Gender Equity in Academic Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery Departments: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study.

IMPORTANCE: Gender equity in obstetrics and gynecology remains a barrier to career mobility and workplace satisfaction. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate gender equity for academic positions in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery (FPMRS) divisions with an Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-accredited fellowship in the United States. STUDY DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional observational study of all FPMRS divisions with an Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-accredited fellowship program in the United States in July 2020 using publicly available demographic and academic data collected from online search engines. Gender equity in academic FPMRS was assessed by gender representation, academic appointment, and research productivity of each attending physician within the division. Research productivity was assessed using both the H-index with career length controlled for with the M-quotient. RESULTS: There were 348 attending physicians from 72 FPMRS divisions (198 female [56.9%], 150 male [43.1%]). A large percentage of female attending physicians were at the assistant professor level (75.8% [94 of 124]) when compared with their male counterparts (24.4% [30 of 124]; P < 0.001). Conversely, there were a larger percentage of male attending physicians (62.2% [56 of 90]) at the professor level when compared with their female counterparts (37.8% [34 of 90]; P < 0.001). There was no difference in research productivity between male and female attending physicians after controlling for career length with the M-quotient (P = 0.65). Only age (odds ratio, 1.14; 95% confidence interval, 1.05-1.24) and the M-quotient (odds ratio, 36.17, 95% confidence interval, 8.57-152.73) were significantly associated with professorship. CONCLUSIONS: Our study found that there are more female attending physicians in FPMRS and that most are assistant professors. Male and female FPMRS attending physicians had similar research productivity with respect to their career lengths. Gender was not a determinant for achieving a "professor" appointment.

Postpartum urinary retention: an expert review.

Postpartum urinary retention is a relatively common condition that can have a marked impact on women in the immediate days following childbirth. If left untreated, postpartum urinary retention can lead to repetitive overdistention injury that may damage the detrusor muscle and the parasympathetic nerve fibers within the bladder wall. In rare circumstances, postpartum urinary retention may even lead to bladder rupture, which is a potentially life-threatening yet entirely preventable complication. Early diagnosis and timely intervention are necessary to decrease long-term consequences. There are 3 types of postpartum urinary retention: overt, covert, and persistent. Overt retention is associated with an inability to void, whereas covert retention is associated with incomplete bladder emptying. Persistent urinary retention continues beyond the third postpartum day and can persist for several weeks in rare cases. Recognition of risk factors and prompt diagnosis are important for proper management and prevention of negative sequelae. However, lack of knowledge by providers and patients alike creates barriers to accessing and receiving evidence-based care, and may further delay diagnosis for patients, especially those who experience covert postpartum urinary retention. Nationally accepted definitions and management algorithms for postpartum urinary retention are lacking, and development of such guidelines is essential for both patient care and research design. We propose intrapartum recommendations and a standardized postpartum bladder management protocol that will improve patient outcomes and contribute to the growing body of evidence-based practice in this field.

Systematic Review of Pelvic Anatomy iOS and Android Applications for Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

IMPORTANCE: Resources for learning and enhancing knowledge in medicine, such as mobile applications (apps), have dramatically increased in recent years; however, there is lack of a valid source for identifying the best and most reliable mobile apps. OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to identify the highest scoring available pelvic anatomy apps based on quality, content, and functionality for obstetrician-gynecologists using a validated tool. STUDY DESIGN: This was a systematic evaluation of anatomy apps in the Apple iTunes (iOS) and Google Play (Android) stores. Exclusions included apps that had nonhuman, nonanatomy content, did not include female pelvic anatomy or were deemed inappropriate for postgraduate level. The validated Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS), a mobile-health (mHealth) app scoring system was used to evaluate apps based on both objective and subjective quality. The authors' MARS scores for each variable were compiled, and the objective, subjective, and overall scores were calculated. RESULTS: The search criteria yielded 2,432 apps: 952 (39%) Apple iTunes store and 1,480 (60.8%) Google Play Store apps. After applying the exclusion criteria, 35 (14 iOS, 8 Android, and 13 iOS/Android) apps were included for evaluation using the MARS system. "Complete Anatomy" app, available for both iOS and Android systems, obtained the highest objective, subjective, and overall MARS score. CONCLUSIONS: Although there are numerous anatomy apps available, only a few meet prespecified criteria for functionality, content, quality, and are appropriate for obstetrician-gynecologists. Using a validated scoring system, we present a scored list of female pelvic anatomy apps most appropriate for obstetrician-gynecologists.

