Changes in female sexual function following anterior with and without posterior vaginal mesh surgery for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse.

INTRODUCTION: Comparison of female sexual function following anterior and total transvaginal mesh (TVM) surgery has never been reported. AIM: To compare the sexual function after anterior and total TVM repair for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse (POP). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The short forms of Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6) and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7), and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). METHODS: One hundred and sixty-five women with symptomatic POP stages II to IV defined by the POP quantification (POP-Q) staging system underwent TVM procedures at our hospitals. Seventy women were included because they were sexually active and had complete follow-up. All subjects were divided into the anterior group (anterior TVM; N=39) and total group (anterior and posterior TVM; N=31). Preoperative and postoperative assessments included pelvic examination using the POP-Q system, urodynamic study, and a personal interview to evaluate urinary and sexual symptoms with the short forms of UDI-6 and IIQ-7, and the FSFI. RESULTS: There was no difference between the two groups as for age, parity, diabetes, hypertension, concomitant procedures, and success rates for TVM and mid-urethral sling in this study (P>0.05). Regarding the POP-Q analysis, there was a significant improvement at points Aa, Ba, C, Ap, and Bp (P<0.05) in both groups except for total vaginal length (P>0.05). The preoperative scores of UDI-6 and IIQ-7 were significantly higher in the total group (P<0.01), and the UDI-6 and IIQ-7 scores showed significant decreases in both groups postoperatively (P<0.01). After TVM surgery, the score of the dyspareunia domain worsened significantly in both groups (P<0.05), and the deteriorated lubrication domain was noted only in the total group (P=0.042). CONCLUSIONS: TVM procedure creates an effective anatomical restoration of POP, but individual domains of FSFI may worsen. Compared with the anterior group, women of the total group had worse quality of life in term of urinary symptoms preoperatively, and experienced a greater sexual impairment on lubrication following surgery.

Epidemiology of group B Streptococcus ST-17 clone in pregnant women of South Taiwan.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to utilize a simple molecular assay to simultaneously detect both group B Streptococcus (GBS) and virulent ST-17 rectovaginal colonization. We also attempted to estimate the prevalence of maternal GBS and ST-17 carriers and to evaluate their seasonal association. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We used an optimized multiplex PCR method employing scp-B and ST-17 primers to analyze DNA extracted from rectovaginal swabs of 3,064 cases collected over 3 years. The incidence trends, seasonal variations, and temperature preference were analyzed. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of maternal colonization for GBS and ST-17 clone were 13.25 and 2.48%, respectively. The ST-17 to GBS ratio was 18.72%. The occurrence of ST-17 colonization was significantly associated with seasonal variations with a preference for lower temperatures. CONCLUSIONS: We developed a novel multiplex PCR method suitable for the simultaneous detection of GBS and ST-17 clone. The phenomenon of lower temperature preference for ST-17 clone necessitates further investigation. The epidemiological data for GBS and ST-17 incidence are especially important to establish a public policy for universal GBS screening in the future.

Effects of Elevated CO2 on the Fitness of Three Successive Generations of Lipaphis erysimi.

To assess the effect of elevated CO2 on the development, fecundity, and population dynamic parameters of L. erysimi, the age-stage, two-sex life table was used to predict the individual fitness and population parameters of three successive generations of L. erysimi in this study. The results show that a significantly longer total pre-adult stage before oviposition (TPOP) was observed in the third generation compared with the first generation of L. erysimi under the 800 µL/L CO2 treatment. The fecundity is significantly lower in the 800 µL/L CO2 treatment than that in the 400 µL/L CO2 treatment in the third generation of L. erysimi, which indicates that elevated CO2 had a negative effect on the individual fitness parameters of L. erysimi. Additionally, the life expectancy (exj) is significantly lower under the 800 µL/L CO2 treatment than that under the 400 µL/L CO2 treatment in the three successive generations. A significantly higher intrinsic rate of increase (r) and finite rate of increase (λ) were found in the second generation compared with those in the first and third generations of L. erysimi under the 800 µL/L CO2 treatment. Moreover, significantly lower r and λ were observed under the 800 µL/L CO2 treatment compared with those under the 400 µL/L and 600 µL/L CO2 treatments in the first generation of L. erysimi, which indicates that elevated CO2 has a short-term effect on the population parameters (r and λ) of L. erysimi. Our experiment can provide the data for the comprehensive prevention and control of L. erysimi in the future with increasing CO2 levels.

