18F-fluorocholine PET/CT detects parathyroid gland hyperplasia as well as adenoma: 401 PET/CTs in one center.

BACKGROUND: During the past decade, 18F-fluorocholine (FCH) PET/CT has been continuously performed at Tenon Hospital (Paris, France) for the detection of hyperfunctioning parathyroid glands (PT). METHODS: A cohort of 401 patients, deliberately referred for HPT since September 2012, has been analyzed. The aim of this real-life retrospective study was to determine the diagnostic utility of FCH in this setting, overall and in subgroups according to the type of hyperparathyroidism (HPT), the context of FCH in the imaging work-up and in the patient's history: initial imaging or persistence or recurrence after previous parathyroidectomy (PTX). The influence of the histologic type of resected PTs, hyperplasia or adenoma, on the preoperatory detection on FCH PET/CT has been studied as well. RESULTS: Four hundred one FCH PET/CTs were included in the cohort, performed in 323 patients with primary HPT (pHPT), including 18 with familial HPT (fHPT), and in 78 patients with secondary renal HPT (rHPT). The overall positivity rate in the 401 FCH PET/CTs was 73%. The PTX rate was twice greater in patients whose FCH PET/CT was positive than negative (73% vs. 35%). Abnormal PT(s) were pathology proven in 214 patients: only hyperplastic gland(s) in 75 cases and at least one adenoma in 136 cases; FCH PET/CT sensitivity was 89% and 92%, respectively. Similarly, there was no significant difference in patient-based sensitivity whether FCH PET/CT was performed as 1st line or later in the imaging work-up, or indicated for initial imaging or for suspicion of persistent or recurrent HPT. Gland-based sensitivity was significantly lower for hyperplasia than for adenoma (72% and 86%, respectively). The lowest gland-based sensitivity value was 65%, observed in case of hyperplasia and when FCH was performed late in the imaging work-up. FCH PET/CT correctly showed multiglandular HPT (MGD) in 36/61 proven cases, 59%. Results of ultrasonography (US) and 99mTc-sestaMIBI (MIBI) imaging were available in 346 and 178 patients, respectively. For both modalities, the corresponding sensitivity values were significantly less than those of FCH PET/CT (e.g., overall gland-based sensitivity 78% for FCH, 45% for US, 30% for MIBI) and MGD was detected in 32% of cases by US and 15% by MIBI. CONCLUSIONS: Although FCH PET/CT has been performed since 2017 as 1st line imaging for HPT at Tenon Hospital (Paris, France), a large majority of patients underwent prior US and/or MIBI in their preoperative work-up. Therefore, a selection bias is very likely, as most patients referred to FCH PET/CT had non-conclusive or discordant results of US and MIBI, explaining the low performance of those modalities in the present cohort compared to published results. Nevertheless, the superiority of FCH PET/CT over US and MIBI in detecting abnormal PTs reported in various comparative studies is definitely confirmed in this larger real-life cohort. The detection with FCH PET/CT of hyperplastic PTs was somewhat lower than that of adenomas but was better than using US or MIBI. The present results lead to recommend FCH PET/CT as the first line imaging modality in HPT when it is widely available or, if less available, at least in HPT with predominance of hyperplasia and/or MGD.

Clusterin expression in medullary thyroid carcinoma is inversely correlated with the presence of lymph node metastases.

Clusterin (CLU) is a sulfated glycoprotein implicated in many physiological and pathological processes, including tumorigenesis. Several studies have reported the overexpression of CLU in human neoplasm, examined by immunohistochemistry. However, there are no extensive data on its role in the thyroid. Here we investigate CLU expression in thyroid tumors, and the potential correlation between this expression and clinicopathological parameters. Immunohistochemistry with anti-CLU was performed on paraffin sections from 39 thyroid tumors. Only medullary thyroid carcinomas (MTCs) were positive (n = 5). To confirm these results, 130 further cases (including 4 C-cell hyperplasia), their matched lymph node metastases (46 cases), and lymph node recurrences (10 cases) were analyzed. All MTCs were subdivided according to World Health Organization classification. Cytoplasmic positivity was scored qualitatively (weak, moderate, strong) and quantitatively on a 5-tier scale from 0, 1+ (<10% of cells positive) to 5+ (>75%). Statistical analysis was performed. CLU was expressed in normal C cells, C-cell hyperplasia, all MTCs, their lymph node metastases, and recurrences. There was a strong association between CLU score and the cellular type (P < .004). CLU score was inversely correlated with the presence of lymph node metastases (P < .0001). There were no differences between primary and metastatic or recurrent tumors. CLU expression is related to the cellular type and inversely correlated with the presence of lymph node metastases, which could represent a new positive prognostic factor.

