The prevalence of overt, occult, and no-demonstrated stress urinary incontinence and their clinical and urodynamic findings in women with advanced-stage cystoceles.

OBJECTIVES: To elucidate the prevalence of overt, occult and no demonstrated (ND) stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in women with advanced-stage cystoceles. STUDY DESIGN: Between November 2011 and January 2017, all women with ≥stage 2 cystoceles were retrospectively enrolled. Overt SUI was diagnosed before the prolapse reduction test, and occult SUI was diagnosed when urine leakage was noted after a reduction test with vaginal gauze. Otherwise, a diagnosis of ND-SUI was made. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The prevalence, clinical and urodynamic findings of overt SUI, occult SUI, and ND-SUI. RESULTS: In 480 enrolled women, 62% had overt SUI, 17% had occult SUI, and 21% had ND-SUI. The occult SUI group had the most advanced prolapse. The pad weight results after prolapse reduction (37.3 ± 44.3 vs. 13.4 ± 21.9, p < 0.05), the bladder capacity (243 ± 54 vs. 273 ± 48, p < 0.001), and questionnaires regarding life quality were significantly different between the overt SUI and the occult SUI groups. Bladder oversensitivity (BO) was the most common urodynamic diagnosis (389/480, 81%), especially in overt SUI, while urodynamic stress incontinence (56/480, 12%) and detrusor overactivity (60/480, 13%) were uncommon. The cutoff value of stage 3 uterine prolapse was the strongest predictor for predicting occult SUI (sensitivity = 30.3%, specificity = 78.5%; area = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.52-0.68). CONCLUSIONS: SUI occurs in a ratio of 3:1:1 among cases with overt, occult, and no demonstrable symptoms. BO is the most common urodynamic diagnosis. Pad test with prolapse reduction remains an important tool, especially for coexistent stage 3 uterine prolapse.

Immune-Hot tumor features associated with recurrence in early-stage ovarian clear cell carcinoma.

Ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC) is a distinct histotype of ovarian cancer, which usually presages a worse prognosis upon recurrence. Identifying patients at risk for relapse is an unmet need to improve outcomes. A retrospective cohort analysis of 195 early-stage OCCC patients diagnosed between January 2011 and December 2019 at National Taiwan University Hospital was conducted to identify prognostic factors for recurrence, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Molecular profiling of tumors was performed in a case-controlled cohort matched for adjuvant therapy for biomarker discovery. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard model revealed that paclitaxel-based chemotherapy was associated with better PFS than nonpaclitaxel chemotherapy (HR = 0.19, P = .006). The addition of bevacizumab was associated with better PFS, compared to no bevacizumab (HR = 0.09, P = .02). Neither showed significant improvement in OS. Recurrence is associated with an Immune-Hot tumor feature (P = .03), the CTLA-4-high subtype (P = .01) and increased infiltration of immune cells in general. The Immune-Hot feature (HR = 3.39, P = .005) and the CTLA-4-high subtype (HR = 2.13, P = .059) were associated with worse PFS. Immune-Hot tumor features could prognosticate recurrence in early-stage OCCC.

Effect of tibolone versus hormone replacement therapy on lower urinary tract symptoms and sexual function.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have compared the effects of tibolone versus hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on lower urinary tract symptoms and female sexual function. The current study aimed to compare these treatments. METHODS: Women with climacteric symptoms were recruited consecutively and allocated to receive tibolone (2.5 mg) or estradiol valerate (1 mg) and medroxyprogesterone acetate (2.5 mg). Patients were followed up at 4 weeks and 12 weeks after treatment. RESULTS: Overall, there were no significance of improvement in the International Prostate Symptoms Score (IPSS) scores in the HRT group. However, nocturia and the IPSS storage score improved after tibolone treatment. In addition, orgasm, satisfaction and pain improved after HRT. However, desire, lubrication, and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) total scores improved after tibolone treatment. There was a between-group difference in the change from baseline in the nocturia score after 4 weeks of treatment (0.1 ± 0.9 for HRT vs. -0.4 ± 1.2 for tibolone, p = 0.02). Nonetheless, there were no significant differences of the changes from baseline in the other IPSS and FSFI domains between the tibolone and HRT groups. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the limited effect, tibolone seems to have more benefit in nocturia than HRT. In addition, tibolone seems to have benefits on overall low urinary tract storage symptoms; and both tibolone and HRT seem to have beneficial effects on female sexual function, despite there were no significant differences between tibolone and HRT.