Comparison of the changes in sexual function of premenopausal and postmenopausal women following transvaginal mesh surgery.

INTRODUCTION: The effect of transvaginal mesh (TVM) surgery on sexual function between premenopausal and postmenopausal women remains controversial. AIM: To compare the changes in sexual function of premenopausal and postmenopausal women following TVM repair. METHODS: One hundred and fifty-two consecutive women with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse (POP) stages II to IV were referred for TVM procedures at our hospitals. Sixty-eight women were included because they were sexually active and had complete follow-up. All subjects were divided into the premenopausal (N = 36) and postmenopausal (N = 32) groups. Preoperative and postoperative assessments included pelvic examination using the POP quantification (POP-Q) system and a personal interview with the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6), and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The FSFI, UDI-6, and IIQ-7 questionnaires. RESULTS: The mean age, rates of hypertension, and previous hysterectomy were significantly higher in the postmenopausal group (P < 0.05) compared with the premenopausal group. As for the POP-Q analysis, there was a significant improvement at points Aa, Ba, C, Ap, and Bp (P < 0.001) in both groups except for total vaginal length (P > 0.05). Similarly, the UDI-6 and IIQ-7 scores significantly decreased postoperatively (P < 0.01). After POP surgery, the score of the dyspareunia domain decreased significantly in the premenopausal group (P < 0.01) but was not the case for the postmenopausal group (P > 0.05). There were no significant changes in other domains and total scores in both groups (P > 0.05). However, higher rates of worsening dyspareunia and total scores were noted in the premenopausal group (P = 0.03 vs. 0.033). CONCLUSION: TVM procedure is effective for the anatomical restoration of POP. However, individual domain of FSFI such as dyspareunia may worsen in the premenopausal women. Additionally, our results revealed that over one third of premenopausal women could have a worsening sexuality domain postoperatively, with significantly higher rate of deteriorated dyspareunia and total FSFI scores than postmenopausal women.

Modulation of tumorigenesis and oestrogen receptor-alpha expression by cell culture conditions in a stem cell-derived breast epithelial cell line.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The common phenotypes of cancer and stem cells suggest that cancers arise from stem cells. Oestrogen is one of the few most important determinants of breast cancer, as shown by several lines of convincing evidence. We have previously reported a human breast epithelial cell type (Type 1 HBEC) with stem cell characteristics and ER alpha (oestrogen receptor alpha) expression. A tumorigenic cell line, M13SV1R2, was developed from this cell type after SV40 (simian virus 40) large T-antigen transfection and X-ray irradiation. The cell line, however, was not responsive to oestrogen for cell growth or tumour development. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that deprivation of growth factors and hormones may change the tumorigenicity and oestrogen response of this cell line. RESULTS: The M13SV1R2 cells lost their tumorigenicity after culturing in a growth factor/hormone-deprived medium for >10 passages (referred to as R2d cells) concomitant with the expression of two tumour suppressor genes, namely those coding for maspin and alpha 6 integrin. However, these cells acquired oestrogen responsiveness in cell growth and tumour development. By immunocytochemistry, Western blotting and flow cytometry analysis, oestrogen treatment of R2d cells was found to induce many important effects related to breast carcinogenesis, namely: (i) the emergence of a subpopulation of cells expressing CD44+/high/CD24-/low breast tumour stem cell markers; (ii) the induction of EMT (epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition); (iii) the acquisition of metastatic ability; and (iv) the expression of COX-2 (cyclo-oxygenase-2) through a CD44-mediated mechanism. CONCLUSION: An oestrogen-responsive cell line with ER alpha and CD44+/CD24-/low expression can be derived from breast epithelial stem cells. The tumorigenicity and oestrogen response of these cells could depend on the cell culture conditions. The findings of this study have implications in regard to the origins of (1) ER alpha-positive breast cancers, (2) CD44+/CD24-/low breast tumour stem cells and (3) the metastatic ability of breast cancer.

