluation remains yet to be performed.

[Analysis of point mutations in interleukin-11 gene in the population of infertile patients and fertile control women]. / Vysetrení bodových mutací v genu pro interleukin-11 v populaci neplodných zen a plodných kontrol.

OBJECTIVE: The interleukin-11 (IL-11) is one of the most important signaling factors in the process of decidua-lization and embryo-maternal cross talk during the embryo implantation. We investigated the prevalence of the IL-11 gene point variants in the population of infertile women and fertile control subjects. DESIGN: A cohort study. SETTING: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Charles University, Pilsen. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The population to screen consisted of 354 infertile women. The control population was comprised of 195 healthy fertile subjects. For the mutational analysis, the temperature gradient gel electrophoresis (TGGE) and direct sequencing had been used. The groups of fertile controls and infertile patients were compared for statistically significant difference using the Fisher´s 2 by 2 Exact test. RESULTS: Thirteen potentially functional IL-11 gene variants, the G to A transversions at the position 3651 (G3651A) leading to the arginin to histidin exchange on the position 113 (R113H) were detected in the group of infertile women. No mutations were identified in the control group, which means that the frequency of functionally relevant mutations of the IL-11 gene in infertile women is significantly enhanced in comparison with controls (p = 0.01, Fisher´s 2 by 2 Exact test). CONCLUSION: The results prove the presence of the potentially functionally relevant IL-11 gene variants in the population of infertile women. The presence of variants does not have to lead directly to decrease fertility but may contribute to the dysbalance of cytokine milieu which is needed for the decidualization as well as subsequent embryo implantation. Even thought IL-11 gene variants occur infrequently, their impact on molecular events during early phases of pregnancy should be further elucidated.

[Ritgen maneuver and its modifications]. / Ritgenuv manévr a jeho modifikace.

OBJECTIVE: To present the Ritgen maneuver, its original description as well as its most common modifications and to demonstrate the heterogenity of descriptions of the maneuver regarding its performance, purpose and published results. DESIGN: A review article. SETTING: Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Pilsen, Charles University in Prague. METHODS: A review article demonstrating the heterogeneity of Ritgen maneuver descriptions based on analysis of present and past obstetrical textbooks and journal articles. CONCLUSION: At present there is a pursuit of finding and analysis of methods for obstetric perineal injury prevention, which could considerably improve quality of life of women after delivery. One of the possible mechanisms of perineal trauma reduction is to ensure that the fetal head passes with its smallest head circumference through the perineal structures. Already in the middle of the 19th century, von Ritgen devised a method allowing to facilitate and control the extension of the fetal head in the end of the second stage of labor. His method quickly spread all over the world, however, the description changed considerably. The Ritgen maneuver today means a variety often very different interventions. This review points out to the need of clarification of terminology, i.e. definition and classification of methods facilitating extension of the fetal head in the end of the second stage of labor.

[Gitelman syndrome in pregnancy--a severe hypokalemia with favorable perinatal prognosis]. / Gitelmanuv syndrom v tehotenství - tezká hypokalémie s príznivou perinatální prognózou.

Gitelman syndrom is a rare congenital tubulopathy characterized by hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, metabolic alkalosis and hypocalciuria. We report a case of a 32-year-old patient admitted for asymptomatic hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia in the 30th week of gestation. A diagnosis of Gitelman syndrom was made and intravenous administration of potassium chloride in high doses combined with spironolactone was started. Despite intensive potassium supplementation (8 g/day), the serum potassium levels remained at the lower limit of normality throughout the pregnancy. The patient delivered a healthy female 2670 g/48 cm after labor induction in the 39th week of gestation. A summary of 22 so far published cases of Gitelman syndrome in pregnancy is presented. The analysis of published case studies suggests a need for ion supplementation, reduction of urinary potassium wasting, monitoring of fetal well-being and amniotic fluid levels. Pregnancy has a very favorable perinatal prognosis despite critical serum levels of potassium and magnesium throughout the pregnancy.

