Impact of the 2011 FDA transvaginal mesh safety update on AUGS members' use of synthetic mesh and biologic grafts in pelvic reconstructive surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the frequency of use and recent change in use of synthetic mesh and biologic grafts in pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence surgery by American Urogynecology Society (AUGS) members. METHODS: An electronic survey of AUGS members was conducted between December 2011 and January 2012. Frequency of graft use in POP (overall and by transvaginal and transabdominal approaches) and stress urinary incontinence surgery was queried relative to the timing of the 2011 Food and Drug Administration (FDA) safety update. Rates of materials' use before and after the statement were compared using Wilcoxon signed rank test. RESULTS: Fifty-three percent (507/962) of AUGS members responded and were included in analysis; 79% were urogynecologists. Before the FDA warning, in POP surgery, most (90%) used synthetic mesh and fewer (34%) used biologic grafts; 99% used synthetic mesh slings. After the FDA statement, respondents reported an overall decrease in the percent of POP cases in which they used synthetic mesh (P < 0.001) but no change in biologic graft use for POP (P = 0.37) or synthetic mesh sling use (P = 0.10). Specifically, transvaginal mesh use decreased: 40% reported decreased use and 12% stopped use. However, transvaginal mesh was still used by 61% of respondents in at least some cases. No change (62%) or increased use (12%) of mesh was reported for transabdominal POP procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Synthetic mesh use in transvaginal POP surgery decreased after the 2011 FDA safety update, but synthetic mesh use for transabdominal POP repair and sling procedures and overall biologic graft use in POP surgery did not decrease.

Incidence and management of graft erosion, wound granulation, and dyspareunia following vaginal prolapse repair with graft materials: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: This study describes the incidence, risk factors, and treatments of graft erosion, wound granulation, and dyspareunia as adverse events following vaginal repair of pelvic organ prolapse with non-absorbable synthetic and biologic graft materials. METHODS: A systematic review in Medline of reports published between 1950 and November 2010 on adverse events after vaginal prolapse repairs using graft materials was carried out. RESULTS: One hundred ten studies reported on erosions with an overall rate, by meta-analysis, of 10.3%, (95% CI, 9.7 - 10.9%; range, 0 - 29.7%; synthetic, 10.3%; biological, 10.1%). Sixteen studies reported on wound granulation for a rate of 7.8%, (95% CI, 6.4 - 9.5%; range, 0 - 19.1%; synthetic, 6.8%; biological, 9.1%). Dyspareunia was described in 70 studies for a rate of 9.1%, (95% CI, 8.2 - 10.0%; range, 0 - 66.7%; synthetic, 8.9%; biological, 9.6%). CONCLUSIONS: Erosions, wound granulation, and dyspareunia may occur after vaginal prolapse repair with graft materials, though rates vary widely across studies.

Female soldiers' gynecologic healthcare in Operation Iraqi Freedom: a survey of camps with echelon three facilities.

OBJECTIVE: To describe female soldiers' predeployment gynecologic healthcare screening, common symptoms, and availability of gynecologic care during Operation Iraqi Freedom. METHODS: A questionnaire distributed to U.S. military females presenting to outpatient facilities in level 3 echelon of care between August 2005 and March 2006. RESULTS: Three-hundred ninety seven of 401 surveys (99%) were returned. Ten percent of deployed females (40) had no cervical cytology screening 1 year before deployment and 27% of the 399 required additional treatments for abnormal cervical cytology during deployment. Thirty-five percent reported a gynecologic problem and 44% received care at their base. Irregular bleeding was the most common gynecologic problem. Forty-four percent of women used some form of hormonal contraception; however, 43% changed methods because of unavailability. One-third of soldiers received pre-deployment menses regulation counseling, with 48% of those using continuous oral contraceptive pills for cycle control. CONCLUSION: Gaps remain in predeployment gynecologic screening and counseling. These critical predeployment medical evaluations must remain a priority for all female soldiers to ensure unit readiness.