Management of postoperative bladder emptying after proctectomy in men for rectal cancer. A retrospective study of 190 consecutive patients.

PURPOSE: Evaluation of urinary drainage after rectal resection and identification of criteria associated with postoperative urinary dysfunction (UD). UD remains a clinical problem for up to two thirds of patients after rectal resection. Currently, there are no guidelines concerning duration or type of drainage. METHODS: One hundred ninety consecutive rectal resections (abdomino-perineal resection (APR = 47), mechanical coloanal anastomosis (MechCAA = 48), manual coloanal anastomosis (ManCAA = 47), colorectal anastomosis (CRA = 48)) in male patients were included. In patients with a transurethral catheterization (TUC), the drainage was removed at day 5. Patients with a suprapubic catheterization (SPC) underwent drainage removal according to the results of a clamping test at day 5. UD was defined as drainage removal after day 6 and/or acute urinary retention (AUR). RESULTS: Drainage types were SPC (n = 136, 72%) and TUC (n = 54, 28%). SPC was used more frequently after total mesorectal excision (TME) (APR, ManCAA, MechCAA) (83-92%). Complications rates of SPC and TUC were 20 and 9%. The clamping test was positive for 61 patients (48%), and SPC was removed before/on POD6 without any episode of AUR. After TUC removal, two patients (4%) had AUR. Seventy-two (38%) patients had UD: 11 (6%) were discharged with an indwelling catheter, and in 61 (32%), the catheter was removed after day6. Three independent factors were associated with UD: diabetes (OR = 2.9 (1.2-7.7)), urological history (OR = 2.9 (1.2-7.6)), and TME (OR = 5.2 (2.3-13.5)). CONCLUSION: The UD rate after surgery for rectal cancer was 38%. The clamping test is accurate to prevent AUR after SPC removal. The three risk factors may serve to select good candidates for early catheter removal.

Oncologic results after multivisceral resection of clinical T4 tumors.

BACKGROUND: Standard operative management of colorectal cancer (CRC) with adherent adjacent organs is en bloc resection to obtain clear resection margins. We analyzed early and long-term outcomes after multivisceral resection for clinically suspected T4 CRC and identified factors predicting survival. METHODS: All patients operated on for clinically suspected T4 CRC between 2000 and 2010 were identified retrospectively. Data concerning demographics, surgery, pathologic examination and oncologic outcome were analyzed. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-two patients underwent partial or total en bloc resection of ≥1 adherent organ. An R0 resection was achieved in 136 patients (89.5%). Malignant invasion of the adherent organ was histologically confirmed in 98 patients (64.5%). Five-year overall survival and disease-free survival rates were 77.4% and 58.1%, respectively. On univariate analysis, margin positivity, pT4 stage, and lymph node invasion were predictors of a worse disease-free survival. The presence of liver metastases and concomitant hepatectomy were both factors of poor overall and disease-free survival. On multivariate analysis, resection of ≥2 adjacent organs was a predictor of better overall survival. This finding may be explained by the significantly higher rate of tumors with microsatellite instability (MSI) in the group with resection of multiple organs. CONCLUSION: The oncologic outcome of multivisceral resection for clinically suspected colorectal T4 tumors was good, especially in MSI patients and patients without liver metastases. The number of organs requiring resection should not contraindicated radical surgery as in this study it was associated with a good prognosis.

Clusterin expression in gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumours is highly correlated with location and is helpful in determining the origin of liver metastases.

