From 3D to 2D-4K laparoscopic sacral colpopexy: are we addicted to technology?

OBJECTIVE: A study analyzing perioperative outcomes related to a sudden switch from 3D to 2D-4K technology for laparoscopic sacral colpopexy by expert pelvic surgeons: are we addicted to technology? MATERIAL AND METHODS: After a sudden transition from 3D to 2D-4K laparoscopic technology, a total of 115 consecutive pelvic prolapse patients who underwent sacral colpopexy from June 2020 to September 2021 were retrospectively assessed from our database. Perioperative parameters, operative times (OT), and intraoperative difficulty scales were assessed. One-year follow-ups were analyzed for the study. Primary endpoints were OT; secondary endpoint was the evaluation of complications linked to this procedure. RESULTS: We found statistical differences in OT and intraoperative difficulty scales between medians of the last 3D procedures and the first ten 2D-4K surgeries, without differences between operators. Only after more than 20 surgeries, we observed no significant differences between 3D and 2D-4K sacral colpopexy. We observed no statistical differences in terms of anatomic failure, PGI-I, and intra-postoperative complications. CONCLUSION: The transition of urogynecology from an exclusive vaginal approach to 2D-3D-4K laparoscopy significantly increased the level of technology necessary for surgical treatment of prolapse. This could, as a result, lead to pelvic surgeons becoming increasingly dependent on technology.

Laparoscopic posterior vaginal plication plus sacral colpopexy for severe posterior vaginal prolapse: A randomized clinical trial.

AIM: A randomized clinical trial proposing a new laparoscopic prosthetic and fascial approach to severe posterior vaginal prolapse. The primary endpoint was to evaluate the objective and subjective outcomes of our laparoscopic posterior plication (LPP) combined to "two-mesh" sacral colpopexy (laparoscopic sacral colpopexy [LSC]) in severe posterior vaginal prolapse, with a 1-year follow-up. The secondary endpoint was to evaluate the safety of this surgical procedure. METHODS: This is single-center prospective randomized double-blinded clinical trial. A total of 130 consecutive patients with anterior and/or apical pelvic organ prolapse (POP) (POP-Q stage ≥II) and severe posterior vaginal prolapse (posterior POP-Q stage ≥III) were prospectively assessed for inclusion into the study from November 2018 to January 2020. Patients underwent "two-meshes" LSC and were randomized in Group A (LSC plus LPP) and Group A (LSC alone). Of the 130 included subjects, 8 were excluded, not meeting inclusion criteria. Cure rate was evaluated objectively, using POP-Q study, and subjectively using PGI-I, POPDI-6, and FSDS questionnaires. Complications were assessed intra-, peri-, and postoperatively. Twelve-month follow-ups were analyzed for the study. RESULTS: We found in LSC plus LPP Group a significant improvement of Ap and genital hiatus POP-Q points. Our subjective study showed, at 12 months, a statistical difference in PGI-I successful outcomes rate in favor of LPP. Also the FSDS resulted significantly much more improved in Group A. We observed no statistical differences in terms of postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: Our LPP approach to LSC could be considered an effective and safe technique to POP patients with severe posterior prolapse.

Local anesthesia for Altis® single incision sling in women with stress urinary incontinence.

OBJECTIVE: Local anesthesia for single incision slings has shown a good objective and subjective cure rate in women with stress urinary incontinence. The aim of the present study was to verify the efficacy and safety of local anesthesia during Altis® single incision placement. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred sixty-six consecutive patients (83 patients for each group: local resp. spinal anesthesia) were selected from our database for this retrospective study among women who underwent an Altis® implantation for SUI from September 2016 to June 2021, after unsuccessful previous conservative treatment. Primary endpoints were objective and subjective cure rates; secondary endpoint was the evaluation of complications linked to this procedure. RESULTS: A total of 155 included patients completed our 12 months follow-up. Baseline characteristics were similar between the groups. Operative time (percentage difference of 50%; p < 0.05) and the Intraoperative Difficulty Scale resulted lower in spinal patients. No differences were found between populations in terms of objective (cough stress test and urodynamics) and subjective (PGI-I and FSDS questionnaires) cure rate and postoperative complications. CONCLUSION: Local anesthesia for Altis® implantation could be considered a safe alternative to spinal anesthesia and an effective opportunity to avoid general anesthesia, increasing the possibility of outpatient implantation of this sling system.

