L. Sentilhes

Prevention of complications related to the use of prosthetic meshes in prolapse surgery: guidelines for clinical practice.

The objective of the study was to provide guidelines for clinical practice from the French College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (CNGOF), based on the best evidence available, concerning adverse events related to surgical procedures involving the use of prosthetic meshes. French and English-language articles from Medline, PubMed, and the Cochrane Database were searched, using key words (mesh; pelvic organ prolapse; cystocele; rectocele; uterine prolapse; complications; adverse event; sacral colpopexy; extrusion; infection). As with any surgery, recommendations include perioperative smoking cessation (Expert opinion) and compliance with the prevention of nosocomial infections (regulatory recommendation). There is no evidence to recommend routine local or systemic estrogen therapy before or after prolapse surgery using mesh, regardless of the surgical approach (Grade C). Antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended, regardless of the approach (Expert opinion). It is recommended to check for pre-operative urinary tract infection and treat it (Expert opinion). The first procedure should be undertaken under the guidance of a surgeon experienced in the relevant technique (Grade C). It is recommended not to place a non-absorbable synthetic mesh into the rectovaginal septum when a rectal injury occurs (Expert opinion). Placement of a non-absorbable synthetic mesh into the vesicovaginal septum may be considered after suturing of a bladder injury if the suture is considered to be satisfactory (Expert opinion). If a synthetic mesh is placed by vaginal route, it is recommended to use a macroporous polypropylene monofilament mesh (Grade B). It is recommended not to use polyester mesh for vaginal surgery (Grade B). It is permissible to perform hysterectomy associated with the placement of a non-absorbable synthetic mesh placed by the vaginal route but this is not routinely recommended (Expert opinion). It is recommended to minimize the extent of the colpectomy (Expert opinion). The laparoscopic approach is recommended for sacral colpopexy (Expert opinion). It is recommended not to place and suture meshes by the vaginal route when a sacral colpopexy is performed (Grade B). It is recommended not to use silicone-coated polyester, porcine dermis, fascia lata, and polytetrafluoroethylene meshes (Grade B). It is recommended to use polyester (without silicone coating) or polypropylene meshes (Grade C). Suture of the meshes to the promontory can be performed using thread/needle or tacks (Grade C). Peritonization is recommended to cover the meshes (Grade C). If hysterectomy is required, it is recommended to perform a subtotal hysterectomy (Expert opinion). Implementation of this guideline should decrease the prevalence of complications related to surgical procedures involving the use of prosthetic meshes.

Instrumental delivery: clinical practice guidelines from the French College of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians.

Routine use of a partograph is associated with a reduction in the use of forceps, but is not associated with a reduction in the use of vacuum extraction (Level A). Early artificial rupture of the membranes, associated with oxytocin perfusion, does not reduce the number of operative vaginal deliveries (Level A), but does increase the rate of fetal heart rate abnormalities (Level B). Early correction of lack of progress in dilatation by oxytocin perfusion can reduce the number of operative vaginal deliveries (Level B). The use of low-concentration epidural infusions of bupivacaine potentiated by morphinomimetics reduces the number of operative interventions compared with larger doses (Level A). Placement of an epidural before 3-cm dilatation does not increase the number of operative vaginal deliveries (Level A). Posterior positions of the fetus result in more operative vaginal deliveries (Level B). Manual rotation of the fetus from a posterior position to an anterior position may reduce the number of operative deliveries (Level C). Walking during labour is not associated with a reduction in the number of operative vaginal deliveries (Level A). Continuous support of the parturient by a midwife or partner/family member during labour reduces the number of operative vaginal deliveries (Level A). Under epidural analgesia, delayed pushing (2h after full dilatation) reduces the number of difficult operative vaginal deliveries (Level A). Ultrasound is recommended if there is any clinical doubt about the presentation of the fetus (Level B). The available scientific data are insufficient to contra-indicate attempted midoperative delivery (professional consensus). The duration of the operative intervention is slightly shorter with forceps than with a vacuum extractor (Level C). Nonetheless, the urgency of operative delivery is not a reason to choose one instrument over another (professional consensus). The cup-shaped vacuum extractor seems to be the instrument of choice for operative deliveries of fetuses in a cephalic transverse position, and may also be preferred for fetuses in a posterior position (professional consensus). Vacuum extraction deliveries fail more often than forceps deliveries (Level B). Overall, immediate maternal complications are more common for forceps deliveries than vacuum extraction deliveries (Level B). Compared with forceps, operative vaginal delivery using a vacuum extractor appears to reduce the number of episiotomies (Level B), first- and second-degree perineal lesions, and damage to the anal sphincter (Level B). Among the long-term complications, the rate of urinary incontinence is similar following forceps, vacuum extraction and spontaneous vaginal deliveries (Level B). Anal incontinence is more common following forceps delivery (Level B). Persistent anal incontinence has a similar prevalence regardless of the mode of delivery (caesarean or vaginal, instrumental or non-instrumental), suggesting the involvement of other factors (Level B). Rates of immediate neonatal mortality and morbidity are similar for forceps and vacuum extraction deliveries (Level B). It appears that difficult instrumental delivery may lead to psychological sequelae that may result in a decision not to have more children (Level C). The rates of neonatal convulsions, intracranial haemorrhage and jaundice do not differ between forceps and vacuum extraction deliveries (Levels B and C). Rapid sequence induction with a Sellick manoeuvre (pressure to the cricoid cartilage) and tracheal intubation with a balloon catheter is recommended for any general anaesthesia (Level B). Training must ensure that obstetricians can identify indications and contra-indications, choose the appropriate instrument, use the instruments correctly, and know the principles of quality control applied to operative vaginal delivery. Nowadays, traditional training can be accompanied by simulations. Training should be individualized and extended for some students.

