The Fundamentals of Vaginal Surgery pilot study: developing, validating, and setting proficiency scores for a vaginal surgical skills simulation system.

BACKGROUND: Surgical training in the simulation lab can develop basic skills that translate to the operating room. Standardized, basic skills programs that are supported by validated assessment measures exist for open, laparoscopic, and endoscopic surgery; however, there is yet to be a nationally recognized and widely implemented basic skills program specifically for vaginal surgery. OBJECTIVE: Develop a vaginal surgical simulation system; evaluate robust validity evidence for the simulation system and its related performance measures; and establish a proficiency score that discriminates between novice and experienced vaginal surgeon performance. STUDY DESIGN: In this 3-phased study, we developed the Fundamentals of Vaginal Surgery simulation system consisting of (1) the Fundamentals of Vaginal Surgery Trainer, a task trainer; (2) a validated regimen of tasks to be performed on the trainer; and (3) performance measures to determine proficiency. In Phase I, we developed the task trainer and selected surgical tasks by performing a needs assessment and hierarchical task analyses, with review and consensus from an expert panel. In Phase II, we conducted a national survey of vaginal surgeons to collect validity evidence regarding test content, response process, and internal structure relevant to the simulation system. In Phase III, we compared performance of novice (first and second year residents) and experienced (third and fourth year residents, fellows, and faculty) surgeons on the simulation system to evaluate relevant relationships to other variables and consequences. Performance measures were analyzed to set a proficiency score that would discriminate between novice and expert (faculty) vaginal surgical performance. RESULTS: A novel task trainer and 6 basic vaginal surgical skills were developed in Phase I. In Phase II, the survey responses of 48 participants (27 faculty surgeons, 6 fellows, and 14 residents) were evaluated on the dimensions of test content, response process, and internal structure. To support evidence of test content, the participants deemed the task trainer and surgical tasks representative of intended surgical field and supportive of typical surgical actions (mean scores, 3.8-4.4/5). For response process, rater-data analysis revealed high rating variability regarding prototype color. This early evidence confirmed the value of a white prototype. For internal structure, there was high agreement among rater groups (obstetricians and gynecologists generalists vs Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery specialists: interclass correlation coefficient range, 0.59-0.91; learners vs faculty interclass correlation coefficient range, 0.64-1.0). There were no differences in ratings across institution type, surgeon volume, expertise (P>.14). In Phase III, we analyzed performance from 23 participants (15 [65%] obstetricians and gynecologists residents, 3 [13%] fellows, and 5 [22%] Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery faculty). Experienced surgeons scored significantly higher than novice surgeons (median, 467.5; interquartile range, [402.5-542.5] vs median, 261.5; interquartile range, [211.5-351.0]; P<.001). Based on these data, setting a proficiency score threshold at 400 results in 0% (0/6) novices attaining the score, with 100% (5/5) experts exceeding it. CONCLUSION: We present validity evidence relevant to all 5 sources which supports the use of this novel simulation system for basic vaginal surgical skills. To complement the system, a proficiency score of 400 was established to discriminate between novices and experts.

Indications for surgical intervention in a postpartum pelvic floor specialty clinic.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and type of surgical procedures undergone by postpartum women seen in a specialty postpartum pelvic floor clinic over 11 years. METHODS: This study was a retrospective chart review of patients requiring surgical intervention within a 1-year period after their initial visit to the Michigan Healthy Healing After Delivery (MHHAD) clinic at the University of Michigan from July 2007 through January 2019. Chart review was performed to abstract demographics, obstetric data, indication for postpartum clinic visit, primary and secondary indications for surgery, and procedures performed. Descriptive analyses were used to describe the cohort. RESULTS: Of the 1138 new MHHAD patients seen during the study period, 9.1% (n = 103) underwent surgical management. Anal incontinence was the primary or secondary indication for surgery in 51.5% (n = 53) of women. The most common surgical interventions were anal sphincteroplasty (37.9%, n = 39), perineal laceration revision (33.0%, n = 34), and rectovaginal fistula repair/fistulotomy (19.4%, n = 20). Of the women who had a sphincteroplasty, 61.5% (24/39) had a prior fourth-degree perineal laceration. CONCLUSIONS: Anal sphincteroplasty was the most common surgical intervention undergone by women seen in a postpartum pelvic floor specialty clinic. Postpartum pelvic floor clinics, such as the Michigan Healthy Healing After Delivery Clinic, provide the expertise and specialized resources required to ensure the early diagnosis and treatment of pelvic floor conditions related to childbirth thus improving women's quality of life and preventing potential life-long sequelae.

