Reducing pelvic floor injury by induction of labor.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesized that elective induction of labor (eIOL) at 39 weeks is protective of levator ani muscle injury (LAMI) and is associated with decreased pelvic symptoms at 6 weeks postpartum compared to expectant management of labor. METHODS: Prospective cohort pilot study of uncomplicated, primiparous women with a singleton, vertex gestation enrolled immediately post-vaginal delivery (VD). Subjects were dichotomized into two groups based on labor management: eIOL without complication defined by the ARRIVE trial versus spontaneous VD between 39 weeks0/7 and 42 weeks5/7 or no indication for IOL prior to 40 weeks5/7. The primary outcome was LAMI at 6 weeks postpartum as evidenced by any of the following ultrasound measures: (1) increased levator hiatal area (LHA) > 2500 mm2, (2) increased elasticity index (EI, > 75th quartile) or (3) levator enthesis avulsion. RESULTS: Analysis represents 45/102 consented women from July 2019-October 2020 (eIOL n = 22 and spontaneous VD, n = 23). Neither maternal, clinical, sociodemographic characteristics nor pelvic symptoms differed between groups. Fewer women had LAMI as defined by the primary outcome with eIOL (n = 5, 23.8%) compared to spontaneous VD (n = 15, 65.2%), p = 0.008. Levator enthesis was more deformable (increased EI) with spontaneous VD as compared to the eIOL [10.66 (8.99) vs. 5.68 (2.93), p = 0.046]. On univariate logistic regression women undergoing spontaneous VD had unadjusted OR of 6.0 (1.6-22.5, p = 0.008) of sustaining LAMI compared to those undergoing eIOL. CONCLUSIONS: Composite measures of LAMI though not pelvic floor symptoms were markedly increased in women undergoing spontaneous VD compared to those undergoing eIOL at 39 weeks.

Effect of Surgery for Stress Incontinence on Female Sexual Function.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of four different surgical interventions for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) on 2-year postoperative sexual function. METHODS: This is a combined secondary analysis of SISTEr (Stress Incontinence Surgical Treatment Efficacy Trial) and TOMUS (Trial of Mid-Urethral Slings). Women in the original trials were randomized to receive surgical treatment for SUI with an autologous fascial sling or Burch colposuspension (SISTEr), or a retropubic or transobturator midurethral sling (TOMUS). Sexual function (assessed by the short version of the PISQ-12 [Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire]) was compared between groups at baseline, 12 and 24 months. Secondarily, the effects of subjective and objective surgical cure rates and the effect of concomitant surgical procedures on 24-month sexual function was explored. RESULTS: Nine hundred twenty-four women were included in this study: 249 (26.9%) had an autologous fascial sling, 239 (25.9%) underwent Burch colposuspension, 216 (23.3%) had a retropubic midurethral sling placed, and 220 (23.8%) had transobturator midurethral sling placed. Baseline characteristics (including PISQ-12 scores) were similar between the four treatment arms, with notable exceptions including race-ethnicity, prolapse stage, concomitant surgery, and number of vaginal deliveries. After adjustment for differences between the groups, there was a clinically important improvement in PISQ-12 scores over the 24-month postoperative period for all treatment groups, with no significant differences attributed to the type of anti-incontinence procedure (baseline PISQ-12: 32.6, 33.1, 31.9, 31.4; 24-month PISQ-12: 37.7, 37.8, 36.9, 37.1, P<.01). There was no significant difference in mean PISQ-12 scores between 12 months and 24 months (12-month PISQ-12: 37.7, 37.8, 36.9, 37.1; 24 months as above, P=.97). Multivariable analysis showed independent associations between objective and subjective cure rates as well as concomitant procedures with a 24-month PISQ-12 score. CONCLUSION: Women undergoing anti-incontinence surgery show overall improvement in sexual function from baseline to 24 months postoperatively, without significant differences based on surgical procedure performed. The majority of this improvement occurs in the first 12 months and is maintained over 24 months.

Complications After Reperitonealization of Mesh at Time of Sacrocolpopexy: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVES: To determine if there is a difference in rates of surgical complications among patients who have reperitonealization of mesh versus no reperitonealization at time of sacrocolpopexy. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of all patients who underwent sacrocolpopexy at an academic medical center between 2008 and 2017. The medical record was reviewed for the operative method of sacrocolpopexy, concomitant surgeries, intraoperative or postoperative complications, and readmissions. Groups were compared on whether mesh was reperitonealized under pelvic peritoneum or not. RESULTS: A total of 209 patients underwent sacrocolpopexy, with mesh reperitonealization performed in 115 (55%). Demographics were similar in both groups, except race/ethnicity and stage of prolapse. The majority (190 [91%]) of surgeries included concomitant procedures. A total of 18 intraoperative or postoperative complications (8.6%) were recorded. Relative risk of complication with mesh reperitonealization is 0.81 (95% confidence interval, 0.1-1.70). Complications for subjects without mesh reperitonealization included 4 cystostomies, 1 urethrotomy, 3 postoperative ileuses, and 1 small bowel obstruction. Among subjects with mesh reperitonealization, complications included 5 cystotomies, 2 proctotomies, 1 ureteral obstruction, and 1 small bowel obstruction. Rates of hospital readmission among both groups were not significantly different, with 3.2% of subjects without mesh reperitonealization versus 3.5% of mesh reperitonealization patients (P = 0.91) (relative risk, 1.09; 95% confidence interval, 0.38-2.56). CONCLUSIONS: There is no significant difference in rates of complications or readmissions among patients with and without mesh reperitonealization at time of sacrocolpopexy. The only intraoperative complication solely attributed to mesh closure was a case with ureteral obstruction at time of reperitonealization.