AIMS: Clusterin (CLU) is a sulphated glycoprotein implicated in many physiological and pathological processes, including tumorigenesis. We have previously demonstrated that CLU is highly expressed in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (NETs). The aims of this study were: to investigate CLU expression in gastrointestinal NETs; the potential correlation between this expression and different clinicopathological parameters; and its usefulness in the differential diagnosis of liver metastases. METHODS AND RESULTS: Immunohistochemistry using an anti-CLU antibody was performed on paraffin sections from 108 primary NETs [G3 (13 cases), G2 (18 cases), and G1 (77 cases), according to the 2010 WHO classification] and 60 metastases. Cytoplasmic positivity was scored qualitatively and quantitatively. The pattern of staining was also assessed. Two-step statistical analyses (univariate and multivariate logistic regression) were performed. More than 90% of small-intestine NETs were completely negative. The probability of obtaining a positive CLU score was higher for the appendix, the stomach, the duodenum and the rectum than for the small intestine and colon. All G3 NETs and most G2 NETs were negative as compared with G1. CLU expression in the metastatic foci was identical to that of the primary tumour. CONCLUSIONS: Clusterin expression in gastrointestinal NETs is highly correlated with location and probably also with grading, in both the primary tumour and metastases. Underexpression of CLU in small-intestine NETs is helpful for identifying the origin of liver metastases: a strong CLU score in a liver biopsy makes the small intestine highly unlikely as a primary site.

Colorectal cancer surgery: what is evidence based and how should we do it?.

Evidence-based medicine was first defined by Sackett as 'the conscientious, explicit and judicious use of the current best evidence in making decisions about the care of individual patients'. This requires good quality studies with a high level of proof. However, these studies are often lacking in colorectal surgery. Nevertheless, the topics on which there is general agreement will be discussed. There is now good evidence that the laparoscopic approach is at least equivalent in oncological terms to the conventional open approach in colonic surgery. The question, however, remains unanswered for rectal cancer surgery, which is technically more demanding. Although there are no randomized studies, the introduction of total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer has achieved a major reduction in local recurrence and has been adopted as the gold standard by all colorectal surgeons. Extending this concept to colonic cancer surgery is currently under discussion. The different types of reconstruction in sphincter-preserving surgery which achieve a better functional result than straight anastomosis, including colonic pouch, transverse coloplasty and side-to-end anastomosis, will be discussed. The benefit of temporary fecal diversion in low anastomosis has now been demonstrated with a good level of evidence. The technique of abdominoperineal resection has evolved in the last years and now aims at obtaining a cylindrical specimen, which has resulted in a significant reduction of the local recurrence rate. In early rectal cancer, the technique of local resection has been improved by the introduction of transanal endoscopic microsurgery.

Severe duodenal involvement in familial adenomatous polyposis treated by pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy.

PURPOSE: Pancreaticoduodenectomy is an alternative to pancreas-sparing duodenectomy for radical treatment of duodenal lesions. The aims of this study were to assess the results of pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (PPPD) for severe duodenal polyposis in familial adenomatous polyposis in terms of morbidity, long-term influence on functional results, the recurrence rate of cancer or jejunal polyps, and survival. METHODS: All patients operated on for a PPPD between 1992 and 2009 were included. Clinical data, endoscopic findings, and pathologic examinations were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 19 patients underwent PPPD for severe duodenal polyposis (17 Spigelman IV, 1 Spigelman III, and 1 invasive carcinoma). Postoperative mortality was nil. The postoperative morbidity rate was 42%, including 4 pancreatic fistulae (21%) and 2 delayed gastric emptying (11%). Pathologic examination found 7 invasive carcinomas, of which only 1 was known before resection. One third of patients operated on without a preoperative diagnosis of malignancy already had an invasive duodenal carcinoma. After a mean follow-up of 58 months, 16 patients were alive. Thirteen patients underwent endoscopic follow-up, and new adenomas were found in 4 (31%). All were treated successfully during the same endoscopic procedure. PPPD did not modify the functional result after coloproctectomy. CONCLUSIONS: PPPD remains a safe and efficient therapeutic option for severe duodenal polyposis in familial adenomatous polyposis patients.

Morbidity risk factors after low anterior resection with total mesorectal excision and coloanal anastomosis: a retrospective series of 483 patients.