Quality of life and sexual function analysis in a group of Italian postmenopausal women after COVID-19 vaccination.

AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination on quality of life, psychological aspect and sexual life in a group of Italian postmenopausal women during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: The study was a prospective, observational analysis of postmenopausal women before and after the COVID-19 vaccination. The population previously answered different questionnaires, such as the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), the Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS), the 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Twelve weeks after the end of the vaccine cycle, these women were invited to complete the same questionnaires by e-mail to evaluate if vaccination coverage could positively impact the quality of life of postmenopausal women. The Patient Impression of Global Improvement (PGI-I) after three months of treatment was also calculated. RESULTS: A total of 114 patients were reported. The median age was 60.96 (52-66) years. Mean sexual intercourses/month increased from 1.28 ± 1.23 to 4.21 ± 1.80 (p = 0.001). The FSFI increased (19.22 ± 3.31 vs 29.24 ± 4.21, p < 0.0001) and the FSDS decreased significantly (20.12 ± 5.23 vs 9.32 ± 5.55, p < 0.0001) 12 weeks after vaccination coverage. The SF-36 increased from 64.23 ± 11.76 to 82.21 ± 10.24 (p < .0001) and the HADS questionnaire improved significantly from 9.3 ± 2.73 to 5.1 ± 1.34 after the COVID-19 vaccine execution (p<.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The spread of COVID-19 vaccine coverage positively influenced sexual function, quality of life and psychological aspect in postmenopausal women.

Laparoscopic ventral rectopexy plus sacral colpopexy: continuous locked suture for mesh fixation. A randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic ventral rectopexy (LVR) plus sacral colpopexy (LSC) is a high-complexity surgical procedure. The aim of the present study was to evaluate a new approach to rectal-mesh fixation during LVR with continuous locked suture. METHODS: This is a prospective randomized double-blinded clinical trial enrolling 80 patients with severe POP and obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS) from November 2016 to January 2021. Patients underwent a "two-meshes" LSC plus LVR and were randomized, regarding rectal mesh fixation, in Group A (extracorporeal interrupted 0 delayed absorbable sutures) and Group B ("U-shaped" running locked 0 delayed absorbable suture). Our primary endpoints were the operative times (OT); the secondary endpoints were the incidence of anatomical failures, vaginal mesh erosions and surgical complications. RESULTS: A total of 75 patients completed the study. Baseline characteristics were similar between the groups. Overall OT (156 vs 138 min; p < 0.05; treatment reduction of 11.5%) and LVR mesh fixation time (29 vs 16 min; p < 0.05; treatment reduction of 44%), resulted in significantly lower in Group B. No differences were found in terms of anatomic failure, vaginal mesh erosion or intra- or post-operative complications. PGI-I, FSDS and Wexner questionnaires resulted significantly improved after surgery, without statistical differences between the studied surgical procedures. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic continuous locked 0 absorbable suture for LVR mesh fixation guaranteed a faster and effective alternative to multiple interrupted sutures. The significant OT reduction linked to this technique should be considered even more helpful when performing a highly complex surgery such as LVR. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT05254860 (13/02/2017).

Love in the Time of COVID-19: Sexual Function and Quality of Life Analysis During the Social Distancing Measures in a Group of Italian Reproductive-Age Women.