Sexual Harassment Prevalence Among OBGYN Trainees and Cultural Climate of their Training Programs: Result From a Nationwide Survey.

OBJECTIVE: Sexual harassment has many short- and long-term consequences and greatly impacts the clinical work environment, job satisfaction, job performance, and mental wellbeing of the individual. Data on prevalence of sexual harassment in a women-majority field such as Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN) are limited. This national cross-sectional study sought to determine the prevalence of sexual harassment among OBGYN trainees in the United States (U.S.) and assess the associated departmental cultural climate. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS: This study was a cross-sectional, anonymous, voluntary, national survey of OBGYN residents and fellows in the U.S. conducted from May 1, 2019 to June 30, 2019. The validated Sexual Experience Questionnaire was administered via an online survey. Trainees were also queried regarding wellbeing, work satisfaction, and departmental/institutional reporting structure. Demographic data were also gathered. The main outcome was prevalence of sexual harassment among U.S. OBGYN trainees. RESULTS: An email including the survey link was distributed to 1473 OBGYN trainees from 60 programs; 366 completed it (24.8% response rate). The mean age of survey respondents was 30.5 (SD 2.9) years. The majority of respondents were women (86%), White (64.1%), and residents (PGY 1-4, 80.2%). The prevalence of sexual harassment among respondents was 69.1% (69.6% of men and 68.7% of women). The prevalence of sexual harassment by race/ethnicity was: Hispanic/Latina 75.0%, White 68.7%, Asian 68.6%, and Black 47.4% trainees. The majority of respondents' program directors were women (66.4%, 227/342) and the majority of department chairs were men (68.9%, 235/341). The prevalence of sexual harassment did not differ based on the gender of the respondents' program directors and chairs (p-value 0.93). CONCLUSIONS: There is a high prevalence of sexual harassment among U.S. OBGYN trainees. Action is required to improve institutional and departmental cultures.

Complications After Vesicovaginal Fistula Repair Based on Surgeon Specialty in the United States: Analysis of a National Database.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare the rates of major and minor complications for vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) repair based on surgeon specialty and to identify risk factors for adverse outcomes. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort analysis of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program between the years 2014 and 2019. Cases were identified using Current Procedural Terminology codes for VVF repair. Minor and major complication rates for VVF repair were compared between 2 cohorts defined by surgeon specialty: gynecology versus urology. Additional outcomes included readmissions and reoperations. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate risk factors for complications. RESULTS: A total of 319 VVF repairs were included in the analysis, of which 115 (36.1%) were performed by gynecologists and 204 (63.9%) by urologists. There were no significant differences in the demographic or medical characteristics between the gynecology and urology cohorts except for race. Gynecologists performed more concomitant hysterectomies (10.4% vs 1.0%, P < 0.001) and apical suspension procedures (6.1% vs 0%, P < 0.001). There were no differences in minor (7.8% vs 6.4%, P = 0.623) or major (2.6% vs 3.4%, P = 1.000) complications between the cohorts. The overall readmission rate was 4.7%, and the reoperation rate was 2.2% with no differences between specialties. On multivariable logistic regression analysis, body mass index and concurrent hysterectomy were risk factors for major or minor complications with no increased risk associated with surgeon specialty or route of surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Complication rates did not differ for VVF repairs performed by gynecologists compared with urologists. Readmission and reoperation rates were low for both groups.

Virtual Interviews During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Survey of Applicants to Fellowships in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery.

OBJECTIVES: The objective was to assess female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery (FPMRS) fellowship applicants' perspectives on the effectiveness of the virtual interview format for creating their rank lists. METHODS: This was an anonymous internet-based survey study of applicants to the FPMRS fellowships in the United States, conducted from July 21, 2020, to August 5, 2020. A 34-item questionnaire queried applicants on satisfaction with interviews, comfort with creating a rank list and time, and financial cost of interviews. Applicants were invited to complete the survey via standardized emails distributed via the REDCap secure database. RESULTS: Forty-two (56.7%) of 74 applicants completed the survey. The majority of respondents were somewhat satisfied or very satisfied (92.9%) with the virtual interview process and felt comfortable ranking the programs (83.3%). A total of 9.8% of respondents found virtual interviews somewhat or much better than in-person interviews with regards to being informative and helpful, whereas 61% found them to be about the same. A majority (75.6%) found virtual interviews somewhat or much less stressful compared with in-person interviews. The majority (97.5%) spent less than $2,000 during the application process compared with more than $4,000 (87.8%) that they had anticipated spending if the interviews were in person. CONCLUSIONS: Our data revealed that FPMRS applicants overall had a positive experience with the virtual interview platform and felt comfortable creating a rank list of programs based on those interviews.

