Autumn L. Edenfield

Trends in use of surgical mesh for pelvic organ prolapse.

OBJECTIVE Limited data exist on the rates of pelvic organ prolapse procedures utilizing mesh. The objective of this study was to examine trends in vaginal mesh prolapse procedures (VMs), abdominal sacrocolpopexy (ASC), and minimally invasive sacrocolpopexy (MISC) from 2005 to 2010. STUDY DESIGN We utilized deidentified, adjudicated health care claims data from across the United States from 2005 to 2010. Among women 18 years old or older, we identified all mesh prolapse procedures based on current procedural terminology codes (57267 for VM, 57280 for ASC, and 57425 for MISC). VM procedures included all vaginal prolapse surgeries in which mesh was placed, whether in the anterior, apical, or posterior compartment. We estimated rates per 100,000 person-years (100,000 py) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS During 78.5 million person-years of observation, we identified 60,152 mesh prolapse procedures, for a rate of 76.0 per 100,000 py (95% CI, 73.6-78.5). Overall, VMs comprised 74.9% of these surgeries for an overall rate of 56.9 per 100,000 py (95% CI, 55.0-58.9). Rates of ASC and MISC were considerably lower at 12.0 per 100,000 py (95% CI, 11.6-12.5) and 9.5 per 100,000 py (95% CI, 9.2-9.9), respectively. Among sacrocolpopexies, ASC was more common than MISC in 2005-2007; however, since 2007, the rate of MISC has increased, whereas the rate of ASC has decreased. Regarding trends by age, VM was considerably more common than sacrocolpopexies at all ages, and ASC was more common than MISC in women older than 50 years. CONCLUSION From 2005 to 2010, the rate of mesh prolapse procedures has increased, with vaginal mesh surgeries constituting the vast majority.

Oral antibiotics to prevent postoperative urinary tract infection: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether nitrofurantoin prophylaxis prevents postoperative urinary tract infection (UTI) in patients receiving transurethral catheterization after pelvic reconstructive surgery. METHODS: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, participants undergoing pelvic reconstructive surgery were randomized to 100 mg nitrofurantoin or placebo once daily during catheterization if they were: 1) discharged with a transurethral Foley or performing intermittent self-catheterization; or 2) hospitalized overnight with a transurethral Foley. Our primary outcome was treatment for clinically suspected or culture-proven UTI within 3 weeks of surgery. Statistical analysis was performed by &khgr;2 and logistic regression. Assuming 80% power at a P value of .05, 156 participants were needed to demonstrate a two-thirds reduction in UTI. RESULTS: Of 159 participants, 81 (51%) received nitrofurantoin and 78 (49%) received placebo. There were no significant differences in baseline demographics, intraoperative characteristics, duration and type of catheterization, or postoperative hospitalization, except a lower rate of hysterectomy in the nitrofurantoin group. Nitrofurantoin prophylaxis did not reduce the risk of UTI treatment within 3 weeks of surgery (22% UTI with nitrofurantoin compared with 13% UTI with placebo, relative risk 1.73, 95% confidence interval 0.85–3.52, P=.12). Urinary tract infection treatment was higher in premenopausal women, lower in diabetics, and increased with longer duration of catheterization. In logistic regression adjusting for menopause, diabetes, preoperative postvoid residual volume, creatinine clearance, hysterectomy, and duration of catheterization, there was still no difference in UTI with nitrofurantoin as compared with placebo. CONCLUSION: Prophylaxis with daily nitrofurantoin during catheterization does not reduce the risk of postoperative UTI in patients receiving short-term transurethral catheterization after pelvic reconstructive surgery. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT01450800. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I

Posterior tibial nerve stimulation for the treatment of fecal incontinence: A systematic evidence review