[Comparison of prolactin, free T3 and free T4 levels in the follicular fluid of infertile women and healthy fertile oocyte donors]. / Srovnání hladin prolaktinu, fT3 a fT4 ve folikulární tekutine zen s poruchou plodnosti a zdravých plodných dárkyn oocytu

OBJECTIVE: Follicular fluid (FF) provides an important microenvironment for the development of oocytes. The biochemical composition of the FF plays critical role in the oocyte competence. The aim of our study was to compare the levels of selected hormones in FF of infertile women and healthy fertile oocyte donors. DESIGN: Retrospective comparative study. SETTING: Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University in Prague; Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Charles University and University Hospital in Pilsen; Institute of Reproductive Medicine and Endocrinology, IVF Centers Prof. Zech, Plzen. METHODS: Levels of prolactin, free T3 and free T4 hormones in the FF of 146 women were analyzed. We have analysed FF of 74 infertile patients (mean age 31 years, SD = 4.65) and 72 healthy fertile oocyte donors (mean age 26 years, SD = 4.44). Only blood free samples were studied after pooling of all FF samples each patient. Levels of hormones were determined using ECLIA method (Electro-Chemi-Luminiscent Immunoassay) on the Cobas e411. RESULTS: RESULTS showed statistically significantly higher levels of prolactin (p=0.0006) and free T4 hormone (p=0.0246) in FF of infertile women in comparison to the group of healthy fertile oocyte donors. CONCLUSION: Our study confirms the presence of prolactin and thyroid hormones in FF and it can be suggested that they play a key role in the regulation of reproductive processes. The study of FF from donors and their detailed comparison with infertile patients with various gynaecological causes of infertility has great value for better understanding of regulatory mechanisms of fertility.

Classification of episiotomy: towards a standardisation of terminology.

Seven episiotomy incisions are described in the literature, although only midline, mediolateral or lateral episiotomies are commonly used. Recent research has demonstrated variations in both site and direction of the incision, and differences between the angle of incision at the time of crowning of the fetal head and the angle of the scar once the wound has been repaired. We review this evidence and suggest that this variation may undermine the reliability of much published work. We suggest a standardised definition of each type of episiotomy to establish uniformity going forward, so that future studies are amenable to comparison and meta-analysis.

[Perineal audit: reasons for more than one thousand episiotomies]. / Perineální audit: duvody pro více nez 1000 epiziotomií.

AIM: To analyze reasons for episiotomy use in vaginal delivery among obstetricians and midwives. Consecutively, to indentify disputable indications for its use based on published research in order to facilitate the decrease in frequency of this operation, while preserving high quality of obstetrical care. METHODS: Reasons for mediolateral episiotomy use were recorded by obstetricians and midwives after each vaginal delivery with episiotomy at the Ob&Gyn Department of the Charles University Hospital in Pilsen in the period of February 2006 - June 2007. The main reason and all reasons for episiotomy use were evaluated separately. RESULTS: The reason for episiotomy use was recorded in 1069 cases (93%) out of a total of 1150 vaginal deliveries, in which mediolateral episiotomy was performed (42% of all vaginal deliveries). The most common group of main reasons for episiotomy use was a concern about postpartum pelvic floor functional impairment (624, 58% of episiotomies), especially a rigid, non-elastic perineum (401, 37%). Fetal distress (181, 17%) and abnormalities of the expulsive forces/uncooperative parturient (109, 10%) followed. When evaluating all (including secondary) reasons, the most common groups of reasons for episiotomy use were the effort of pelvic floor functionality preservation (871, 50%), abnormalities of the expulsive forces/uncooperative parturient (354, 20%) and fetal distress (253, 15%). When evaluating episiotomies performed by obstetricians and midwives separately, the concern about postpartum pelvic floor functionality prevailed in midwives (81% vs. 39% of episiotomies performed primarily for this reason). Conversely, the obstetricians performed episiotomy more frequently for fetal distress (28% vs. 4%). CONCLUSION: In view of the fact that midwives attend only physiological deliveries in our department, the spectrum of reasons for episiotomy use among midwives is narrower and the concern about postpartum pelvic floor functionality dominates. Currently, the concern about postpartum pelvic floor functionality should not be considered a legitimate indication for episiotomy use. The fact that 624 (58%) episiotomies were performed for this reason represents a significant reserve for a decrease in the frequency of episiotomy use. The reduction should be possible primarily among midwives (81% of all main reasons for episiotomy use in the midwive group, i.e. 37% of all episiotomies performed). The analysis of reasons for episiotomy use is an important step in reduction of episiotomy rates while preserving or improving the standard of treatment provided.