OBJECTIVE: To report postoperative morbidity after low anterior resection (LAR) and coloanal anastomosis (CAA) for rectal cancer and identify possible risk factors of complications. BACKGROUND: Coloanal anastomosis after total mesorectal excision (TME) is associated with significant morbidity. Precise data on the specific morbidity and the risk factors are lacking. METHODS: We analyzed retrospectively 483 consecutive LARs with TME and CAA carried out in a single center between 1996 and 2005. All complications occurring up to 3 months after LAR and up to 3 months after closure of the diverting stoma were graded according to the Dindo classification. RESULTS: Of 483 patients, 164 (33.9%) suffered at least 1 complication, leading to death in 2 (0.4%) patients. Grade III/IV complications occurred in 69 of 483 (14.2%) patients. Thirty-four (7.0%) patients developed leakage of the CAA and 3 patients had leakage of the small bowel anastomosis after stoma closure. Ileostomy closure was carried out after a mean of 88.7 days (36-630) after LAR. The stoma was not closed in 4 of 456 (0.6%) patients. In multivariate analysis, male sex (P = 0.0216) and postoperative transfusion (P = 0.0025) were associated with complications. Medical complications were furthermore associated with previous thrombembolic events (P = 0.0012) and associated surgery at the time of LAR (P = 0.0010). Circumferential tumor localization was predictive of surgical complications (P = 0.0015). The only factor associated with a risk of leakage was transfusion (P = 0.0216). CONCLUSIONS: In this series morbidity occurred in 34% and dehiscence of the CAA in 7.0%. Transfusion requirement was an independent risk factor for postoperative complications and anastomotic leakage.

Surgical management of ulcerative colitis.

INTRODUCTION: Surgery is the only curative option in the treatment of ulcerative colitis. Despite advances in the medical management surgery is required in about a third of patients. SURGICAL MANAGEMENT: In the acute setting surgery is indicated when medical treatment fails to improve an episode of acute severe colitis. The intervention of choice is a staged colectomy with end ileostomy and preservation of the rectal stump in the first instance. Indications for elective surgery are failure of medical therapy and malignant transformation. The surgical options include conventional proctectomy with ileostomy or a Kock's continent ileostomy and colectomy with an ileorectal anastomosis. The current gold standard is restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. Most frequently the technique includes a J pouch with a stapled anastomosis and temporary faecal diversion with a loop ileostomy. Laparoscopic pouch surgery is a feasible and safe option with an excellent cosmetic result. CONCLUSIONS: Although the morbidity remains significant after surgery, the quality of life is good with a satisfactory long-term functional outcome.

The continent ileostomy: an alternative to end ileostomy? Short and long-term results of a single institution series.

INTRODUCTION: Total proctocolectomy, ensuring eradication of all diseased colorectal mucosa is the treatment of choice for ulcerative colitis, familial adenomatous polyposis. Before the era of ileal pouch anal anastomosis, definitive ileostomy was required. The aim of this study is to define both early and late morbidity and the functional result of continent ileostomy. METHODS: All patients' chart who had a continent ileostomy in our department were reviewed. The functional result was evaluated in 43 patients. RESULTS: Forty-nine patients (34 women) with a mean age of 42 years (range: 17-69) underwent a continent ileostomy, 32 following a restorative proctocolectomy. The mean follow-up was 20.5 (range: 3-34) years. Seventeen patients (35%) experienced an early postoperative complication requiring reintervention in two patients. There was no mortality, and conversion to an end ileostomy was not required. Twenty-two patients developed late complications requiring 50 reoperations. The mean number of catheterisations per 24h was 4.4. The SF36 questionnaire showed values close to those of the general population. CONCLUSION: Continent ileostomy carries a significant risk of non-severe complications. In selected patients, it represents a valuable alternative to an end ileostomy, in particular when restorative proctocolectomy has failed.

KSHV/HHV8-associated intestinal Kaposi's sarcoma in patient with ulcerative colitis receiving immunosuppressive drugs: report of a case.

Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), also known as human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8), has been identified in all four forms of Kaposi's sarcoma (classic, endemic, HIV-associated and iatrogenic). We report the rare case of an intestinal (small intestine and rectosigmoid) Kaposi's sarcoma in a 62-year-old HIV-negative man with ulcerative colitis. This patient was receiving immunosuppressive therapy with steroids and azathioprine. To date, the causative role of KSHV/HHV8 in the pathophysiology of Kaposi's sarcoma associated with ulcerative colitis has only been proven for cutaneous lesions but not for intestinal lesions of Kaposi's sarcoma. We report for the first time, the expression of HHV8 (by using immunohistochemistry) in colonic Kaposi's sarcoma in a patient with an ulcerative colitis-related tumor. The patient underwent a total proctocolectomy. At laparotomy, numerous Kaposi's sarcoma lesions were found in the small intestine, which were left in situ. Forty months after surgery and following withdrawal of immunosuppressive therapy, the patient had no evidence of any disease and a normal abdominal and thoracic CT scan. Cases of colorectal Kaposi's sarcoma complicating inflammatory bowel disease should be managed with a conservative approach and discontinuation of the immunosuppressive treatment. However, discontinuation of the immunosuppression is not always possible and in those cases chemotherapy may be indicated.