Graft use in transvaginal pelvic organ prolapse repair: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the anatomic and symptomatic efficacy of graft use in transvaginal prolapse repair and to estimate the rates and describe the spectrum of adverse events associated with graft use. DATA SOURCES: Eligible studies, published between 1950 and November 27, 2007, were retrieved through Medline and bibliography searches. METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION: To assess anatomic and symptomatic efficacy of graft use, we used transvaginal prolapse repair studies that compared graft use with either native tissue repair or repair with a different graft. To estimate rates of adverse events from graft use, all comparative studies and case series with at least 30 participants were included. For spectrum of adverse events, all study designs were included. TABULATION, INTEGRATION AND RESULTS: Eligible studies were extracted onto standardized forms by one reviewer and confirmed by a second reviewer. Comparative studies were classified by vaginal compartment (anterior, posterior, apical, or multiple), graft type (biologic, synthetic-absorbable, synthetic nonabsorbable) and outcome (anatomic, symptomatic). We found 16 comparative studies, including six randomized trials, 37 noncomparative studies with at least 30 women, 11 case series with fewer than 30 women, and 10 case reports of adverse events. One randomized trial and one prospective comparative study evaluating synthetic, nonabsorbable graft use in the anterior compartment reported favorable anatomic and symptomatic outcomes with graft use. Data regarding graft use for posterior and apical compartments or for biologic or synthetic absorbable graft use in the anterior compartment were insufficient to determine efficacy. Rates and spectrum of adverse events associated with graft use included bleeding (0-3%), visceral injury (1-4%), urinary infection (0-19%), graft erosion (0-30%), and fistula (1%). There were insufficient data regarding dyspareunia, sexual, voiding, or defecatory dysfunction. CONCLUSION: Overall, the existing evidence is limited to guide decisions regarding whether to use graft materials in transvaginal prolapse surgery. Adequately powered randomized trials evaluating anatomic and symptomatic efficacy as well as adverse events are needed.

Anal sphincter defects and anal incontinence symptoms after repair of obstetric anal sphincter lacerations in primiparous women.

A study was carried out to identify (1) incidence of anal incontinence symptoms, (2) incidence and size of both external anal sphincter (EAS) and internal anal sphincter (IAS) defects, and (3) relationship between anal incontinence symptoms and IAS or EAS defect size after repair of an obstetric anal sphincter laceration. Forty-seven vaginally primiparous women underwent obstetric anal sphincter laceration repair. At 8-12 weeks postpartum, anal incontinence symptoms were assessed, and endoanal ultrasound was performed. At 1-2 years postpartum, symptoms were reassesseds. The incidence of anal incontinence symptoms at 8-12 weeks was 43%. The incidence of IAS and EAS defects were 32% and 77%, respectively. IAS defects > or = 45 degrees were predictive of symptoms (p = 0.02). After 18 months mean follow-up, 11% reported chronic symptoms. After anal sphincter laceration repair, anal incontinence symptoms occur in 43% of women and remain chronic in 11%. Anal incontinence symptoms are associated with increasing IAS defect size.

Long-term follow-up of a transvaginal Burch urethropexy for stress urinary incontinence.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to describe long-term objective and subjective success rates and complications following transvaginal Burch urethropexy for stress urinary incontinence. STUDY DESIGN: A case series of 66 women who underwent vaginal Burch urethropexy for urodynamic stress urinary incontinence with urethral hypermobility using a suture carrier device is presented. Concurrent prolapse repairs were performed as indicated. RESULTS: Sixty-six women (mean age 49.4 +/- 12.1 years) underwent vaginal Burch urethropexy. Mean follow-up time was 20.9 +/- 18.9 months. Objective failure was observed in 16 patients (24.2%). Subjective failure was reported by 21.2% of patients, with 50% and 28.8% reporting success and improvement, respectively. Six patients (9%) experienced febrile illness, 4 (6%) experienced intraoperative hemorrhage, 1 (1.5%) received transfusion, and 1 (1.5%) experienced pelvic abscess. Twelve patients (18.2%) experienced suture erosion; half required surgical revision or excision. CONCLUSION: Vaginal Burch urethropexy is generally well tolerated but is associated with poor long-term success and high suture erosion rates.

Vaginal paravaginal repair with an AlloDerm graft: Long-term outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe the long-term objective and subjective outcomes after vaginal paravaginal repair with AlloDerm graft (LifeCell, Branchburg, NJ). STUDY DESIGN: Thirty-three women with either recurrent stage II or primary or recurrent stage III-IV anterior vaginal wall prolapse underwent a vaginal paravaginal repair with AlloDerm graft between November 1998 and April 2002. Postoperative follow-up was obtained on an annual basis. Objective failure was defined as a stage II or greater anterior wall defect. Descriptive statistics were performed. RESULTS: Long-term follow-up was obtained on 24/33 subjects (72.7%). The mean length of follow-up for the 24 women was 52.0 months (range, 18-86 months). Fourteen of the 24 subjects (58.3%) had recurrent stage II prolapse in the anterior compartment, of which only 4 of 14 (28.6%) were symptomatic. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term evaluation of vaginal paravaginal repairs with AlloDerm graft reveals good subjective success, despite a moderate rate of objective failure within the first 24 months.