Comparison of clinical outcome and urodynamic findings using "Perigee and/or Apogee" versus "Prolift anterior and/or posterior" system devices for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: This study aims to compare clinical outcome using the Perigee/Apogee® vs. Prolift® devices for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse (POP). METHODS: One hundred and eight women with POP stages II to IV were scheduled for either Perigee/Apogee® (Perigee group; n = 60) or Prolift® device (Prolift group; n = 48). Preoperative and postoperative assessments included pelvic examination, urodynamic study, and a personal interview about urinary and sexual symptoms. RESULTS: Despite different follow-up period (20 months for the Perigee group vs. 12 months for Prolift group; P < 0.01), the success rates for two groups were comparable (P > 0.05). Postoperative points Aa and Ba of Prolift group were significantly higher than the other group (P < 0.01). The prevalences of detrusor overactivity and urinary symptoms decreased significantly postoperatively in both groups (P < 0.05). Comparisons of all operative complications revealed no significant differences between the two groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Perigee/Apogee® and Prolift® devices for POP repair have comparable success rates, mesh-related morbidities, and similar impacts on functional outcome.

Predictors of improved overactive bladder symptoms after transvaginal mesh repair for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse: predictors of improved OAB after POP repair.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The aim of this study was to identify the predictors of improved overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms after transvaginal mesh repair. METHODS: Eighty women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) stage II to IV reporting OAB symptoms were scheduled for transvaginal mesh procedures. Preoperative and postoperative assessments included a bladder diary, urodynamics, and a personal interview about urinary symptoms. RESULTS: Sixty-three (78.8%) women experienced improvement of OAB symptoms (Improvement group), and 17 (21.2%) women remained unchanged or worsened (Persistence group) postoperatively. A univariate analysis of patients' characteristics showed no difference between two groups regarding parity, diabetes, hypertension, prolapse status, preoperative urodynamic parameters, and urinary symptoms (P > 0.05). However, the age (P = 0.042) and preoperative detrusor overactivity (DO) (P = 0.03) were two significant predictors of postoperative OAB improvement. CONCLUSIONS: Women with POP may experience improvement of their OAB symptoms after transvaginal mesh repair. Both age and DO were two predictors in our univariate analysis, and the latter was the only significant predictor of symptom relief after adjusting age factor.

The impact of simulated birth trauma and ovariectomy on the gene expression of detrusor muscarinic receptors in female rats.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: This study aims to investigate the effects of simulated birth trauma and ovariectomy on detrusor muscarinic receptors (M2 and M3), urethral neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), and estrogen receptor beta (ER beta). METHODS: Forty primiparous rats were equally divided into five groups: group A--delivery, group B--delivery plus ovariectomy, group C--delivery plus balloon dilatation for 2 h, group D--delivery plus balloon dilatation for 4 h, and group E--delivery plus balloon dilatation for 2 h plus ovariectomy. The gene expression of M2, M3, nNOS, and ER beta were assessed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Significant decreases in mRNA expression of M2 receptors and nNOS (P < 0.05), and a significant increase in M3 mRNA expression (P < 0.05) were observed in groups D and E when compared with group A. CONCLUSIONS: Ovariectomy following birth trauma may synergistically impact the function of urinary tract, this being possibly related to the modification of the gene expression of muscarinic receptors.