Results of an aggressive surgical approach in the management of postoperative peritonitis.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of postoperative peritonitis (POP) necessitates adequate control of the source of peritoneal contamination. For most patients, a surgical approach to this requires reoperation to restore intestinal continuity. The aim of this study was to audit our results for the surgical treatment of POP. METHODS: Medical records of patients treated for POP using a standardized surgical protocol in a dedicated intensive care unit at the Saint-Antoine Hospital between 1995 and 2003 were reviewed. The aim of the study was to consider the effectiveness of our surgical protocol in the eradication of all sources of peritoneal contamination in patients presenting with POP. RESULTS: There were 87 patients (34 women, mean age of 58.4 +/- 14.7) with a mean Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score of 17.2 +/- 4.7 (median 16.5, range 9-28). Eight patients died and there were complications in 60 patients. Nine patients of the 79 survivors either did not require or could not have an operation to restore intestinal continuity. Intestinal continuity was re-established through a parastomal incision for 26 patients, whereas 44 patients required a further laparotomy. Two patients of the latter group died and 11 patients had a complication. It was not possible to restore intestinal continuity at laparotomy for one patient. CONCLUSION: An aggressive surgical approach, as reported in this series, including stoma formation whenever possible, diversion or intubation, provides effective control of the source of peritoneal contamination. Restoration of intestinal continuity is possible in most patients. The overall mortality rate for this treatment is 11.5%.

Lumboaortic and iliac lymphadenectomy for lymph node recurrence of colorectal cancer: prognostic value of the MSI phenotype.

BACKGROUND: Some patients have isolated lumboaortic and/or iliac lymph node recurrences (ILNR) of colorectal cancer. Current guidelines recommend the use of chemotherapy. The aim of our study was to assess the carcinological results of lymphadenectomy for ILNR and to identify prognostic factors that may be used to select patients for this aggressive surgical approach. METHODS: Medical notes, pathological findings, and surgical procedure of patients who underwent lymphadenectomy for ILNR of colorectal cancer between 1998 and 2005 were reviewed. RESULTS: Ten patients (four women) underwent lymphadenectomy for ILNR. Lymphadenectomy was performed after a mean of 37 +/- 16.6 months after colon or rectal resection. Two patients developed a postoperative complication. Mean number of lymph nodes removed was 5.7 +/- 3.3. After a median follow-up of 30.7 months, four patients were alive, including two patients without recurrence at 95 and 96 months after colectomy and two with local and distant recurrences at 114 and 70 months. Among the three patients with microsatellite-unstable (MSI) tumors, two were free of disease at 61 and 81 months, respectively, and one died of recurrent disease 20 months after lymphadenectomy. CONCLUSION: Lymphadenectomy for ILNR of colorectal cancer is a feasible therapeutic option for selected patients. These preliminary results suggest that resection should be proposed for MSI patients because cure is possible, but to be confirmed, the findings require larger studies.

Multiple stomas for recurrent life-threatening gastrointestinal bleeding: report of a case.

Acute lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage is an uncommon and severe symptom. The overall mortality rate ranges from 5 to 12 percent and can approach 40 percent for persistent or recurring bleedings. We report a case of a patient with severe recurrent lower bleeding in whom, despite several repeated explorations and a blind subtotal colectomy, no lesion could be found. Multiple (n = 4) leveled stomas of the small bowel with succus entericus reinfusion were required to localize and treat the cause of the bleeding. This case report is followed by a review of the literature of the management of lower gastrointestinal bleeding.

Long-term results of intersphincteric resection for low rectal cancer.