The tension-free vaginal tape in women with a non-hypermobile urethra and low maximum urethral closure pressure.

The objective of this study was to estimate the cure rate and to identify risk factors that predict failure of the tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI), a non-hypermobile urethra, and low maximum urethral closure pressure. Thirty-six women with SUI, a non-hypermobile urethra (straining urethral angle

The usefulness of urinary cytology testing in the evaluation of irritative voiding symptoms.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical usefulness of urinary cytology testing for the evaluation of urothelial cancer in women with irritative voiding symptoms who were examined at a urogynecology service. STUDY DESIGN: Urinary cytology studies results that were obtained from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2002, were cross-matched with the Rhode Island Department of Health Cancer Registry to identify those women who were diagnosed with urinary tract malignancies. The prevalence of urothelial cancer was determined, and the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of urinary cytologic testing were calculated for 2 common classification strategies: (1) consideration of atypical cytologic test results to be normal and (2) consideration of atypical cytologic test results to be abnormal. RESULTS: Among 1516 cross-matched cytologic test results from 1324 patients, 5 urothelial cancers were identified. Two of the 5 malignancies were associated with positive cytology results. The prevalence of urothelial cancer was 0.38% (95% CI, 0.1%, 0.9%). When atypical cytology studies were classified as normal, the sensitivity of urinary cytology was 40% (95% CI, 7.2%, 83.0%); the specificity was 99.9% (95% CI, 99.5%, 100%); the positive predictive value was 66.7% (95% CI, 12.5%, 98.2%), and negative predictive value was 99.8% (95% CI, 99.2%, 100%). In contrast, when atypical cytology results were classified as abnormal, the sensitivity and negative predictive value remained the same, but the specificity declined to 93.6% (95% CI, 92.1%, 94.8%), and the positive predictive value decreased to 2.3% (95% CI, 0.4%, 8.8%). CONCLUSION: The low prevalence of urothelial cancers and low sensitivity of urinary cytology studies severely limit the usefulness of this test in the evaluation of women with irritative voiding symptoms.

Suburethral sling treatment of occult stress incontinence and intrinsic sphincter deficiency in women with severe vaginal prolapse of the anterior vs posterior/apical compartment.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of a Mersilene mesh suburethral sling for occult stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD) in women with severe vaginal prolapse of the anterior compartment to the posterior/apical compartment. STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective study that compared women with stage or grade III/IV prolapse of the anterior compartment (group 1) with the posterior/apical compartment (group 2); both groups demonstrated occult SUI (leakage only with prolapse reduced) and ISD on urodynamics, and underwent concurrent pelvic reconstructive surgery. The sling was defined as efficacious if SUI was prevented in 85% of women and if obstructive symptoms (de novo or worsening urge incontinence, or urinary retention greater than 2 weeks) occurred in less than 10% of women. RESULTS: There were 39 women in group 1 and 25 women in group 2. There were no differences between women in group 1 or group 2 in preoperative demographics (except parity) or urodynamic findings. SUI cure rates were lower for group 1 than group 2, but this difference was not significant (87% vs 100%, P = .15). Rates of de novo or worsening urge incontinence (8% vs 4%, P = 1.00) and urinary retention (none occurred) were similar between groups. CONCLUSION: In women with severe vaginal prolapse, slings effectively treat occult SUI and ISD, whether associated with anterior or posterior/apical prolapse.

