Uterovesical fistula and its treatment in Sub-Saharan Africa.

AIM:  Aim of the study to summarize the current information on diagnostic and treatment options for uterovesical fistula as a consequence of iatrogenic complication. Methods: Literature review of available information on surgical treatment options for uterovesical fistula resulting from previous caesarean section and comparison with our own experience in the developing world. Conclusion: Uterovesical fistula is an abnormal communication between the bladder and uterus. The cause of this pathology in most cases is an iatrogenic complication, most commonly arising after a caesarean section. The incidence of this pathology varies significantly geographically. In developed countries, these fistulas are rather rare. On the other hand, in developing countries, uterovesical fistulas are more common with a significant impact on the subsequent life of the patient due to generally inaccessible health care.

Association between sonographic sling location and success of surgery for stress urinary incontinence.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between the clinical outcome of suburethral sling surgery for stress urinary incontinence and sling location on ultrasound examination. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of patients diagnosed with stress urinary incontinence who were treated with a suburethral sling by a single surgeon between January 2009 and October 2016. Four-dimensional volumes acquired on transperineal ultrasound at least 3 months postoperatively were analyzed and the gap between the sling and symphysis pubis (sling-pubis gap (SPG)) on Valsalva maneuver was measured. Continence was assessed on a cough stress test at follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 378 patients were included, with a mean follow-up of 14.3 months. The success rate of sling surgery was 89.4%. The mean ± SD SPG on Valsalva maneuver was 12.0 ± 2.5 mm in women who were clinically continent at follow-up and 14.1 ± 2.8 mm in those with failed surgery (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: A shorter SPG on transperineal ultrasound imaging after suburethral sling surgery is associated with cure of stress urinary incontinence. © 2022 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Pilot study comparing tolerance of transperineal and endoanal ultrasound examination of anal sphincter.

OBJECTIVE: To compare diagnostic possibilities of endoanal (EAUS) and transperineal (TPUS) ultrasound during anal sphincter examination and patients preferences. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, Prague. METHODS: Patients involved had EAUS and TPUS of anal sphincter. First group were patients scheduled for control check after vaginal delivery complicated with anal sphincter injury (post OASI) and adequate suture. Second (control) group contained new patients coming for urogynecological examination with some symptoms of anal incontinence. Refusal were noted and after completing both ultrasounds patients marked on visual analog scale (VAS) the level of dyscomfort and answered few simple questions about their preference of exam in future. RESULTS: This study contains twenty-nine patients (fifteen post OASI and fourteen in control group). Two patients (post OASI) refused EAUS and one patient from control group did not mark the level of dyscomfort. In post OASI group eleven patients (84.6%) considered EAUS as botherless or slighly bothering (VAS 3). The average dyscomfort for EAUS was 1.92 and for TPUS 1.08. Five patients marked EAUS more dyscomfortable as TPUS and this difference is significant (p < 0.05). In control group eleven patients (84.6%) marked EAUS as botherless or slightly bothering (VAS 3). There was no difference between post OASI and control group. We have not found by any exam residual anal sphincter defect in any patient post OASI. For this reason we could not decide about efectivity. In matter of future preference patients would prefer TPUS to EAUS in case of similar effectivity. However, in case of different effectivity patients would prefer the more effective. CONCLUSION: Our patients prefer less dyscomfortable TPUS. The pilot study did not display higher effectivity of EAUS in diagnostics of residual anal sphincter defect.

How accurate are we in urethral mobility assessment? Comparison of subjective and objective assessment.