Indications et prérequis à la réalisation d’une extraction instrumentale : quand, comment et où ?

OBJECTIVE To determine the indications and prerequisites for operative vaginal delivery. METHODS Articles were searched using PubMed and Cochrane library. RESULTS Indications for operative vaginal delivery are non-reassuring fetal status (NP4), no progress from 30minutes of adequate active pushing, maternal exhaustion (NP5), or medical indications to avoid Valsalva (NP5). Operative vaginal delivery (Thierrys spatulas, forceps, and vacuum delivery) before that cervix is fully dilated and fetal head is fully engaged is not recommended (NP4). Obstetricians have to know patient medical record and the fetal head position before performing operative vaginal delivery (NP5). The reliability of transvaginal examination to determine the fetal engagement and intrapartum fetal head position is 88% and 80% respectively (NP2). Transabdominal ultrasound assessment is recommended in cases of doubts about the fetal head position (NP5). Available data are not sufficient to fully contraindicated midpelvic operative delivery. Each case should be considered individually and depending on the skill of the obstetrician (NP5). Obstetricians should be aware that they may wrongly consider the fetus engaged in the midpelvis in 6% of cases, whereas it is not really engaged. Moreover, the presence of factors predictive of failed operative vaginal delivery must contraindicated midpelvic operative vaginal delivery and indicated a cesarean delivery (NP5). In general, midpelvic operative vaginal delivery is not recommended. Routine instrumental delivery in theatre and episiotomy for operative vaginal delivery are not recommended (NP3 and NP4, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Recommendations for operative vaginal delivery should be respected to minimize both fetal and maternal trauma. Obstetricians should anticipate the complications that may occurred following operative vaginal delivery.

Prévenir les complications de la chirurgie prothétique du prolapsus : recommandations pour la pratique clinique – Revue de la littérature