Results of urine cytology testing and cystoscopy in women with irritative voiding symptoms.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess rates of urinary cytologic abnormalities and cystoscopic outcomes in women with irritative voiding symptoms who were examined at a urogynecology clinic. STUDY DESIGN: All urinary cytology studies results that were sent between January 1, 2000, and July 31, 2003, for the evaluation of irritative voiding symptoms were reviewed. Data were then extracted from the charts of a subset of these patients to evaluate cystoscopic outcomes. Demographics, risk factors for urothelial cancer, laboratory results, and radiology imaging results were then analyzed and compared between patients with and without abnormal cytology and cystoscopic results. RESULTS: Of the 1783 total urinary cytology that were reviewed, 1661 test results were read as normal (93.2%); 112 test results (6.3%) were read as atypical, and 3 test results (0.2%) were read as unsatisfactory. Seven cytologic test results were categorized as suspicious or malignant, which accounts for only 0.4% of all cytologic test results that were sent. Of the 564 consecutive women whose cases were chosen for subanalysis, cytology was normal in 91.5% and atypical in 8.5% of cases. No cytology were suspicious or malignant. Cystoscopic findings were normal in 548 patients (97.2%). Only 1 patient (0.2%) received a diagnosis of transitional cell carcinoma. CONCLUSION: Urinary cytology and cystoscopy are low yield tests and should not be used routinely in the initial evaluation of women with irritative voiding symptoms.

Decreased anal sphincter lacerations associated with restrictive episiotomy use.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether restrictive episiotomy use was associated with decreases in anal sphincter lacerations and the risk of anal sphincter laceration attributable to episiotomy. STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective database study. Rates of episiotomy, anal sphincter laceration (third- or fourth-degree tear), and other confounding variables were compared among vaginal deliveries before (1999) and after (2002) restrictive episiotomy use was implemented at our institution. Logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratio of anal sphincter laceration that was due to episiotomy and other variables. RESULTS: The episiotomy rate decreased 56% (37% to 17%, P < .001) between 1999 and 2002, whereas the anal sphincter laceration rate decreased 44% (9.7% to 5.4%, P < .001). There were no changes in age, race, nulliparity, prolonged second stage of labor, operative vaginal deliveries, birth weight, or macrosomia, although oxytocin use and epidural use decreased slightly (37% to 31%, P < .001, and 80% to 76%, P = .02, respectively). The adjusted odds ratio of anal sphincter laceration attributable to episiotomy decreased 55%, from 6.5 (95% CI: 3.8, 11.1) to 2.9 (95% CI: 1.7, 5.0), between 1999 and 2002. Conversely, the adjusted odds ratios of anal sphincter laceration attributable to the other independent risk factors all increased or remained the same: operative vaginal delivery, which increased from 4.4 (95% CI: 2.7, 6.9) to 6.3 (95% CI: 3.6 11.1); nulliparity, from 2.9 (95% CI: 1.8, 4.8) to 2.9 (95% CI: 1.4, 5.9); macrosomia, from 1.9 (95% CI: 1.1, 3.4) to 2.6 (95% CI: 1.3, 5.4); and prolonged second stage, from 2.0 (95% CI: 1.3, 3.0) to 2.1 (95% CI: 1.2, 3.7). CONCLUSION: With restrictive episiotomy use, the episiotomy rate, anal sphincter laceration rate, and risk of anal sphincter laceration attributable to episiotomy were all reduced by approximately 50%.

Risk factors for bladder injury during cesarean delivery.

OBJECTIVE: To identify risk factors for bladder injury during cesarean delivery so as to inform patients and practitioners of these risks. METHODS: We conducted a case-control study of women undergoing cesarean delivery at Women and Infants Hospital between January 1995 and December 2002. Cases were women with bladder injuries at the time of cesarean delivery. Two controls per case were selected randomly. Medical records were reviewed for demographic and clinical data to compare cases and controls. RESULTS: Forty-two bladder injuries were identified among 14,757 cesarean deliveries (incidence of 0.28%). Prior cesarean delivery was more prevalent among cases than controls (67% versus 32%, P < .01). The adjusted risk for bladder injury associated with prior cesarean delivery was 3.82 (95% confidence interval 1.62-8.97). Statistically significant differences (P values < or = .01) between cases and controls were found in emergent timing of delivery (31% versus 11%), labor before cesarean (83% versus 61%), attempted vaginal birth after cesarean (64% versus 22%), concurrent uterine rupture (14% versus 0%), adhesions (60% versus 10%), age (33.6 versus 29.3 years), and body mass index (29.9 versus 33.0 kg/m2). No differences were found among type of uterine incision, labor induction, chorioamnionitis, fetal position, gestational age, or maternal illnesses. CONCLUSION: Prior cesarean delivery is a risk factor for bladder injury at the time of repeat cesarean delivery. Patients should be counseled regarding this risk, particularly in the setting of increasing rates of elective primary cesarean delivery.