OBJECTIVE: The knowledge of the mobility of urethra plays important role in patients with stress urinary incontinence and its assessment is a part of standard urogynecological examination. It has been assumed that increased mobility is associated with higher likelihood of successful treatment. There is arbitrary defined cut-off for hypermobile urethra - descend of more than 15 mm or 30-degree resp. 50-degree rotation or more during Valsalva manoeuvre. Clinically we routinely categorize mobility of the urethra as high mobile or hypermobile urethras, low mobile urethra and the situation in-between as mobile urethras. But how accurate are we with such a subjective assessment? We have provided retrospective analysis of mobility of the urethra assessed during the clinical examination by transperineal ultrasound (US) with subjective scoring of the mobility (low, norm, hyper) and compared this assessment with detailed measurement of descent and rotation of the urethra. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Ob/Gyn department First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, Prague. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of urethral mobility of women diagnosed with urodynamic stress incontinence (USI) and treated with tension free vaginal slings during the period 01/2009 - 10/2016. For each patient, there was available description of mobility at the time of preoperative assessment (low-, norm- or hyper-mobile) and we compared this assessment with measured parameters of bladder neck mobility analysed later from stored 4D US volumes. We have measured dorsocaudal movement of the bladder neck (BN) (H-distance). This is the distance of the BN from the horizontal line at the level of lower margin of the symphysis and we compared the position at rest and at Valsalva. Secondly, we measured rotation of the urethra using the gama angle - angle between the line connecting BN to lower margin of symphysis and axis of symphysis at rest and during the Valsalva manoeuvre. Mobility of the BN is the difference between the rest and Valsalva position. We compared the objective parameters of mobility with subjective assessment. We have provided correlation of both objective parameters. RESULTS: 427 patients were treated during the analysed period, 393 had available stored 4D US volume for analysis. Mean age 56.5 years (min 29, max 87, SD 7.9), mean BMI 27.4 (min 18.3, max 39.6, SD 7.9), mean parity 2.14. Mean descent of the bladder neck was 11.8 mm (min -1, max 37; SD 6.9) Mean rotation of the bladder neck was 38.8 degree (min -5, max 118, SD 20.0). When we subjectively assessed the mobility as low the mean mobility was 23.9 ° resp. 7.3 mm, for normal 34.8 ° resp. 10.4 mm and 48.6 ° resp. 15 mm for hypermobile uretras. We have found good correlation of both parameters - H-distance, gama angle - r = 0.693. CONCLUSION: Subjective assessment of mobility of the urethra seems to be reasonably accurate for distinguishing between low and hypermobile uretra.

Classification of descent and mobility of urethrovesic junction in women with stress urinary incontinence - an ultrasound study.

OBJECTIVE: Detect urethrovesical junction descent and mobility values in women with stress incontinence prior to surgical treatment. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTINGS: Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, First Medical Faculty, Charles University, General Teaching Hospital, Prague. METHODS: A retrospective study included 568 patients from three different prospective studies. We have ultrasound data in 560 of them. All of these patients underwent surgical treatment of stress incontinence. During the preoperative examination, patients were subjected to clinical, urodynamic and ultrasound examinations, in which we focused on the urethrovesical junction descent and mobility rate in the maximal Valsavs maneuver. Statistical evaluation of the data was performed by a pair t-test or Wilcoxon test. RESULTS: The mean dorsocaudal descent of the urethrovesical junction was 20.6 mm (SD 8.2, first quantile 14.9, third quantile 25.6 mm). We did not find any statistically significant differences in the acquired parameters at different time periods. CONCLUSION: Due to the high variability of urethrovesical junction descent and mobility, ultrasound examination should be part of all urogynecological preoperative examinations to provide the operator with information on urethrovesical junction descent and mobility prior to surgery and then compare it with postoperative results.

Encapsulated cell device approach for combined electrical stimulation and neurotrophic treatment of the deaf cochlea.

Profound hearing impairment can be overcome by electrical stimulation (ES) of spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) via a cochlear implant (CI). Thus, SGN survival is critical for CI efficacy. Application of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) has been shown to reduce SGN degeneration following deafness. We tested a novel method for local, continuous GDNF-delivery in combination with ES via a CI. The encapsulated cell (EC) device contained a human ARPE-19 cell-line, genetically engineered for secretion of GDNF. In vitro, GDNF delivery was stable during ES delivered via a CI. In the chronic in vivo part, cats were systemically deafened and unilaterally implanted into the scala tympani with a CI and an EC device, which they wore for six months. The implantation of control devices (same cell-line not producing GDNF) had no negative effect on SGN survival. GDNF application without ES led to an unexpected reduction in SGN survival, however, the combination of GDNF with initial, short-term ES resulted in a significant protection of SGNs. A tight fibrous tissue formation in the scala tympani of the GDNF-only group is thought to be responsible for the increased SGN degeneration, due to mechanisms related to an aggravated foreign body response. Furthermore, the fibrotic encapsulation of the EC device led to cell death or cessation of GDNF release within the EC device during the six months in vivo. In both in vitro and in vivo, fibrosis was reduced by CI stimulation, enabling the neuroprotective effect of the combined treatment. Thus, fibrous tissue growth limits treatment possibilities with an EC device. For a stable and successful long-term neurotrophic treatment of the SGN via EC devices in human CI users, it would be necessary to make changes in the treatment approach (provision of anti-inflammatories), the EC device surface (reduced cell adhesion) and the ES (initiation prior to fibrosis formation).