Prevalence and predictors of nocturnal polyuria in females with overactive bladder syndrome.

PURPOSE: To describe the prevalence and predictors of nocturnal polyuria (NP) in women with overactive bladder syndrome (OAB). METHODS: Between July 2009 and January 2018, women with OAB were enrolled. NP was defined when the nocturnal polyuria index (NPI) (nighttime voided volume over 24-h voided volume) was > 33% (NPI33) in women ≥ 65 years-old and > 20% (NPI20) in women < 65 years old. Repeated analysis was also performed for NP defined by the NPI33 definition at all ages. RESULTS: A total of 1071 women with OAB were analyzed. The overall prevalence of NP was 30% (319/1071), with the highest prevalence in women in the perimenopausal period (46-50 years old), while NP was diagnosed by age-dependent NPI. The overall prevalence of NP was 12% (128/1071), with an increasing trend with increasing age, while NP was diagnosed by the NPI33 definition only. Daytime frequency and nocturia episodes were both predictors for NP in both definitions. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that more than 5 nocturia episodes noted in the 3-day bladder diary were an optimal cutoff value to predict nocturnal polyuria [(sensitivity = 85.6%, specificity = 61.0%; area = 0.80, 95% CI 0.77-0.82) and (sensitivity = 88.3%, specificity = 65.9%; area = 0.83, 95% CI 0.80-0.85), respectively, in the two definitions]. CONCLUSIONS: NP is common in women with OAB, especially in women with more than 5 nocturia episodes in their 3-day bladder diaries, and adjuvant therapy for better treatment efficacy is needed.

Clinical outcome and urodynamic changes of tailored transvaginal mesh surgery for pelvic organ prolapse: A mid-term 40 Months follow-up.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the changes in clinical outcome and urodynamic parameters after tailored anterior transvaginal mesh (ATVM) surgeries in a mid-term follow-up. METHODS: Between November 2011 and December 2015, women with ≥stage II pelvic organ prolapse (POP) who underwent ATVM surgeries were retrospectively reviewed. The data-reviewing timeframe was until December 2021. Clinical and urodynamic diagnoses regarding urinary symptoms were evaluated before and after the operation. RESULTS: A total of 160 women were included. Stress urinary incontinence decreased significantly after the operation (99% (159/160) vs. 43% (68/160), p < 0.01), as well as the pad weight (20.5 ± 2.7 vs. 9.4 ± 2.0, p < 0.001) and diagnosis of urodynamic stress incontinence (83% (132/160) vs. 51% (82/160), p < 0.01). Overactive bladder syndrome increased significantly after the operation (18% (29/160) vs. 28% (45/160), p = 0.03), even though the objective parameters, such as first and strong desire to void, bladder oversensitivity, and detrusor overactivity, were all improved after the operation. The pad weight was mostly improved significantly within the first postoperative 2 years. Eighteen (11%) women had global recurrent POP, and only one (0.6%) woman had true recurrence of cystocele. Twenty-four (15%) women had mesh extrusion, and two-thirds of them could be managed in an office setting. CONCLUSION: In women with advanced cystocele, the ATVM surgery provides a favorable anatomic reduction outcome with an acceptable mesh extrusion rate. The ATVM provides an anti-incontinence effect, both in subjective symptoms and objective parameters, but this effect might decline after postoperative 2 years.

Predictors of Clinical Outcome in Women with Pelvic Organ Prolapse Who Underwent Transvaginal Mesh Reconstruction Surgery.