Patient characteristics that are associated with continued pessary use versus surgery after 1 year.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to identify patient characteristics in women with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse that is associated with continued pessary use versus surgery after 1 year. STUDY DESIGN: Fifty-nine women with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse who were satisfied with their pessary at 2 months were evaluated prospectively at 1 year. Characteristics of women who continued to use a pessary were compared with women who underwent pelvic reconstructive surgery to identify predictors for continued pessary use versus surgery. RESULTS: Forty-three women (73%) continued pessary use, and 16 women (27%) underwent surgery. Characteristics that were associated with continued pessary use were older age (76 vs 61 years; p <.001) and poor surgical risk (26% vs 0%; P =.03). Characteristics that were associated with surgery were sexual activity (81% vs 26%; P <.001), stress incontinence (44% vs 16%; P =.03), stage III-IV posterior vaginal wall prolapse (44% vs 16%; P =.03), and desire for surgery at the first visit (63% vs 12%; P <.001). Age >or=65 years was the best cut-off value for continued pessary use, with sensitivity of 95% (95% CI, 84%, 99%) and a positive predictive value of 87% (95% CI, 74%, 94%). Logistic regression demonstrated that age >or=65 years ( P <.001), stage III-IV posterior vaginal wall prolapse ( P =.007), and desire for surgery ( P =.04) were independent predictors. CONCLUSION: Age >or=65 years was associated highly with continued pessary use. Desire for surgery and stage III-IV posterior vaginal wall prolapse were associated with discontinued pessary use and pelvic reconstructive surgery.

Patient satisfaction and changes in prolapse and urinary symptoms in women who were fitted successfully with a pessary for pelvic organ prolapse.

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to estimate, in women after 2 months of pessary use, patient satisfaction and the percentage of prolapse and urinary symptoms that improve or worsen. STUDY DESIGN: In a prospective study, 100 consecutive women with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse were fitted with a pessary, and 73 women had a successful 2-week pessary fitting trial. Prolapse and urinary symptoms were assessed at baseline and at 2 months. Patient satisfaction was assessed at 2 months. Risk factors for patient dissatisfaction were assessed. RESULTS: Nearly all prolapse symptoms resolved from baseline to 2 months, respectively: bulge (90% to 3%; P<.001), pressure (49% to 3%; P<.001), discharge (12% to 0%; P=.003), and splinting (14% to 0%; P=.001). Among women with concurrent urinary symptoms at baseline, stress incontinence improved in 45%, urge incontinence improved in 46%, and voiding difficulty improved in 53%, after 2 months. However, among women without urinary symptoms at baseline, occult (de novo) stress incontinence occurred in 21%, de novo urge incontinence occurred in 6%, and de novo voiding difficulty occurred in 4%. At 2 months, 92% of the women were satisfied with their pessary. Six women (8%) were dissatisfied and discontinued use of the pessary. Dissatisfaction was associated with occult stress incontinence (odds ratio, 17.1; 95% CI, 1.9, 206; P=.004). CONCLUSION: After 2 months, 92% of women with a successful pessary fitting trial were satisfied. Nearly all prolapse symptoms resolved after 2 months; 50% of urinary symptoms improved, but occult stress incontinence was a common side effect.

Risk factors associated with an unsuccessful pessary fitting trial in women with pelvic organ prolapse.

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to estimate the percentage of women with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse who had a successful pessary fitting trial, to identify pelvic examination parameters that are associated with an unsuccessful pessary fitting trial, and to identify the most commonly used pessary for each stage of prolapse. STUDY DESIGN: In a prospective, observational study, 100 consecutive women with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse were examined, staged, and fitted with either a ring or Gellhorn pessary. A successful pessary fitting trial occurred if a woman continued to use a pessary 1 week after being fitted. Women were then divided into two groups on the basis of whether they had a successful pessary fitting trial: group 1 was successful, and group 2 was unsuccessful. Pelvic examination parameters were evaluated as risk factors for an unsuccessful pessary fitting trial. RESULTS: Group 1 had 73 women, and group 2 had 27 women. A short vaginal length (< or =6 cm) and a wide vaginal introitus (4 fingerbreadths accommodated) were associated with group 2 (11% vs 0%, P=.02, and 22% vs 7%, P=.04, respectively). Ring pessaries were used more with stage II and III prolapse (100% and 71%, respectively), whereas Gellhorn pessaries were used more with stage IV prolapse (64%, P<.001). CONCLUSION: Seventy-three women (73%) with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse had a successful pessary fitting trial. A short vaginal length and a wide vaginal introitus were risk factors for an unsuccessful pessary fitting trial. Gellhorn pessaries are more often needed with stage IV prolapse.