OBJECTIVE To provide guidelines for clinical practice from the French College of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians (CNGOF), based on the best evidence available, concerning the adverse events related to surgical procedures involving the use of prosthetic meshes. MATERIALS AND METHODS French and English-language articles from Medline, PubMed, and the Cochrane Database were searched, using key words (mesh ; pelvic organ prolapse ; cystocele ; rectocele ; uterine prolapse ; complications ; adverse event ; sacral colpopexy ; extrusion ; infection...). RESULTS As with any surgery, it is recommended to provide a perioperative smoking cessation (expert opinion) and comply with the prevention of nosocomial infections (regulatory requirement). There is no evidence to recommend routine local or systemic estrogen therapy before or after prolapse surgery using mesh, regardless of the surgical approach (grade C). Antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended, regardless of the approach (expert opinion). It is recommended to seek a pre-operative urinary tract infection and treat it (expert opinion). The first cases should be made under the guidance of an experienced surgeon in the relevant technique (grade C). It is recommended not to place a non-absorbable synthetic mesh into the rectovaginal septum when a rectal injury occurs (expert opinion). The placement of a non-absorbable synthetic mesh into the vesicovaginal septum may be considered after the suture of a bladder injury if the suture is considered to be satisfactory (expert opinion). If a synthetic mesh is placed by vaginal route, it is recommended to use a macroporous polypropylene monofilament mesh (grade B). It is recommended not to use polyester mesh for vaginal surgery (grade B). It is allowed to perform a hysterectomy associated with the placement of a non-absorbable synthetic mesh placed by vaginal route but this is not routinely recommended (expert opinion). It is recommended to minimize the extent of the colpectomy (expert opinion). Laparoscopic approach is recommended for sacral colpopexy (grade C). It is recommended not to place and suture meshes by vaginal route when a sacral colpopexy is performed (grade B). It is recommended not to use silicone-coated polyester, porcine dermis, fascia lata, and polytétrafluoroéthylène meshes (grade B). It is recommended to use polyester (without silicone coating) or polypropylene meshes (grade C). Suture of the meshes to the promontory can be performed using thread/needle or tacker (grade C). A peritonization is recommended to cover the meshes (grade C). If hysterectomy is required, it is recommended to perform a subtotal hysterectomy (grade C). CONCLUSION Implementation of this guideline should decrease the prevalence of complications related to surgical procedures involving the use of prosthetic meshes.

Colouterine fistula complicating diverticulitis: a case report and review of the literature

Colouterine fistula, secondary to diverticulitis, is an extremely rare complication, and only few cases have been reported in the literature. We report the case of 76-year-old woman, who presented with vaginal discharge over a three-month period. Pelvic examination and laboratory investigations suggested a colouterine fistula, that was confirmed by non-invasive imaging. Surgical treatment was a one-stage, en bloc resection of the uterus and sigmoid colon. In the presence of severe inflammatory reaction or paracolic abscess, a two-stage procedure should be safer. Otherwise, a one-stage procedure, en bloc resection of the uterus and sigmoid colon is preferred, as we cannot rule out a malignancy prior to surgery.

Infracoccygeal sacropexy reinforced with posterior mesh interposition for apical and posterior compartment prolapse

OBJECTIVE To assess the efficacy, safety and functional outcome of infracoccygeal sacropexy reinforced with posterior mesh interposition performed alone or in combination with the implantation of other prosthetic materials for prolapse repair. STUDY DESIGN Seventy-two patients requiring prolapse repair for apical and/or posterior compartment prolapse, operated between March 2002 and September 2005. Patients underwent physical examination for prolapse assessment according to the international pelvic organ prolapse staging system and were evaluated for objective and subjective prolapse symptoms pre- and post-operatively. Objective success was defined by the midline posterior vaginal wall at stage 0 or 1, while subjective success was defined by a score above or equal to 7.5 measured on a visual analogue scale (0, very disappointed; 10, very satisfied). Follow-up was done at 6 weeks, 6 months and then once a year. RESULTS Seventy-two patients with a mean age of 65 years were followed-up with a median of 26.3 months (range 10-43). Stages 3 and 4 represented 65.3% of all apical and/or posterior compartment prolapse. Fifty-nine patients had a concomitant anterior prolapse repair. Both objective and subjective success rates were 97.2%. All subjective prolapse symptoms decreased after surgery. The only intraoperative complication was one rectal injury. Vaginal erosion rate was 13.9% and mesh infection rate was 4.2%. Vaginal erosions statistically occurred less often with monofilament polypropylene (5.7%, 2/35) than with multifilament polypropylene (13.6%, 3/22) or polyester (33.3%, 5/15) (p<.04). CONCLUSION Infracoccygeal sacropexy reinforced with posterior mesh interposition provides effective and promising results in correcting apical and/or posterior compartment prolapse. Analysis of long-term success rates and comparison with previously accepted surgical procedures are required to determine the place of this procedure in the strategy of genital prolapse repair.

Hiérarchisation des stratégies thérapeutiques pour ménométrorragies avec ou sans désir de grossesse

Journal de Gynecologie Obstetrique et Biologie de la Reproduction - Vol. 37 - N° 8S1 - p. 405-417

Le TVT (tension-free vaginal tape) a-t-il une place dans le traitement de l’insuffisance sphinctérienne ?