BACKGROUND: The beginning of 2020 was characterized by the COVID-19 pandemic. The world governments have adopted restrictive measures to reduce the spread of infection. These measures could affect the sexual function and quality of life of women living with their partner. AIM: The aim is to assess the impact of the social distancing measures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on sexual function and quality of life of noninfected reproductive-age women, living with their sexual partner. METHODS: Observational analysis on sexually active women, living with their partner, and without COVID-19 infection was performed. The population previously answered FSFI, FSDS, and SF-36 questionnaires. 4 weeks after the introduction of the restrictive measures, these women were invited to complete the same questionnaires by e-mail for an evaluation during the COVID-19 outbreak. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary endpoint was the assessment of the women's sex function change during the social restriction period, by analyzing the FSFI and FSDS questionnaires. The secondary endpoint was the evaluation of the impact on the quality of life calculated by the SF-36 questionnaire. RESULTS: 89 patients were considered. The median age was 39 (28-50) years. Mean sexual intercourses/month decreased from 6.3 ± 1.9 to 2.3 ± 1.8, mean difference: -3.9 ± 1.2. FSFI decreased significantly (29.2 ± 4.2 vs 19.2 ± 3.3, mean difference: -9.7 ± 2.6) and FSDS increased significantly (9.3 ± 5.5 vs 20.1 ± 5.2, mean difference: 10.8 ± 3.4). The SF-36 showed a significant change from 82.2 ± 10.2 to 64.2 ± 11.8 4 weeks after the introduction of the restrictive measures; mean difference: -17.8 ± 6.7. The univariable analysis identified working outside the home, university educational level, and parity ≥1 as predictive factors of lower FSFI. In multivariable analysis, working outside the home and combination of working outside the home + university educational level + parity ≥1 were the independent factors of a lower FSFI. CLINICAL IMPLICATION: The negative impact of the COVID-19 epidemic period on sexual function and quality of life in women shows how acute stress might affect the psychological state. Thus, psychological or sexual support could be useful. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: To our knowledge, this study is the first that analyzes the change in sexual activity in women during the COVID-19 outbreak period. The limitations were the low number of the analyzed participants, psychological tests were not included, and no data were collected on masturbation, self-heroism, solitary, and nonpenetrative sex. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 epidemic and the restrictive social distancing measures have negatively influenced the sexual function and quality of life in not-infected reproductive-age women who live with their sexual partners. Schiavi MC, Spina V, Zullo MA, et al. Love in the Time of COVID-19: Sexual Function and Quality of Life Analysis During the Social Distancing Measures in a Group of Italian Reproductive-Age Women. J Sex Med 2020;17:1407-1413.

TVT-O vs. TVT-Abbrevo for stress urinary incontinence treatment in women: a randomized trial.

INTRODUCTION: To compare the efficacy, safety and complications of the trans-obturator midurethral sling from inside to outside (TVT-O) and of the shorter trans-obturator midurethral sling (TVT-Abbrevo) for treatment of female SUI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred fifty-eight recruited patients were randomized into either the TVT-O or TVT-Abbrevo group. Preoperative assessment included history and general assessment, urinalysis and urine culture, urogynaecological clinical examination, urodynamic evaluation and urogynaecologic interview by ICIQ-SF-UI, PGI-I and PISQ12. Operative time, perioperative complications, spontaneous voiding, postoperative complications and hospital stay were prospectively recorded in all patients. At 3, 6, 12, 24 and 36 months after surgery, patients were asked to answer urogynaecological interviews by ICIQ-SF-UI, PGI-I and PISQ12. The urodynamic assessment was performed at 12, 24 and 36 months. Success rate was assessed at 12, 24 and 36 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Overall, 138 of 158 patients (87%) were cured of SUI 36 months after the operation with no significant differences between groups [69 (87%) and 69 (87%) patients in the TVT-O and TVT Abbrevo groups, respectively]. The two groups did not significantly differ in operative time, intraoperative blood loss and length of hospital stay. Nine patients (11%) had postoperative groin pain in the TVT-O group and one patient in the TVT Abbrevo group (p = 0.02). Three-year control demonstrated an equal objective cure rate in both groups. There was a significant improvement in total PISQ-12 and ICIQ-SF-UI scores in both groups at 36 months FU. CONCLUSION: TVT-Abbrevo has similar efficacy and safety compared with TVT-O in women with SUI; the use of a shorter sling reduces postoperative pain.