Anticholinergic prescribing pattern changes of urogynecology providers in response to evidence of potential dementia risk.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Recent publications show an association between exposure to anticholinergic medications and the risk of developing dementia. We hypothesized that urogynecology providers have changed their overactive bladder syndrome treatment as a result of this literature. METHODS: This was an anonymous, cross-sectional, web-based survey of American Urogynecologic Society members. Survey questions queried awareness of the referenced literature, prescribing practices, the impact of insurance on treatment plans, and demographics. Our primary outcome measured the change in prescribing practice in response to literature linking anticholinergic medications with the risk of dementia. Descriptive statistics were used. RESULTS: A total of 222 urogynecology providers completed the survey. Nearly all respondents (99.1%) were aware of the recent literature, and, as a result, 90.5% reported changing their practice. Prior to the publication of recent literature, a "non-CNS-sparing" anticholinergic (e.g., oxybutynin) was most commonly prescribed (64.4%), whereas after the literature was published, this shifted to ß3-adrenoceptor agonists (58.5%, p < 0.001). A majority of respondents (96.6%) reported that insurance restrictions led to a change in treatment for some patients, with 73.5% describing the prior-authorization process as difficult. Many providers (61.8%) reported that a trial of anticholinergics was required by insurance companies prior to authorizing mirabegron. CONCLUSIONS: The recent literature associating anticholinergic medications with the development of dementia has changed practice patterns among survey respondents, with a shift away from anticholinergic medications and toward ß3-adrenoceptor agonists. The majority of respondents report insurance barriers to non-anticholinergic therapies, resulting in alteration of their preferred practices.

Rethinking Second-Line Therapy for Overactive Bladder to Improve Patient Access to Treatment Options.

Idiopathic overactive bladder (OAB) is a chronic condition that negatively affects quality of life, and oral medications are an important component of the OAB treatment algorithm. Recent literature has shown that anticholinergics, the most commonly prescribed oral medication for the treatment of OAB, are associated with cognitive side effects including dementia. ß3-adrenoceptor agonists, the only alternative oral treatment for OAB, are similar in efficacy to anticholinergics with a more favorable side effect profile without the same cognitive effects. However, there are marked cost variations and barriers to access for OAB medications, resulting in expensive copays and medication trial requirements that ultimately limit access to ß3-adrenoceptor agonists and more advanced procedural therapies. This contributes to and perpetuates health care inequality by burdening the patients with the least resources with a greater risk of dementia. When prescribing these medications, health care professionals are caught in a delicate balancing act between cost and patient safety. Through multilevel collaboration, we can help disrupt health care inequalities and provide better care for patients with OAB.

Virtual Interviews During COVID-19: Perspectives of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery Program Directors.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery (FPMRS) fellowship program directors' opinions regarding the effectiveness of virtual interviews for selecting fellows and their future interview mode preferences. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional online survey of all FPMRS program directors in the United States conducted from April 29, 2020, to May 30, 2020. At the time of this study, there were 73 program directors and 69 obstetrics and gynecology and urology-accredited FPMRS programs nationwide. The primary outcome was to subjectively assess the effectiveness of virtual interviews as compared with in-person interviews for evaluating applicants. RESULTS: Fifty seven (82.6%) of the program directors completed the survey. A total of 80.7% (46/57) of the respondents had participated in interviews for the active match cycle. Of the programs that participated in the interview process, almost all conducted interviews using virtual platforms (97.8%, 45/46). Program directors who conducted interviews virtually found them effective in evaluating applicants (88.9%, 40/45) and were satisfied with the virtual interview process (86.7%, 39/45). A total of 31.1% of respondents (14/45) preferred a virtual platform to an in-person setting for future interviews, and 60% (27/45) reported that they will likely perform future interviews virtually. CONCLUSIONS: Although the pandemic resulted in a sudden reformatting of FPMRS fellowship interviews, most program directors nationally were satisfied with the process and found virtual interviews effective for assessing applicants. More than 50% of FPMRS program directors are likely to consider the virtual format for future interviews.