Comparison of tension-free vaginal tape and transobturator tape procedure for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The aim of this review was to assess the recent evidence on the effectiveness and complications of tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) and transobturator tape (TOT) procedures for female stress urinary incontinence between January 2008 and March 2009. RECENT FINDINGS: A meta-analysis of recent studies revealed that the short-term objective cure rate was borderline worse in the TOT group compared with TVT [odds ratio (OR) 0.62; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.37-1.00; P = 0.05]. Bladder perforation (OR 12.23; 95% CI 2.86-52.34) was significantly more common, whereas groin/thigh pain was significantly less in the TVT group (OR 0.32; 95% CI 0.11-0.92; P = 0.022). Postoperative urinary retention was slightly more in women undergoing TVT than those undergoing TOT (OR 1.6; 95% CI 0.90-3.12; P = 0.06). The rates of vaginal erosion (OR 0.34; 95% CI 0.09-1.33), de-novo urgency (OR 1.21; 95% CI 0.52-2.79) and urinary tract infection (OR 0.88; 95% CI 0.56-1.38) were comparable in both procedures. In addition, TVT appeared to be more obstructive than TOT, as evidenced by ultrasonographic and urodynamic findings. Changes in sexual function need further investigation because this issue has not been well studied for either sling procedure. SUMMARY: TOT has the advantages over TVT with shorter operative time and a relatively lower complication rate. For women with intrinsic sphincter deficiency, however, TVT appears to be a better option because it is more obstructive.

[Functional significance of TGF-beta1 signal transduction pathway in oral squamous cell carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) and its signaling pathway molecules in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and analyze the association between these factors and genesis and metastasis of OSCC. METHODS: The express of TGF-beta1, TbetaRI, TbetaRII and Smad4, a pivotal downstream molecule of its signaling, in 10 normal oral mucosa tissues and 108 OSCC was detected by SP immunohistochemistry, and thier correlation with genesis and metastasis of OSCC were assessed. RESULTS: The expressions of TbetaRII and Smad4 were lower in the tumors (34.3%, 38.9%) than those in the normal oral epithelium (80.0%, 100.0%, P < 0.05). The positive expression rates of TGF-beta1 and TbetaRI in the normal oral epithelium and OSCC were not significantly different (P > 0.05). There was an inverse correlation between TGF-beta1, Smad4, TbetaRII, TbetaRI expression and clinical stages (P < 0.01). The expression of TGF-beta1 was related with histological differentiation and tumor localization (P < 0.05). There was a relationship beteween Smad4 expression and histological differentiation and lymph node metastasis (P < 0.05). The expression of TbetaRII in the samples with lymph node metastasis was less than that in the ones without lymph node metastasis (P < 0.01), although there was no association between expression of TbetaRII and lymph node metastasis status. CONCLUSION: There is an important relationship between the abnormal TGF-beta1/Smad4 signal pathway and genesis and development of OSCC, while the low expressed Smad4 and TbetaRII may promote the metastasis of OSCC.

Ultrasonographic assessment of tape location following tension-free vaginal tape and transobturator tape procedure.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to perform an ultrasonographic comparison of tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) and the TVT-obturator (TVT-O) procedure in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 159 women with SUI undergoing either TVT (n=91) or TVT-O (n=68). All subjects underwent perineal ultrasonographies, pelvic examination, urinalyses, 1-h pad tests, multichannel urodynamic studies and a personal interview using the Bristol Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Questionnaire before and 1 year after surgery. RESULTS: At rest or during Valsalva, the middle of the TVT-O tape localised more distally than the TVT on ultrasound (p<0.01). A higher rate of urethral kinking during straining was observed in the TVT group compared with the TVT-O group after surgery (86.9 versus 23.9%, p<0.01). Mean operative time was significantly shorter in the TVT-O group (16.2 versus 28.6 min, p<0.01). The rate of objective cure was comparable for the TVT and TVT-O groups (94.5 versus 88.2%, p<0.05). However, subjective cure rate was significantly lower for the TVT-O than the TVT group (82.4 versus 93.4%, p=0.042). There was no statistical difference between the 2 groups regarding patient characteristics and complication rates. CONCLUSIONS: TVT-O tape results in a less acute angle and localises to a more distal part of the urethra, resulting in less urethral compression and a lower rate of urethral dynamic kinking.