Importance and Objectives Posterior tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) is a potential emerging therapy for fecal incontinence (FI). The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature regarding the efficacy of PTNS as a treatment of FI. Evidence Acquisition We searched MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases from inception through November 2013. We included English-language full-text articles reporting outcomes for FI with either percutaneous PTNS or transcutaneous techniques (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation). We used the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system to assess study quality. Results Our search yielded 1154 citations; 129 abstracts and 17 articles were included for full-text review. There were 13 case series and 4 randomized controlled trials. Fifteen studies were of low quality, none were of fair quality, and 2 studies were of good quality based on the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system. In total, 745 subjects were studied, and of those, 90% were women and 10% were men. Studies involved percutaneous PTNS in 57% (428/745) of the subjects, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in 30% (223/745), and sham technique in 13% (94/745). Therapy frequency, maintenance therapy, and follow-up time varied across studies. Eleven studies assessed FI episodes and bowel movement deferment time; all but 1 showed statistical improvement after therapy. Ten of the 11 studies that used the Cleveland Clinic Florida Fecal Incontinence score reported statistically significantly improved scores after treatment. Conclusions and Relevance Multiple low-quality studies show improvement in FI after PTNS. High-quality studies with comparison groups and clinically meaningful outcome measures would further establish the utility of PTNS for FI. Target Audience Obstetricians and gynecologists, family physicians Learning Objectives After completing this activity, the learner will be better able to discuss the scope and impact of FI among women in the United States and initial treatment options; evaluate the available literature investigating bowel symptom responses after PTNS therapy for the treatment of FI; evaluate and explain the available literature investigating quality-of-life parameters after PTNS therapy for the treatment of FI; and analyze the available literature investigating adverse events with PTNS therapy for the treatment of FI.

Vaginal prolapse recurrence after uterosacral ligament suspension in normal-weight compared with overweight and obese women.

OBJECTIVE: To compare recurrent prolapse after vaginal uterosacral ligament suspension in normal-weight compared with overweight or obese women. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study of the risk of recurrent prolapse after uterosacral ligament suspension in normal-weight compared with overweight or obese women at our institution from December 1, 1996, through June 30, 2011. Women with fewer than 6 months of follow-up and those with a prior vault suspension were excluded. Our primary outcome was a composite measure defined as anterior, posterior, or apical prolapse recurrence extending beyond the hymen or repeat treatment for prolapse with surgery or a pessary in women undergoing uterosacral ligament suspension and other vaginal repairs. RESULTS: We included 219 participants (81 [37%] normal-weight and 138 [63%] overweight or obese women). There was no difference in median follow-up (14 months; interquartile range 8.5–26.5 months] in the normal-weight compared with 13 months [interquartile range 9.0–29.0 months] in the overweight or obese women, P=.98). Prolapse recurred in 22.2% (n=18) of the normal-weight group and 26.1% (n=36) of the overweight or obese group (P=.52). Surgery for recurrent prolapse was performed in 16.0% (n=13) of the normal-weight women and in 14.5% (n=20) of the overweight or obese women (P=.76). The most common site of recurrence was the anterior compartment (17.4% [n=38]) compared with the apical compartment (8.7% [n=19]) or posterior compartment (6.8% [n=15]) with no significant difference between cohorts. CONCLUSIONS: After uterosacral ligament suspension, overweight or obese women have similar prolapse recurrence compared with normal-weight women. Anterior prolapse is the most common site of recurrence after uterosacral ligament suspension. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II

Clinical challenges in the management of vaginal prolapse.

Pelvic organ prolapse is highly prevalent, and negatively affects a woman’s quality of life. Women with bothersome prolapse may be offered pessary management or may choose to undergo corrective surgery. In choosing the most appropriate surgical procedure, there are many factors to consider. These may include the location(s) of anatomic defects, the severity of prolapse symptoms, the activity level of the woman, and concerns regarding the durability of the repair. In many instances, women and their surgeons are challenged to weigh the risks and benefits of native tissue versus mesh-augmented repairs. Though mesh-augmented repairs may offer better durability, they are also associated with unique complications, such as mesh erosion. Furthermore, newer surgical techniques of mesh placement via abdominal or vaginal routes may result in different outcomes compared to traditional techniques. Biologic grafts may also be considered to improve durability of a surgical repair, while avoiding potential complications of synthetic mesh. In this article, we review many of the clinical challenges that gynecologic surgeons face in the surgical management of vaginal prolapse. Furthermore, we review data that can help guide decision making when treating women with pelvic organ prolapse.