[Ultrasound comparison of adjustable single-incision (Ajust) and transobturator tapes to assess post-operative fixation and function and clinical efficacy]. / Ultrazvuková studie porovnání kvality fixace pásky a lécebného efektu pásky zavádené z jedné incize (Ajust) a transobturatorní pásky TVT-O.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare fixation and mobility of adjustable single-incision (Ajust) and standard transobturator midurethral sling (TVT-O) tapes based on postoperative ultrasound monitoring of the position of the tape at rest and at maximal Valsava (tape descent). The hypothesis was that fixation of SIMS Ajust is comparable to that achieved by the standard transobturator midurethral sling. SETTING: Gynecology and Obstetrics Department, GUH and 1st Charles University Prague; Gynecology and Obstetrics Department Masarykova nemocnice Ústí nad Labem. DESIGN: Randomized trial, secondary analysis of ultrasound follow-up. METHODS: Between May 2010 and May 2012 100 women with proven urodynamic stress urinary incontinence were included in this randomized trial.All patients underwent a complete urogynecological investigation before the procedure (clinical examination, urodynamics, ultrasound examination), and they filled in the ICIQ and iQol questionnaires; after surgery, to evaluate their satisfaction with the procedure, VAS and Likert scales were added.Ultrasound examination as part of each post-operative check-up was performed the first day after surgery, two weeks, three months and one year after surgery. Ultrasound measurements were taken in a supine position at rest and during maximal Valsalva. Position of the bladder neck was assessed, and the position of the tape with respect to upper and lower tape margins. RESULTS: At one-year follow up no differences in subjective cure rates and objective cure rates were observed. In all checks after surgery there was no difference between the position of the tape at rest and at maximal Valsalva between the Ajust and TVT-O groups.The length of the upper and lower tape descent was similar. In TVT-O patients the mean length of upper tape margin descent increased from 8.8 mm on the first day after surgery to 10.0 mm three months after surgery; afterwards it remained stable. For Ajust patients there was virtually the same development - from 9.1 to 12 mm - and there was no further increase in the tape descent following the three-month measurement. CONCLUSIONS: The quality of the tape fixation after the Ajust procedure is as good as after standard transobturator midurethral sling. We did not observe any statistically significant differences in tape position and descent, indicating that the function is similar to obturator tape, which in turn suggests the same clinical efficacy. Ultrasound monitoring should be the part of post-operative monitoring whenever novel surgical techniques are introduced.

[Correlation of subjective and objective assessment of vaginal prolapse surgery - secondary analysis of randomized controlled study in patients with pelvic floor injury treated with vaginal mesh or with sacrospinous ligament fixation]. / Korelace subjektivního a objektivního hodnocení operace vaginálního prolapsu- sekundární analýza výsledku randomizované kontrolované studie pacientek s defektem pánevního dna a operovaných vaginální sítkou nebo závesem na sakrospinózní ligamentum.