[Delivery, and anal incontinence later in life]. / Porodní poranení a anální inkontinence v dlouhodobé perspektive.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of the mutual relationship between delivery and late anal incontinence. DESIGN: Review. SETTING: Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Charles University and University Hospital Pilsen. SUMMARY: Anal incontinence is a symptom often referred to by women between the ages of 40 and 60. However, it seems, that only a small number of such cases might be related to obstetric perineal trauma. According to recent data, elective Caesarean section only plays a small protective role. Its effect is restricted to the first few years after delivery. With time, the function of the anal sphincter gradually deteriorates. Subsequent deliveries might contribute to this functional impairment. The long-term effect of forceps delivery is still not clear. The extent of anal sphincter trauma (particularly the defect of the internal anal sphincter) seems to have an impact on the development of anal incontinence, even years after the event. Overlooking defects of the anal sphincter is a cause of problems long after delivery. Given the unsatisfactory results of secondary overlapping, and also, relatively good preliminary effect of primary repair, careful observence of the recommended steps leading to the correct diagnostics of obstetric perineal trauma is crucial, as is adequate repair.

[Mediolateral episiotomy and anal sphincter trauma]. / Mediolaterální epiziotomie a poranení análního sfinkteru.

OBJECTIVE: A summary of recent knowledge of the correlation between mediolateral episiotomy and anal sphincter injury. DESIGN: Review. SETTING: Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Charles University and University Hospital Pilsen. CONCLUSIONS: The methodology of most studies is not well managed. Four problematical points were identified: definition of the mediolateral episiotomy, practical execution of the mediolateral episiotomy, diagnostics of perineal trauma and classification of the perineal trauma. Mediolateral episiotomy is often deficiently defined. Definitions differ depending on individual textbooks or departments. The majority of studies gives no definition and no description of the practical execution of an episiotomy or describes it inadequately. To the current knowledge there is no international consensual definition, which is used universally. Until 2003, there was no study evaluating adequate implementation of the mediolateral episiotomy. It appears that most of executed mediolateral episiotomies are not truly mediolateral. The angle of inclination between 40-60 degrees was suggested. According to the latest study, the lower limit of the mediolateral episiotomy definition (40 degrees) appears to be insufficient. At the present time, the correlation between mediolateral episiotomy and perineal trauma cannot be precisely evaluated. Before analyzing the benefits and risks of mediolateral episiotomy, an international consensus must be found, that would establish an exact definition of mediolateral episiotomy.

[Vascular complications of laparoscopic operations in gynaecology]. / Poranení velkých cév v gynekologické endoskopii.

OBJECTIVE: To provide information about vascular complications of laparoscopic operations in gynaecology. TYPE OF STUDY: Literature review and case reports. SETTING: Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Medical faculty, Charles University, Pilsen. METHODS: Review of literature concerning vascular complications during laparoscopic operations in gynecology and case reports to illustrate the topic. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic operations are benefiting for patiens. Vascular complications are rare, but their progression is often fatal even for young patients. When such complications occur, their quick treatment is crucial and co-operation with a anaesthesiologist and vascular surgeon is needed.

[Caesarean section and anal incontinence]. / Cisarský rez a anální inkontinence.

OBJECTIVE: Summary of the impact of Caesarean section on anal incontinence. DESIGN: Review. SETTING: Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Charles University and University Hospital Plzen. SUMMARY: Review of the current international literature. Currently, Caesarean section is not considered to reduce symptoms of anal incontinence. If there is any reduction of symptoms, that remains only for a short term (40% in 3 months after the delivery in the largest trial). In a long term, virtually in no trial has been observed any difference, and others, non-obstetrical factors (particularly aging) prevail. Current knowledge does not allow to assess sufficiently pros and cons of Caesarean compared to vaginal delivery. High risk groups, that would profit from elective Ceasarean, have not been clearly identified yet.

[Patient awareness and satisfaction of the Aurore perinatal network]. / Connaissance et satisfaction des femmes au sein du réseau de santé périnatal Aurore.

OBJECTIVES: Assess patient awareness, satisfaction and expectations three years after the implementation of the Aurore perinatal network. METHOD AND MATERIALS: Semi-guided interviews with 60 Aurore network perinatal patients, 20 having undergone in-utero transfers (IUT), 20 whose newborns were transferred to the neonate unit (NNT), and 20 post-delivery without IUT or NNT, between September 2007 and January 2007. RESULTS: Fifteen percent of patients were familiar with the Aurore perinatal network (9/60). The concepts of IUT and NNT were not associated with that of the perinatal network. The information provided helped 85 % of the patients to feel more secure (51/60). For 83 % of the patients with mother-child bond was maintained (50/60). In 90 % of cases, the teams included the father in the healthcare provision process (54/60). Patients had expectations on a greater consideration on the emotional aspect during a transfer. CONCLUSION: Few patients knew the perinatal network. They were globally satisified during a transfer, they insisted on the importance of staff empathy and availability.