W. Andre Silva

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.

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

Transection of a colonic diverticulum during enterocele repair

Both pelvic organ prolapse and diverticular disease of the colon are prevalent in the elderly. Although complications of diverticulosis have not been described in relation to vaginal reconstructive pelvic surgery, they may be a risk factor. A 62 year old para 3 woman presented with a feeling of vaginal pressure, tissue protrusion and the need to splint. She also complained of overactive bladder symptoms. Her extensive medical history included angina, venous insufficiency with chronic stasis ulcers of her legs, heart murmur, duodenal ulcers and colon cancer. At the time of her initial consultation, she did not report a history of diverticulosis. Her past genitourinary history included a total abdominal hysterectomy, repair of an unintentional cystotomy, a Marshall-Marchetti-Krantz procedure, another unspecified bladder operation and a left oophorectomy. Using the Baden–Walker grading system, the patient was noted to have a grade 1 cystocele and a grade 3 posterior vaginal wall defect on physical examination. Multichannel urodynamic assessment revealed a stable bladder with a maximum capacity of 600 cc. Urodynamic stress incontinence could not be demonstrated. A pressure– flow study revealed the patient had an intermittent pattern with a maximum detrusor pressure of 50 cm H2O and a maximum flow rate of 8.6 mL/second consistent with an obstructed voiding pattern. There were no abnormal findings on cystourethroscopy. The patient was offered a pessary, but desired definitive correction of her prolapse in the form of surgery. The patient underwent a posterior colpoperineorrhaphy, enterocele repair, vaginal vault suspension to the uterosacral ligaments, anterior colporrhaphy and cystoscopy. The enterocele was dissected from the rectum and posterior vagina, excised and sent for histological examination. The patient did well post-operatively, and was discharged to home on post-operative day 3 with a Foley catheter because she had failed a voiding trial. At that time she was passing flatus and had good bowel sounds. On post-operative day 5 a pathology report as shown in Fig. 1 of the enterocele sac indicated part of the specimen included transected luminal colonic mucosa consistent with a transected diverticulum. The patient was reviewed in the Emergency Room. She reported minimal flatus since her surgery and diffuse mild to moderate abdominal pain. She had a temperature of 100.3jF. On examination she was noted to have a soft, but slightly distended, abdomen with positive bowel sounds present in all four quadrants. There was mild diffuse abdominal tenderness greater on the left side compared with the right, but without rebound or guarding. Her white cell count was 12.0. The patient was admitted overnight. A hypaque enema revealed several diverticula, but no evidence of extravasation in the rectum or sigmoid. A CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis also found a few small diverticula along the descending colon, but there was no evidence of extraluminal bowel contrast. At the four-week follow up visit, the