Levator plate descent correlates with levator ani muscle deficiency.

AIMS: Measurements such as the minimal levator hiatus dimension, levator plate angle, iliococcygeal angle, and anorectal angle have been used for assessing the impact of levator damage on static and dynamic imaging features. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the association between levator ani muscle deficiency (LAD) and the position of the levator plate. METHODS: 3D endovaginal ultrasounds of 186 women were reviewed. The levator ani muscle groups, the puboanalis, puborectalis, and pubovisceralis, were scored for abnormalities, (0 no defect and 3 total absence of the muscle). The levator plate descent angle, minimal levator hiatus dimensions, and the anorectal angle were measured. Levator plate descent towards the perineum was assessed and correlated with levator ani muscle deficiency. RESULTS: The correlation between puborectalis scores and minimal levator hiatus area, anorectal angle and levator plate descent angle were 0.43 (P < 0.0001), 0.22 (P = 0.0045), and -0.40 (P < 0.0001), respectively. The correlation between pubovisceralis scores and minimal levator hiatus area, anorectal angle and levator plate descent angle were 0.36 (P < 0.0001), 0.38 (P < 0.0001), and -0.40 (P < 0.0001), respectively. The correlation between the total levator ani muscle scores and the minimal levator hiatus area, anorectal angle and the levator plate descent angle were 0.45 (P < 0.0001), 0.31 (P < 0.0001), and -0.45 (P < 0.0001) respectively. CONCLUSION: Worsening LAD score is associated with levator plate descensus and with decreasing levator plate descent angle. We can use levator plate descent angle along with the minimal levator hiatus and anorectal angle as objective measurements to assess levator ani muscle deficiency.

Is a new high-resolution probe better than the standard probe for 3D anal sphincter and levator ani imaging?

The aim of our study was to determine the accuracy of a new three-dimensional (3D) endoluminal ultrasound probe in assessing the levator ani muscle and anal sphincter complex. A total of 85 patients who had undergone concurrent 3D endovaginal (EVUS) and 3D endoanal (EAUS) ultrasound with both the standard BK 2052 probe and the new high-definition BK 8838 probes were included. For EVUS volumes, the levator ani deficiency (LAD) scores were calculated for each probe. For the EAUS volumes, any defects in the external anal sphincter (EAS) and the internal anal sphincter (IAS) visualized with each probe were recorded. The 3D volumes were evaluated in a blinded fashion. Appropriate statistics were utilized to assess absolute agreements between each pair of imaging modalities. The mean age of the patient population was 59 years (SD ± 10.76), the mean body mass index (BMI) was 28.36 (SD ± 5.99), and the median parity was 2 (range 1, 7). In all, 93% of the patients were Caucasian, 31% had stage 0 or 1 prolapse, while 59% had stage 2 prolapse. The mean total LAD score obtained on EVUS with the standard and the new probes were 11.49 (SD ± 4.94) and 11.53 (SD ± 5.01), respectively, p = 0.3778. Among the 53 patients who had EAUS with both probes, exact agreement for visualization of EAS and IAS for the standard and the new probes was 83% and 98%, respectively. Both transducers can be used for endovaginal imaging of the levator ani muscles interchangeably. Both transducers can be used for endoanal imaging of anal sphincter complex interchangeably.

Is de novo stress incontinence after sacrocolpopexy related to anatomical changes and surgical approach?

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The objective was to investigate the relationship between new onset postoperative stress urinary incontinence (SUI) after sacrocolpopexy (SCP) and anatomical change/surgical approach. METHODS: We analyzed a retrospective cohort of patients with negative preoperative testing for SUI who underwent SCP from 2005 to 2012. Our primary outcome was new onset postoperative SUI. Logistic regression was used to examine the relationship among anatomical change, defined as ΔAa, ΔBa, ΔC, and ΔTVL, and surgical approach, categorized as abdominal (ASCP) for open cases and minimally invasive (MISCP) for laparoscopic and robot-assisted cases, and postoperative SUI. RESULTS: Of 795 cases, 33 ASCP (43%) and 44 MISCP (57%) met the inclusion criteria for analysis. New onset SUI was demonstrated by 15 patients (45%) of the ASCP group and 7 patients (15%) of the MISCP group (p = 0.005). New onset SUI was significantly associated with route of SCP and ΔAa (p = 0.006 and p = 0.033 respectively). Controlling for ΔAa, the odds of new onset SUI were 4.4 times higher in the ASCP group compared with the MISCP group (OR 4.37, 95% CI 1.42, 13.48). Controlling for route of SCP, the odds of new onset SUI were 2.2 times higher with moderate ΔAa compared with low ΔAa (OR 2.16 95% CI 1.07, 4.38). The odds of new onset SUI was 4.7 times higher in those with high ΔAa than in those with low ΔAa (OR 4.67 95% CI 1.14, 19.22). ΔBa, ΔC, and ΔTVL were not associated with new onset SUI. CONCLUSIONS: Greater reduction in point Aa and abdominal surgical route are risk factors for new onset postoperative SUI after SCP.

