Minimally invasive outpatient hysterectomy for a benign indication: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Outpatient surgery in gynaecology may offer advantages including cost reduction, patient convenience and hospital bed optimisation without compromising patient safety and satisfaction. With the continual rise in health costs since 2000, outpatient surgery could be a line of action to improve financial resource utilisation and a solution for continuing to treat patients during crises such as the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review provides an overview of the literature on minimally invasive outpatient hysterectomy for benign indications. METHOD: A focused systematic review of the medical literature between 2018 and 2022 on outpatient gynaecological surgery for a benign indication was conducted using the PubMed and Google Scholar search engines. We then narrowed our selection to articles that referred to hysterectomy. Successful same-day discharge (SDD) was defined as the patient's return home on the day of the procedure without an overnight stay. RESULTS: Fifteen articles that focused on minimally invasive surgery were included in this review. Most of the studies (n = 11) were conducted in the United States. Outpatient surgery had a mean success rate of 60 % and a mean readmission rate of 3 %. The main reasons for SDD failure were patient choice, failed voiding, the need for pain management, nausea or vomiting, or both and the late timing of surgery. SDD was not associated with more complications and readmissions compared with inpatient care. The three main attribute predictors of SDD were young age, early timing of surgery and short total operative time. Patient satisfaction with SDD was high in absolute terms and relative to satisfaction with hospitalisation. CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive outpatient hysterectomy for a benign indication is feasible and safe but is associated with a notable risk of failure. To increase the success rate of outpatient management, patients must be well selected and surgery pathways must be planned in advance. The implementation of enhanced recovery protocols may help promote outpatient hysterectomy for a benign indication.

Robotically assisted laparoscopic lateral suspension: a step-by-step approach aiming to standardize a novel procedure.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The aim of this video is to show a step-by-step approach to robotically assisted laparoscopic lateral suspension for pelvic organ prolapse aiming to standardize this procedure. METHODS: This video shows a robotically assisted laparoscopic approach to a POP-Q stage 3 prolapse with a combined anterior and apical defect. First, the trocars are positioned, with one 8-mm trocar, two lateral trocars 5 cm above the anterior-superior iliac spine, and a 10-mm assistant trocar either paraumbilically or suprapubically. Second, the uterovesical pouch is dissected up to 2 cm above the level of the bladder neck. The mesh is then fixed to the vesicovaginal fascia and to the isthmus uteri. Next, a laparoscopic forceps is inserted retroperitoneally through the lateral trocars and the lateral arms of the mesh are pulled retroperitoneally. The peritoneum of the uterovesical fold is sutured, including round ligament plication. Finally, the lateral arms of the peritoneum are fixed to the peritoneum of the abdominal wall. CONCLUSIONS: Robotically assisted laparoscopic lateral suspension is a safe alternative to laparoscopic and robotically assisted laparoscopic sacropexy and very well suited for uterine-preserving POP surgery. This video contributes to the standardization of this procedure, and we believe our video to be useful in helping urogynecologists to perform this innovative procedure.

Combining Sclerotherapy with CO2 Laser Ablation for the Laparoscopic Management of Large Endometrioma: Advantages and Pitfalls.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the feasibility of management of large endometrioma laparoscopically. DESIGN: Stepwise demonstration with narrated video footage of the laparoscopic 2-step procedure starting with alcohol sclerotherapy of the large endometrioma followed by CO2 laser ablation and 6-month follow-up. SETTING: The debate surrounding the best approach for the management of large endometriomas has been ongoing. Cystectomy especially when treating large endometriomas has been shown to decrease ovarian reserve proportionally to the endometrioma's size.2,4 This is why 2-step approaches have been considered to preserve the ovarian reserve.1,3 We present the case of a 22-year-old nulliparous woman who has primary severe dysmenorrhea resistant to medical treatment. Magnetic resonance imaging shows uterine adenomyosis and a 10 cm large endometrioma of the left ovary and no signs of deep infiltrative endometriosis. She has a desire for pregnancy in the distant future. INTERVENTION: The first step is the laparoscopic ethanol sclerotherapy. After emptying and rinsing the endometrioma's cavity through a 5 mm suction cannula, it is then filled with ethanol through a 14 French Foley catheter to avoid any overflow.5,6 After a time exposure of 10 minutes, the ethanol is withdrawn and the cavity rinsed (Figure 2). The second step of the surgery is performed 12 weeks later (Figure 3). Using CO2 laser, the untreated portion of the inner wall of the remaining endometrioma is vaporized along with remaining superficial endometriosis lesions (Figure 1). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopy sclerotherapy combined to CO2 laser ablation is a feasible technique for the management of a large endometrioma. Further research is still required to evaluate the benefit of a 2-step surgery approach over standard cystectomy and to understand the long-term effects of ethanol-induced ovarian fibrosis.

