Jeffrey L. Segal

Prevalence of persistent and de novo overactive bladder symptoms after the tension-free vaginal tape

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess 1) the proportion of de novo urge incontinence and overactive bladder symptoms after a tension-free vaginal tape (TVT), and 2) the natural history of preoperative urge incontinence and overactive bladder symptoms after a TVT. METHODS: A chart review was performed on all patients who underwent a TVT without concomitant procedures from November 1998 to November 2002. Preoperative and postoperative stress and mixed urinary incontinence symptoms as well as overactive bladder symptoms were assessed subjectively, as was the use of anticholinergics to treat overactive bladder symptoms. Two preoperative and postoperative validated quality-of-life questionnaires, the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7) and Urinary Distress Inventory (UDI-6), were also compared. RESULTS: Ninety-eight patients were included in the study. Postoperatively, de novo urge incontinence symptoms developed in 9.1%, de novo overactive bladder symptoms developed in 4.3%, and 8.7% started taking anticholinergics for the first time. After a TVT, the urge component resolved in 63.1% of those with preoperative symptoms of mixed incontinence, overactive bladder symptoms resolved in 57.3% of those with preoperative overactive bladder symptoms, and 57.7% of those who used anticholinergics preoperatively no longer needed to do so. There was also a statistically significant improvement in comparing the preoperative and postoperative IIQ-7 and UDI-6 scores. CONCLUSION: The proportion of patients in whom de novo overactive bladder or urge incontinence symptoms developed postoperatively is low, and approximately 57% of patients with preoperative overactive bladder symptoms can expect resolution of these symptoms after a TVT.

Uterosacral ligament vault suspension: five-year outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the five-year anatomic and functional outcomes of the high uterosacral vaginal vault suspension. METHODS: One hundred ten patients with advanced symptomatic uterovaginal or posthysterectomy prolapse treated between January 1997 and January 2000 were identified and 72 (65%) consented to participate in this study. Anatomic outcomes were obtained by Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification. Functional results were obtained subjectively and with quality-of-life questionnaires, including the short-form Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ) and Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI), and Female Sexual Function Index. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 5.1 years (range 3.5–7.5 years). Vaginal hysterectomy (37.5%), anterior colporrhaphy (58.3%), posterior colporrhaphy (87.5%), and suburethral slings (31.9%) were performed as indicated. Surgical failure (symptomatic recurrent prolapse of stage 2 or greater in one or more segments) was 11 of 72 (15.3%). Two patients (2.8%) had recurrence of apical prolapse of stage 2 or greater. For those sexually active preoperatively and postoperatively (n=34), mean postoperative Female Sexual Function Index scores for arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain were normal, whereas the desire score was abnormal (mean= 3.2). However, 94% (n=29) were currently satisfied with their sexual activity. Postoperative IIQ/UDI scores were significantly improved in all three domains (irritative, P= .01; obstructive, P<.001; stress, P=.03) and overall (IIQ-7, P<.001; UDI, P<.001) compared with preoperatively. Bowel dysfunction occurred 33.3% preoperatively compared with 27.8% postoperatively (P=.24). CONCLUSION: Uterosacral ligament vaginal vault fixation seems to be a durable procedure for vaginal repair of enterocele and vaginal vault prolapse. Lower urinary tract, bowel, and sexual function may be maintained or improved. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II-3

ORIGINAL RESEARCH—BASIC SCIENCE: A Prospective Study Examining the Anatomic Distribution of Nerve Density in the Human Vagina

INTRODUCTION Women possess sufficient vaginal innervation such that tactile stimulation of the vagina can lead to orgasm. However, there are few anatomic studies that have characterized the distribution of nerves throughout the human vagina. AIM The aim of this prospective study was to better characterize the anatomic distribution of nerves in the adult human vagina. A secondary aim was to assess whether vaginal innervation correlates with the subjects demographic information and sexual function. METHODS Full-thickness biopsies of anterior and posterior vagina (proximal and distal), cuff, and cervix were taken during surgery in a standardized manner. Specimens were prepared with hematoxylin and eosin, and S100 protein immunoperoxidase. The total number of nerves in each specimen was quantified. Enrolled patients completed a validated sexual function questionnaire (Female Sexual Function Index, FSFI) preoperatively. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES A description of vaginal innervation by location and an assessment of vaginal innervation in association with the subjects demographic information and sexual function. RESULTS Twenty-one patients completed this study, yielding 110 biopsy specimens. Vaginal innervation was somewhat regular, with no site consistently demonstrating the highest nerve density. Nerves were located throughout the vagina, including apex and cervix. No significant differences were noted in vaginal innervation based on various demographic factors, including age, vaginal maturation index, stage of prolapse, number of vaginal deliveries, or previous hysterectomy. There were no correlations between vaginal nerve quantity and FSFI domain and overall scores. Fifty-seven percent of the subjects had female sexual dysfunction; when compared to those without dysfunction, there were no significant differences in total or site-specific nerves. CONCLUSIONS In a prospective study, vaginal nerves were located regularly throughout the anterior and posterior vagina, proximally and distally, including apex and cervix. There was no vaginal location with increased nerve density. Vaginal innervation was not associated with demographic information or sexual function.