Risk factors for lower urinary tract injury at the time of hysterectomy for benign reasons.

OBJECTIVES: To identify risk factors associated with lower urinary tract injury at the time of performing hysterectomy for benign indications. METHODS: We conducted a multi-center case-control study of women undergoing hysterectomy for benign disease. Cases were identified via ICD-9 codes for lower urinary tract injury at the time of hysterectomy from 2007 to 2011: controls were two subsequent hysterectomies following the index case in the same institution that did not have lower urinary tract injury. Logistic regression was used to perform univariate and multivariate comparisons between groups. RESULTS: At 7 centers, 135 cases and 270 controls were identified. Cases comprised 118 bladder injuries and 25 ureteral injuries; 8 women had both bladder and ureteral injury. Bladder injury was associated with a history of prior cesarean section OR 2.9 (95% CI 1.7-5), surgery by a general obstetrician and gynecologist OR 2.4 (95% CI 1.2-5.2), and total abdominal hysterectomy OR1.9 (95%CI 1.06-3.4). Ureteral injury was more likely among women who underwent laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) OR 10.4 (95%CI 2.3-46.6) and total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH) OR 4.7 (95% CI 1.4-15.6). CONCLUSION: Bladder injury at the time of benign hysterectomy is associated with a prior history of Cesarean section and TAH as well as surgery by generalist OB-GYN; ureteral injury is associated with LAVH and TAH.

Incidence of unanticipated uterine pathology at the time of minimally invasive abdominal sacrocolpopexy.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of unanticipated uterine pathologic findings in women undergoing hysterectomy concomitant with minimally invasive sacrocolpopexy. DESIGN: Retrospective case series (Canadian Task Force classification III). SETTING: Four institutions in the United States. PATIENTS: Women undergoing laparoscopic or robotically assisted sacrocolpopexy with hysterectomy. INTERVENTIONS: Concurrent hysterectomy and minimally invasive sacrocolpopexy. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: We measured the incidence of clinically important uterine disease at minimally invasive sacrocolpopexy. A total of 324 women underwent concurrent hysterectomy and minimally invasive sacrocolpopexy. Their mean age was 56.1 years, and body mass index was 26.9 kg/m(2). Sixty-four percent were postmenopausal. Only 3 patients (0.92%) had abnormal uterine pathologic findings. No significant differences were noted in age, body mass index, or parity between the women with normal and abnormal uterine pathologic findings. None of the 3 women reported abnormal uterine bleeding before surgery. All lesions were premalignant and focal. No invasive carcinomas were identified. No patients required further follow-up or treatment of abnormal pathologic findings. CONCLUSION: The risk of unanticipated uterine pathologic findings during minimally invasive sacrocolpopexy to treat pelvic organ prolapse is low.

Outcomes of abdominal and minimally invasive sacrocolpopexy: a retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare perioperative and postoperative surgical outcomes between and among open and minimally invasive sacrocolpopexies (MISCs). METHODS: We performed a multicenter retrospective cohort study comparing abdominal sacrocolpopexy (ASC) and MISC from January 1999 to December 2010. RESULTS: A total of 1124 subjects underwent sacrocolpopexy, with 589 ASCs and 535 MISCs. Within the MISC group, 273 were laparoscopic (LSC) and 262 were robotic (RSC). Abdominal sacrocolpopexy was associated with greater overall complication rate compared with MISC (20.0% vs 12.7%; P = 0.001). After controlling for difference in length of follow-up, there was no significant difference in the rate of anatomical failure between the ASC and MISC groups. The MISC group had shorter hospitalization, less blood loss, but longer operative times compared with the ASC group. When comparing LSC to RSC, there was no difference in anatomic failures (7.7% vs 6.9%; P = 0.74). However, LSC was associated with more complications compared with RSC (18% vs 7%; P < 0.02). In addition, LSC had higher blood loss, less operative time, and shorter hospital stay compared with RSC. CONCLUSION: Although anatomic results are similar, ASC is associated with a higher rate of complications compared with MISC.