OBJECTIVE: We had provided secondary analysis of our randomized controlled study comparing vaginal mesh with sacrospinous fixation for vaginal prolapse. We correlated data from subjective and objective assessment. Secondly we had provided correlations results of subjective and objective assessment between patient with anatomical failure and those without. The aim of this analysis was to provide correlation between objective and subjective outcome measures. DESIGN: Subanalysis of randomized controlled study. SETTING: Obstetric Gynecology Department, First Faculty of Medicine of Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague. METHODS: This is secondary analysis of single center randomized controlled study comparing two standard procedures for vaginal prolapse after hysterectomy in patients with levator avulsion injury. We had analyzed pre- and postoperative subjective POPDI score (Pelvic Organ Prolapse Distress Inventory) and correlated this score with most prolapsed portion of vaginal wall. We had compared all vaginal compartments using POPQ (Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification): anterior wall with point Ba, apical with point C, and posterior with point Bp. Subsequently we compared subjective POPDI score in group of patients with anatomical failure and those without. RESULTS: We had included in randomized study 70 women. Mean preoperative POPDI score was 65.25 (3.57-200). We didnt found any correlation between subjective score and objective assessment in preoperative data: POPDI vs. Ba (p = 0.75) POPDI vs. C (p = 0.57) a POPDI vs. Bp (p = 0.22) and no correlation in postoperative assessment. Postoperative POPDI score decreased to 26.1, but there was no difference in POPDI score in woman with anatomical failure and no failure - 17.4 vs. 23.3 (p = 0.64)CONCLUSION: Secondary analysis of randomized controlled study had shown that objective and subjective assessment have poor correlation. We didnt found any correlation between degree of prolapse and intensity of complains. The large inter-individual variability in symptoms and low sensitivity of subjective assessment to detect difference makes subjective assessment as an inappropriate tool as a primary outcome measure of pelvic floor surgery.

[Comparison of quality of life of patients treated for SUI by surgical approaches AJUST and TVT-O - a 3-month results from randomized trial]. / Porovnání kvality zivota pacientek lécených pro stresovou inkontinenci moci operacními prístupy AJUST a TVT-O - trímesícní výsledky randomizované studie.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to compare quality of life in 3-month follow-up after the use of transobturator tape TVT-O and single incision tape AJUST in the treatment of urodynamic stress urinary incontinence (USI). DESIGN: Randomized trial. SETTING: Gynekologicko-porodnická klinika LF UK a FN Plzen, Gynekologicko-porodnická klinika 1. LF UK a VFN Praha. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between May 2010 and May 2012 100 women with proven urodynamic stress urinary incontinence were included in this randomized trial. These patients were randomly chosen and devided into two group: 50 patients for TVT-O procedure and 50 patients for AJUST procedure. All of the patients underwent a complete urogynecological examination prior to the actual procedure (clinical examination, urodynamic examination, ultrasound examination) and filled in ICIQ-SF and iQol questionnaires. After the surgery, the patients satisfaction was evaluated by visual analoque scale (VAS) and Likert scale and by ICIQ-SF and iQol questionnaires. The intensity and length of postoperative pain was monitored using the visual analogue scale. The patients underwent an examination after 3 months. RESULTS: In both groups of participants no significant differences regarding age, BMI, parity, history of surgery for gynecological disorders, were found. Preoperative urodynamic, ICIQ-SF and iQol parameters were also not significantly different. In the 3-month follow-up 48 participants from TVT-O group and 50 participants from the AJUST group were monitored. No statistically significant differences in subjective and objective parameters were found. Subjectively stress incontinence was not present in 97.9% in the TVT-O and 96.0% in the group AJUST. Objectively stress test was negative in 93.8% in the TVT-O and 94% in group AJUST. By evaluating the ICIQ and iQol were found no statistical differences in the quality of life in both operating groups. CONCLUSION: At 3-months follow up we did not find any statistical difference between subjective and objective outcome for single incision tape AJUST and TVT-O. In the AJUST group lower intensity and shorter duration of postoperative pain were observed.

[Transurethral injection of polyacrylamide hydrogel (Bulkamid®) for the treatment of recurrent stress urinary incontinence after failed tape surgery]. / Uzití transuretrální aplikace polyacrylamid hydrogelu (Bulkamidu®) k lécbe recidivující stresové incontinence moci po selhání efektu páskových operací