Effect of laparoscopic hysterectomy on the vascularization of the lower urinary tract.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the changes in the vascularization of the lower urinary tract following laparoscopic hysterectomy (LH). METHODS: Seventy women undergoing LH not under the indication of a uterine myoma were included. All subjects underwent urinalysis, pelvic examination, and introital color Doppler ultrasonography and completed a urinary questionnaire before and 6 months after LH. One-hour pad tests and urodynamic studies were performed in clinically incontinent women pre- and postoperatively. RESULTS: Evaluation of the Doppler velocimetric parameters of bladder neck and periurethral vessels before and after LH, including number of vessels, pulsatility index, systolic peak, and minimum diastole, revealed no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05). In addition, the prevalence of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) decreased significantly from 37.1% (n = 26) preoperatively to 17.1% (n = 12) postoperatively (p < 0.01). A total of 19 patients reported no further SUI following LH. Their urinary leakages on the pad tests had all <10 g before surgery. When we analyzed the data of the women reporting no further SUI (n = 19) and de novo SUI (n = 5) following LH, the changes in the pulsatility index also showed no significant difference from the pre-LH values (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study suggest that LH has little impact on the blood flow of bladder neck and urethra. Although some women experienced relief of the symptoms of mild or de novo SUI after LH, this being unrelated to changes in the vascularization of the lower urinary tract.

A randomized comparative study of the effects of oral and topical estrogen therapy on the vaginal vascularization and sexual function in hysterectomized postmenopausal women.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of oral and vaginal estrogen therapy (ET) on the vaginal blood flow and sexual function in postmenopausal women with previous hysterectomy. DESIGN: Fifty-seven women were randomized to receive either oral (0.625 mg of conjugated equine estrogens per tablet; n = 27) or topical (0.625 mg conjugated equine estrogens per 1 g vaginal cream; n = 30) estrogen administered once daily. All women underwent estradiol measurements, urinalysis, pelvic examination, introital color Doppler ultrasonographies, and personal interviews for sexual symptoms using a validated questionnaire before and 3 months after ET. RESULTS: A higher serum level of estradiol was noted in the oral group compared with the topical group after 3 months of ET. There were significant increases in the number of vaginal vessels and the minimum diastole (P < 0.01), and marked decreases of pulsatility index values (P < 0.01) in both groups after ET. Regarding the systolic peak, we found a significant decrease only in the topical group (P < 0.05). Although the post-ET prevalence of anorgasmia decreased significantly in both groups (P < 0.05), changes in other domains, including the rates of low libido and coital frequency, were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). In the topical group, ET improved sexual function on the vaginal dryness and dyspareunia domains in a statistically significant manner (P < 0.05), but this was not the case in the oral group (P > 0.05). However, the efficacy of oral ET for vaginal dryness and dyspareunia reached 80% and 70.6%, respectively. The corresponding figures of the topical ET were 79.2% and 75%. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study suggest that ET alone in hysterectomized postmenopausal women increases the vaginal blood flow and improves some domains of sexual function, but it may not have an impact on diminished sexual desire or activity. Compared with systemic therapy, topical vaginal preparations are found to correlate with better symptom relief despite the lower serum level of estradiol.

