Tumour markers and histopathologic features of ovarian endometriotic cysts.

Endometriosis is one of the most common benign gynaecologic diseases and its clinical presentation is generally ovarian endometrioma. We aimed to assess the association of tumour markers with histopathological structure of ovarian endometriomas to assess their roles in clinical management. Data from 86 women who underwent laparoscopic surgery for ovarian endometrioma were evaluated. The possible risk factors for inadvertently removed normal ovarian parenchyma (IRNOP) during laparoscopic cystectomy and the relationship between tumour markers and histopathologic parameters of ovarian endometrioma were assessed. Age and the depth of penetration of endometrial tissue into the cyst wall showed a significant positive correlation with thickness of IRNOP. There was a significant negative correlation between IRNOP and the thickness of fibrosis on cyst wall. Thickness of fibrosis and the depth of penetration represented significant positive correlations with tumour markers (CA 125, CA 15-3, and CA 19-9), respectively. This is the first study that reveals the association between tumour markers and the histopathologic features of ovarian endometrioma. The outcome of the present study indicated that lower levels of tumour markers may permit a conservative management, rising levels may help in timing of a possible surgical intervention and high levels may help in counselling postoperative outcomes.Impact statementWhat is already known on this subject? Endometriosis is defined as a benign gynaecologic disease, and the vast majority of women who suffer from endometriosis are of reproductive age. Ovarian endometriotic cysts are found in one-fifth to one-half of patients with endometriosis. Laparoscopic cystectomy is accepted as the gold standard for the surgical management of ovarian endometriotic cysts because of the procedure's several clinical advantages, such as lower recurrence and higher pregnancy rates. However, studies have indicated that laparoscopic excision of an ovarian endometrioma capsule could be associated with a reduction in both the ovarian volume and the follicle count.What do the results of this study add? Our retrospective data indicate that tumour markers may have role in planning the management of ovarian endometriomas.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Low tumour markers levels may permit a conservative management, elevating levels may help in timing of a possible surgical intervention and finally high levels may help in counselling the patient about her possible postoperative outcomes.

Validation of the Turkish version of European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-OV28 ovarian cancer specific quality of life questionnaire.

OBJECTIVE: To examine reliability and validity of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-OV28 questionnaire into the Turkish language according to the instructions provided by EORTC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-seven patients who were diagnosed as having ovarian cancer and treated between January 2005 and June 2010 with an expected survival time of at least 3 months, were enrolled into the study. The exclusion criteria were diagnoses of any disease that could disrupt consciousness and concurrent malignancies. The EORTC QLQ-OV28 module was translated into Turkish by professional translators and physicians. The test-retest reliability of the Turkish version of the questionnaire was performed on 30 patients. Answers were scored according to the instructions provided by the EORTC. The total score was calculated as explained above and after scoring procedures, all subscale scores were linearly transformed to a 0-100 scale. All patients concomitantly completed the Spielberg State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Patients were analyzed in two groups: on-treatment and off-treatment groups consisted of patients who did and did not undergo chemotherapy or surgery within the last two months, respectively. The demographic data of all patients were recorded. EORTC QLQ-OV28 scores of both groups were compared. Correlations between EORTC QLQ-OV28 subscales and total score of BDI and STAI were analyzed. RESULTS: For test-retest reliability, Spearman's rho was 0.84 (p<0.001). The on-treatment group scored statistically significantly higher than the offtreatment group in peripheral neuropathies, attitude to disease and treatment, sexual function and other chemotherapy adverse effect subscales of the questionnaire. Correlations between EORTC QLQ-OV28 subscales and the total scores of BDI and STAI of the groups were statistically significant, except the sexual function subscale. CONCLUSION: The Turkish translated version of EORTC QLQ-OV28 module is a reliable, consistent, and a valid instrument for assessing the impact of treatment modalities on QoL among Turkish speaking women with ovarian cancer.

Comparison of ovarian responsiveness tests with outcome of assisted reproductive technology - a retrospective analysis.