Background and Objectives: To identify the predictors of clinical outcomes in women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) who underwent transvaginal reconstruction surgery, especially with transobturator mesh fixation or sacrospinous mesh fixation. Materials and Methods: All women with POP who underwent transvaginal reconstruction surgery, especially with transobturator mesh fixation or sacrospinous mesh fixation, were reviewed. Results: Between January 2011 and May 2019, a total of 206 consecutive women were reviewed, including 68 women receiving POP reconstruction with transobturator mesh fixation and 138 women who underwent POP reconstruction with sacrospinous mesh fixation. The least experienced surgeon (hazard ratio = 804.6) and advanced stage of cystocele (hazard ratio = 8.80) were the predictors of POP recurrence, especially those women with stage 4 of cystocele. Young age (hazard ratio = 0.94) was a predictor for mesh extrusion, especially those women with age ≤67 years. Follow-up interval (odds ratio = 1.03, p = 0.02) was also an independent predictor of mesh extrusion. High maximum flow rate (Qmax, hazard ratio = 1.03) was the sole predictor of postoperative stress urinary incontinence, especially those women with Qmax ≥19.2 mL/s. Preoperative overactive bladder syndrome (hazard ratio = 3.22) were a predictor for postoperative overactive bladder syndrome. In addition, overactive bladder syndrome rate improved after surgery in the sacrospinous group (p = 0.0001). Voiding dysfunction rates improved after surgery in both sacrospinous and transobturator groups. Conclusions: Predictors of clinical outcome in women who underwent transvaginal POP mesh reconstruction are identified. The findings can serve as a guide for preoperative consultation of similar procedures.

Overactive Bladder during Pregnancy: A Prospective Longitudinal Study.

Background and Objectives: Overactive bladder (OAB) is a serious urination-related symptom of unknown pathogenesis that affects one's everyday activities. The objective of this study was to examine how OAB prevalence, symptom severity, and degree of distress caused by OAB symptoms evolved throughout the course of pregnancy. Materials and Methods: A total of 659 pregnant women were recruited from 2015 to 2020, and were evaluated through the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Overactive Bladder (ICIQ-OAB) on OAB symptoms, administered in the early, middle, and late stages of pregnancy. Results: Generalized estimating equation analysis revealed that the odds of OAB occurring in the middle and late stages of pregnancy were 1.90 and 2.33 times higher, respectively, than in early pregnancy. The corresponding odds for OAB-wet were 1.63 and 2.07 higher, respectively, and the odds of OAB-dry occurring during late pregnancy were 0.80 higher than during early pregnancy. Symptoms were more severe by 0.07 and 0.21 points (on a 4-point scale) in the middle and late stages of pregnancy, respectively, than in early pregnancy; distress was greater by 0.13 and 0.27 points (on a 10-point scale) in the middle and late stages of pregnancy, respectively, than in early pregnancy. The prevalence of OAB, OAB-dry, and OAB-wet was significantly higher in early pregnancy than pre-pregnancy. Conclusions: The prevalence of OAB and OAB-wet increased over the course of pregnancy, but the prevalence of OAB-dry decreased. Furthermore, symptom severity and degree of distress increased over time.