Usefulness of Ospemifene in the treatment of urgency in menopausal patients affected by mixed urinary incontinence underwent mid-urethral slings surgery.

The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness and safety of Ospemifene in the improvement of urgency component in women affected by mixed urinary incontinence (MUI) who underwent surgery with mid-urethral sling (MUS). Eighty-one patients with MUI underwent surgical intervention with MUS were enrolled. After surgical intervention 38 patients received Ospemifene 60 mg one tablet daily per os for 12 weeks. Physical examination, 3-day voiding diary, urodynamic testing were performed at the start and the follow-up after 12 weeks in the Trans-Obturator-Tape (TOT)-Alone group and TOT-Ospemifene. Patients completed the Overactive Bladder Symptom and Health-Related Quality of Life Short-Form (OAB-Q SF), International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire (ICIQ-UI-SF), and King' s Health Questionnaire (KHQ). A significant difference between the two groups was observed in peak flow (ml/s), in first voiding desire (ml), in maximum cystometric capacity (ml), and in detrusor pressure at peak flow (cmH2O) at urodynamic evaluation. A significative difference between the two groups at voiding diary was observed in the mean number of voids, urgent micturition episodes/24 h, urge urinary incontinence, and in nocturia events. The OAB-Q symptoms and OAB-Q (HRQL) scores after 12 weeks showed a significative difference between the two groups. Ospemifene is an effective potential therapy after MUSs in women with MUI improving urgency symptoms and quality of life.

Prevention of recurrent lower urinary tract infections in postmenopausal women with genitourinary syndrome: outcome after 6 months of treatment with ospemifene.

Aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of ospemifene in the prevention of recurrent lower urinary tract infections in postmenopausal women with vulvovaginal atrophy. The study have a retrospective design. Thirty-nine patients were enrolled. Patients underwent clinical examination and urine culture. The urinary symptoms and the quality of life were evaluated with UTISA score, PUF and SF-36 questionnaires before and after treatment. All 39 patients received ospemifene 60 mg one tablet/daily for 6 months. Adverse effects and complications were assessed. Thirty-nine patients were enrolled in the study. Two patients experienced one new UTI episode and the mean number of positive urine culture decreased significantly after 6 months (3.65 ± 2.12 vs 0.25 ± 0.17, p < .0001). The mean number of urinary infection symptoms decreased significantly after treatment; dysuria reduced (4.76 ± 2.45 vs 0.89 ± 1.12). PUF score and SF-36 showed a statistically significant change (22.43 ± 5.89 vs 12.14 ± 3.21) and (52.86 ± 9.21 vs 83.43 ± 10.76). No adverse effects were reported and the total success rate was the 92.3% after 6 months at PGI-I. Ospemifene is a valid alternative with excellent tolerability for the UTIS prevention in postmenopausal patients.

Overactive bladder syndrome treatment with ospemifene in menopausal patients with vulvovaginal atrophy: improvement of sexuality?

The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of ospemifene in the improvement of sexual function in postmenopausal women with vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) affected by overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) or urge urinary incontinence (UUI). One hundred five postmenopausal patients with VVA affected by OAB and/or UUI were enrolled for the study. All patients received ospemifene 60 mg for 12 weeks. Clinical examination, 3-d voiding diary and the vaginal health index (VHI) were performed at baseline and at 12 weeks. Patients completed the OAB-Q SF, FSFI, FSDS, and SF-36 questionnaires. The patient's satisfaction was also calculated. After 12 weeks, the reduction of urinary symptoms was observed. The OAB-Q symptoms, OAB-Q (HRQL) score were (55.34 ± 13.54 vs. 23.22 ± 9.76; p < .0001) and (22.45 ± 9.78 vs. 70.56 ± 15.49; p < .0001), before and after treatment. SF-36 questionnaire showed a significant improvement (p < .0001). VHI score increased and the women who regularly practice sexual activity increased after treatment. The total FSFI score increased significantly and the FSDS score changed after 12 weeks (p < .0001). The PGI-I after 12 weeks showed a total success rate of 90.5%. Ospemifene is an effective potential therapy for postmenopausal women with VVA affected by OAB or UUI improving sexual function and quality of life.

