David Desseauve

Urinary incontinence in women: Study of surgical practice in France

OBJECTIVE To assess the number and the types of surgical intervention for urinary incontinence among women in France. We are assuming that techniques by suburethral sling (SUS) have replaced Burch colposuspension. MATERIAL Using French hospital discharge data from the 2009 medical information system program (PMSI), we analyzed with regard to three relatively homogeneous diagnosis-related groups of patients (DRG) comprising the majority of stress urinary incontinence surgical interventions (cervicocystopexy, repair of the female genital apparatus, and hysterectomy) the detailed distribution of the different operations indexed in that information system. RESULTS More than 42,000 cervicocystopexies (42,223) were carried out in France in 2009, and a SUS was used in 92% of the procedures (n=38,929). In 58% of the cases (n=24,387) this surgery was the only one, and in the others, it was associated with static pelvic intervention in 25% of the cases (n=10,741) or with a hysterectomy in 16% (n=6671). When a cervicocystopexy was the only operation performed, the average age of the women was 56.5 years and the average stay in hospital was 12.9 days. Fifty-seven percent of the cervicocystopexies by SUS (n=24,037) were carried out in private sector. Mean durations of stay were significantly shorter in the private sector than in the public sector for the diagnosis-related groups undergoing cervicocystopexy or repair of the female genital apparatus. CONCLUSION In 2009, 10 years after its introduction in France, the suburethral sling is used in the overwhelming majority of cervicocystopexies in France. Among an estimated 4,000,000 incontinent women in France in 2009, this surgery was undergone by approximately 1% of them each year.

Revue de la littératureModifications de la statique pelvienne et de la laxité ligamentaire pendant la grossesse et le post-partum. Revue de la littérature et perspectivesChanges in pelvic organ mobility and ligamentous laxity during pregnancy and postpartum. Review of literature and prospects

INTRODUCTION The role of pregnancy in pelvic floor disorders occurrence remains poorly known. It might exist a link between changes in ligamentous laxity and changes in pelvic organ mobility during this period. Our objective was to conduct a non-systematic review of literature about changes in pelvic organ mobility as well as in ligamentous laxity during pregnancy and postpartum. METHODS From the PubMed, Medline, Cochrane Library and Web of Science database we have selected works which pertains clinical assessment of pelvic organ mobility (pelvic organ prolapse quantification), ultrasound assessment of levator hiatus and urethral mobility, ligamentous laxity assessment during pregnancy and postpartum. RESULTS Clinical assessments performed in these works show an increase of pelvic organ mobility and perineal distension during pregnancy followed by a recovery phase during postpartum. Pelvic floor imaging shows an increase of levator hiatus area and urethral mobility during pregnancy then a recovery phase in postpartum. Different authors also report an increase of ligamentous laxity (upper and lower limbs) during pregnancy followed by a decrease phase in postpartum. CONCLUSION Pelvic organ mobility, ligamentous laxity, levator hiatus and urethral mobility change in a similarly way during pregnancy (increase of mobility or distension) and postpartum (recovery). LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3.

Modifications de la statique pelvienne et de la laxité ligamentaire pendant la grossesse et le post-partum. Revue de la littérature et perspectives

INTRODUCTION The role of pregnancy in pelvic floor disorders occurrence remains poorly known. It might exist a link between changes in ligamentous laxity and changes in pelvic organ mobility during this period. Our objective was to conduct a non-systematic review of literature about changes in pelvic organ mobility as well as in ligamentous laxity during pregnancy and postpartum. METHODS From the PubMed, Medline, Cochrane Library and Web of Science database we have selected works which pertains clinical assessment of pelvic organ mobility (pelvic organ prolapse quantification), ultrasound assessment of levator hiatus and urethral mobility, ligamentous laxity assessment during pregnancy and postpartum. RESULTS Clinical assessments performed in these works show an increase of pelvic organ mobility and perineal distension during pregnancy followed by a recovery phase during postpartum. Pelvic floor imaging shows an increase of levator hiatus area and urethral mobility during pregnancy then a recovery phase in postpartum. Different authors also report an increase of ligamentous laxity (upper and lower limbs) during pregnancy followed by a decrease phase in postpartum. CONCLUSION Pelvic organ mobility, ligamentous laxity, levator hiatus and urethral mobility change in a similarly way during pregnancy (increase of mobility or distension) and postpartum (recovery). LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3.

Fetal heart rate abnormalities associated with uterine rupture: a case-control study A new time-lapse approach using a standardized classification

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to identify fetal heart rate abnormalities (FHRA) in the two hours preceding uterine rupture during trial of labor after a previous C-section compared with successful vaginal birth after cesarean controls. STUDY DESIGN A multicenter case-control study was conducted from 2006 to 2012. Fetal heart rate tracings of the two-hour period preceding delivery were segmented, anonymized and independently classified by two obstetricians according to a standardized grid based on FIGO guidelines (4 grades: 1 - normal, 2 - intermediate, 3 - abnormal, 4 - preterminal). Each case of uterine rupture was matched to 2 controls. Survival curves were generated for both groups using the Kaplan-Meier method to analyze the occurrence of each FHR category across time. RESULTS During the study period, 39,773 patients gave birth. 2649 involved women with a previous C-section (6.6%). A total of 33 uterine rupture/scar dehiscence cases occurred (0.08% of all births), of which 22 were included. These were matched to 44 controls. FIGO grade-3 FHRA were significantly associated with uterine rupture in the hour preceding its diagnosis: odds ratios were 4.1 (95% CI 1.2-14.0), 4.3 (95% CI 1.4-13.0) and 3.7 (95% CI 1.2-11.3), in the 60-40 min, 40-20 min and last 20 min before childbirth, respectively. Agreement between the two reviewers (Cohens kappa) was 84% (CI 95%: 0.79-0.89). CONCLUSION In the hour preceding uterine rupture, there are often significant FHRA. This leads us to consider the possibility of an earlier C-section when faced with grade-3 FHRA, before the onset of terminal bradycardia jeopardizing maternal and fetal prognosis.