Evaluation of vaginal cysts and masses by 3-dimensional endovaginal and endoanal sonography.

The purpose of this pictorial essay is to describe the utility of 3-dimensional endovaginal and endoanal sonography in the assessment of vulvovaginal cysts and masses. It is accepted that compared with transabdominal pelvic sonography, transvaginal end-fire sonography provides improved resolution for visualization of female reproductive organs with fewer artifacts. To visualize the structures that are located in or lateral to the vaginal canal, side-fire 3-dimensional endovaginal or endoanal sonography can be used. This special technique has the advantage of maintaining the spatial anatomic relationship of any abnormality in the vagina.

Levator ani deficiency and pelvic organ prolapse severity.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate whether levator ani deficiency severity is a predictor of clinically significant pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and to determine whether there is a levator ani deficiency threshold above which POP occurs. METHODS: Two-hundred twenty three-dimensional ultrasound scans performed on urogynecologic clinic patients were reviewed, and each levator ani muscle subdivision was individually scored (0=no defect, 1=50% or less defect, 2=more than 50% defect, 3=total absence of the muscle) on each side. A levator ani deficiency score was calculated and categorized as mild (score 0-6), moderate (score 7-12), and severe (score more than 13). Clinically significant prolapse was defined as stage 2 or higher. RESULTS: The mean age was 56.50 (standard deviation ±15.58) and median parity was 2 (range 0-6). A mild positive correlation was demonstrated between levator ani deficiency category and prolapse stage (rs=0.44; P<.001). Score distribution significantly differed by prolapse stage (P<.001). No patients with stage 3 prolapse had a levator ani score less than 6, and no patients with stage 4 prolapse had a levator ani score less than 9. In patients with prolapse, those with moderate levator ani deficiency had 3.2 times the odds of POP compared with patients with a minimal defect; those with severe levator ani deficiency had 6.4 times the odds of prolapse than those with minimal deficiency. CONCLUSIONS: Levator ani deficiency severity is associated with clinically significant prolapse. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Does age affect visualization of the levator ani in nulliparous women?

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Our aim was to assess whether differences in the ages of nulliparous women affect: (1) interobserver reliability, and (2) visualization of the levator ani (LA) muscle subdivisions in nulliparous women using 3D endovaginal ultrasound (3D-EVUS). METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study. Community-dwelling nulliparous women ages 21-70 years were recruited. Participants underwent a standard examination and a 3D-EVUS. LA subdivisions of interest included the puboperinealis, puboanalis, pubococcygeus, puborectalis, and ileococcygeus muscles. Each ultrasound (US) volume was scored using a validated scale and assessed by two observers. Defect severity was scored for each muscle from 0 (no defect) to 6 (complete muscle loss). A summed score of the two sides was grouped as normal (0), minor (1-3), or major (4-6). Bias was examined using Bland-Altman plots. Intraclass coefficients were calculated to report agreement of total scores. Spearman's rank correlation was used to evaluate the association between age and LA scores. RESULTS: Eighty nulliparous women were evaluated. Exact agreement for bilateral scoring of each LA subdivision ranged from 82 % to 84 %. Bilateral scoring of the puboperinealis, puborectalis, and ileococcygeus showed moderate to substantial agreement. Bilateral scores of the puboperinealis demonstrated substantial agreement between observers, with an ICC of 0.8 and a mean difference of -0.2 using the Bland-Altman analysis. When women were analyzed by age decade, reader agreement was overall good to excellent. There was no significant correlation between increasing age and total LA muscle scores (r = 0.179, p = 0.113). CONCLUSIONS: Interobserver reliability or visualization of the LA muscle in nulliparous women was not affected by a woman's age.