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the cure effect of a transurethral injection of Bulkamid® for recurrent female stress and mixed urinary incontinence in women who had undergone failed tape surgery. Our hypothesis was that cure effect of Bulkamid® is positive in patients when previous tape anti-incontinence surgery has been unsuccessful. DESIGN: Retrospective clinical study. SETTINGS: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 1st Medical Faculty, Charles University and General Faculty Hospital in Prague. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study featured 34 patients with recurrent urinary incontinence (SUI: 28, mixed: 6 - predominant symptom was SUI) after unsuccessful tape anti-incontinence surgery. 25 of the patients had undergone anti-incontinence surgery more than once. The cure effect of a transurethral injection of Bulkamid® was evaluated an average of 29 months after the surgery; the minimum period after surgery was 6 months. Subjective assessment of the leakage of urine was based on the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Short form (ICIQ-UI SF) filled in before and after surgery. An improvement in urinary incontinence was defined as a drop in the score of more than 50%. Objective assessment of leakage of urine was assessed by cough test. The cure effect was evaluated by VAS (Visual Analogue Scale) score and by using the five-point Likert score. Ethical committee approval was obtained, and all subjects gave written informed consent to participate in the study. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 71.03 years, mean body mass index (BMI) 29.12 and mean parity 1.91. The cough test showed that 4/34 (11.8%) of patients had negative results for this test after the operation. The ICIQ-UI SF questionnaire showed that 14/34 (41.2%) of our patients were dry or improved after surgery. The mean VAS score was 62.4 after the operation. The Likert score was 4 or 5 (cured or improved) after the operation for 88.2% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our hypothesis that the cure effect of Bulkamid® operation would be positive in patients who have undergone previous unsuccessful tape anti-incontinence surgery was partially confirmed. The Likert and VAS scores indicate that the effect of Bulkamid® surgery is good; however, an evaluation of the cure effect of this procedure based on the ICIQ-UI SF score is less positive. This kind of operation, which is minimally invasive, is less arduous for patients, and it is also suitable for patients who have refused further surgical treatment.

Comparison of vaginal mesh repair with sacrospinous vaginal colpopexy in the management of vaginal vault prolapse after hysterectomy in patients with levator ani avulsion: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of two standard surgical procedures for post-hysterectomy vaginal vault prolapse in patients with levator ani avulsion. METHODS: This was a single-center, randomized interventional trial, of two standard surgical procedures for post-hysterectomy vaginal vault prolapse: Prolift Total vs unilateral vaginal sacrospinous colpopexy with native tissue vaginal repair (sacrospinous fixation, SSF), during the period from 2008 to 2011. Entry criteria included at least two-compartment prolapse, as well as complete unilateral or bilateral levator ani avulsion injury. The primary outcome was anatomical failure based on clinical and ultrasound assessment. Failure was defined clinically, according to the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification system, as Ba, C or Bp at the hymen or below, and on translabial ultrasound as bladder descent to 10 mm or more below the lower margin of the symphysis pubis on maximum Valsalva maneuver. Secondary outcomes were evaluation of continence, sexual function and prolapse symptoms based on validated questionnaires. RESULTS: During the study period, 142 patients who were post-hysterectomy underwent surgery for prolapse in our unit; 72 of these were diagnosed with an avulsion injury and were offered participation in the study. Seventy patients were randomized into two groups: 36 in the Prolift group and 34 in the SSF group. On clinical examination at 1-year follow-up, we observed one (3%) case of anatomical failure in the Prolift group and 22 (65%) in the SSF group (P < 0.001). Using ultrasound criteria, there was one (2.8%) failure in the Prolift group compared with 21 (61.8%) in the SSF group (P < 0.001). The postoperative POPDI (Pelvic Organ Prolapse Distress Inventory) score for subjective outcome was 15.3 in the Prolift group vs 21.7 in the SSF group (P = 0.16). CONCLUSION: In patients with prolapse after hysterectomy and levator ani avulsion injury, SSF has a higher anatomical failure rate than does the Prolift Total procedure at 1-year follow-up.