Incidence and risk factors for venous thromboembolism events after different routes of pelvic organ prolapse repairs.

BACKGROUND: Venous thromboembolism events, including deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism are the most common cause of preventable deaths in hospitalized patients in the United States. Although the risk of venous thromboembolism events in benign gynecologic surgery is generally low, the potential for venous thromboembolism events in urogynecologic population is significant because most patients undergoing the pelvic organ prolapse surgery have increased surgical risk factors. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the incidence and risk factors for venous thromboembolism events within 30 days after different routes of the pelvic organ prolapse surgery in a large cohort population using the American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. STUDY DESIGN: This retrospective cohort study used Current Procedural Terminology codes to identify pelvic organ prolapse repairs with and without concurrent hysterectomy performed during 2011-2017 in the American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Demographics, preoperative length of hospital stay, operative time, preoperative comorbidities, smoking status, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification system scores, along with other variables were collected. Postoperative 30-day complications, including readmission, reoperation, and mortality, were collected. The incidence rates of venous thromboembolism, as defined by American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Program, were compared among different surgical routes. Descriptive statistics were used, and logistic regression was performed to identify associations. RESULTS: Among 91,480 pelvic organ prolapse surgeries identified, 63,108 were analyzed: 43,279 (68.6%) were performed vaginally, 16,518 (26.2%) laparoscopically, and 3311 (5.2%) abdominally. A total of 34,698 (55.0%) underwent a concurrent hysterectomy. Of 63,108 subjects, 133 developed venous thromboembolism within 30 days after surgery (0.21%; 95% confidence interval, 0.18-0.25; P<.0001). More than half (60%) of venous thromboembolism events occurred within 10 days after surgery. For all surgical routes, older age (P<.041), higher body mass index (P=.002), race or ethnicity (P=.04), longer operating time (P<.0001), inpatient status (P<.0001), American Society of Anesthesiologists 3 or 4 (P<.0001), having preoperative renal failure (P=.001), and chronic steroid use (P=.02) were significantly associated with venous thromboembolism. In addition, in the vaginal pelvic organ prolapse repair group, concurrent hysterectomy (P=.03) and preoperative dyspnea (P=.01) were associated with development of venous thromboembolism. In the abdominal pelvic organ prolapse repair, concurrent hysterectomy (P=.005) and hypertension requiring medication (P=.04) were also independently associated with venous thromboembolism development (Table 1). The incidence of venous thromboembolism was highest in abdominal repairs (0.72%), followed by laparoscopic repairs (0.25%) and vaginal repairs (0.16%). After adjusting for confounders, abdominal compared with vaginal approach (adjusted odds ratio, 3.27; 95% confidence interval, 1.93-5.41; P<.0001), longer operative time (adjusted odds ratio, 1.005; 95% confidence interval, 1.003-1.006; P<.0001), older age (adjusted odds ratio, 1.020; 95% confidence interval, 1.00-1.037; P=.015), greater body mass index (adjusted odds ratio, 1.04; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.07; P=.0006), American Society of Anesthesiologists 3 or 4 (adjusted odds ratio, 1.55; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-2.31; P=.03), and preoperative renal failure (adjusted odds ratio, 8.87; 95% confidence interval, 1.16-44.15; P=.04) remained significantly associated with developing venous thromboembolism. Neither laparoscopic repair (compared with vaginal repair) nor concurrent procedures (hysterectomy, antiincontinence procedure, vaginal mesh insertion) were found to be significantly associated with the development of venous thromboembolism. The abdominal pelvic organ prolapse repairs were associated with an increased hazard of venous thromboembolism (hazard ratio, 3.27; 95% confidence interval, 1.96-5.45; P<.0001). Venous thromboembolism development was associated with 30-day mortality, readmission, and reoperation (all P<.0001). CONCLUSION: The overall incidence of venous thromboembolism after pelvic organ prolapse repairs based on a recent, large cohort database was very low, confirming the finding in previous smaller cohort studies. The highest venous thromboembolism risk was associated with abdominal route, and more than 60% of venous thromboembolism events occurred within 10 days after surgery. Thus, focus should be placed on risk-reducing strategies in the immediate postoperative period, with greater emphasis on patients undergoing abdominal surgery.