Predictors of further anti-incontinence interventions or transvaginal urethrolysis after a pubovaginal sling procedure in women with and without neurologic disorders.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The impact of neurologic disorders on the clinical outcome of suburethral sling procedures has seldom been studied. Our aim is to elucidate factors predicting further anti-incontinence interventions or transvaginal urethrolysis after a re-adjustable pubovaginal sling procedure (PVS), especially in patients with neurologic disorders. METHODS: Medical records of all consecutive women who underwent re-adjustable PVS for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) were reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 589 women were enrolled, 152 (25.8%) women were found to have persistent or recurrent SUI after surgery, and 39 (6.6%) women underwent further anti-incontinence interventions. Postoperative voiding dysfunction was found in 46 (7.8%) women, and 23 women (3.9%) underwent transvaginal urethrolysis. Low body mass index (hazard ratio = 0.92) and low functional bladder capacity (dL, hazard ratio = 0.83) were factors predicting the presence of persistent/recurrent SUI. However, the presence of spinal cord disorder (hazard ratio = 8.91) and a history of prior surgery for pelvic organ prolapse (hazard ratio = 2.51) were factors predicting further anti-incontinence interventions. A high post-void residual volume (PVR, dL, hazard ratio = 1.52) and preoperative bladder outlet obstruction (BOO, hazard ratio = 5.39) were factors predicting postoperative voiding dysfunction. Similarly, a high PVR (dL, hazard ratio = 1.50) and preoperative BOO (hazard ratio = 5.38) were factors predicting transvaginal urethrolysis. A PVR >1.51 dL was an optimal cut-off value for predicting transvaginal urethrolysis. CONCLUSION: The presence of spinal cord disorder and prior surgery for pelvic organ prolapse were predictors of further anti-incontinence interventions after re-adjustable PVS. In addition, a large PVR and preoperative BOO were predictors of transvaginal urethrolysis after re-adjustable PVS.

Obstructive patterns in videourodynamic studies predict responses of female dysfunctional voiding treated with or without urethral botulinum toxin injection: a long-term follow-up study.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: We report long-term changes in VUDS profiles of women with dysfunctional voiding and investigate potential predictors for treatment response. METHODS: Women with dysfunctional voiding and available VUDS data between November 1997 and June 2018 were enrolled for retrospective analysis. The patients were all treated with medication first. In refractory patients, urethral botulinum toxin was provided as an additional option. The primary outcome was the change of VUDS parameters between baseline and follow-up studies. The secondary outcomes were baseline parameters and clinical factors that were associated with the BOOI response (> 10 points of BOOI reduction). RESULTS: A total of 195 women with DV were included in this study. The mean age was 54.5 years old. Sixty patients received urethral botulinum toxin injection. For all patients, Pdet decreased from 47.2 to 36.8 cm H2O (p < 0.0001), and BOOI decreased from 26.4 to 17.7 (p = 0.0001). Patients with urethral injection had significantly smaller Qmax, voided volume, and voiding efficiency (VE) and significantly larger PVR and BOOI at baseline, indicating a severer obstruction in this group. The overall BOOI response rate was 44% (85/195). A higher baseline BOOI was associated with the BOOI response in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: In this long-term study of women with dysfunctional voiding, medical treatment with or without urethral botulinum toxin injection both resulted in reduction of Pdet and BOOI. A more prominent obstructive profile at baseline VUDS study was associated with a higher rate of BOOI response at follow-up study.

Predictors of an improvement in the severity of concomitant urodynamic stress incontinence after transvaginal mesh surgery for pelvic organ prolapse.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Factors affecting the anti-incontinence efficacy of a tailored anterior transvaginal mesh (ATVM) surgery are undetermined. Thus, our aim was to investigate predictors for anti-incontinence efficacy of this ATVM surgery. METHODS: Medical records of women with pelvic organ prolapse and concomitant evident or occult urodynamic stress incontinence, who underwent the ATVM surgery but without concomitant anti-incontinence surgery, were reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 134 women were reviewed, including those who underwent ATVM only (n = 45), ATVM and posterior transvaginal mesh surgery (n = 88), and ATVM with total vaginal hysterectomy (n = 1). Multivariable analysis revealed that stage of cystocele (coefficient = 56.4), functional profile length (cm, coefficient = 61.1) and the score of general health perceptions in the King's Health Questionnaire (coefficient = -3.3) were independent predictors of the percentage change in pad weight from baseline. Seven (5.2%) women were found to have recurrent or persistent stress urinary incontinence, and 6 of the above 7 women underwent transobturator mid-urethral sling procedure. Free of further anti-incontinence surgery probabilities were 94.7% and 89.2% at 3 and 6 years after surgery, respectively. Functional profile length (hazard ratio = 2.61) was also identified as a predictor for further anti-incontinence surgery. CONCLUSION: Lesser degree of cystocele, shorter functional profile length and poorer general health perceptions were predictors of greater anti-incontinence effect after the tailored ATVM surgery. Besides, longer functional profile length was also a predictor for further anti-incontinence surgery after the ATVM surgery.