Retrospective analysis in 46 women with vulvovaginal atrophy treated with ospemifene for 12 weeks: improvement in overactive bladder symptoms.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness and safety of ospemifene in the improvement of overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms in postmenopausal women affected by vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA). METHODS: Forty-six postmenopausal patients affected by VVA with OAB syndrome were enrolled for the study. All patients received Ospemifene 60 mg for 12 weeks. Clinical examination, 3-day voiding diary, urodynamic testing, ultrasound measurement of endometrial and bladder wall thickness (BWT) and the Vaginal Health Index (VHI) were performed at baseline and 12 weeks. Patients completed the OAB-Q SF and UDI-6. RESULTS: After 12-weeks, the number of patients with detrusor overactivity decreased from 39% to 13% (p = 0.04). The reduction in the mean number in 24 h of voids (9.57 ± 2.12 vs. 6.63 ± 1.22, p < 0.0001), urgent micturition episodes/24 h (5.63 ± 1.46 vs. 1.44 ± 1.31, p < 0.0001), nocturia episodes (3.17 ± 0.85 vs. 1.11 ± 1.18, p < 0.0001), urinary incontinence episodes/24 h (0.85 ± 0.96 vs. 0.33 ± 0.64, p = 0.003) was observed. The UDI-6, OAB-Q symptoms, OAB-Q (HRQL) scores were 8.95 ± 0.91 vs. 5.56 ± 1.40, 62.60 ± 14.70 vs. 20.08 ± 10.83 and 18.71 ± 7.41 vs. 79.45 ± 14.47 (p < 0.001) before and after 12 weeks. CONCLUSION: Ospemifene is an effective potential therapy for postmenopausal women with VVA improving OAB symptoms and quality of life.

Severe pelvic organ prolapse treated by vaginal native tissue repair: long-term analysis of outcomes in 146 patients.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness and safety of vaginal native tissue repair (VNTR) as a surgical treatment for severe pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and, second, to evaluate the impact on the quality-of-life (QoL) and sexual function. METHODS: Women with symptomatic POP (≥III stage according to POP Quantification System) with or without stress urinary incontinence (SUI) underwent VNTR. The clinical stage, 3-day voiding diary, and urodynamic testing were evaluated in the preoperative and postoperative times, respectively. The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF), the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire short form (PISQ-12), and the prolapse quality-of-life questionnaire (P-QoL) were administered. RESULTS: One hundred forty-six patients were recruited. The median follow-up was 48 months (36-63). Fifty-two women (36%) had a previous hysterectomy, and 16 (11%) had a previous prolapse/continence surgery. Preoperatively, 135 (92.5%), 109 (74.7%), and 98 (67.1%) patients had anterior, central, and posterior descent ≥III stage, respectively. Thirty-two patients (22%) had concomitant diagnosis of SUI. Median operative time was 85 min (37-154), and median postoperative hospital stay was 2 days (2-4). No intraoperative severe complications occurred. At the long-term follow-up, the subjective cure rate for prolapse was 97.3% and the objective cure rate was 91.1%. A significant improvement of ICIQ-UI SF, the P-QoL, and the PISQ-12 was recorded at the follow-up (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: VNTR is effective, safe, and durable and improves POP-related symptoms and sexual function.

Minimally Invasive Treatment of Stress Urinary Incontinence in Women: A Prospective Comparative Analysis between Bulking Agent and Single-Incision Sling.