Practice patterns of physician members of the American Urogynecologic Society regarding female sexual dysfunction: results of a national survey

The purpose of the study was to evaluate practice patterns of members of the American Urogynecologic Society (AUGS) with respect to female sexual dysfunction (FSD). A brief self-administered survey of 20 questions was mailed to 966 physician members of the AUGS in the United States of America and Canada; 471 surveys were returned (49% response rate). The majority of responders see urogynecology (19%) or urogynecology and general gynecology patients (43%). Sixty-eight percent of physicians were familiar with questionnaires to assess FSD; however, only 13% said they use these for screening purposes. Most said they believed screening for FSD was somewhat (47%) or very important (42%). Despite having these beliefs, only 22% of the responding physicians stated they always screen for FSD, while 55% do so most of the time and 23% admitted they never or rarely screen. Similar results were obtained regarding screening following urogynecologic surgery. Several barriers to screening for FSD existed, the most common being lack of time. The majority of respondents (69%) underestimated the prevalence of FSD in their patient population. Finally, although more than half of responders had received post-residency training in urogynecology (59%), 50% of them stated the training with respect to FSD was unsatisfactory, while only 10% were satisfied. Overall, many urogynecologists do not consistently screen for FSD, underestimate its prevalence, and feel they received unsatisfactory training.

Urethral erosion of a tension-free vaginal tape.

BACKGROUND Urethral dilation has been recommended to treat voiding dysfunction that may occur after placement of tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence. We report on a case of urethral erosion by the tape secondary to repetitive urethral dilations after surgery. CASE A urethral erosion by the tape was diagnosed by cystoscopy after three urethral dilations failed to resolve postoperative voiding dysfunction 8 weeks after the initial procedure. A partial tape revision with repair of the urethrotomy was performed, with resolution of the subjects voiding dysfunction. CONCLUSION This report describes a potential complication of a recommended treatment for voiding dysfunction after placement of TVT.

Effects of a full bladder and patient positioning on pelvic organ prolapse assessment.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of bladder filling and patient position on the degree of pelvic organ prolapse (of the maximally prolapsed segment). METHODS: Fifty consecutive patients with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse were evaluated between February 2003 and August 2003. Patients were examined in the supine lithotomy and standing position at maximal bladder capacity and then in the supine lithotomy and standing position with an empty bladder. The International Continence Societys Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification system was used. RESULTS: The mean descent of prolapse beyond the hymen was 0.39 cm in the full/supine setting, 1.3 cm, full/standing, 1.9 cm, empty/supine, and 2.7 cm, empty/standing. All mean paired differences in the six examination pairs (empty/standing compared with empty/supine, full/standing compared with full/supine, full/standing compared with empty/standing, full/supine compared with empty/supine, full/standing compared with empty/supine, and full/supine compared with empty/standing) were statistically significantly different. The largest mean paired difference was noted in the full/supine compared with empty/standing pair (−2.3, 95% confidence interval −2.8 to −1.8, P < .001). Age and parity were not associated with differences in measurements taken in the different examination conditions. Using a linear regression model to control for body mass index, maximal bladder capacity, and Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification system stage, it was found that the values were still statistically significant. Full/supine compared with empty/standing pairs were significantly more likely to be upstaged by 1 stage (P < .001), or by 2 stages (P = .049), but not by 3 stages (P = .061). CONCLUSION: Unless a patient is examined in the standing position with an empty bladder, the full extent of the prolapse may not be appreciated. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II-3

Evaluation and management of rectoceles.

Purpose of review As life expectancy increases, the prevalence of pelvic organ prolapse in general, and rectoceles, in particular, will continue to grow. The objectives of this article are to review the basic anatomy and contributing factors associated with the development of rectoceles and to discuss the appropriate work-up and treatment options. Recent findings The main themes in the current literature stress the importance of not only anatomic restoration, but also quality of life issues regarding visceral and sexual function when performing a rectocele repair. Many recent studies are also evaluating the role of preoperative adjunctive tests to better evaluate women with combined pelvic floor disorders, while others are looking at outcomes data regarding the various surgical approaches to repair a rectocele. Summary With significant advancements in pelvic anatomy over the last several decades the surgical approach to treating symptomatic rectoceles has evolved from the traditional posterior colporrhaphy with levator ani plication to the defect specific rectocele repair. While anatomic and overall functional outcomes have improved, one still needs to better define the correlation between defecatory dysfunction and a rectocele.