Is intracrinology of endometriosis relevant in clinical practice? A systematic review on estrogen metabolism.

Endometriosis is a chronic, multifactorial, estrogen-dependent disease. The abnormal endocrine microenvironment of endometriosis lesions is considered a main feature and multiple enzymatic pathways leading to local increased synthesis of estrogens have been identified. However, the relevance of intracrinology in clinical practice is still lacking. Medline, Embase, Scopus database were systematically searched for studies reporting on local estrogens metabolism of endometriotic lesions. The main enzymatic pathways involved in the intracrinology of endometriosis such as aromatase (CYP19A1), 17ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD17B) type 1, type 2 and type 5, steroid sulfatase (STS), estrogen sulfotransferase (SULT1E1) were assessed with a critical perspective on their role in disease endocrine phenotyping, drug resistance and as therapeutic targets. Overall, studies heterogeneity and missing clinical data affect the interpretation of the clinical role of these enzymes. Although the use of some drugs such as aromatase inhibitors has been proposed in clinical practice for two decades, their potential clinical value is still under investigation as well as their modality of administration. A closer look at new, more realistic drug targets is provided and discussed. Altered expression of these key enzymes in the lesions have far reaching implication in the development of new drugs aimed at decreasing local estrogenic activity with a minimal effect on gonadal function; however, given the complexity of the evaluation of the expression of the enzymes, multiple aspects still remains to be clarified. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022311329, identifier CRD42022311329.

Laparoscopic Lateral Suspension (LLS) for the Treatment of Apical Prolapse: A New Gold Standard?

Nowadays, the gold standard to treat apical pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (LSCP). However, LSCP is a difficult procedure associated with rare but potentially severe complications. Promontory dissection may expose to potential life-threatening intraoperative vascular injuries, and sacral roots or hypogastric nerve damage. There are also a few case reports of spondylodiscitis with consecutive lumbar vertebra bone erosion. Laparoscopic lateral suspension (LLS) with mesh is an alternative technique for apical POP repair. It lowers perioperative risks by avoiding sacral promontory preparation. Recent studies show similar anatomical and functional outcomes to LSCP, with the advantage of better preserving the vaginal axis. Moreover, LLS is well suited for hysteropexy which is important as an increasing number of women prefer uterine preservation during POP surgery. In this article, we discuss both techniques, and we share our opinion on a novel perspective in the treatment of apical POP with uterine preservation.

Surgical Training for Bowel Endometriosis: A New Wet-lab Model.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate a new wet-lab model for training in conservative bowel endometriosis surgery (shaving and discoid resection). DESIGN: Video demonstration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: (1) Modeling deep infiltrating endometriosis using cryopreserved porcine rectum. (2) Conservative resection (shaving and discoid resection) using cold scissor and carbon dioxide laser (free beam and fiber). (3) Discoid resection. RESULTS: In this video, we present a new training model for improving the surgical management of bowel endometriosis. After dissection of the serosa and muscular layers, a modified biological glue is injected into the porcine rectum to accurately simulate an infiltrating bowel endometriosis lesion. Once dried, the simulated lesion can be resected using conventional laparoscopic instruments (cold scissors) or using more advanced techniques such as carbon dioxide laser, free beam and fiber (Storz and Lumenis). In case of bowel perforation during resection, this model enables realistic suturing. CONCLUSION: This new and highly realistic model allows the next generation of endometriosis surgeons to acquire adequate training to make bowel surgery safer and more effective.