Prevalence of detrusor underactivity and bladder outlet obstruction in women with cystocele and changes in voiding function after cystocele repair.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the prevalence of detrusor underactivity (DU) and bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) in women with high-grade cystocele and the impacts of cystocele repair. METHODS: Between November 2010 and September 2018, women with ≥stage II cystocele were included. DU (detrusor pressure at maximum flow rate (PdetQmax) < 20 cmH2O, maximum flow rate (Qmax) < 15 mL/s, and bladder voiding efficiency < 90%) and BOO (PdetQmax ≥ 40 cmH2O and Qmax < 12 mL/s) were diagnosed by urodynamic study (UDS). Women who underwent cystocele repair were further analyzed with preoperative and postoperative comparisons. RESULTS: A total of 623 women were included. Forty-four (7%) and 17 (3%) women were diagnosed with DU and BOO, respectively. Among the 314 operatively treated women, a significant increase in DU (7% vs. 15%, p = 0.0007), especially in those with stage III cystocele, and a slightly decreased rate of BOO were noted postoperatively. UDS revealed that the postvoid residual volume, functional profile length, maximum urethral closure pressure (MUCP), and pressure transmission ratio at the MUCP decreased significantly, as did the pad weight. Nearly all lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) improved significantly, except nocturnal enuresis. Among bladder diary parameters, nocturia episodes, daytime frequency, urgency episodes, and incontinence episodes decreased significantly after the operation. CONCLUSION: The prevalence rates of DU and BOO in women with high-grade cystocele were 7% and 3%, respectively. After cystocele repair, the rate of DU increased. Most LUTS improved subjectively on questionnaires and objectively on UDS and bladder diary parameters after operation.

Comparison of the vault prolapse rate after vaginal hysterectomy with or without residual uterine ligament ligations: A retrospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the post-hysterectomy vault prolapse (PHVP) rates performed using different methods of vaginal total hysterectomy (VTH). METHODS: A total of 251 women who underwent VTH with/without concomitant surgeries between January 1986 and December 2001 in a tertiary center. Thirty-eight women were excluded due to not only a vaginal approach. Of the remaining 213 women, 129 and 84 underwent VTH via the Tsuzi method with residual uterine ligament ligations (ligations group) and traditional VTH (without ligations group), respectively. The χ2 and Mann-Whitney U tests were applied appropriately. The cumulative percentages of women without PHVP were calculated over time and compared using Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank tests. A p value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Compared to the without ligations group, women in the ligations group had longer operation time (115.9 ± 37.1 vs. 103.3 ± 41.4 min, p = 0.002) and more blood loss (217.4 ± 137.8 vs. 148.2 ± 149.0 mL, p < 0.001). When focusing on women with uterine prolapse, only operation time and grade of uterine prolapse were different between the groups (117.3 ± 24.8 vs. 107.9 ± 40.5 min, p = 0.025, and 21% vs. 41%, p = 0.018, respectively). The rate of PHVP was significantly lower in the ligation group than in the without ligations group (0 vs. 5, p = 0.005). CONCLUSION: VTH via the Tsuzi method with residual uterine ligament ligations resulted in fewer cases of PHVP than occurred in traditional VTH. If native tissue repair is planned in pelvic reconstruction surgery, VTH with residual uterine ligament ligations should be considered.

