Xavier Deffieux

Diagnosis and management of adult female stress urinary incontinence: guidelines for clinical practice from the French College of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians

Urinary incontinence is a frequent affliction in women and may be disabling and costly {LE1}. When consulting for urinary incontinence, it is recommended that circumstances, frequency and severity of leaks be specified {Grade B}. The cough test is recommended prior to surgery {Grade C}. Urodynamic investigations are not needed before lower urinary tract rehabilitation {Grade B}. A complete urodynamic investigation is recommended prior to surgery for urinary incontinence {Grade C}. In cases of pure stress urinary incontinence, urodynamic investigations are not essential prior to surgery provided the clinical assessment is fully comprehensive (standardised questionnaire, cough test, bladder diary, post-void residual volume) with concordant results {PC}. It is recommended to start treatment for stress incontinence with pelvic floor muscle training {Grade C}. Bladder training is recommended at first intention in cases with overactive bladder syndrome {Grade C}. For overweight patients, loss of weight improves stress incontinence {LE1}. For surgery, sub-urethral tape (retropubic or transobturator route) is the first-line recommended technique {Grade B}. Sub-urethral tape surgery involves intraoperative risks, postoperative risks and a risk of failure which must be the subject of prior information {Grade A}. Elective caesarean section and systematic episiotomy are not recommended methods of prevention for urinary incontinence {Grade B}. Pelvic floor muscle training is the treatment of first intention for pre- and postnatal urinary incontinence {Grade A}. Prior to any treatment for an elderly woman, it is recommended to screen for urinary infection using a test strip, ask for a bladder diary and measure post-void residual volume {Grade C}. It is recommended to carry out a cough test and look for occult incontinence prior to surgery for pelvic organ prolapse {Grade C}. It is recommended to carry out urodynamic investigations prior to pelvic organ prolapse surgery when there are urinary symptoms or occult urinary incontinence {Grade C}.

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.

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.

Risks associated with laparoscopic entry: guidelines for clinical practice from the French College of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians

The aim of these recommendations of the French National College of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians was to focus the surgeons attention on those aspects which could allow him/her to prevent, or at least limit, the incidence of these serious complications, in the absence of a previous laparotomy or specific risk factors (obesity, gauntness, large pelvic mass or pregnancy), four widely evaluated techniques can be used in a first line approach (Grade B): blind trans-umbilical technique following creation of pneumoperitoneum with a needle, open laparoscopy (Hasson technique), left upper quadrant entry (pneumoperitoneum and insertion of the first trocar) and direct trans-umbilical trocar with no prior pneumoperitoneum. The currently existing trials do not allow one or another of these techniques to be preferred. Radially expanding insertion systems and optical trocars cannot be recommended as a first-line approach, as a consequence of their currently insufficient degree of evaluation (Grade C). Trans-umbilical (blind or open) laparoscopic entry in a slim woman must be associated with care, as a result of the proximity of the large vessels (Grade B). If a blind trans-umbilical insertion technique is decided upon, one option can be to insufflate into the left upper quadrant (professional consensus). In the case of a previous midline laparotomy, whatever the technique used, initial entry is recommended at a distance from the scars (Grade B). It is recommended to carry out micro-laparoscopy in the LUQ, because this is the most completely evaluated technique for this indication (Grade C). One option is to use open laparoscopy at a distance from the existing scars (professional consensus). During pregnancy, the insertion position of the first laparoscopic trocar will need to be adapted according to the volume of the uterus (Grade B). Starting from 14WG, trans-umbilical Veress needle insufflation is contraindicated (Grade C). Two trocar insertion techniques are thus recommended: open laparoscopy (using the trans-umbilical or supra-umbilical routes, depending on the volume of the uterus) or micro-laparoscopy via the left upper quadrant (Grade C). After the second quarter of pregnancy, with laparoscopy the patient will need to be placed on a table inclined towards her left side, in order to minimize compression of the inferior vena cava (Grade B). In the case of laparoscopy during pregnancy, the insufflation pressure must be maintained at a maximum of 12mmHg (Grade B). After 24WG, if laparoscopy is performed, it is recommended to apply open laparoscopy, above the level of the umbilicus (professional consensus). Patients must be informed of the risks inherent to the insertion of trocars during laparoscopy (vascular, bowel or bladder injury) (Grade B). The more benign the pathology requiring an operation, the more detailed the supplied information must be, including that concerning rare but serious complications (Grade B).

Metroplasty for AFS Class V and VI septate uterus in patients with infertility or miscarriage: reproductive outcomes study.