How Does Site of Pelvic Organ Prolapse Repair Affect Overactive Bladder Symptoms

Objectives To assess how site of pelvic organ prolapse repair affects overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms, we compared change in OAB symptoms in women undergoing isolated anterior/apical (AA) repair versus isolated posterior (P) repair. Methods This is a retrospective cohort study of women with bothersome OAB undergoing either AA or P prolapse repair. The subjects completed the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory short form and the Overactive Bladder Questionnaire (OAB-q) validated questionnaires preoperatively and 6 weeks postoperatively. Our primary outcome was OAB-q symptom severity (SS) change score (preoperative minus postoperative score) compared between the 2 groups. Results Of 175 subjects, 133 (76%) underwent AA repair and 42 (24%) underwent P repair. Baseline OAB-q SS scores and baseline characteristics were similar except that the AA group had more severe baseline prolapse (median pelvic organ prolapse quantification stage 3 for AA [interquartile range, 2–3] vs stage 2 for P [interquartile range, 1–3]; P<0.01] and a higher rate of concomitant midurethral sling (57% in AA vs 31% in P; P<0.01). Overall OAB symptoms significantly improved within 6 weeks of surgery (P<0.01). The mean±SD OAB-q SS change score was higher in the AA repair group (26±24 in AA vs 13 ± 28 in P; P=0.01), indicating greater improvement in OAB symptom severity after AA repair. In linear regression adjusting for age, body mass index, diabetes, stress urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse quantification stage, anticholinergic use, and midurethral sling, this difference did not remain significant. Conclusions Patients have significant improvement in OAB symptoms after POP repair. In adjusted analyses, there was no difference in improvement in OAB-q SS scores in the patients who had AA versus P repair.

Sexual Activity and Vaginal Topography in Women with Symptomatic Pelvic Floor Disorders

INTRODUCTION Pelvic floor disorders affect vaginal anatomy and may affect sexual function. AIMS The aims of this study were to explore the relationship between vaginal anatomy and sexual activity in women with symptomatic pelvic floor disorders and to assess whether vaginal measurements (topography) correlate with sexual function. METHODS This is a retrospective cohort study comparing sexually active and nonsexually active women planning urogynecologic surgery. Our primary outcome was the difference in vaginal topography based on Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) exam between cohorts. Correlations between POP-Q measurements and Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire short form (PISQ-12) scores were assessed in sexually active women. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE The POP-Q is a quantitative and standardized examination for prolapse. The PISQ-12 is a condition-specific sexual function questionnaire validated in sexually active women with pelvic floor disorders. RESULTS Of 535 women, 208 (39%) were sexually active and 327 (61%) were not. Median genital hiatus (GH) and perineal body (PB) measurements and a PB:GH ratio were not significantly different between the two cohorts. Total vaginal length (TVL) was longer in sexually active women (median 9 vs. 8 cm, P<0.001). In a linear regression analysis controlling for potential confounders, sexually active women still had a longer TVL by 0.4 cm (95% confidence interval 0.07, 0.6 cm) compared with those who were not sexually active. Of the 327 nonsexually active women, 28% indicated they avoided sexual activity because of pelvic floor symptoms. There was poor correlation between TVL, GH, PB, and PB : GH ratio with PISQ-12 scores (r=0.10, -0.05, -0.09, -0.03, respectively). CONCLUSIONS In women with pelvic floor disorders, sexual activity is associated with a longer vaginal length. One-quarter of women indicated they avoided sexual activity because of pelvic floor symptoms. Vaginal topography does not correlate with sexual function based on PISQ-12 scores.

Standing Vs Supine; Does it Matter in Cough Stress Testing?