Factors Predicting Persistent Ectopic Pregnancy After Laparoscopic Salpingostomy or Salpingotomy for Tubal Pregnancy: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To identify factors predictive of persistent ectopic pregnancy (PEP) in women who have undergone laparoscopic salpingostomy or salpingotomy for tubal pregnancy. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING: Tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: Ninety-nine women who underwent laparoscopic tubal preservation surgery for ectopic pregnancy. INTERVENTIONS: Seventy women underwent laparoscopic salpingostomy, and the remaining 29 women underwent laparoscopic salpingotomy. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Factors predicting PEP were evaluated. The change in serum beta human chorionic gonadotropin (ß-hCG) levels from baseline observed between postoperative days 5 and 10 (ChCGD5-10) was a predictor of PEP (odds ratio [OR], 0.80; p = .01). Based on receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, a cutoff value of 93.1% was determined, with an area under the ROC curve of 0.95 (sensitivity, 85.7%; specificity, 100%). Nonetheless, when considering perioperative variables only, body mass index (BMI) was identified as a predictor of PEP (OR, 0.71; p = .03). Based on the ROC analysis, a BMI cutoff value of ≤22 kg/m2 was determined, with an ROC area of 0.73 (sensitivity, 43.2%; specificity, 100%). In addition, a higher baseline ß-hCG level (hazard ratio [HR], 1.0002; p = .009) and left tubal pregnancy (HR, 6.46; p = .03) were predictive of recurrent ectopic pregnancy. There were no differences in the perioperative outcomes, PEP rates, or subsequent intrauterine pregnancy rates between the salpingostomy and salpingotomy groups. In addition, surgical method was not a predictor of recurrent ectopic pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: ChCGD5-10 was identified as a predictor for PEP, suggesting that it might be more clinically useful for the follow-up of PEP. When considering perioperative variables only, BMI was a predictor for PEP. In addition, there was no significant difference in clinical outcomes between the salpingostomy and salpingotomy groups.

Comparison of clinical outcomes between tailored transvaginal mesh surgery and native tissue repair for pelvic organ prolapse.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The most suitable surgical technique for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) remains undetermined. The aim of this study was to compare clinical outcomes of the tailored transvaginal mesh (TVM) surgery and vaginal native tissue repair (NTR) surgery for POP. METHODS: Between November 2011 and August 2014, medical records of 339 women receiving POP surgeries were reviewed. RESULTS: Compared with the NTR group (n = 169), the use of TVM surgery (n = 170) was a predictor for longer operation time (coefficient = 25.2 min, P < 0.001) and larger blood loss (coefficient = 79.9 mL, P < 0.001) by multivariable analysis. However, a higher recurrence rate of cystoceles (log-rank test, P = 0.001) was found in the NTR group, compared with the TVM group; but not apical prolapse (P = 0.32) or rectocele (P = 0.45). Multivariable analysis revealed that the TVM surgery (hazard ratio = 0.24, 95% confidence interval = 0.09-0.64, P = 0.004) and old age (hazard ratio = 1.07, 95% confidence interval = 1.02-1.11, P = 0.005) were independent predictors for the recurrence of cystoceles. Based on the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis, the cut-off age value was 64 years with an ROC area of 0.65. In women with intact uterus (n = 162), the recurrence rate of cystoceles was lower in the TVM group (log-rank test, P = 0.0001), compared with the NTR group. However, there was no between-group difference in the recurrence rate of cystoceles in women with prior or concomitant hysterectomy (n = 177, P = 0.17). CONCLUSION: In women with intact uterus, the TVM group has a lower recurrence rate of cystoceles than the NTR group. In addition, old age, especially more than 64 years old, is a risk factor for cystocele recurrence.

Medical treatment of female overactive bladder syndrome and treatment-related effects.

The age-adjusted prevalence of overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) in Taiwan is approximately 16.9%. Currently, a variety of treatments are available for female OAB. However, different treatments have different treatment-related effects that may lead to significant adverse effects and ineffective treatment. In this article, we reviewed the tools that can be used to evaluate the efficacy of OAB treatments, such as a variety of questionnaires, serum or urine biomarkers, bladder diaries and urodynamic studies. In addition, we reviewed the medications used for female OAB treatment, such as antimuscarinics, beta-3 agonists, onabotulinumtoxinA intradetrusor injections, topical vaginal estrogen therapy and bladder instillation of liposome-encapsulated onabotulinumtoxinA. We focused on their efficacy and any treatment-related effects. The information in this review should be useful as a guide to the treatment of female OAB patients.