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to compare the association between the most commonly used ovarian responsiveness markers - age, anti-Müllerian hormone levels (AMH), antral follicle count (AFC), ovarian sensitivity index (OSI), and ovarian response prediction index (ORPI) - and ovarian responsiveness to gonadotropin stimulation in assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycles. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients who underwent intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment using either a gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist or agonist protocol were enrolled in the study. Data of the patients were abstracted from the hospital's database. Tests were compared for total number of retrieved oocytes, metaphase II (MII) oocytes, embryos, good quality embryos on day 1 and day 3, and ongoing pregnancies per cycle. RESULTS: The OSI was the ovarian response test that had the strongest relationship with the ART outcomes. The level of association between the ovarian response tests and poor ovarian response data was (in descending order): OSI, ORPI, AFC, AMH, and age (AUCOSI = 0.976, AUCORPI = 0.905, AUCAFC = 0.899, AUCAMH = 0.864, AUCage = 0.617). The overall association between OSI and poor ovarian response was significantly higher than the other parameters (p1 = 0.0023, p2 = 0.0014, p3 = 0.0001, p4 ≤ 0.0001). In patients with high ovarian response data, OSI had the highest association, followed by AFC and ORPI age (AUCOSI = 0.984, AUCAFC = 0.907, AUCORPI = 0.887). There was no statistically significant difference among the tests for the data of patients with ongoing pregnancies. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, which is the first study comparing the five most frequently used ovarian responsiveness markers and the second study signifying the role of OSI in an antagonist protocol, OSI was found to be more convenient to calculate, and it could be superior to other ovarian responsiveness markers for poor and high ovarian responses on cycles with agonist or antagonist protocols.

The behaviour of pelvic floor muscles during uterine contractions in spontaneous and oxytocin-induced labour.

Term pregnant women were divided into oxytocin infusion and control groups. The electrical activities of pelvic floor muscles (PFM) were recorded at rest and during contractions electromyographically. The beginning and the end of each contraction were marked on the recorded electromyographic trace. A trace was regarded as 'negative' if no increase in electrical activity was observed and 'positive' if increased electrical activity was observed during the contractions. To evaluate the relative frequency of the areas of electrical activity during uterine contractions (UC) a 'positive electrical activity percentage' was used and calculated as: (total count of positive electrical activity areas)/(total count of UC) × 100. Positive and negative electrical activity percentages were compared. The percentages were significantly different between the groups (p <.01). Positive traces increased in 56.1 and 18.8% in study and control groups, respectively, (p < .01). Multiparous women showed more positive traces than nulliparous women, both in oxytocin-treated and spontaneous labour groups (p < .01). The rate of performed episiotomies was higher in the oxytocin-infused labours (p = .01). During physiological labour contractions the predominant behaviour of PFM seemed to be a relative silent status compared to a more contractile status caused by oxytocin administration. Contracted muscles may produce a counterpressure against expulsive UC leading to obstetrical injuries of these muscles and clinically higher rates in episiotomy decisions. This is the first report of behaviour of PFM during labour contractions and further prospective studies are needed to assess the role of oxytocin administration on PFM and associated clinical consequences. Impact statement What is already known on this subject? The physiological functions of pelvic floor muscles depend on the coordinated actions of these muscles and rely also on unique interactions between the somatic and autonomic nervous systems. Oxytocin is commonly used for the induction and augmentation of uterine contractions and such an induced labour may be more painful for the woman. What do the results of this study add? Pelvic floor muscles tend to contract more frequently during uterine contractions as labour progresses. This difference was more pronounced in labours which were treated with oxytocin infusion. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? This is the first report of electrophysiological behaviour of pelvic floor muscles during labour contractions in spontaneous and oxytocin-induced labour. Oxytocin administration seems to interfere with the coordination of uterine and pelvic floor muscle contractions. This study may be of interest for researchers to investigate the effect of the worldwide liberal use of oxytocin for induction of labour on pelvic floor muscle damage during parturition.

The effect of labour pain in caesarean delivery on neonatal and maternal outcomes in a term low-risk obstetric population.

Planned caesarean delivery (CD) frequency is increasing in many countries, and elective CD accounts for 50% of preventable causes of neonatal respiratory morbidity. The clearing of fluid in the lungs is important for the establishment of normal gas exchange with inspired air. A defect in this clearance can result in respiratory problems in neonate, but on the other hand patients waiting for the onset of spontaneous labour pain, the increase in emergency CD, together with severe mortality and morbidity are causes of concern and cause anxiety and distrust of obstetricians. In the current study, it was observed that foetal respiratory morbidity was reduced in the group with labour pain. The caesarean applied after the onset of labour pain could be a reason for the significant increase in foetal cord cortisol values in term low-risk neonates. A major advantage of this study was the inclusion of a low-risk patient group, and the increase in foetal cortisol secondary to pain in term neonates was shown objectively. Impact statement What is already known on this subject: The timing of CD is reported to be critical for neonatal morbidity, and elective CD accounts for 50% of preventable causes of neonatal respiratory morbidity. The clearing of fluid in the lungs is important for the establishment of normal gas exchange with inspired air. Cortisol secretion from the foetal adrenal gland is stimulated by stress. What do the results of this study add: Labour pain-related stress in the foetus might be a cause for elevated physiological cortisol, and secondary to that, lower respiratory morbidity. Caesarean delivery commenced after the onset of labour pain could be a reason for the significant increase in foetal cord cortisol values in term neonates. A major advantage of this study was the inclusion of a low-risk patient group, and the increase in foetal cortisol secondary to pain in term neonates was shown objectively. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research: Although it would seem to be rational to perform a caesarean section after the onset of labour pain in cases with a planned caesarean and a history of C-section delivery, with respect to maternal complications, especially in those with a history of more than one caesarean or those who have started active labour; there is a need for further prospective studies.