Defining "normal recovery" of pelvic floor function and appearance in a high-risk vaginal delivery cohort.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Childbirth pelvic floor trauma leads to pelvic floor disorders. Identification of significant injuries would facilitate intervention for recovery. Our objectives were to identify differences in pelvic floor appearance and function following delivery and patterns of normal recovery in women sustaining high-risk labor events. METHODS: We completed a prospective cohort study comparing women undergoing vaginal births involving risk factors for pelvic floor injury with women undergoing cesareans. Data were collected on multidimensional factors including levator ani muscle (LA) tears. Descriptive and bivariate statistics were used to compare the groups. We identified potential markers of pelvic floor injury based on effect size. RESULTS: Eighty-two women post-vaginal delivery and 30 women post-cesarean enrolled. The vaginal group had decreased perineal body length between early postpartum, 6 weeks (p < 0.001), and 6 months (p = 0.001). POP-Q points did not change between any time point (all p > 0.05). Measures of strength improved between each time point (all p < 0.002). When compared with cesarean delivery, women post-vaginal birth had longer genital hiatus and lower anterior and posterior vaginal walls (all p < 0.05). Based on theoretical considerations and effect sizes, those with Bp ≥0 cm, Kegel force ≤1.50 N, and/or an LA tear on imaging were considered to have significant pelvic floor injury. Using this definition, at 6 weeks, 27 (46.4%) women were classified as injured. At 6 months, 13 (29.6%) remained injured. CONCLUSIONS: We propose that pelvic floor muscle strength, posterior vaginal wall support, and imaging consistent with LA tear are potential indicators of abnormal or prolonged recovery in this cohort with high-risk labor events.

Ligament shortening compared to vaginal colpopexy at the time of hysterectomy for pelvic organ prolapse.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The performance of a colpopexy at the time of hysterectomy for pelvic organ prolapse is a potential indicator of surgical quality. However, vaginal colpopexy has not been directly compared with the classic technique of ligament shortening and reattachment. We sought to test the null hypothesis that there is no difference in prolapse recurrence between the techniques. METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of 330 vaginal hysterectomies performed for prolapse, comparing symptomatic and/or anatomic recurrence rates between patients having a vaginal colpopexy (uterosacral ligament suspension or sacrospinous ligament suspension) and those having ligament shortening and reattachment. Clinically relevant variables significantly associated with recurrence in a univariate analysis were used to create a multivariable logistic regression model to predict recurrence. RESULTS: With a mean follow-up of 20 months, there was no significant difference between symptomatic and/or anatomic recurrence rates: 19.4 % of patients (41 of 211) having colpopexy vs. 11.8 % of patients (14 of 119) having ligament shortening (p = 0.07). Baseline prolapse stage was higher in patients having colpopexy (median 3, IQR 2 - 5) than in those having ligament shortening (median 2, IQR 1 - 3; p ≤ 0.0001). In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, the procedure performed was not associated with recurrence (OR 1.57, 95 % CI 0.79 - 3.12). A baseline prolapse of 4 cm or greater was associated with recurrence (OR 2.63, 95 % CI 1.32 - 5.22), as was the time since hysterectomy (OR 1.02 per month, 95 % CI 1.01 - 1.04). CONCLUSIONS: When compared with vaginal colpopexy, selective use of the ligament shortening technique at the time of vaginal hysterectomy was associated with similar rates of prolapse recurrence. Preoperative prolapse size was the factor most strongly associated with recurrence.

Surgical management of vulvovaginal agglutination due to lichen planus.