Resume Objectif L’objectif de cet article est d’evaluer les resultats et la place du TVT chez les femmes qui presentent une incontinence urinaire d’effort associee a une insuffisance sphincterienne. Materiel et methode Il s’agit d’une etude retrospective sur une periode de 57 mois d’une population de 38 patientes operees par TVT pour une insuffisance sphincterienne avec ou sans defaut de transmission. L’âge moyen des patientes etait de 52 ans. Quatorze patientes (37 %) avaient des antecedents de cure chirurgicale d’incontinence. L’examen clinique a mis en evidence un deroulement de l’uretre 22 fois (58 %), des tests de Bonney ou de Jacquetin positifs 15 fois (39 %). La valeur moyenne de la pression de cloture uretrale maximale etait de 40 cm d’eau avec 12 patientes (32 %) l 30 cm d’eau. Six patientes (16 %) avaient une vessie instable. Sept patientes (18 %) avaient une insuffisance sphincterienne pure. Resultats Le suivi median etait de huit mois (2 a 32 mois). Vingt-cinq patientes (66 %) etaient gueries, neuf (24 %) ameliorees et quatre (10 %) en echec. Les resultats sont moins bons pour les patientes qui presentaient un echec prealable d’une cure chirurgicale d’incontinence, un uretre fixe, une insuffisance sphincterienne pure ou avec instabilite vesicale sans defaut de transmission associe. La seule complication severe a ete une exposition de prothese. Conclusion Les resultats du TVT dans l’insuffisance sphincterienne sont legerement moins bons que dans l’incontinence urinaire d’effort pure. A court terme, ils sont comparables dans l’insuffisance sphincterienne a ceux des frondes sous uretro-cervicales qui sont le traitement de reference actuel. Le risque de retention urinaire est moindre. Le caractere mini-invasif du TVT nous laisse supposer qu’il se substituera dans l’avenir aux frondes sous uretro-cervicales dans cette indication particuliere. Pour confirmer cela un recul plus important sera necessaire.

Postpartum practice: guidelines for clinical practice from the French College of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians (CNGOF)

OBJECTIVE To make evidence-based recommendations for the postpartum management of women and their newborns, regardless of the mode of delivery. MATERIAL AND METHODS Systematic review of articles from the PubMed database and the Cochrane Library and of recommendations from the French and foreign societies or colleges of obstetricians. RESULTS Because breast-feeding is associated with reductions in neonatal, infantile, and childhood morbidity (lower frequency of cardiovascular, infectious, and atopic diseases and infantile obesity) (LE2) and improved cognitive development in children (LE2), exclusive and extended breastfeeding is recommended (grade B) for at least 4-6 months (professional consensus). Pharmacological treatments for inhibition of lactation should not be given routinely to women who do not wish to breastfeed (professional consensus). Because of potentially serious adverse effects, bromocriptine is contraindicated in inhibiting lactation (professional consensus). For women aware of the risks of pharmacological treatments to inhibit lactation but choose to take them, lisuride and cabergoline are the preferred drugs (professional consensus). Regardless of the mode of delivery, only women with bleeding or symptoms of anemia should be tested for it (professional consensus). Immediate postoperative monitoring after cesarean delivery should be performed in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU). An analgesic multimodal protocol for analgesia, preferring oral administration, should be developed by the medical team and be available for all staff (professional consensus) (grade B). Thromboprophylaxis with compression stockings should begin the morning of all cesarean deliveries and maintained for at least 7 postoperative days (professional consensus) with or without the addition of LMWH, depending on the presence and severity (major or minor) of additional risk factors. It is recommended that women be informed of the dangers of closely spaced pregnancies (LE3), that effective contraception begin no later than 21 days post partum for women who do not want such a pregnancy (grade B), and that it be prescribed at the maternity ward (professional consensus). In view of the postpartum risk of venous thromboembolism, use of combination hormonal contraception is not recommended before six weeks post partum (grade B). Pelvic floor rehabilitation in asymptomatic women to prevent urinary or anal incontinence in the medium or long term is not recommended (professional consensus). Rehabilitation using pelvic floor muscle contraction exercises is recommended to treat persistent urinary incontinence at 3 months post partum (grade A), regardless of the type of incontinence. Postpartum pelvic floor rehabilitation is recommended to treat anal incontinence (grade C), but not to treat or prevent prolapse (grade C) or dyspareunia (grade C). The months following the birth are a period of transition and of psychological changes for all parents (LE2) and are still more difficult for those with psychosocial risk factors (LE2). Situations of evident psychological difficulties can have a significant effect on the childs psychological and emotional development (LE3). Among these difficulties, postpartum depression is most common, but the risk of all mental disorders is generally higher in the perinatal period (LE3). CONCLUSION The postpartum period presents clinicians with a unique and privileged opportunity to address the physical, psychological, social, and somatic health of women and babies.