Relationship Between Pelvic Organ Prolapse and Non-Human Papillomavirus Pap Smear Abnormalities.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the association between pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and non-human papillomavirus (HPV) Papanicolaou (Pap) smear abnormalities. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of women aged 40 to 70 years who presented for consultation at our institution between 2010 and 2015 and had results of a Pap smear and HPV test available within 5 years of their visit. We extracted demographic information, medical and social history, Pap smear, and HPV results from the electronic medical record. Associations between the presence of POP and non-HPV Pap smear abnormalities were estimated using univariable and multivariable analyses. RESULTS: We reviewed 1590 charts and excluded 980 women, leaving 610 women in the study: 183 with POP and 427 without POP. Women with POP were significantly older (58.2 ± 7.2 vs 55.6 ± 6.6, P < 0.01) and more likely to have a remote (>10 year) history of abnormal Pap smear (24.0% vs 14.8%, P < 0.01). The rate of non-HPV-associated abnormal Pap smears was higher in the POP group than in the non-POP group (12/183 [6.6%] vs 12/427 [2.8%], P = 0.029). In the POP group, the rate of non-HPV Pap smear abnormality was significantly associated with increasing prolapse stage (stage 1: 0/16 [0%], stage 2: 5/77 [6.5%], stage 3: 3/73 [4.1%], stage 4: 4/17 [23.5%]; P = 0.02). After controlling for age and remote history of abnormal Pap smear, the odds ratio for non-HPV Pap smear abnormalities in the POP group remained significant (2.49; 95% confidence interval, 1.08-5.79). CONCLUSIONS: Human papillomavirus-negative Pap smear abnormalities may be related to POP. Our findings have important implications for surgeons seeking to leave the cervix in situ in women with POP.

Dobutamine-induced myocardial ischemia and ST-segment elevation in collateral-dependent myocardium.

In patients with obstructive coronary artery disease, electrocardiographic (ECG) ST-segment elevation (STE) is frequently seen during dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) in leads overlying previous transmural left ventricular (LV) myocardial infarction. The mechanism of occasional STE during DSE in LV region with inducible myocardial ischemia and no previous myocardial infarction has not been well delineated. We retrospectively identified 28 adults (age 51 to 83 years [69 ± 8]; 82% men) with STE (>1 mm at ≥80 ms after J point in ≥2 contiguous leads without pathologic Q waves) and inducible myocardial ischemia in the same territory during DSE. STE occurred in inferior (n = 16), inferolateral (n = 8), anterior (n = 1), lateral (n = 2), or anterolateral (n = 1) leads and was associated with ischemic symptoms in 17 patients (61%). Inducible LV wall motion abnormality developed in LV segments corresponding to ECG STE in all patients. Coronary arteriography (within 1 week of the index DSE) showed severe luminal narrowing in the major epicardial coronary artery supplying the region with DSE STE and ischemia (90% to 99% in 9 patients [32%] and 100% in 19 patients [68%]). The ischemic region was supplied by ipsilateral (n = 4 [14%]), contralateral (n = 21 [75%]), or both ipsilateral and contralateral (n = 3 [11%]) collateral branches. In conclusion, dobutamine-induced ECG STE in LV segments with normal baseline wall motion is a highly reliable marker of viable collateral-dependent myocardium.

Phosphorylation of threonine 3: implications for Huntingtin aggregation and neurotoxicity.

Huntingtin (Htt) is a widely expressed protein that causes tissue-specific degeneration when mutated to contain an expanded polyglutamine (poly(Q)) domain. Although Htt is large, 350 kDa, the appearance of amino-terminal fragments of Htt in extracts of postmortem brain tissue from patients with Huntington disease (HD), and the fact that an amino-terminal fragment, Htt exon 1 protein (Httex1p), is sufficient to cause disease in models of HD, points to the importance of the amino-terminal region of Htt in the disease process. The first exon of Htt encodes 17 amino acids followed by a poly(Q) repeat of variable length and culminating with a proline-rich domain of 50 amino acids. Because modifications to this fragment have the potential to directly affect pathogenesis in several ways, we have surveyed this fragment for potential post-translational modifications that might affect Htt behavior and detected several modifications of Httex1p. Here we report that the most prevalent modifications of Httex1p are NH(2)-terminal acetylation and phosphorylation of threonine 3 (pThr-3). We demonstrate that pThr-3 occurs on full-length Htt in vivo, and that this modification affects the aggregation and pathogenic properties of Htt. Thus, therapeutic strategies that modulate these events could in turn affect Htt pathogenesis.