Comparison of clinical outcomes using "elevate anterior" versus "Perigee" system devices for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to compare clinical outcomes using the Perigee versus Elevate anterior devices for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse (POP). STUDY DESIGN: One hundred and forty-one women with POP stages II to IV were scheduled for either Perigee (n = 91) or Elevate anterior device (n = 50). Preoperative and postoperative assessments included pelvic examination, urodynamic study, and a personal interview about quality of life and urinary symptoms. RESULTS: Despite postoperative point C of Elevate group being significantly deeper than the Perigee group (median: -7.5 versus -6; P < 0.01), the 1-year success rates for two groups were comparable (P > 0.05). Apart from urgency incontinence, women with advanced POP experienced significant resolution of irritating and obstructive symptoms after both procedures (P < 0.05), generating the improvement in postoperative scores of Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6) and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7) (P < 0.01). On urodynamics, only the residual urine decreased significantly following these two procedures (P < 0.05). Women undergoing Perigee mesh experienced significantly higher visual analogue scale (VAS) scores and vaginal extrusion rates compared with the Elevate anterior procedure (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: With comparable success rates, the Elevate procedure has advantages over the Perigee surgery with lower extrusion rate and postoperative day 1 VAS scores.

Lateral excision of tension-free vaginal tape for the treatment of iatrogenic urethral obstruction.

OBJECTIVE: To report our experience on lateral excision of tape in women with iatrogenic urethral obstruction after the tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) procedure. METHODS: Seven women had iatrogenic urethral obstruction based on their clinical and urodynamic findings. All underwent lateral excision of the tape using the vaginal approach. Lower urinary tract symptoms, postvoid residual volume and urodynamic data were evaluated before and after excision. RESULTS: Before excision, all subjects had either irritative symptoms or increased postvoid residual volume (more than 100 mL), and 6 (85.7%) voided with strain. The mean time from initial surgery to tape excision was 28 days (range 4 to 108), with an average follow-up of 32 months (range 24-39). After the excision, voiding dysfunction was resolved in 6 of 7 patients. The remaining patient had significant improvement with only occasional symptoms of irritation. Two (28.6%) women reported recurrent stress incontinence and 1 (14.3%) required surgical treatment. The intervals for the 2 recurrent patients from TVT to excision were 4 days. The intervals for the 5 continent women were 15 to 108 days. CONCLUSION: Urethral obstruction after TVT is a relatively uncommon condition. It can be effectively treated with transvaginal lateral excision of the tape. Recurrent stress incontinence seems to be less likely to occur when the takedown procedure occurs beyond 14 days after the initial TVT operation.

Modified prepubic TVT-obturator tape procedure versus the conventional method: a preliminary study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety of the modified prepubic tension-free vaginal tape-obturator (PTVT-O) system procedure with the original TVT-O methods. STUDY DESIGN: One hundred and ninety women with urodynamic stress incontinence (USI) were included in this study (93 cases in the TVT-O group and 97 in the PTVT-O group). Clinical assessments before and one year after surgery included urinalyses, 1-h pad tests, urodynamic studies, and a personal interview with the overactive bladder symptom score (OABSS) questionnaire. RESULTS: There were no differences between the two groups in mean age, parity, menopausal status, mean operative time and subjective cure rates (P>0.05), but the efficacy of surgery (cure and improvement) in the PTVT-O group was significantly higher than that in the TVT-O group (P=0.038). Complication rates and visual analog scale (VAS) scores were found to be similar (P>0.05). OABSS decreased significantly after surgery in both groups (P<0.05) although all urodynamic parameters revealed no significant difference after both procedures (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Our modified procedure is a safe and effective treatment for female USI. It has an advantage over the original TVT-O with better surgical efficacy and comparable postoperative pain, although the follow-up times in this study are different.

Clinical and urodynamic effects of tolterodine in women with an overactive bladder.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the changes in urinary symptoms and urodynamic parameters after administration of tolterodine in women with an overactive bladder (OAB). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-eight women diagnosed with OAB and treated with tolterodine were reviewed. Urinalysis, pelvic examination, 3-day bladder diary, urodynamic study, and a personal interview to identify urinary symptoms prior to and 3 months after treatment were recorded and interpreted. RESULTS: Most of our patients were menopausal (76.3%; mean age 55.7 years) and multiparous (mean parity 3.3) women. Urinary symptoms such as urinary frequency, urgency, urge incontinence, and nocturia were decreased significantly (p < 0.05). All urodynamic parameters did not change significantly except for the maximum cystometric capacity (p < 0.05), showing a significant increase after 3 months of medication. CONCLUSIONS: Tolterodine, at a recommended dose, improves the symptoms of OAB syndrome without causing urine retention, as proved by the changes of urodynamic parameters.