STUDY OBJECTIVE To assess reproductive outcomes in patients after surgical correction of septate uterus. DESIGN Observational retrospective study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING Two university hospitals. PATIENTS One hundred twenty-eight patients with primary infertility or recurrent miscarriage with partial (American Fertility Society [AFS] class Va), complete (AFS class Vb), or fundic (AFS class VI) septate uterus. Metroplasty is the current method of choice for surgically correcting septate uterus. The procedure and its indications are a matter of debate. INTERVENTIONS Metroplasty via hysteroscopy. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Outcomes including the numbers of pregnancies, first live births (FLBs), and miscarriages were determined. After metroplasty, 78 women (60.9%) became pregnant, and 70 live neonates were delivered. The FLB rate in infertile women was 53.1%. Of the 25 pregnancies, 13 (52%) resulted from assisted reproductive technology. In women who experienced recurrent miscarriage, the miscarriage rate was significantly improved. Outcomes (miscarriages and FLBs) differed significantly according to anatomical type of septum after surgery. CONCLUSION Hysteroscopic septum resection is accompanied by safe improvement in reproductive performance in patients with symptoms of AFS class V/VI septate uterus.

Les risques de la voie d’abord en cœlioscopie

Resume Objectif Editer des recommandations pour la pratique clinique concernant les techniques d’installation en cœlioscopie et leurs complications, par le College national des gynecologues et obstetriciens francais (CNGOF), fondees sur les preuves disponibles. Materiel et methode Revue de la litterature portant sur des articles en francais et en anglais issus de Medline, PubMed et de la Cochrane database en utilisant les mots cles suivants : laparoscopic entry, laparoscopy access, pneumoperitoneum, Veress needle, open (Hasson), direct trocar, visual entry, shielded trocars, optical trocar radially expanded trocars, and laparoscopic complications. Resultats En l’absence d’antecedent de laparotomie, quatre techniques ayant ete largement evaluees peuvent etre utilisees en premiere intention (grade B) : technique aveugle transombilicale apres creation d’un pneumoperitoine a l’aiguille ; open cœlioscopie (a ciel ouvert) ; abord en hypochondre gauche : pneumoperitoine et insertion du trocart (mini- ou microcœlioscopie) ; trocart direct transombilical sans pneumoperitoine prealable. Les systemes d’introduction a dilatation radiale et les trocarts optiques ne peuvent pas etre recommandes en premiere intention du fait de leur evaluation encore insuffisante (grade C). En cas d’antecedent de laparotomie mediane, quelle que soit la technique utilisee, on recommande un abord premier a distance des cicatrices (grade B). Il est recommande de realiser un abord en hypochondre gauche (grade C). Le niveau de mise en place du premier trocart cœlioscopique en cours de grossesse devra etre adapte au volume de l’uterus (grade B). A partir du deuxieme trimestre, deux techniques d’insertion des trocarts sont alors recommandees : l’open cœlioscopie (par voie transombilicale ou sus-ombilicale selon le volume de l’uterus) ou un abord dans l’hypochondre gauche (grade C). Pour l’etablissement du pneumoperitoine a l’aiguille, une fois l’aiguille introduite, et quel que soit le lieu d’insertion, la realisation d’un ou plusieurs tests de securite est recommandee (grade B) et toute mobilisation de l’aiguille doit etre proscrite. La patiente doit etre placee en decubitus dorsal a plat (sans Trendelenburg) (grade B). Il est recommande d’etablir une hyperpression transitoire (entre 15 et 25 mmHg) (grade C). Conclusion L’application de ces recommandations devrait optimiser les decisions concernant le choix d’une technique pour l’installation en cœlioscopie.

Total adhesions treated by hysteroscopy: must we stop at two procedures?

OBJECTIVE To study the anatomic and fertility results after treatment for Asherman syndrome involving more than two separate surgical procedures. DESIGN Retrospective case series. SETTING Tertiary center. PATIENT(S) Twenty-three women who had Asherman syndrome and required more than two hysteroscopic operative procedures. INTERVENTION(S) Third or higher-order operative hysteroscopy procedure. MEAN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Fertility rate. RESULT(S) The womens mean age was 34 years (± 5.8 years) when treatment for adhesions began. All women initially had adhesions classified as severe with total amenorrhea. Twelve patients had three separate procedures to treat the adhesions, nine had four treatments, and two had five treatments. One woman was lost to follow-up. At the conclusion of treatment, more than 80% of the women had either no adhesions at all or only mild adhesions. The overall pregnancy rate was 40.9%; there were nine pregnancies and six term infants (27.2%). All but one of these pregnancies were spontaneous. The mean time to pregnancy was 10.5 months (± 4.7 months). CONCLUSION(S) The number of hysteroscopic procedures envisioned to treat Asherman syndrome should not be a limiting factor. It is appropriate to treat women, especially those younger than 35 years, until uterine anatomy permits the visualization of both ostia.