INTRODUCTION: The study aims to compare the efficacy and safety of bulking agents and single-incision slings in the treatment of urinary incontinence in 159 patients during a 29-month follow-up period. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Of the 159 patients suffering from stress urinary incontinence, 64 were treated with bulking agents (PAHG Bulkamid®) and 75 with a single-incision sling (Altis®). The ICIQ-UI-SF (Incontinence Questionnaire-Urine Incontinence-Short Form), PISQ-12 (Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaires short form), FSFI (Female Sexual Function Index), FSDS (Female Sexual Distress Scale), and PGI-I (Patient Global Improvement Index) were used to assess efficiency and quality of life. RESULTS: The bulking agents showed high efficacy and safety during the 29-month follow-up. Post-operative complications were recorded in both groups, with only two significant differences. The Bulkamid group experienced no pain, while 10.8% of the ALTIS group experienced groin pain and 5% experienced de novo urgency. Furthermore, patients treated with bulking agents experienced reduced nicturia (0.78 vs. 0.92 in patients treated with single-incision slings.). In both groups, we noticed a significant improvement in QoL (quality of life), with a halved ICIQ-UI-SF (International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urine Incontinence-Short Form) score which was completed to assess the impact of urine symptoms. After 24 months of therapy, the Bulkamid group saw a decrease from 14.58 ± 5.11 at baseline to 5.67 ± 1.90 (p < 0.0001), whereas the ALTIS group experience a decrease from 13.75 ± 5.89 to 5.83 ± 1.78. Similarly, we observed an improvement in sexual function, with the number of sexually active patients increasing from 29 to 44 (56.4%) in the Bulkamid group (p = 0.041) and from 31 to 51 (61.7%) in the ALTIS group (p = 0.034). According to the most recent statistics, the PISQ-12, FSFI, and FSDS scores all demonstrated an improvement in women's sexual function. CONCLUSIONS: In terms of efficacy and safety, bulking agents had notable results over the 29-month follow-up period. Furthermore, the patients treated with bulking agents reported a lower incidence of postoperative complications and a no discernible difference in terms of quality of life and sexual activity compared to the ones treated with single-incision slings. Bulking agents can be considered a very reliable therapeutic option based on accurate patient selection.

Does extensive upper abdomen surgery during primary cytoreduction impact on long-term quality of life?

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility in terms of safety and quality of life in a sample of Italian patients affected by advanced ovarian cancer and submitted to either extensive upper abdomen or standard surgery, through validated questionnaires. METHODS: From January 2006 to November 2011, a prospective, observational study was conducted to compare quality of life in patients affected by advanced ovarian cancer and submitted to primary cytoreduction in the Division of Gynecology of the University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome. After surgery patients were stratified into 2 groups (group A: standard surgery or group B: extensive upper abdomen surgery). All patients were submitted to standard chemotherapy. At completion of treatment, during the first follow-up visit, all eligible patients were asked to fill in quality of life questionnaire-C30 (QLQ-C30) (version 3.0) and European Organisation for Research and Treatment of cancer quality of life questionnaire-OV28 (QLQ-OV28) questionnaires. RESULTS: Eighty-nine patients were enrolled into our study. Nine were excluded, so finally 80 patients were considered in this study. Group A included 40 patients and underwent standard surgery (pelvic surgery); group B, included 40 patients and underwent extensive upper abdomen surgery. There were no statistical differences in terms of major surgical complication rates (15% vs. 10%). We registered same times of beginning of chemotherapy (median, 19 vs 21 days) and no severe related toxicities. Quality-of-life scores of both questionnaires were comparable between groups, with the exception of Global Health Status in QLC-30. CONCLUSIONS: Upper abdomen surgery is a feasible and safe therapeutic option. Patients present same times of beginning of chemotherapy without an increase in chemorelated toxicities and experience the same general quality of life.