Evaluation of risk factors for the recurrence of ovarian endometriomas.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the risk factors for the recurrence of ovarian endometrioma after laparoscopic cystectomy. STUDY DESIGN: Reproductive aged patients who underwent laparoscopic ovarian endometriotic cystectomy and with histopathologically confirmed diagnosis of ovarian endometrioma were evaluated retrospectively. Histopathologic specimens were reevaluated and histopathologic characteristics of ovarian endometriotic cysts (thickness of cyst wall, thickness of fibrosis [ToF], thickness of ovarian tissue, the number of follicles per cyst, the depth of penetration [DoP] of endometrial tissue into the cyst wall) were determined. Along the determined histopathologic findings, demographic characteristics (age at surgery, number of pregnancies), clinical symptoms (dysmenorrhea, infertility), intraoperative findings (revised American Society for Reproductive Medicine [rASRM] stage), imaging features (bilaterality, cyst diameter), and biochemical parameters (Ca125, Ca19.9, Ca15.3) were evaluated as possible risk factors for the recurrence of endometrioma. The variables with p<0.2 in univariate analysis were introduced into regression analysis to determine the risk factors for recurrence. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences in age group (≤35 years and >35 years), the ToF and DoP between patients with recurrence and those with no recurrence. In Cox regression analysis, age ≤35 years and DoP were significant risk factors for presence of recurrence. DoP, ToF, preoperative cyst diameters in ultrasonographic examination were inversely correlated with recurrence interval. In multivariate regression analysis, the DoP was found the only significant risk factor for the recurrence interval. 1.2mm of DoP was found as the optimum cut off value for presence of recurrence according to Youden index criteria in ROC curve analyze. The sensitivity (62.9%), specificity (75%) were obtained at the cut off value of 1.2mm for DoP. CONCLUSION: Histopathological features of ovarian endometriotic cyst may have important roles on predicting the recurrence of the endometrioma. Predicting the recurrence risk of particular patient is very important in future management of the disease. Knowing the recurrence risk of an endometrioma will help in deciding the optimal treatment modalities for each individual patient. High risk patients should be offered appropriate treatments according to the clinical status without delay and low risk patients should be protected from overtreatment.

Validation of the Fecal Incontinence Severity Index in a Turkish Population.

AIM: The aim of this study was to validate the Turkish-translated version of the Fecal Incontinence Severity Index (FISI) for Turkish-speaking patients. METHODS: This prospective cohort study included 58 patients: 22 (37.9%) scored 0 (no incontinence), and the remaining 36 (62.1%) scored at least 1 (any level of gas, mucus, liquid, solid incontinence, pad wear, or lifestyle alteration). Test-retest reliability analysis, internal consistency analysis, content-face validity, and criterion validity were used to evaluate the Turkish version of the FISI. Validity of the criteria was assessed through correlation analyses between patient and surgeon scores of FISI and manometric measurement between patients with or without anal incontinence symptoms. RESULTS: The 2-week test-retest revealed significant correlation (P < 0.001). The Cronbach α values of the translated version for total scores of the scale were 0.735 and 0.734 for patient-rated scores and surgeon-rated scores, respectively, and indicate a high degree of internal consistency in each item of the questionnaire. Total and all subgroup scores of the FISI scale showed significant correlation with the maximal squeeze pressure and resting pressure values. Comparison of maximal squeeze pressure and resting pressure values of both groups showed significant differences between women with no incontinence and women with any form of incontinence. CONCLUSIONS: The Turkish-translated version of the FISI is a reliable, consistent, and valid instrument for assessing the patient-rated symptom severity among women with anal incontinence in a Turkish-speaking population.