Laparoscopic lateral suspension for anterior and apical prolapse: a prospective cohort with standardized technique.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Laparoscopic lateral suspension (LLS) for anterior and apical pelvic organ prolapse (POP) repair is a recent approach. Previous studies used various meshes or sutures. The purpose of this study was to evaluate outcomes of a standardized LLS technique. METHODS: From January 2010 until December 2014, we performed POP repair by LLS with mesh on 88 women with anterior and apical POP ≥ stage 2. We used a polypropylene titanized mesh fixed to the vesico-vaginal fascia with absorbable sutures and treated posterior compartment defect by vaginal approach with native tissue repair if required. Between July 2013 and December 2018, all women were assessed by gynecological examination including the pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP-Q) system. Subjective outcome was evaluated by the patient global impression of improvement (PGI-I) questionnaire. RESULTS: Seventy-nine women (89.8%) were available for follow-up. The mean duration of follow-up was 3.4 years (SD 1.6). Mean age was 59.6 (SD 11.1) years and mean BMI 25.8 (SD 4.0) kg/m2. Ten patients (12.7%) had previous POP surgery. Fifty-two women (65.8%) required posterior colporraphy for associated posterior defect and 21 (26.6%) had associated urinary incontinence (UI) surgery. There were no perioperative complications. The objective cure rate (no prolapse beyond the hymen and no reoperation for POP recurrence) was 87.3%. The reoperation rate for recurrence was 5.1%. The subjective success rate (PGI ≤ 2) was 96.2%. There were no mesh exposures or extrusions. CONCLUSIONS: This standardized LLS is safe and effective with no mesh complications after 3-year follow-up.

The distribution of pelvic organ support defects in women undergoing pelvic organ prolapse surgery and compartment specific risk factors.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The objective of our study was to describe the distribution of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) in a population of women undergoing POP reconstructive surgery and to identify compartment-specific risk factors. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective observational study in a cohort of 326 women who underwent POP repair and had a standardized preoperative POP assessment using the Baden-Walker classification. The distribution of POP grade was described for each vaginal compartment. The association between the involvement of each specific compartment and predictors was evaluated with a logistic regression model. RESULTS: The frequency of significant POP (grade ≥ 2) was 79% in the anterior compartment, 49% in the middle/apical compartment and 31% in the posterior compartment. Combined significant anterior and apical defects were present in 25% of women. Increasing age was a significant risk factor for apical defect (between 60 and 70 years OR = 2.4, 95% CI 1.2-4.6; > 70 years OR = 3.4, 95% CI 1.7-6.6). Previous hysterectomy (OR = 2.2, 95% CI 1.0-4.6) was a significant risk factor for posterior defect. CONCLUSIONS: In a population undergoing POP surgery, anterior compartment involvement is the most common and serious defect and can often be associated with an apical defect, especially in older women. In case of previous hysterectomy, the posterior compartment may be weakened. These findings may help surgeons to select the appropriate POP reconstructive surgery, which often should address both anterior and apical defects.

Outcomes of robotically assisted laparoscopic lateral suspension (RALLS) with mesh for anterior and apical prolapse.