Cultural adaptation of the female pelvic floor questionnaire (FPFQ) into French

The Female pelvic floor questionnaire (FPFQ) is a self‐administered tool on pelvic floor function. Our aim was to carry out a cultural adaptation of the FPFQ into French and to assess its psychometric properties.

Position for labor and birth: State of knowledge and biomechanical perspectives

This review aims to examine how childbirth position during labour affects maternal, fetal and neonatal outcomes. Epidemiological data suggest that vertical birthing positions have many benefits. But when we consider the players and mechanisms of delivery, including the forces generated to move the fetus and obstacles to its progression, many questions remain about the advantage of one position over another. Thus, childbirth could be considered in a way as an athletic feat that probably requires the choice of optimal positions. These should be individually suited to each woman at different stage of labour to improve its efficiency and effectiveness. Tweetable abstract: Beyond epidemiological data, biomechanical investigations is necessary to assess births position.

Is levator hiatus distension associated with peripheral ligamentous laxity during pregnancy

Introduction and hypothesisThe impact of pregnancy on pelvic floor disorders remains poorly understood. During pregnancy, an increase in ligamentous laxity and pelvic organ mobility is often reported. Our main objective was to investigate a possible association between peripheral ligamentous laxity and levator hiatus (LH) distension during pregnancy.MethodsThis was a prospective longitudinal study of 26 pregnant women followed up from the first to the third trimester. We collected the following information: occurrence of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) symptoms (score higher than 0 for the POP section of the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory 20 questions score), 4D perineal ultrasound scan results with LH distension assessment and measurement of metacarpophalangeal joint mobility (MCP laxity). The association between MCP laxity and LH distension was estimated by mixed multilevel linear regression. The associations between MCP laxity and categorical parameters were estimated in a multivariate analysis using a generalized estimating equation model.ResultsMCP laxity and LH distension were correlated with a correlation coefficient of 0.26 (p = 0.02), and 6.8% of the LH distension variance was explained by MCP laxity. In the multivariate analysis, MCP laxity was associated with POP symptoms with an odds ratio at 1.05 (95% CI 1.01–1.11) for an increase of 1° in MCP laxity.ConclusionLH distension and peripheral ligamentous laxity are significantly associated during pregnancy. However, the relationship is weak, and the results need to be confirmed in larger populations and with more specific techniques such as elastography to directly assess the elastic properties of the pelvic floor muscles.

Incontinence anale et lésions obstétricales du sphincter anal, épidémiologie et prévention

Our main objectives were to identify risk factors, methods for early diagnosis, and prevention of obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIs), using a literature review. The main risk factors for OASIs are nulliparity, instrumental delivery, posterior presentation, median episiotomy, prolonged second phase of labor and fetal macrosomia. Asian origin, short ano-vulvar distance, ligamentous hyperlaxity, lack of expulsion control, non-visualization of the perineum or maneuvers for shoulder dystocia also appear to be risk factors. There is a risk of under-diagnosis of OASIs in the labor ward. Experience of the accoucheur is a protective factor. Secondary prevention is based on the training of birth professionals in recognition and repair of OASIs. Primary prevention of OASIs is based on training in the maneuvers of the second phase of labor; if possible, instrumental extractions should be avoided. Mediolateral episiotomy may have a preventive role in high-risk OASIs deliveries. A robust predictive model is still lacking to allow a selective use of episiotomy.

Obstetrical anal sphincter injuries and symptoms after subsequent deliveries: A 60 patient study.

INTRODUCTION More than half of women with a history of prior obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS) will have another pregnancy. Currently, little is known concerning post-partum perineal symptoms in cases of a subsequent vaginal delivery. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of perineal functional symptoms following a vaginal delivery after OASIS while comparing them to patients who did not have a subsequent delivery. MATERIAL AND METHOD Retrospective cohort study between January 2000 and December 2011. A questionnaire was sent by post to all women who sustained an OASIS at the Poitiers University Hospital, France. Perineal functional symptoms and quality of life were assessed using validated self-administered questionnaires: Female Pelvic Floor Questionnaire, Pescatori anal incontinence score, EuroQoL five-dimension score, and pain visual analogue scale. RESULTS 159 women of 237 contacted (67%) responded to the questionnaire, on average 46 months after the delivery complicated with OASIS. 135 (85%) of women had a 3rd degree laceration and 24% a 4th degree laceration. 99 women (63%) did not have an ensuing delivery since the event (OASIS - No Subsequent Delivery: SD-). 60 women (37%) had a subsequent delivery (OASIS -Subsequent Delivery: SD + ), with 53 (88%) having a vaginal birth. Among these women, 3 (6%) experienced a recurrent OASIS. The mean score for perineal symptoms (FPFQ) was 6.95 in the OASIS-SD (-) group and 7.40 in the OASIS-SD (+) group (p = 0.64). No significant difference in quality of life (EuroQol 5D) was found between the two groups (p = 0.91). CONCLUSION We did not observe a deterioration of perineal functional symptomatology after vaginal delivery in women with known prior OASIS, compared to women who did not have a subsequent delivery. Even if the risk of occurrence of these lesions is higher in women with history of previous OASIS compared to those without perineal injury, it is still comparable to incidence among primiparous women.