[Post-partum: Guidelines for clinical practice--Short text].

OBJECTIVE To determine the post-partum management of women and their newborn whatever the mode of delivery. MATERIAL AND METHODS The PubMed database, the Cochrane Library and the recommendations from the French and foreign obstetrical societies or colleges have been consulted. RESULTS Because breastfeeding is associated with a decrease in neonatal morbidity (lower frequency of cardiovascular diseases, infectious, atopic or infantile obesity) (EL2) and an improvement in the cognitive development of children (EL2), exclusive and extended breastfeeding is recommended (grade B) between 4 to 6 months (Professional consensus). In order to increase the rate of breastfeeding initiation and its duration, it is recommended that health professionals work closely with mothers in their project (grade A) and to promote breastfeeding on demand (grade B). There is no scientific evidence to recommend non-pharmacological measures of inhibition of lactation (Professional consensus). Pharmacological treatments for inhibition of lactation should not be given routinely to women who do not wish to breastfeed (Professional consensus). Because of potentially serious adverse effects, bromocriptin is contraindicated in inhibiting lactation (Professional consensus). For women aware of the risks of pharmacological treatment of inhibition of lactation, lisuride and cabergolin are the preferred drugs (Professional consensus). Whatever the mode of delivery, numeration blood count is not systematically recommended in a general population (Professional consensus). Anemia must be sought only in women with bleeding or symptoms of anemia (Professional consensus). The only treatment of post-dural puncture headache is the blood patch (EL2), it must not be carried out before 48 h (Professional consensus). Women vaccination status and their family is to be assessed in the early post-partum (Professional consensus). Immediate postoperative monitoring after caesarean delivery should be performed in the recovery room, but in exceptional circumstances, it may be performed in the delivery unit provided safety rules are maintained and regulatory authorities are informed (Professional consensus). An analgesic multimodal protocol developed by the medical team should be available and oral way should be favored (Professional consensus) (grade B). For every cesarean delivery, thromboprophylaxis with elastic stockings applied on the morning of the surgery and kept for at least 7 postoperative days is recommended (Professional consensus) with or without the addition of LMWH according to the presence or not of additional risk factors, and depending on the risk factor (major, minor). Early postoperative rehabilitation is encouraged (Professional consensus). Postpartum visit should be planned 6 to 8 weeks after delivery and can be performed by an obstetrician, a gynecologist, a general practitioner or a midwife, after normal pregnancy and delivery (Professional consensus). Starting effective contraception later 21 days after delivery in women who do not want closely spaced pregnancy is recommended (grade B), and to prescribe it at the maternity (Professional consensus). According to the postpartum risk of venous thromboembolism, the combined hormonal contraceptive use before six postpartum weeks is not recommended (grade B). Rehabilitation in asymptomatic women in order to prevent urinary or anal incontinence in medium or long-term is not recommended (Expert consensus). Pelvic-floor rehabilitation using pelvic-floor muscle contraction exercises is recommended to treat persistent urinary incontinence at 3 months postpartum (grade A), regardless of the type of incontinence. Postpartum pelvic-floor rehabilitation is recommended to treat anal incontinence (grade C). Postpartum pelvic-floor rehabilitation is not recommended to treat or prevent prolapse (grade C) or dyspareunia (grade C). The optimal time for maternity discharge for low risk newborn depends more on the organisation of the post-discharge follow up (Professional consensus). The months following the birth are a transitional period, and psychological alterations concern all parents (EL2). It is more difficult in case of psychosocial risk factors (EL2). In situations of proven psychological difficulties, the impact on the psycho-emotional development of children can be important (EL3). Among these difficulties, postpartum depression is the most common situation. However, the risk is generally higher in the perinatal period for all mental disorders (EL3). CONCLUSION Postpartum is, for clinicians, a unique and privileged opportunity to address the physical, psychological, social and somatic health of their patients.