Abdominal sacral colpopexy/hysteropexy is the gold standard for the treatment of vaginal apex support. However, dissection of the promontory may expose to potentially life-threatening complications. To avoid this risk, laparoscopic lateral suspension with mesh is an alternative. Robotic assistance may be helpful in both techniques. The objective of our study was to evaluate outcomes of robotically assisted laparoscopic lateral suspension (RALLS) with mesh for anterior and apical pelvic organ prolapse (POP). From March 2012 to January 2018, 59 consecutive patients underwent RALLS using titanized polypropylene mesh. Between August 2017 and September 2019, all patients were contacted to assess outcome. We performed a clinical exam and asked them to complete the patient global impression of improvement (PGI-I) questionnaire. Fifty-four patients (91.5%) were available for follow-up. Mean age was 58.5 years (28.8-79.8). There were no perioperative complications. The mean follow-up was 33.6 months (11.2-74.1).The objective cure rate (no prolapse beyond hymen) and the subjective cure rate (PGI-I ≤ 2) were 83.3% and 77.2%, respectively. Five women (9.3%) were reoperated for POP recurrence. There was no erosion. Of the 20 women complaining of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) preoperatively, 12 (60%) were cured without any additional SUI procedure. Only two women (10%) required TVT for persistent grade 2 SUI. Two women (5.9%) developed de novo SUI, but none of them required an operation. RALLS repair for POP with mesh is safe and effective and may represent an alternative to sacral colpopexy/hysteropexy.

Fast-Track in Minimally Invasive Gynecology: A Randomized Trial Comparing Costs and Clinical Outcomes.

Study Objective: Evaluate the effects of a fast-track (FT) protocol on costs and post-operative recovery. Methods: One hundred and seventy women undergoing total laparoscopic hysterectomy for a benign indication were randomized in a FT protocol or a usual care protocol. A FT protocol included the combination of minimally invasive surgery, analgesia optimization, early oral refeeding and rapid mobilization of patients was compared to a usual care protocol. Primary outcome was costs. Secondary outcomes were length of stay, post-operative morbidity and patient satisfaction. Main Results: The mean total cost in the FT group was 13,070 ± 4,321 Euros (EUR) per patient, and that in the usual care group was 3.5% higher at 13,527 ± 3,925 EUR (p = 0.49). The FT group had lower inpatient surgical costs but higher total ambulatory costs during the first post-operative month. The mean hospital stay in the FT group was 52.7 ± 26.8 h, and that in the usual care group was 20% higher at 65.8 ± 33.7 h (p = 0.006). Morbidity during the first post-operative month was not significantly different between the two groups. On their day of discharge, the proportion of patients satisfied with pain management was similar in both groups [83% in FT and 78% in the usual care group (p = 0.57)]. Satisfaction with medical follow-up 1 month after surgery was also similar [91% in FT and 88% in the usual care group (p = 0.69)]. Conclusion: Implementation of a FT protocol in laparoscopic hysterectomy for benign indications has minimal non-significant effects on costs but significantly reduces hospital stay without increasing post-operative morbidity nor decreasing patient satisfaction. Clinical Trial Registration: www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT04839263.

[Obstetrical anal sphincter injury†: How to manage the subsequent delivery†?] / Lésion obstétricale du sphincter anal†: comment aborder le prochain accouchement†?

Obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI) is a complication of vaginal delivery. Its potential consequences are numerous and include anal and/or fecal incontinence, sexual problems and perineal pain, which can be aggravated by future pregnancies and childbirth. One common issue after OASI is the assessment of anorectal function to discuss the delivery modalities during the next pregnancy. This dedicated assessment includes a clinical and paraclinical evaluation, with an ultrasound and/or a manometry. This personalized assessment for each patient with a history of sphincter injury allows for a detailed discussion to decide on the route of delivery in an informed manner.

La lésion obstétricale du sphincter anal (LOSA) survient lors d'un accouchement vaginal. Ses conséquences potentielles sont l'incontinence anale et/ou fécale, les troubles sexuels et les douleurs périnéales, qui peuvent être aggravés par de futures grossesses et accouchements. Un des enjeux après LOSA est l'évaluation de la fonction anorectale dans le but de discuter les modalités d'accouchement lors de(s) prochaine(s) grossesse(s). Elle comprend une évaluation clinique et paraclinique spécialisée, incluant l'échographie et/ou la manométrie. Cette évaluation personnalisée pour chaque patiente avec antécédent de lésion sphinctérienne permet une discussion circonstanciée pour décider de la voie d'accouchement de manière éclairée.