Success rates, quality of life, and feasibility of sacral nerve stimulation in elderly patients: 1-year follow-up.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Urgency urinary incontinence (UUI) frequently occurs in elderly. International guidelines recommend pharmacological therapy as first-line treatment, but elderly do not respond in many cases. The purpose of this study was to report cure rates, quality of life, and feasibility of sacral neurostimulation (SNS) as an alternative option in the elderly. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From October 2008 to April 2010, women >65 years with UUI who were refractory to pharmacological treatments were enrolled in this study and underwent SNS. At 12 months after surgery, patients were asked to compile a 3-day voiding diary and a urogynecologic standardized questionnaire: the Overactive Bladder Questionnaire (OAB-q). RESULTS: Eighteen patients met our inclusion criteria. Fifteen (83.3 %) underwent implantation of the neuromodulator. Twelve months after surgery, an overall success rate of 83.3 % was registered. A statistically significant difference (P<0.0001) between baseline and postsurgery OAB-q scores was recorded. CONCLUSIONS: SNS can be considered an alternative treatment for UUI in older women.

TOT in combination with solifenacin or intravaginal prasterone in postmenopausal women with mixed urinary incontinence: A retrospective analysis in 112 patients.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of the transobturator tape (TOT) procedure combined with solifenacin (TOT-S) or prasterone (TOT-P) in postmenopausal women affected by mixed urinary incontinence (MUI) with a predominant stress urinary incontinence component. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis including 112 patients: 60 patients of the TOT-S group and 52 patients of the TOT-P group. Physical examination, 3-day voiding diary, urodynamic tests, and Vaginal Health Index (VHI) were compared at the beginning of the analysis and after 12 weeks of follow-up (FU). Specific questionnaires were administered to indagate the impact on women's quality of life and sexual function. RESULTS: After 12 weeks of FU, the detrusor's peak flow pressure was significantly different between the two groups (p = .02). Detrusor overactivity decreased only in the TOT-P group (p = .05). At the end of FU, 58 patients (96.7%) of the TOT-S group and 50 patients (96.2%) of the TOT-P group were dry at the stress test. A significative group difference was observed in urge urinary incontinence (24 h) (p = .01) but not in the mean number of voids (24 h) and urgent micturition events (24 h). VHI improved only in the TOT-P group (12.57 ± 3.80 vs. 19.75 ± 4.13, p < .0001). The questionnaires and Patient Global Index of Improvement (PGI-I) scores showed comparable improvements, while the Female Sexual Function Index improved especially in the TOT-P group (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: In postmenopausal women with MUI, TOT-P demonstrated the same effectiveness as TOT-S in reducing urinary symptoms. In addition, TOT-P increased VHI and sexual function scores compared with TOT-S.

Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of single incision sling vs TVT-O in obese patients with stress urinary incontinence: Quality of life and sexual function analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study is to demonstrate the best stress urinary incontinence (SUI) surgical technique for women with a Body mass index higher than 30. The results of Transvaginal Tension Free Vaginal Tape-Obturator and Mini-sling surgery were analyzed and compared through both clinical examination and standardized questionnaires at 36 months of follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective multicenter study over 159 women with SUI who underwent surgery. Seventy-eight women underwent TVT-O and 81 Mini-sling technique. Intra and post-operative complications were recorded. Patients were monitored for 36 months by analyzing symptoms, voiding diary, quality of life and sexual activity through standardized questionnaires. RESULTS: Complications had a low incidence in both groups and inter-group differences were superimposable. Only groin pain was statistically higher after TVT-O than after Mini-sling (12.8% vs1.2%, p = 0.03). At 36 months of follow-up, a statistically significant decrease in Positive stress test (%) and Q-Tip test (grade) was observed in both groups with no differences between them (p = 0.54 and p = 0.32 respectively). The mean number of daily voids was higher after TVT-O (p = 0.04) than after Altis (p = 0.22) with a significant difference in favor of the Altis group (p = 0.03). After 36 months, there were no significant differences between groups in terms of quality of life and sexual activity. PGI-I did not show any difference between groups (p = 0.21). CONCLUSION: TVT-O and Minisling had the same efficacy and results in the surgical treatment of SUI in obese women. Both techniques relieved their symptoms and improved their quality of life without any significant difference except for a lower incidence of post- Mini-sling complications.