Efficacy of pelvic floor training with surface electromyography feedback for female stress urinary incontinence.

AIMS: The aim of the study is to compare the efficacy of an 8-week pelvic floor muscle training program with surface electromyography feedback, performed in different body positions (supine, sitting, and standing), in women with stress urinary incontinence. DESIGN: This is a prospective observational study performed January 2014 to May 2016. METHODS: The training program was performed by 110 women with stress urinary incontinence, each completing 4 individual training sessions. The main outcome was the electromyography activity of the pelvic floor muscles and of the synergistic abdominal muscles. Outcome measures were evaluated at 4 time points, namely at baseline and at 2, 4, and 8 weeks of training. RESULTS: A notable effect of training was identified at week 2, which was sustained through to week 8. Training yielded a significant improvement in increased sustained voluntary contraction of the pelvic floor muscles in all 3 positions. The efficacy of training was influenced by the duration of training, age, body mass index, and history of vaginal delivery. CONCLUSION: Training of the pelvic floor muscles, with positive reinforcement by surface electromyography feedback of the pelvic floor muscles and of the synergistic abdominal muscles, was effective for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence in women and should be considered as a feasible option by healthcare providers.

Effects of laser procedure for female urodynamic stress incontinence on pad weight, urodynamics, and sexual function.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The impact of the IncontiLaseTM procedure on lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) remains unclear. Our aim was to evaluate the effects of the IncontiLaseTM procedure for urodynamic stress incontinence (USI). METHODS: All consecutive women with USI prospectively underwent the IncontiLaseTM procedure. Urodynamic studies, pad testing, LUTS, and sexual function questionnaires were assessed before and after treatment. RESULTS: Thirty-five women underwent the IncontiLaseTM procedure. Among the 28 women with baseline pad weights >1 g, 11 (39.3 %) were objectively cured and 11 (39.3 %) improved. Among the 18 women with mild USI (i.e., baseline pad weight 1-10 g), nine (50 %) were cured and five (27.8 %) improved. Among ten women with baseline pad weight >10 g, two (20 %) were cured and six (60 %) improved. Among the 32 women with complete questionnaire data at 6 months, seven (21.9 %) were subjectively cured, and four (12.5 %) improved. Regarding LUTS, the majority of domains on the King's Health Questionnaire and female sexual desire and function exhibited significant improvements. Forty percent (12/30) of the partners of these patients felt their sexual function had improved at 6 months. Nonetheless, urodynamic values did not differ across the timeline. CONCLUSIONS: The effect of the IncontiLaseTM procedure for mild USI was moderate at 6-month follow-up but was not effective for pad weight >10 g. Moreover, it improved LUTS, quality of life, QoL, and sexual function of both partners. Further studies should be performed to assess long-term sustained efficacy.

Tolterodine treatment of women with overactive bladder syndrome: Comparison of night-time and daytime dosing for nocturia.

AIM: We aimed to clarify the impact of night-time dosing with tolterodine extended release (ER) on nocturia. METHODS: The bladder diaries, urodynamic studies, and medical records of female patients with overactive bladder syndrome who were diagnosed between January 2005 and December 2015, and treated with tolterodine ER 4 mg once per day (night-time or daytime dosing) for 12 weeks in the urogynecology outpatient clinics of two tertiary referral centers were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: A total of 72 female patients were reviewed. Thirty-six patients were in the daytime dosing group, and the other 36 patients were in the night-time dosing group. In the daytime dosing group, a decrease in the volume of fluid intake was found at 06.00-12.00, 12.00-18.00, and 18.00-24.00 hours, and a decrease in total voided volume was found at 12.00-18.00, 18.00-24.00, and 24.00-06.00 hours with a between-group difference at 18.00-24.00 hours (coefficient = 542 mL, P = 0.01). In the night-time dosing group, an increase in voided volume per micturition was found at 06.00-12.00 and 24.00-06.00 hours with a between-group difference at 24.00-6.00 hours (coefficient = 92 mL, P = 0.003) compared with the daytime dosing group. Nonetheless, pre-treatment proportions of nocturnal polyuria did not differ from post-treatment proportions (night-time: 20% vs 20%, P = 1.00; daytime: 48% vs 42%, P = 0.48). Decreases in the number of voiding and urgency episodes at nearly all time periods and increases in the volumes at strong desire to void were also found in both groups. CONCLUSION: Night-time dosing of tolterodine ER may benefit female patients suffering from nocturia due to a greater voided volume per micturition at midnight.