Spontaneously conceived 17-week heterotopic pregnancy: a challenging and unusual diagnosis.

A 37-year-old woman, gravida 2 para 1, arrived in our emergency clinic at 16 2/7 weeks of a spontaneously conceived pregnancy for abdominal pain. She was on oral antibiotics for 2 days to treat a suspected urinary tract infection with no improvement. Blood tests, abdominal ultrasound and intrauterine fetus were all normal. She left our emergency unit with laxatives. Four days later, she returned to our clinic with severe abdominal pain. We repeated abdominal and foetal ultrasonography and identified a left para-uterine 7×5 cm mass. As adnexal torsion was suspected, we performed an emergency laparoscopy. At laparoscopy, we found a left haematosalpinx and realised a left salpingectomy. Histology confirmed the presence of a heterotopic pregnancy (HP). This case illustrates the importance of exploring the adnexa in a gravid woman presenting with abdominal pain in the first and early second trimesters. Although rare, excluding a HP may prevent a life-threatening haemorrhage.

A cross-sectional study on pelvic floor symptoms in women living with Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting.

BACKGROUND: Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) concerns over 200 million women and girls worldwide and is associated with obstetric trauma and long-term urogynaecological and psychosexual complications that are often under-investigated and undertreated. The aim of this study was to assess the pelvic floor distress and the impact of pelvic floor and psychosexual symptoms among migrant women with different types of FGM/C. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted between April 2016 and January 2019 at the Division of Gynaecology of the Geneva University Hospitals. The participants were interviewed on socio-demographic and background information, underwent a systematic gynaecological examination to assess the presence and type of FGM/C and eventual Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP), and completed six validated questionnaires on pelvic floor and psychosexual symptoms (PFDI-20 and PFIQ7 on pelvic floor distress and impact, FISI and WCS on faecal incontinence and constipation, PISQ-IR and FGSIS on sexual function and genital self-image). The participants' scores were compared with scores of uncut women available from the literature. The association between selected variables and higher scores for distress and impact of pelvic floor symptoms was assessed using univariate and multivariable linear regression models. RESULTS: 124 women with a mean age of 31.5 (± 7.5), mostly with a normal BMI, and with no significant POP were included. PFDI-20 and PFIQ-7 mean (± SD) scores were of 49.5 (± 52.0) and 40.7 (± 53.6) respectively. In comparison with the available literature, the participants' scores were lower than those of uncut women with pelvic floor dysfunction but higher than those of uncut women without such disorders. Past violent events other than FGM/C and forced or arranged marriage, age at FGM/C of more than 10, a period of staying in Switzerland of less than 6 months, and nulliparity were significantly associated with higher scores for distress and impact of pelvic floor symptoms, independently of known risk factors such as age, weight, ongoing pregnancy and history of episiotomy. CONCLUSIONS: Women with various types of FGM/C, without POP, can suffer from pelvic floor symptoms responsible for distress and impact on their daily life. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study protocol was approved by the Swiss Ethics Committee on research involving humans (protocol n°15-224).

Motives influencing students' preferences for obstetrics and gynaecology speciality: A cross-sectional multi-site Swiss study.