The use of novel hemostatic sealant (Tisseel) in laparoscopic myomectomy: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: This is the first case-control study on the use of a fibrin sealant (Tisseel) on uterine suture during laparoscopic myomectomy (LM), with the primary endpoint to evaluate the intraoperative bleeding and postoperative blood loss. In addition, we evaluated the time required to achieve hemostasis using Tisseel and how much it can influence operative time. METHODS: From December 2009 to January 2011, consecutive patients older than 18 years with symptomatic isolate intramural myoma with maximal diameter B6 cm and ≥ 4 cm and with a sonographically diagnosed free myometrium margin ≥ 0.5 cm were included in the study. We selected from our institute's database a group of consecutive patients with homogeneous features of the study group, who underwent laparoscopic myomectomy without Tisseel application. RESULTS: Fifteen women with symptomatic myoma were enrolled in the study (group A). Regarding the control group (group B), we selected a homogenous group of 15 patients with the same preoperative characteristics of the study group. Mean operative time was 47.7 min and 62.1 min, for groups A and B respectively (p < 0.05). Mean time required to achieve complete haemostasis was 195.5 s in group A and 361.8 in control group B (p < 0.0001). Mean estimated blood loss was 111.3 mL and 230 mL in groups A and B, respectively (p < 0.05). Mean hemoglobin decrease was 1.36 g/dL and 2.04 g/dL in groups A and B, respectively (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The use of Tisseel during LM may represent a valid alternative solution for obtaining hemostasis, reducing intra- and postoperative bleeding. Furthermore, it may help the surgeon to obtain a rapid healing of the injured surfaces, probably reducing the use of electrocoagulationand traumatisms.

Suburethral sling in autoimmune patients: complications, quality of life, and success rate.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Suburethral sling procedures are a mainstay for the surgical treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI). The interaction between the sling and the host is fundamental for the success of the procedure. Patients affected by autoimmune disease present with an overactive immune system; this should theoretically increase rejection risk. METHODS: The data from 19 autoimmune patients affected by SUI were retrospectively collected. Primary outcome consisted of evaluating whether tape-related complications may occur more frequently. Secondary outcome measures were assessment of objective and subjective cure of SUI. Changes from baseline were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney and Fisher tests. RESULTS: Success rate, evaluated at 12-month follow-up, was 89.5%. No tape erosion or urinary retention was observed; chronic pelvic pain and dyspareunia rates were 5.26% and 15.4%, respectively. One patient developed de novo urgency. CONCLUSIONS: According to our experience, the suburethral sling is a safe procedure with low complication rates comparable to those reported in the literature.

Efficacy and safety of anterior vaginal prolapse treatment using single incision repair system: Multicentric study.

OBJECTIVE: Up to 80% of all POP surgical procedures are due to anterior vaginal wall prolapse. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of transvaginal anterior mesh for POP surgical repair. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 153 consecutive patients with symptomatic or recurrent anterior vaginal prolapse undergoing surgical single-incision mesh (Calistar S) were prospectively enrolled in the study. Preoperative evaluation was performed collecting urogynecological history and performing a clinical exam, 3-day voiding diary and urodynamic testing. All incontinent patients completed the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Short Form (ICIQ-SF). Operative time, blood loss, perioperative and postoperative complications were prospectively recorded. Postoperative follow-up was scheduled at 1, 6, and 12 months with a urogynecological interview and examination. Success rate was assessed at 1, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 16.4 months. None of patients had intraoperative complications. Eight patients (5%) required surgical intervention for complications (5 patients (3%) for haematoma and 3 (2%) for vaginal erosion). At 12 months of follow up 130 out of 140 patients (93%) gained the subjective cure criterion, while 129 out of 140 patients (92%) obtained the objective cure criterion. Eleven (7.8%) patients experienced stage 2 or higher prolapse recurrence and three of them with a stage ≥3 underwent reintervention. No significant differences were recorded in primary outcome at 1, 6 or 12 months postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Anterior compartment prolapse repair by Calistar S (single-incision vaginal mesh) is an effective and safe procedure without significant complications.