Age effects on pelvic floor symptoms in a cohort of nulliparous patients.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the effects of age on pelvic floor symptoms (PFSs) in nulliparous women. METHODS: Eighty community-dwelling nulliparous women, aged 21 to 70 years, were recruited. Pelvic floor support was assessed with pelvic organ prolapse quantification system. Participants completed the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory 20 and Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire 7. Sexual function was assessed with the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Function Questionnaire 12 and health status with the Short-Form Health Survey. The correlation between age and questionnaire scores was evaluated using Pearson coefficient. Logistic regression assessed predictors associated with PFS. RESULTS: Participants had a median age of 47 years, average body mass index of 28.3 kg/m, and most were white; 52.5% were healthy and 30% were postmenopausal. The most common stage of prolapse was stage I.Age was associated with slightly higher Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20 scores (r = 0.41, P = 0.002), corresponding to more bothersome PFS, and lower Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Function Questionnaire-12 scores, corresponding to worsening sexual function with advancing age (r = -0.41, P = 0.0012). There was no association between age and overall Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire scores (P = 0.12). For symptomatic patients, logistic regression showed age to be associated with increased odds of having PFS [odds ratio (OR), 1.881; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.216-2.91]. Menopausal status was not associated with increased odds of reporting symptoms (OR, 3.05; 95% CI, 0.80-11.62). When age and age by menopause were incorporated in the model, age remained a significant predictor of having PFS (OR, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.13-2.78). CONCLUSIONS: In this population of community-dwelling nulliparous women, age was associated with worsening sexual function and slightly increased odds of reporting symptoms of pelvic floor disorders.

Anterior and posterior compartment 3D endovaginal ultrasound anatomy based on direct histologic comparison.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: We used direct histologic comparison to validate the use of 3D endovaginal ultrasound (EVUS) as a novel and emerging technology for evaluating the structures found in the anterior and posterior pelvic floor compartments. METHODS: A young nulliparous female pelvis specimen was dissected and histologic slides were prepared by making 8-Micron-thick sagittal cuts. The slides were stained with Mallory trichrome and arranged to form large sections encompassing each anterior and posterior sagittal plane. Healthy nulliparous women underwent 3D EVUS to obtain 3D cubes of the anterior and posterior compartments. Two investigators independently evaluated the anterior and posterior midsagittal structures. The investigators mutually viewed the images and calculated urethral and anal sphincter measurements. RESULTS: Thirty-one nulliparous women underwent 3D EVUS; 77% of the participants were Caucasian, with mean age 31.8 [standard deviation (SD) 5.8] and mean body mass index (BMI) of 28.5 (SD 7.9). The following mean (SD) measurements were obtained: urethral length 36 mm (± 5); striated urogenital sphincter area 0.6 cm(2) (± 0.16); longitudinal and circular smooth muscle area 1.1 cm(2) (± 0.4); urethral complex width 14 mm (± 2); urethral complex area 1.3 cm(2) (± 0.4); internal anal sphincter length 26 mm (± 4); internal anal sphincter thickness 3.2 mm (± 0.8); and rectovaginal septum length 31 mm (± 5). The agreement for visualization of structures was as follows: vesical trigone 96% (κ = 0.65), trigonal ring 94% (κ = 0.8), trigonal plate 84% (κ = 0.6); longitudinal and circular smooth muscle 100%; compressor urethra 97% (κ = 0.85); striated urogenital sphincter 97% (κ = 0.85); rectovaginal septum 100%; internal anal sphincter 100%; external anal sphincter subdivisions 100%. CONCLUSIONS: Three-dimensional EVUS can be used to visualize structures of the anterior and posterior compartments in nullipara.

Descriptive study of shared decision making about lifestyle modifications with individuals who have psychiatric disabilities.

BACKGROUND: Shared decision making (SDM) is a process of active participation by clients with practitioners in weighing the risks and benefits of treatments. It has not been extended to decisions about making lifestyle modifications. OBJECTIVE: Describe how frequently health lifestyle behaviors are addressed in 15- to 20-minute medicine clinic visits with individuals who have psychiatric disabilities and how often SDM is used in reaching decisions. DESIGN: Content analysis of 98 audiotaped transcripts from practitioner and client medicine clinic visits. RESULTS: The most frequently discussed lifestyle behaviors discussed were sleep (89%) and diet (61%). SDM, defined as sharing information and options about behavior by either or both practitioner and client and affirmation of a decision by both, occurred 48 times (44%) when a problem existed. CONCLUSION: Discussion of lifestyle behaviors along with use of SDM in negotiating changes in behavior is feasible in a 15- to 20-minute visit.