OBJECTIVES: Knowing and understanding the reasons why medical students choose postgraduate medical specialities are essential to help influence the workforce for a balanced national healthcare system. The objective of this study was to determine motivating factors for choosing a speciality career in general and, more specifically, for the choice of obstetrics and gynaecology (OBGYN) over surgery or general practice. STUDY DESIGN: This study was based on prospectively collected data from a large research multi-site cross-sectional study. We sent a survey to medical students in the sixth year, which contained questions about demographics, choice of speciality and motives for choosing. We grouped the specialities into families of specialities and motives into motivating factors clustered by principal component analysis. We used a multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) test to identify differences between motivating factors in speciality categories and gender. We performed logistic regression analyse to compare the choice of OBGYN to choices of surgery and general practice as well as undecided. RESULTS: A total of 1749 students responded with an average return rate of 56%. Our study revealed four motivating factors: "experiential", "relational", "occupational" and "scientific". Logistic regression analysis showed that the choice of OBGYN was particularly influenced by "experiential factor" (OR 1.5; 95%CI [1.2; 1.9]) and by gender (OR 4.5; 95%CI [2.2; 9.2]). When we compared the motivational profile of OBGYN to other speciality categories, OBGYN appeared to stand between surgery and general practice for the "experiential" and "relational" factors, more like surgery for the "occupational factor" and more like general practice for the "scientific factor". CONCLUSION: This study highlighted the importance of "experiential factor" and gender for choosing OBGYN as a career. OBGYN seemed to stand between surgery and general practice from a Swiss students' point of view. These findings provide useful information for targeted interventions to promote OBGYN at the undergraduate level. Such interventions could include providing more hands-on experiences, improving integration of male students and encouraging student involvement in patient care.

Understanding sexual pain in endometriosis.

Sexual dysfunctions, particularly sexual pain, are common in adult women of all ages. In patients with endometriosis, a chronic gynecological pain condition affecting women of reproductive age, sexual pain is the third most common symptom. Multiple biological factors are involved in endometriosis-related sexual pain including tissue damage, inflammation, hormonal changes, alterations within the peripheral and central nervous system and pelvic floor muscle dysfunctions. Conceptual models of sexual pain espouse a multifactorial view, with empirical evidence suggesting the implication of psychosexual and relationship difficulties in the development and persistence of sexual pain and associated distress. We review literature on the biological, psychological, sexual and interpersonal factors associated with development and persistence of sexual pain in women with endometriosis. In addition, we discuss chronic pain conditions frequently associated with endometriosis (vulvodynia, bladder pain syndrome and inflammatory bowel syndrome) and how they are linked with sexual pain. Finally we discuss the clinical implications and provided suggestions for future research and medical care, focusing on a multidisciplinary and biopsychosocial approach.

Endometrial Regeneration in Asherman's Syndrome: Clinical and Translational evidence of Stem Cell Therapies.

Asherman's Syndrome or Intrauterine adhesions is an acquired uterine condition where fibrous scarring forms within the uterine cavity, resulting in reduced menstrual flow, pelvic pain and infertility. Until recently, the molecular mechanisms leading to the formation of fibrosis were poorly understood, and the treatment of Asherman's syndrome has largely focused on hysteroscopic resection of adhesions, hormonal therapy, and physical barriers. Numerous studies have begun exploring the molecular mechanisms behind the fibrotic process underlying Asherman's Syndrome as well as the role of stem cells in the regeneration of the endometrium as a treatment modality. The present review offers a summary of available stem cell-based regeneration studies, as well as highlighting current gaps in research.

Psychosocial impact of endometriosis: From co-morbidity to intervention.

Endometriosis-associated pelvic pain is a major health concern in women of childbearing age. Controlled studies have shown that endometriosis can adversely affect women and their partners' general psychological well-being, relationship adjustment and overall quality of life. Furthermore, women with endometriosis report significantly more sexual dysfunctions compared to healthy women. Empirical studies indicate that specific psychosocial factors may modulate pain experience, pain-related distress and treatment outcome. Research on psychosexual interventions in endometriosis treatment is limited but shows to be effective in reducing endometriosis-related pain and associated psychosexual outcomes. An individualized, couple-centered, multimodal approach to care, integrating psychosexual and medical management for endometriosis, is thought to be optimal.

CT vaginography: a new CT technique for imaging of upper and middle vaginal fistulas.