Clinical and urodynamic effects of baclofen in women with functional bladder outlet obstruction: Preliminary report.

AIM: To investigate the efficacy and urodynamic effects of baclofen in women with functional bladder outlet obstruction. METHODS: Between January 2011 and December 2012, women who underwent baclofen treatment for functional bladder outlet obstruction, defined as <15 mL/s maximum flow rate and >20 cmH2 O detrusor pressure at maximum flow rate, but without significant anatomic causes, were retrospectively reviewed. Urodynamic variables at baseline and after 12 weeks of treatment were compared. RESULTS: Twenty women with functional bladder outlet obstruction underwent 12 weeks of baclofen treatment (oral baclofen 5 mg, three times daily). All patients reported improvement in voiding dysfunction symptoms after treatment, and no significant adverse effects were found on review of medical records. All patients underwent urodynamic studies after 12 weeks' treatment. Voided volume, voiding efficiency and maximum flow rate at voiding cystometry were significantly improved (mean, 273 vs. 368 mL, P = 0.002; 62.8% vs. 73.6%, P <0.001, and 10.3 vs. 11.6 mL/s, P = 0.046; respectively). Moreover, baclofen did not affect continence function, as indicated by non-significant changes in the parameters of urethral pressure profiles. CONCLUSIONS: Oral baclofen can improve symptoms of voiding dysfunction, voided volume, voiding efficiency and maximum flow rate in women with functional bladder outlet obstruction. None of the patients experienced intolerable side-effects. Thus, oral baclofen may be used as an initial treatment for women with symptoms of voiding dysfunction.

The H3K9 Methyltransferase G9a Represses E-cadherin and is Associated with Myometrial Invasion in Endometrial Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Emerging evidence suggests that G9a, a histone methyltransferase, is involved in tumor progression and metastasis. However, the functional significance of G9a in endometrial carcinogenesis has not been defined. METHODS: The differential expression of G9a in cancer and normal tissues was assessed using an array of 28 paired samples. Tissue specimens from 94 patients with endometrial cancer who underwent primary surgery were immunohistochemically evaluated for G9a and E-cadherin expression. To assess the biologic role of G9a in endometrial cancer, G9a was either stably knocked down or knocked down using a tetracycline-controllable system in endometrial cancer cells, followed by functional assays. RESULTS: Increased G9a expression was identified in endometrial cancer tissues, and its expression was specifically correlated with deep myometrial invasion. Cell invasiveness was inhibited by an RNAi-mediated knockdown of G9a in invasive endometrial cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. An important mediator of G9a-induced tumor invasion is the epigenetic silencing of E-cadherin. Knockdown of G9a restored E-cadherin expression by reducing H3K9me2 levels and decreasing CDH1 promoter DNA methyltransferase recruitment. Knockdown of RNAi-mediated E-cadherin substantially relieved the invasion suppression imposed by G9a suppression. A significant negative correlation between G9a and E-cadherin expression was observed in endometrial cancer (Spearman's rho, -0.27; P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides the first clear evidence that G9a contributes to endometrial cancer progression. Mechanistic investigations suggest that E-cadherin repression mediates the effects of G9a. Targeting G9a-mediated epigenetic pathway dysregulation may be a therapeutic strategy for endometrial cancers.