[Transurethral injection of polyacrylamide hydrogel (Bulkamid®) for the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence and changes in the cure rate over time]. / Transuretrální aplikace polyacrylamid hydrogelu (Bulkamidu®) pri lécbe zenské stresové inkontinence mocia zmeny lécebného efektu v závislosti na case od operace.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate short term and long term efficacy of a transurethral injection (TUI) using bulking agent Bulkamid® for female stress (SUI) and mixed urinary incontinence by women with ISD or where anti-incontinence surgery has failed. DESIGN: Retrospective clinical study. SETTINGS: Gynecological and Obstetric Dpt. 1st Medical Faculty UK and VFN, Prague. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was performed on 52 women with urinary incontinence (stress, 43; mixed 9). One patient died during study. Forty patients had previously undergone anti-incontinence surgery. The efficacy of TUI was evaluated 3 months (± 1 week) and an average of 22 months after surgery. Subjective assessment of the leakage of urine was based on the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Short form (ICIQ-UI SF) filled in before, three and - on average - 22 months after the surgery (minimum time after surgery was 6 months). Improvement in urinary incontinence was defined as a drop in the score of more than 50%. Objective assessment of leakage of urine was assessed by cough test. The cure effect was evaluated by VAS (Visual Analogue Scale) score and by using the five-point Likert score. Ethical committee approval was obtained, and all subjects gave written informed consent to participate in the study. RESULTS: Mean age of patients was 70 years, mean body mass index (BMI) 28.65, and mean parity was 1.76. The cough test showed that 19/51 (37.3%) of patients had negative results for this test 3 months and 10/51 (19.6%) 22 months after the operation. The ICIQ-UI SF questionnaire showed that 16/51 (31.4%) of our patients were completely dry 3 months after the operation and 8/51 (15.7 %) 22 months after the operation. 41/51 (80.4%) of patients were dry or improved 3 months after the operation and 23/51 (45.13%) 22 months after the operation. The mean cure effect evaluated by VAS score 3 months after the operation was 72 and 22 months after the operation it was 51.3. The Likert score was 4 or 5 (cured or improved) three and 22 months after operation by 78.4% / 54.9% patients. CONCLUSIONS: The cure effect of Bulkamid® operation decreases in correlation with the time that elapses after the operation, although this procedure is minimally invasive and is an option in cases where anti-incontinence surgery has failed.

A comparison of the incidence of early postoperative infections between patients using synthetic mesh and those undergoing traditional pelvic reconstructive surgical procedures.

New mesh-related complications such as erosion, etc., can result from abnormal postoperative healing due to surgical site infection. The aim of our study was to compare systemic inflammatory responses and the incidence of early infectious complications after reconstructive surgery using synthetic mesh and after traditional vaginal wall repair. In this prospective observational study 99 women with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse were included; 55 women underwent traditional repair and 44 repair using mesh. After the procedure infectious complications were monitored. The patients who underwent reconstructive surgery using mesh material were more likely to have febrile morbidity in the postoperative period than the patients who had been treated with traditional repair (p=0.031); there was a higher incidence of combination febrile morbidity with elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) > 50 mg/l; p=0.046, and a higher incidence of CRP increase over 30 mg/l; p=0.005. Reconstructive procedures using synthetic mesh are accompanied by a higher incidence of early post-operative infectious complications.

Long-term liquid nutrition intake and development of obesity: differences between young and adult rats.

OBJECTIVE: Obesity is particularly associated with an increased consumption of palatable fat and sugar dense food and beverages. Therefore, we examined the effect of a normocaloric liquid diet (Fresubin) with increased carbohydrate content (constituting 55% of calories) on development of obesity in different developmental periods in male Wistar rats. METHODS: Fresubin was provided to 3 groups of rats: the first group received Fresubin immediately after weaning (21st day of age) to the end of experiment (150th day of age) for 5 months; the second group was fed with Fresubin from weaning to adulthood (90th day of age) for 3 months; and the third group received Fresubin only in adulthood (from 90th to 150th day of age) for 2 months. The control group was fed with standard pellet chow from weaning to the end of the experiment. Body weight, food and water intake were periodically measured. After terminating the experiment, the adiposity index was determined. RESULTS: Rats fed with liquid nutrition showed increased energy intake and body weight in comparison with the control rats. Interestingly, while obesity in the juvenile rats developed as late as of 13 weeks after the Fresubin intake, the adult rats fed with liquid nutrition had significantly elevated the body weight already 2 weeks after starting the treatment. Increased adiposity index was observed in both groups of rats fed with Fresubin during the whole study as well as the adulthood. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that feeding of male Wistar rats with a high carbohydrate normocaloric diet results in a substantial development of obesity. Moreover, exposure of juvenile individuals to obesogenic environment leads, after a certain "latent period", to the development of obesity that may reflect low protein content of used liquid diet or higher resistance of juvenile organism to the obesogenic factors. Finally, based on the data obtained we suggest that Fresubin, with respect to its properties, may serve as a diet for the development of obesity which may exemplify an "obesity model" applicable in small laboratory animals.

[Comparison of short term results of TVT-O and TVT-S in the surgical treatment of stress urinary incontinence]. / Porovnání krátkodobých výsledku TVT-O a TVTS v operacní lécbe stresové inkontinence moci.

OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY: To compare short term results of tension free vaginal tape - obturator (TVT-O) and the tension free vaginal tape Seccure in the treatment of urodynamic stress urinary incontinence (USI). DESIGN: Randomize trial. SETTINGS: Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, First Medical Faculty, Charles University; General Teaching Hospital, Prague. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This single-centre randomized three-arm trial compared the objective and subjective efficacy and early failure rate of the TVT-O and TVT-S H and U approach by objective criteria (cough test) and subjective criteria using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short form (ICIQ-UI SF). The objective efficacy rate was defined as the number of patients with a negative cough stress test. Subjective cure was defined by no stress leakage of urine after surgery based on evaluation of ICIQ - UI SH (when patients ticked "Never" / "Urine does not leak" in answer to Question 6: When does urine leak?). RESULTS: 197 women with proved SUI were randomized into three groups - TVT-O (68), TVT-S H (64) and TVT-S U (65). Each patient allocated to a treatment group received the planned surgery. There were no differences in each group in pre-operative characteristics. Three months after surgery were analyzed 65 women in TVT-O group, 61 in TVT-S H and 60 in TVT-S U. 95.4% subjects in the TVT-O group, 82% in the TVT-S H group and 76.7% in the TVT-S U group had stress test negative (p=0.006). 90.8% subjects in the TVT-O group, 82% in the TVT-S H group and 78.3% in the TVT-S U group were subjectively continent (NS). CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated a significantly lower objective cure rate in the single incision TVT S group compared to the TVT-O group three months after surgery.

[Accuracy of placenta accreta ultrasound prediction in clinical work]. / Moznosti ultrazvukové predikce placenta accreta v klinické praxi.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate accuracy of placenta accreta ultrasound prediction in own group of patients. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis. SETTING: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General Faculty Hospital, Prague. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated a group of 12 patients, that had undergone ultrasound examination during pregnancy at our department and afterwards had been diagnosed during caesarean section (CS) with placenta accreta (years 2010-2011). RESULTS: 11 out of 12 women in our group had at least one of the risk factors (placenta praevia, previous SC, history of uterine surgery). During US examination, suspicion of placenta accreta was raised at 7 out of 12 women. In 5 cases we have performed elective CS and in 7 cases CS was done after onset of the labour (in 4 cases the reason was severe bleeding). The peripartal blood loss ranged from 500 ml to 7000 ml. Due to life threatening bleeding in 5 cases (42%), abdominal hysterectomy was performed. Placenta accreta was successfully diagnosed in cases with hysterectomy by US in 80 percent (4/5). Histological examination of the uterus confirmed in 2 cases placenta accreta, in 2 cases placenta increta and in 1 case placenta percreta. CONCLUSION: US diagnosis of placenta accreta is possible, with success rate of 58 percent (7/12). Early diagnosis helps to properly set up CS and consult the patient about the risk of unavoidable hysterectomy.