Lichen planus is a rare dermatological disorder that is often associated with painful and disfiguring vulvovaginal effects. At the University of Michigan Center for Vulvar Diseases, we see many women with vulvovaginal lichen planus each year, with marked scarring and vulvovaginal agglutination that precludes vaginal intercourse and causes difficulty with urination. Through our experience, we developed a protocol for the operative management and postoperative care for severe vulvovaginal agglutination. Our objective is to share this protocol with a wider audience so that providers who see patients with these devastating effects of lichen planus can benefit from our experience to better serve this patient population. The figure represents a case of erosive lichen planus with early vaginal agglutination. The video reviews the pathophysiology and presentation of lichen planus. We then present a case of scarring and agglutination in a young woman, including our surgical management and postoperative care recommendations.

Rates of colpopexy and colporrhaphy at the time of hysterectomy for prolapse.

BACKGROUND: It has been shown that addressing apical support at the time of hysterectomy for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) reduces recurrence and reoperation rates. In fact, national guidelines consider hysterectomy alone to be inadequate treatment for POP. Despite this, anterior and posterior colporrhaphy are frequently performed without a colpopexy procedure and hysterectomy alone is often utilized for treatment of prolapse. OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were to: (1) determine rates of concomitant procedures for POP in hysterectomies performed with POP as an indication, (2) identify factors associated with performance of a colpopexy at the time of hysterectomy for POP, and (3) identify the influence of surgical complexity on perioperative complication rates. STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective cohort study of hysterectomies performed for POP from Jan. 1, 2013, through May 7, 2014, in a statewide surgical quality database. Patients were stratified based on procedures performed: hysterectomy alone, hysterectomy with colporrhaphy and without apical suspension, and hysterectomy with colpopexy with or without colporrhaphy. Demographics, medical history and intraoperative care, and perioperative care were compared between the groups. Multivariable logistic regression models were created to identify factors independently associated with use of colpopexy and factors associated with increased rates of postoperative complications. RESULTS: POP was an indication in 1557 hysterectomies. Most hysterectomies were vaginal (59.6%), followed by laparoscopic or robotic (34.1%), and abdominal (6.2%). Hysterectomy alone was performed in 43.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 40.6-45.6) of cases, 32.8% (95% CI, 30.4-35.1) had a colporrhaphy without colpopexy, and 24.1% (95% CI, 22-26.3) had a colpopexy with or without colporrhaphy. Use of colpopexy was independently associated with patient age >40 years, POP as the only indication for surgery (odd ratio [OR], 1.6; 95% CI, 1.185-2.230), laparoscopic surgery (OR, 3.2; 95% CI, 2.860-5.153), and a surgeon specializing in urogynecology (OR, 8.2; 95% CI, 5.156-12.923). The overall perioperative complication rate was 6.6%, with the majority being considered minor. Complications were more likely when the procedure was performed with an abdominal approach (OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.088-4.686), with the use of a colpopexy procedure (OR, 3.1; 95% CI, 1.840-5.194), and by a surgeon specializing in urogynecology (OR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.144-4.315). CONCLUSION: Colpopexy and colporrhaphy may be underutilized and are potential targets for quality improvement. Performance of additional procedures at the time of hysterectomy increased the rate of perioperative complications. Long-term consequences of these surgical practices deserve additional study.

Ethnicity and variations of pelvic organ prolapse bother.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: To determine if prolapse symptom severity and bother varies among non-Hispanic white, Hispanic, and Native American women with equivalent prolapse stages on physical examination. METHODS: This was a retrospective chart review of new patients seen in an academic urogynecology clinic from January 2007 to September 2011. Data were extracted from a standardized intake form, including patients' self-identified ethnicity. All patients underwent a Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POPQ) examination and completed the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20 (PFDI-20) with its Pelvic Organ Prolapse Distress Inventory (POPDI) subscale. RESULTS: Five hundred and eighty-eight new patients were identified with pelvic organ prolapse. Groups did not differ by age, prior prolapse, and/or incontinence surgery, or sexual activity. Based on POPDI scores, Hispanic and Native American women reported more bother compared with non-Hispanic white women with stage 2 prolapse (p < 0.01). Level of bother between Hispanic and Native American women with stage 2 prolapse (p = 0.56) was not different. In subjects with ≥ stage 3 prolapse, POPDI scores did not differ by ethnicity (p = 0.24). In multivariate stepwise regression analysis controlling for significant factors, Hispanic and Native American ethnicity contributed to higher POPDI scores, as did depression. CONCLUSIONS: Among women with stage 2 prolapse, both Hispanic and Native American women had a higher level of bother, as measured by the POPDI, compared with non-Hispanic white women. The level of symptom bother was not different between ethnicities in women with stage 3 prolapse or greater. Disease severity may overshadow ethnic differences at more advanced stages of prolapse.