Vaginal paravaginal repair with an AlloDerm graft.

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to describe outcomes of a technique of vaginal paravaginal repair that used AlloDerm graft (LifeCell, Branchburg, NJ) in women with recurrent stage II or with primary or recurrent stage III/IV anterior vaginal wall prolapse. STUDY DESIGN: This was an observational study. Thirty-three women underwent a vaginal paravaginal repair using AlloDerm graft. Anterior vaginal wall prolapse was staged using the pelvic organ prolapse quantification system preoperatively and every 6 months after surgery. Recurrence of prolapse, changes in functional status (urinary symptoms, prolapse symptoms, and sexual activity), and complications were recorded. Objective failure was defined as recurrent anterior vaginal wall prolapse, stage II or greater, and subjective failure as symptomatic recurrent anterior vaginal wall prolapse. Life-table analysis evaluated objective and subjective failure. Risk factors for recurrent anterior vaginal wall prolapse were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean age was 65.2 years and 93% of the women were white. Preoperatively, 6 women had recurrent stage II, 24 women had stage III, and 3 women had stage IV anterior vaginal wall prolapse. The median length of follow-up was 18 months. Postoperatively, 12 women had asymptomatic stage II anterior vaginal wall prolapse (not beyond the hymen) develop, and 1 woman had symptomatic stage II prolapse develop. Thus, there were 13 (41%) objective failures and 1 (3%) subjective failure. Life-table analysis demonstrated the cumulative probability of an objective failure was 0.24 at 1 year and 0.50 at 2, 3, and 4 years. The cumulative probability of a subjective failure was 0.00 at 1 and 2 years and 0.11 at 3 and 4 years. No risk factors for objective failure were identified. Voiding complaints resolved in 11 of 14 (79%) women (P=.004), incontinence symptoms resolved in 17 of 19 (89%) women (P<.001), and urgency symptoms resolved in 20 of 23 (87%) women (P<.001) (all two-tailed Fisher exact test). Twenty-one women (64%) were sexually active, and none complained of postoperative dyspareunia. Complications included 1 case of febrile morbidity, 1 cystotomy, and 1 anterior wall breakdown secondary to hematoma formation caused by heparin therapy. No other erosions or rejections were seen. CONCLUSION: Vaginal paravaginal repair with AlloDerm graft in women with recurrent stage II or stage III/IV anterior vaginal wall prolapse is safe and has good subjective but only fair objective success within the first 2 years.

Diagnosing interstitial cystitis in women with chronic pelvic pain.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index and Problem Index as a screening tool for interstitial cystitis, and to estimate the prevalence and risk factors for interstitial cystitis in women with chronic pelvic pain. METHODS: Forty-five women scheduled to undergo laparoscopy for chronic pelvic pain were recruited. Women were questioned about lower urinary tract symptoms, administered the Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index and Problem Index, and rated pain symptoms on a 0-10 visual analogue scale. Cystoscopy with hydrodistension and bladder biopsy was performed at the time of laparoscopy. Interstitial cystitis was diagnosed if women had a combination of: 1) urgency, 2) frequency or nocturia, and 3) positive cystoscopic findings. RESULTS: Seventeen women (38%) were diagnosed with interstitial cystitis. A score of 5 or more on the Symptom Index had 94% sensitivity (95% confidence interval [CI] 71%, 99.8%) and 93% negative predictive value (95% CI 68%, 99.8%) in diagnosing interstitial cystitis. On multivariable analysis, an elevated Symptom Index score of 5 or more (odds ratio [OR] 9.4; 95% CI 1.01, 88.1) and an elevated dyspareunia score of 7 or more (OR 5.5; 95% CI 1.10, 27.1) were risk factors for interstitial cystitis. CONCLUSION: In our sample of women with chronic pelvic pain, the prevalence of interstitial cystitis was 38%. The Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index was a useful screening tool. Independent risk factors for the diagnosis of interstitial cystitis were an elevated Symptom Index score and an elevated dyspareunia pain score. For women with chronic pelvic pain, screening for interstitial cystitis should be performed.