[Transurethral injection of polyacrylamide hydrogel (Bulkamid) for the treatment of female stress urinary inkontinence and changes in the cure rate over time]. / Zmeny lécebného efektu transuretrální aplikace polyakrylamid hydrogelu (Bulkamidu) pri lécbe zenské stresové inkontinence moci v závislosti na case od operace.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate short term and long term efficacy of a transurethral injection (TUI) using bulking agent Bulkamid for female stress and mixed urinary incontinence. The hypothesis was that the cure rate of Bulkamid may slowly decreases over time. DESIGN: Retrospective clinical study. SETTINGS: Gynecological and Obstetric Clinic, 1 LF UK and VFN, Prague. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was performed on 25 women with urinary incontinence (stress 18; mixed 7), and 24 patients completed the study. Nineteen patients had previously undergone anti-incontinence surgery. The efficacy of TUI was evaluated 3 months (+/- 1 week) and an average of 13.5 months (range 6-30 months) after surgery. Subjective assessment of the leakage of urine was based on the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Short form (ICIQ-UI SF) filled in before and three and - on average - 13.5 months after the surgery (minimum time after surgery was 6 months). Improvement in urinary incontinence was defined as a drop in the score of more than 50%. Objective assessment of leakage of urine was assessed by cough test. Ethical committee approval was obtained, and all subjects gave written informed consent to participate in the study. RESULTS: Mean age of patients was 69.7 (SD 16.22) years, mean body mass index (BMI) 27.56 (SD 3.42), and mean parity was 1.73 (SD 0.7). Objective assessment by cough test showed that 9/25 (36%) of patients had negative results for this test 3 months and 4/24 (16.7%) 13.5 months after the operation. Subjective assessment by the ICIQ-UI SF questionnaire showed that 7/25 (28%) of our patients were completely dry 3 months after the operation and 3/24 (12,5%) 13 months after the operation. 20/25 (80%) of patients were dry or improved 3 months after the operation and 14/24 (58.3%) 13.5 months after the operation. The mean score before the operation was 17.56 (SD 3.44), median 18; 3 months after the operation it was 5.68 (SD 5.51), median 5; and 13.5 months after the operation it was 8.25 (SD 5.49), median 7.5. The evaluation of the answers to the question "Overall, how much does leaking urine interfere with your everyday life?" showed a worsening of the situation to a statistical significant degree: 3 months after the operation the mean score was 2.38 (SD 2.28), while 13.5 months after the operation it was 3.79 (SD 2.96). CONCLUSIONS: The hypothesis that the cure rate of Bulkamid may slowly decreases as time passes after the operation was confirmed.

[Existence of the preperitoneal fatty plug and hernia in obturator canal]. / Výskyt preperitoneálního tuku a hernia obturatoria v canalis obturatorius.

OBJECTIVE: To map existence of the preperitoneal fatty plug and hernia in obtorator canal. SUBJECT: Prospective study and review of literature. SETTING: Institute of Anatomy of the 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague. SUBJECT AND METHOD: We have dissected lesser pelvises of ten formalin embalmed female cadavers with focus on possible anatomical variations such as obturator hernia or preperitoneal fatty plug. RESULTS: In six cases we have found formation reponable back to lesser pelvis, which could be described as preperitoneal fatty plug (which could be considered as type I of obturator hernia). Photos were taken and the formation was sent for histological exam to confirm whether peritoneum was present at the surface. Histological exam was carried out by standard procedure with hematoxylin-eosin staining. CONCLUSION: In six female bodies we have witnessed preperitoneal fatty plug five times on the left and three times on the right side.

Cortical representation of interaural time difference in congenital deafness.

Binaural cues are required for localization of sound sources. In the present paper, representation of binaural cues has been investigated in the adult auditory cortex. Hearing and congenitally deaf cats were stimulated through binaural cochlear implants and unit responses were collected in the subregion of field A1 showing the largest amplitudes of evoked local field potentials. Sensitivity to interaural time difference (ITD) in the range from -600 to 600 micros was tested at intensities of 0-10 dB above hearing threshold. Template ITD functions were fitted to the data and parameters of ITD functions were compared between deaf and hearing animals. In deaf animals, fewer units responded to binaural stimulation, and those that responded had smaller maximal evoked firing rate. The fit to the template ITD functions was significantly worse in deaf animals, and the modulation depth in ITD functions was smaller, demonstrating a decrease in ITD sensitivity. With increasing binaural levels, hearing controls demonstrated systematic changes in ITD functions not found in deaf animals. Bimodal responses, likely related to precedence effect, were rare in deaf animals. The data demonstrate that despite some rudimentary sensitivity to interaural timing, cortical representation of ITDs is substantially altered by congenital auditory deprivation.

[Safety of TVT-O]. / Bezpecnost TVT-O z anatomického pohledu.

OBJECTIVE: Examine safety of TVT-O. DESIGN: Experimental study. SETTING: Gynekologicko-porodnická klinika 1. LF UK a VFN, Institute of Anatomy, Institute of Pathology LF U.K., Praha. METHODS: We inserted TVT-O in fourteen formalin-embalmed bodies with legs mal-positioned. After dissection distances from the branches of obturator nerve to the inserter were measured. RESULTS: In embalmed bodies, the mean distance to the anterior branch of the obturator nerve was 8.6 mm on the left, 7.1 mm on the right. Mean distance to the posterior branch of the obturator nerve was 8.4 mm on the left, 8.9 mm on the right. CONCLUSION: The position of the legs is crucial for correct placement of TVT-O.