Use of In-Training Examination Scores as a Fellowship Candidate Evaluation Metric: Time for a Change.

ABSTRACT: In the field of obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN), the Council on Resident Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology (CREOG) administers an annual in-training examination to all OB/GYN residents as a formative educational tool for assessing medical knowledge and promoting self-improvement. Although the CREOG examination is not designed or intended for knowledge certification, many OB/GYN subspecialty fellowship programs request and use CREOG examination scores as a metric to evaluate fellowship candidates. Among the 57 gynecology-based urogynecology fellowship programs, 30 programs (53%) request CREOG examination scores to be submitted by candidates, as of March 2023. Although the use of CREOG examination scores as an evaluation metric may constitute a minor component within the fellowship match process, this practice fundamentally contradicts the intended purpose of the examination as an educational self-assessment. In addition, it introduces the potential for bias in fellowship recruitment, lacks psychometric validity in predicting specialty board examination failure, and shifts the CREOG examination from its original intention as low-stakes self-assessment into a high-stakes examination akin to a certification examination. For these reasons, we call upon the urogynecology community to prioritize the educational mission of the CREOG examination and reconsider the practice of requesting or using CREOG examination scores in the fellowship match progress.

The Association of Preoperative Medication Administration and Preoperative and Intraoperative Factors With Postoperative Urinary Retention After Urogynecologic Surgery.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine if preoperative medication administration is associated with postoperative urinary retention (PUR) after urogynecologic procedures and identify preoperative and intraoperative factors that are predictive of PUR. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients who underwent prolapse and/or incontinence surgery was performed. The primary outcome was PUR, defined as postoperative retrograde void trial with postvoid residuals of greater than 100 mL. Bivariate analysis was performed to compare demographics and preoperative and intraoperative characteristics of women with and without PUR, and multivariable logistic regression modeling was used to identify independent predictors of PUR. RESULTS: Of women in this cohort, 44.8% (364/813) had PUR. There were no significant differences in preoperative medication administration in women with and without PUR. Age older than 60 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.48; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09-2.02), combined prolapse and incontinence surgery (aOR, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.29-2.62), vaginal hysterectomy (aOR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.66-2.38), and procedure time (aOR, 1.01; 95% CI, 1.00-1.01) were associated with increased odds of PUR, whereas laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy was associated with lower odds (aOR, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.10-0.46). DISCUSSION: Although preoperative medication administration was not associated with PUR, other clinically important variables were age older than 60 years, vaginal hysterectomy, incontinence and prolapse surgery, or longer procedure time. Sacrocolpopexy reduced the odds of PUR by approximately 80%. These factors may be useful in preoperative and postoperative counseling regarding PUR after urogynecologic surgery.

The Association Between Distances Traveled for Care and Treatment Choices for Pelvic Floor Disorders in a Rural Southwestern Population.

OBJECTIVES: To determine if distance traveled for care influenced patient choice for conservative vs. surgical treatment for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and/or stress urinary incontinence (SUI). METHODS: Retrospective chart review of all new patients seen in the Urogynecology clinic at the University of New Mexico Hospital (UNMH) from January 2007 through September 2011. Data collected included medical history, Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POPQ) examination, and validated quality of life questionnaires. RESULTS: 1384 women were identified with POP and/or SUI. Women traveled an average of 50 miles to receive care at UNMH. After multivariable analysis, greater distance traveled was associated with increased likelihood of choosing surgery, OR 1.45 [1.18-1.76]. More advanced disease as measured by higher stage of prolapse, OR 3.43 [2.30-5.11], and positive leak with empty supine cough test, OR 1.94 [1.45-2.59] were also associated with choosing surgical management. CONCLUSIONS: Women who travel further for care and women with more advanced pelvic organ prolapse and/or stress urinary incontinence are more likely to choose surgical management for pelvic floor disorders.