OBJECTIVE: Different types of vaginal fistulas is a relatively uncommon condition in the Western world but very frequent in developing countries. In the past, conventional vaginography was the radiological examination of choice for exploring this condition. CT and MRI are now both used for this purpose. Our objective was to test the feasibility and to explore the potential role of a new CT imaging technique implementing vaginal introitus obstruction and opacification of the vagina with iodine contrast agent, to show patency of a fistula. METHODS: We describe the technical protocol of CT-vaginography as performed in Geneva University Hospitals, including vaginal catheterization with a Foley catheter and obstruction of the introitus by inflating the balloon of the catheter. We also report three cases of patients with suspected vaginal fistula who underwent CT-vaginography. RESULTS: The examinations were technically successful. In one patient, it revealed the presence of fistulous pathways from the vaginal fornix along the bilateral infected surgical prostheses. In a second patient, it showed a fistula between the vagina and the necrotic cavity of a recurrent cervical cancer. In a third patient, it proved the absence of a suspected vaginal fistula. CONCLUSION: CT-vaginography is a technically feasible CT protocol that provides anatomical and functional information on clinically suspected vaginal fistulas. Advances in knowledge: After the abandon of conventional vaginography in the era of transaxial imaging, the current modalities of imaging vaginal fistulas provide excellent anatomical detail but less functional information concerning the permeability of a vaginal fistulous pathway. We propose the use of CT-vaginography, a technical protocol that we describe in detail.

Urinary Incontinence as a Predictor of Death: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The association between urinary incontinence (UI) and increased mortality remains controversial. The objective of our study was to evaluate if this association exists. METHODS: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies comparing death rates among patients suffering from UI to those without incontinence. We searched in Medline, Embase and the Cochrane library using specific keywords. Studies exploring the post-stroke period were excluded. Hazard ratios (HR) were pooled using models with random effects. We stratified UI by gender and by UI severity and pooled all models with adjustment for confounding variables. RESULTS: Thirty-eight studies were retrieved. When compared to non-urinary incontinent participants, UI was associated with an increase in mortality with pooled non adjusted HR of 2.22 (95%CI 1.77-2.78). The risk increased with UI severity: 1.24 (95%CI: 0.79-1.97) for light, 1.71 (95%CI: 1.26-2.31) for moderate, and 2.72 (95%CI: 1.90-3.87) for severe UI respectively. When pooling adjusted measures of association, the resulting HR was 1.27 (95%CI: 1.13-1.42) and increased progressively for light, moderate and severe UI: 1.07 (95%CI: 0.79-1.44), 1.25 (95%CI: 0.99-1.58), and 1.47 (95%CI: 1.03-2.10) respectively. There was no difference between genders. CONCLUSION: UI is a predictor of higher mortality in the general and particularly in the geriatric population. The association increases with the severity of UI and persists when pooling models adjusted for confounders. It is unclear if this association is causative or just reflects an impaired general health condition. As in most meta-analyses of observational studies, methodological issues should be considered when interpreting results.

Incidence and risk factors for mesh erosion after laparoscopic repair of pelvic organ prolapse by lateral suspension with mesh.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The objective of our study was to estimate the incidence and identify the risk factors for mesh erosion after laparoscopic repair of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) by lateral suspension with mesh. METHODS: We conducted a nested case-control study among 480 women who underwent POP repair by laparoscopic lateral suspension with mesh from January 2004 to October 2012. Cases (n = 18) were women who showed mesh erosion following the first intervention through December 2014. Controls (n = 133) were women randomly selected from the same cohort who did not have any erosion. RESULTS: The risk of mesh erosion was 3.8 % with a mean follow-up of 82.3 months (range 28.2 - 130.6 months). The main risk factor was the use of a type 3 mesh (macroporous with either multifilamentous or microporous components) rather than a type 1 mesh (macroporous and monofilamentous; adjusted OR 13.0, 95 % CI 1.5 - 110.6; P = 0.02). Risk factors included smoking (adjusted OR 10.4, 95 % CI 2.3 - 46.5; P < 0.01) and posterior mesh placement (adjusted OR 5.1, 95 % CI 1.2 - 21.8 P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: The risk of mesh erosion is low and may be further reduced by using the appropriate mesh material, and by identifying specific patient characteristics such as tobacco use. As conventional vaginal surgery is effective for the treatment of the posterior compartment, the use of posterior mesh during laparoscopic pelvic floor repair needs to be questioned.