Surgical management of infertility due to polycystic ovarian syndrome after failure of medical management

OBJECTIVES To evaluate surgical management and fertility and pregnancy outcome in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). STUDY DESIGN Retrospective file review and follow-up of 74 consecutive women with PCOS resistant to citrate clomiphene (CC) who underwent ovarian drilling by fertiloscopy with bipolar energy, together with hysteroscopic surgery when indicated (Canadian TASK FORCE II-2). RESULTS Of 77 files, only 3 women were lost to follow-up. Mean age was 30.2 years (SD 5.3) [29.0-31.4 CI 95%], and mean BMI 25.6kg/m(2) (SD 6.2) [24.2-27.0 CI 95%]. Pregnancy occurred after drilling in 47 cases (63%), spontaneously in 20 (27%), after ovarian stimulation in 5 (6.7%) and after in vitro fertilization in 22 (29.7%). Laparoscopic conversion was required in 5 cases (6.7%), due to failure to visualize the adnexa (n=3), or pelvic adhesions (n=1), or uterine hemorrhage (n=1). Hysteroscopy detected and simultaneously treated a uterine anomaly in 18 of 74 patients: uterine septum (n=10, 13%), T-shaped uterine cavity (n=3, 4%), endometrial polyp (n=2, 2.7%), endometrial hypertrophy (n=2, 2.7%), and synechiae (n=1, 1.3%). The mean overall delay to pregnancy was 11.1 months (SD 8.5) [8.7-13.5 CI 95%] and to spontaneous pregnancy, 7 months (SD 7.6) [3.7-10.3 CI 95%]. The mean follow-up was 23.4 months (SD 16.5) [18.1-28.7 CI 95%]. After multivariate analysis, the likelihood of pregnancy was significantly associated with previous ovarian stimulation by FSH (OR=2.28, 95% CI=1.08-4.83) and initial FSH level (OR=0.52, 95% CI=0.29-0.93). CONCLUSION Ovarian drilling by hydrolaparoscopy is an effective treatment for CC-resistant PCOS. The high rate of associated uterine anomalies justifies simultaneous hysteroscopic surgery.

Hysteroscopy: guidelines for clinical practice from the French College of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians

The objective of this study was to provide guidelines for clinical practice from the French College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (CNGOF), based on the best evidence available, concerning hysteroscopy. Vaginoscopy should be the standard technique for diagnostic hysteroscopy (Grade A) using a miniature (≤3.5mm sheath) (Grade A) rigid hysteroscope (Grade C), using normal saline solution distension medium (Grade C), without any anaesthesia (conscious sedation should not be routinely used), without cervical preparation (Grade B), without vaginal disinfection and without antibiotic prophylaxy (Grade B). Misoprostol (Grade A), vaginal oestrogens (Grade C), or GnRH agonist routine administration is not recommended before operative hysteroscopy. Before performing hysteroscopy, it is important to purge the air out of the system (Grade A). The uterine cavity distention pressure should be maintained below the mean arterial pressure and below 120mm Hg. The maximum fluid deficit of 2000ml is suggested when using normal saline solution and 1000ml is suggested when using hypotonic solution. When uterine perforation is recognized during operative hysteroscopy using monopolar or bipolar loop, the procedure should be stopped and a laparoscopy should be performed in order to eliminate a bowel injury. Diagnostic or operative hysteroscopy is allowed when an endometrial cancer is suspected (Grade B). Implementation of this guideline should decrease the prevalence of complications related to hysteroscopy.

Preventing Urinary Incontinence With Supervised Prenatal Pelvic Floor Exercises: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare, in an unselected population of nulliparous pregnant women, the postnatal effect of prenatal supervised pelvic floor muscle training with written instructions on postpartum urinary incontinence (UI). METHODS: In a randomized controlled trial in two parallel groups, 282 women were recruited from five university teaching hospitals in France and randomized during the second trimester of pregnancy. The physiotherapy group received prenatal individually supervised exercises. Both groups received written instructions about how to perform exercises at home. Women were blindly assessed at baseline, end of pregnancy, and 2 and 12 months postpartum. The primary outcome measured was UI severity, assessed with an International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form score (range 0–21; 1–5 is slight UI) at 12 months postpartum; other outcomes were UI prevalence and pelvic floor troubles assessed using self-administered questionnaires. To give a 1-point difference in UI severity score, we needed 91 women in each group (standard deviation 2.4, &agr;=0.05, &bgr;=0.20, and bilateral analysis). RESULTS: Between February 2008 and June 2010, 140 women were randomized in the physiotherapy group and 142 in the control group. No difference was observed between the two groups in UI severity, prevalence, or pelvic floor troubles at baseline, end of pregnancy, and at 2 and 12 months postpartum. At 12 months postpartum, the primary outcome was available for 190 women (67.4%); mean UI severity was 1.9 in the physiotherapy group compared with 2.1 in the control group (P=.38). CONCLUSION: Prenatal supervised pelvic floor training was not superior to written instructions in reducing postnatal UI. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov; www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT00551551. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I