Objectives The aim of this study was to compare the sensitivity of cough stress test in the standing versus supine position in the evaluation of incontinent females. Methods We performed a prospective observational study of women with the chief complaint of urinary incontinence (UI) undergoing a provocative cough stress test (CST). Subjects underwent both a standing and a supine CST. Testing order was randomized via block randomization. Cough stress test was performed in a standard method via backfill of 200 mL or until the subject described strong urge. The subjects were asked to cough, and the physician documented urine leakage by direct observation. The gold standard for stress UI diagnosis was a positive CST in either position. Results Sixty subjects were enrolled, 38 (63%) tested positive on any CST, with 38 (63%) positive on standing compared with 29 (28%) positive on supine testing. Nine women (15%) had positive standing and negative supine testing. No subjects had negative standing with positive supine testing. There were no significant differences in positive tests between the 2 randomized groups (standing first and supine second vs. supine first and standing second). When compared with the gold standard of any positive provocative stress test, the supine CST has a sensitivity of 76%, whereas the standing CST has a sensitivity of 100%. Conclusions The standing CST is more sensitive than the supine CST and should be performed in any patient with a complaint of UI and negative supine CST. The order of testing either supine or standing first does not affect the results.

Polyethylene Glycol 3350 and Docusate Sodium Compared With Docusate Sodium Alone After Urogynecologic Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE: To compare time to first bowel movement and additional gastrointestinal outcomes between women receiving polyethylene glycol 3350 (PEG3350) and docusate sodium and docusate sodium alone after urogynecologic surgery. METHODS: Participants received twice-daily 100 mg docusate sodium and were randomized to daily 1) PEG3350 or 2) inert placebo for 5 days after urogynecologic surgery. They completed bowel diaries, Bristol stool scale, validated Patient Assessment of Constipation Symptom Questionnaire, and Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality-of-Life Questionnaire preoperatively and 1 week after surgery. Our primary outcome was time to first bowel movement after surgery. To detect a 1-day difference in time to first bowel movement (4 compared with 3 days), 63 participants were needed in each group. RESULTS: From September 2012 through March 2015, 145 women were randomized and 131 (90%) analyzed: 66 received PEG3350, and 65 received placebo. Polyethylene glycol 3350 did not significantly reduce time to first bowel movement after surgery compared with placebo (2.77 days [interquartile range 1.86–3.40] compared with 2.92 days [interquartile range 1.85–4.02] P=.25). Women in the PEG3350 group were less likely to take additional laxatives postoperatively, and the PEG3350 group was more adherent to the study drug regimen. Questionnaire scores, fecal incontinence, and urgency were similar between groups. CONCLUSION: In women taking routine docusate sodium after urogynecologic surgery, adding PEG3350 postoperatively did not reduce time to first bowel movement. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, https://clinicaltrials.gov, NCT01691742.

Predictors of positive preoperative urine cultures in asymptomatic women undergoing urogynecologic surgery

Aim: To identify risk factors for positive preoperative urine cultures in asymptomatic women undergoing urogynecologic surgery. We also sought to identify risk factors for mixed flora clean catch urine cultures. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. Demographic data and screening preoperative urine cultures were extracted on all women who underwent urogynecologic surgery between 9/2011 and 9/2013. Urine culture results were defined as: negative (no growth), positive (≥100K organisms), and contaminated (mixed flora). Women with <100K colony-forming units of a single organism were excluded. Logistic regression models were constructed to evaluate for differences between groups. Results: 490 women were included. When comparing positive to negative cultures, the positive culture group was more likely to have a history of recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) (20% vs. 5%, p=0.001). In a logistic regression model,a history of recurrent UTIs remained a risk factor for a positive preoperative urine culture (OR 6.9, 95% CI 2.3-20.8), whereas vaginal estrogen usage decreased the risk of a positive preoperative culture (OR 0.3, 95% CI 0.1-0.9). When comparing contaminated to negative cultures, the contaminated culture group was more likely to be obese (45% vs. 28%, p=0.001). In a logistic regression model, obesity remained a risk factor for contaminated preoperative urine cultures (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.3-3.2). Conclusion: A history of recurrent UTIs was a risk factor for a positive preoperative urine culture in asymptomatic women undergoing urogynecologic surgery. Vaginal estrogen therapy was associated with fewer positive preoperative urine cultures. Obesity was an independent risk factor for contaminated (mixed flora) clean catch urine culture results. Correspondence to: Michael R. Polin MD, Division of Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA, Tel: (919) 401-1000; Fax: (919) 401-1033; E-mail: michael.polin@duke.edu