Three-year outcome of transvaginal mesh repair for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical and urodynamic outcomes of transvaginal mesh repair (TVM) for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse (POP). STUDY DESIGN: One hundred and twenty-four women with POP stage II to IV were scheduled for a TVM procedure. Preoperative and postoperative assessments included pelvic examination, urodynamic testing, and a personal interview about urinary symptoms using a standard questionnaire. RESULTS: We found a significant improvement at points Aa, Ba, C, Ap, and Bp (P<0.001) except for total vaginal length (P=0.08), and the overall success rate was 93.5% (116/124). Various urinary symptoms improved significantly following TVM (P<0.01). In addition, residual urine, functional urethral length, and the rate of detrusor overactivity, improved significantly after surgery (P<0.05). Apart from vaginal erosion (14/124; 11.3%), the rates of other surgical complications were acceptably low. CONCLUSION: TVM is an effective procedure for the treatment of POP and urinary symptoms, this being possibly related to postoperative release of urethral obstruction. Vaginal erosion is less likely to occur beyond the learning curve.

Risk factors of surgical failure following transvaginal mesh repair for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the factors associated with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) recurrence after transvaginal mesh (TVM) repair. STUDY DESIGN: One hundred and thirteen women with symptomatic POP stage II to IV were scheduled for TVM procedures. All subjects underwent urinalyses and pelvic examination using the POP quantification (POP-Q) staging system before and after surgery. RESULTS: Seven (6.2%) of 113 women reported POP recurrence after a mean follow-up time of 30 months. We performed a univariate analysis of patients' characteristics to identify the predictors of surgical failure after TVM. There was no difference between two groups as to body mass index, POP stage, mesh type, and preoperative urinary symptoms and urodynamic parameters (P>0.05). However, we found that uterine prolapse (P=0.016) and surgical experience (P=0.043) were two significant predictors of surgical failure. Multivariate logistic regression showed similar results. CONCLUSION: Advanced uterine prolapse and lack of surgical experience were two significant predictors of failure following TVM. POP recurrence after mesh repair appears to be unlikely beyond the learning curve.

Impact of total vaginal mesh surgery for pelvic organ prolapse on female sexual function.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the short-term impact of surgical repair with total transvaginal mesh (TVM) on sexual function among women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP). METHODS: Twenty-seven sexually active women who underwent total TVM procedures for symptomatic POP at Buddhist Dalin Tzu Chi General Hospital between 2007 and 2010 were included in the retrospective study. Preoperative and postoperative assessments included pelvic examination using the POP quantification (POP-Q) system, urodynamic studies, and a personal interview to evaluate urinary and sexual symptoms via the urogenital distress inventory (UDI-6), incontinence impact questionnaire (IIQ-7), and female sexual function index (FSFI). RESULTS: The mean patient age was 51.4 years (range 36-68 years) and the mean parity was 2.7(range 0-4). Regarding POP-Q parameters, there were significant improvements at points Aa, Ba, C, Ap, and Bp after surgery (P<0.001). Similarly, the UDI-6 and IIQ-7 scores significantly dropped postoperatively (P<0.01). After surgery, the scores for the dyspareunia and the lubrication domains of FSFI worsened significantly (P<0.05). There was no significant change in other domains (desire, arousal, orgasm, satisfaction, and total score; P>0.05). Two-thirds (66.7%) of women had a lower total FSFI score postoperatively. CONCLUSION: TVM surgery was found to contribute successfully to the anatomic correction of POP, but individual domains of sexual function sometimes worsened.