INTRODUCTION: In the treatment of very low rectal cancer, a distal resection margin of more than 1 cm can be obtained by partial internal sphincteric resection, allowing a sphincter preserving surgery. Thus, intersphincteric resection (ISR) has been proposed as an alternative to abdominoperineal resection for selected low rectal cancer. OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to assess the morbidity, mortality, and the long-term oncologic and functional results of ISR. METHODS: Charts of patients who had ISR between 1992 and 2004 were reviewed. Cancer-related survival and locoregional recurrence rates were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Functional outcome was assessed by using a standardized gastrointestinal functional questionnaire. Incontinence was assessed by the continence score of Wexner. RESULTS: Ninety patients (59 males, 31 females) with a tumor at a median distance of 35 mm (range, 22-52) from the anal verge had an ISR. Thirty-seven patients (41%) had preoperative radiotherapy. Histologically complete remission after neoadjuvant radiotherapy (ypT0) was observed in 7 patients (8%), 12 patients (13%) were pT1, 35 patients (39%) pT2, 32 patients (36%) pT3, and 4 patients (4%) pT4. Five patients (5.5%) had synchronous liver metastases. R0 resection was obtained in 85 patients (94.4%). The median distal resection margin on the fixed specimen was 12 mm (range, 5-35) and was positive in 1 case. The circumferential margin was positive (< or =1 mm) in 4 patients (4.4%). There was no mortality. Complication rate was 18.8%: anastomotic leakage occurred in 8 patients (8.8%) and 1 patient had an anovaginal fistula. Five patients (5.6%) underwent secondary abdominoperineal resection: 1 for positive distal margin, 1 for colonic J-pouch necrosis, and 3 for local recurrence. ONCOLOGIC RESULTS: After a median follow-up of 56.2 months (range, 13.3-168.4), local, distant, and combined recurrence occurred in 6 (6.6%), 8 (8.8%), and 2 patients, respectively. Thirteen patients (14.4%) died of cancer recurrence. Five-year overall and disease-free survival was 82% (80-97) and 75% (64-86), respectively. In univariate analysis, overall survival was significantly influenced by pTNM stage and T stage (pT 1-2 vs. 3-4: P = 0.008 and stage I-II vs. III-IV: P = 0.03). In multivariate analysis, we did not find any impact on local recurrence-free survival for the investigated prognostic variables. FUNCTIONAL RESULTS: For a total of 83 patients the mean stool frequency was 2.3 +/- 1.3 per 24 hours. Forty-one percent of patients had stool fragmentation, one-third nocturnal defecation, 19% fecal urgency, and 36% followed low fiber diet. Thirty-four patients (41%) were fully continent, 29 patients (35%) had minor continence problems, and 20 patients (24%) were incontinent. After adjustment for age, gender, tumor level, and pTNM stage, preoperative radiotherapy was the only factor associated with a risk of fecal incontinence [OR (IC 95%) = 3.1 (1.0-9.0), P = 0.04]. CONCLUSION: In selected patients, ISR is a safe operation with good oncologic results. It achieves good functional results in 76% of patients. Functional results are significantly altered by preoperative radiotherapy.

MRI urethrovesical junction mobility is associated with global pelvic floor laxity in female stress incontinence.

OBJECTIVE: To assess in a population of stress incontinent patients without genital prolapse whether urethrovesical junction mobility is associated with global pelvic floor laxity. METHODS: Dynamic MRI of 40 patients referred prior to surgery for urinary stress incontinence were reviewed retrospectively. The orientation of the urethrovesical junction was evaluated at rest and at straining in reference to the pubococcygeal line, and defined as the bladder neck pubococcygeal angle. The urethrovesical junction mobility was calculated as the difference between the bladder neck pubococcygeal angles at rest and at straining. Urethrovesical junction mobility and bladder neck pubococcygeal angles at rest and at straining were tested for correlations with the resting and straining position of different pelvic organs, urogenital hiatus size, levator plate angle, and anterior rectal bulging when straining. RESULTS: Urethrovesical junction mobility was correlated with the position of the bladder neck (p<0.0001), bladder base (p<0.0001) and uterine cervix (p<0.0001) at straining, as well as the hiatus length (p=0.0012) and width (p=0.0002), and levator plate angle (p <0.0001). The bladder neck pubococcygeal angle at rest was correlated with the resting position of the bladder neck (p <0.0001), bladder base (p <0.0001), uterine cervix (p=0.02), and the hiatus length (p=0.0004) and width (p=0.045) at rest, whereas the bladder neck pubococcygeal angle at straining was correlated with the straining position of the bladder neck (p <0.0001), bladder base (p=0.0001), uterine cervix (p <0.0001), and hiatus length (p=0.0005) and width (p=0.0004), and levator plate angle (p <0.0001) at straining. CONCLUSION: In a population of stress incontinent patients, the urethrovesical junction mobility was correlated with global pelvic floor laxity.