The efficacy of the tension-free vaginal tape in the treatment of five subtypes of stress urinary incontinence

Purpose: To determine the efficacy of tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) for the treatment of five sub-types of stress urinary incontinence (SUI).Materials and methods: A retrospective review was performed from November 1998 to November 2001 on all patients with SUI who underwent a TVT procedure either alone or with other reconstructive pelvic procedures. The patients were subdivided into five categories. Intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD) was defined by a maximum urethral closure pressure <20 cm H2O or a mean Valsalva leak point pressure <60 cm H2O above baseline. Urethral hypermobility (UH) was defined by a straining Q-tip angle greater than 30° from the horizontal. Cure was defined as the subjective resolution of SUI without the development of voiding dysfunction or de novo urge incontinence. Improvement was defined as the subjective improvement of SUI without complete resolution or the subjective resolution of SUI occurring with the development of prolonged voiding dysfunction lasting greater than 6 weeks or de novo urge incontinence. Failure was defined as the subjective lack of improvement of SUI, the need for an additional procedure to correct SUI or the need for revision or takedown of the TVT for persistent voiding dysfunction or mesh erosion.Results: The cure, improvement and failure rates for each of the following groups are respectively as follows: group 1 (+UH, -ISD) (n=121): 101 (83.5%), 13 (10.7%), 7 (5.8%); group 2 (-UH, +ISD) (n=22): 17 (77.3%), 3 (13.6%), 2 (9.1%); group 3 (+UH, +ISD) (n=32): 26 (81.3%), 4 (12.5%), 2 (6.2%); group 4 (-UH, -ISD) (n=25): 21 (84.0%), 3 (12.0%), 1 (4.0%); group 5 (occult SUI) (n=67): 57 (85.1%), 10 (14.9%), 0 (0%).Conclusion: This study shows that the TVT is effective in treating all five sub-types of SUI.

Paravaginal defects: prevalence and accuracy of preoperative detection

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of paravaginal defects and to report the correlation between diagnosing a paravaginal defect preoperatively and observing the presence of one intraoperatively. This was a prospective study in which 77 patients with at least stage 2 prolapse of the anterior vaginal wall who desired surgical correction of their prolapse were assessed pre- and intraoperatively for the detection of a paravaginal defect. In order to differentiate a midline or central defect from a paravaginal defect, an index finger or ring forceps was placed vaginally toward each ischial spine separately. If the prolapse became reduced, the patient was clinically diagnosed with a paravaginal defect on that side. The intraoperative visualization or palpation of the pubocervical fascia detached from the arcus tendineus fasciae pelvis was used as the gold standard in diagnosing a paravaginal defect. The overall prevalence of a paravaginal defect in patients with at least stage 2 prolapse of the anterior vaginal wall was 37.7%. The sensitivities for detecting a left, right and bilateral paravaginal defect were 47.6, 40.0 and 23.5%, respectively, while the specificities for each side were 71.4, 67.3, and 80.0%, respectively. The overall prevalence of a paravaginal defect in patients with anterior vaginal wall prolapse is low. The standard clinical evaluation used to preoperatively detect a paravaginal defect in our hands is a poor predictor for the actual presence of a paravaginal defect.

A randomized trial of local anesthesia with intravenous sedation vs general anesthesia for the vaginal correction of pelvic organ prolapse

The purpose of this study is to compare the feasibility of local anesthesia with IV sedation versus general anesthesia for vaginal correction of pelvic organ prolapse. Patients with pelvic organ prolapse who were scheduled for an anterior or posterior colporrhaphy, or an obliterative procedure, and who did not have a contraindication or preference to type of anesthesia were randomized to one of the two anesthesia groups. Nineteen patients were randomized to the general group and 21 patients were randomized to the local group. Mean operating room, anesthesia, and surgical time were similar in each group, and 10 patients in the local group bypassed the recovery room. Requests and doses of antiemetics, postoperative verbal numerical pain scores and length of hospital stay were similar between the two groups. Mean recovery room and total hospital costs were significantly lower in the local group. Local anesthesia with IV sedation is a feasible alternative for vaginal surgery to correct pelvic organ prolapse.