Validation of the Turkish Version of the Sexual Health Outcomes in Women Questionnaire (SHOW-Q) in Turkish-Speaking Women.

INTRODUCTION: The Sexual Health Outcomes in Women Questionnaire (SHOW-Q) is designed to evaluate the sexual life of women for satisfaction, orgasm, desire, and pelvic problem interference. The SHOW-Q is important for evaluating worsening of sexual life for patients with pelvic problems and the management of these women to improve their sexual life. AIMS: To validate the Turkish versions of the SHOW-Q for Turkish-speaking women. METHODS: The Turkish version of the SHOW-Q was generated by two independent professional English-to-Turkish translators. The translated version of the SHOW-Q was reverse translated by two bilingual translators whose native language was English. Women with at least one symptom related to pelvic problems (n = 71) and those with no symptoms (n = 38) were included in the present study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Test-retest reliability analysis, content-face validity, internal consistency reliability, item-total correlations, convergent validity, construct validity, and factorial validity were performed to assess the psychometric properties of the Turkish versions of the SHOW-Q. RESULTS: Test-retest reliability demonstrated good correlation for all subscales. Cronbach α values ranged from 0.735 to 0.892 and indicated high internal consistency. There was a strong correlation for the corresponding subscales between the SHOW-Q and the Female Sexual Function Index. The mean score of each SHOW-Q subscale showed significant differences between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. CONCLUSION: The Turkish version of the SHOW-Q is a valid and reliable instrument that can be used to evaluate the sexual life of Turkish-speaking women with different pelvic problems.

Effect of simple and radical hysterectomy on quality of life - analysis of all aspects of pelvic floor dysfunction.

OBJECTIVE: The impact of simple and radical hysterectomy on all aspects of pelvic floor dysfunctions was evaluated in current study. STUDY DESIGN: This retrospective cohort study included 142 patients; 58 women (40.8%) who have undergone simple, 41 (28.8%) radical hysterectomy, and 43 (30.2%) women without any surgical intervention to serve as the control group. The validated versions of the Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6), Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7), Pelvic Floor and Incontinence Sexual Impact Questionnaire (PISQ-12), Wexner Incontinence Scale score and pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP-Q) system were used in detailed evaluation of pelvic floor dysfunction. One-way ANOVA and Pearson's chi square tests were performed in statistical analysis. RESULTS: It was found that there were significant differences in irritative and obstructive scores of UDI-6 between Type III hysterectomy group and Type I hysterectomy group. In addition, patients of Type I hysterectomy had significant higher irritative and obstructive scores than the control group. Type III hysterectomy had the most significant deteriorating effect on sexual life, based on scores of PISQ-12 compared to both Type I hysterectomy group and control group. CONCLUSION: Hysterectomy results in detrimental effects on the quality of life (QoL) regarding all aspects of pelvic floor functions especially in women of radical hysterectomy. Urinary dysfunctional symptoms like urgency, obstruction and especially sexual problems are more bothersome and difficult to overcome. The impact of hysterectomy on QoL should be investigated as a whole and may be more profound than previously thought.

The outcomes of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation/intrauterine insemination in patients with unilateral tubal occlusion on hysterosalpingograph.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the pregnancy rates of intrauterine insemination (IUI) and controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) in patients with one-sided tubal occlusion on hysterosalpingography (HSG). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent COH/IUI were enrolled into this retrospective cohort study. The patients with one-sided tubal occlusion diagnosed under HSG who met the inclusion criteria were accepted into the study group. The control group consisted of patients with unexplained infertility. The outcomes of COH/IUI were compared between the study and control groups. RESULTS: Ninety-seven patients in the study group (n=44) and control group (n=53) who underwent COH/IUI treatment were included into study. The biochemical, clinical, and ongoing pregnancy rates were similar between patients with unilateral occlusion diagnosed under HSG and those with unexplained infertility. The spontaneous pregnancy rate within one year was higher in patients with normal HSG than in patients with unilateral tubal occlusion, but the difference did not show statistical significance. CONCLUSION: Infertile patients with one-sided tubal occlusion in HSG can be managed as with patients with unexplained infertility and normal HSG findings. In addition, COH/IUI may be considered as the first-line treatment option in the management of these patients.

Translation and validation of the Endometriosis Health Profile (EHP-5) in patients with laparoscopically diagnosed endometriosis.

OBJECTIVES: To validate the Turkish-translated versions of the Endometriosis Health Profile 5 (EHP-5) for use in patients with laparoscopically proven endometriosis. STUDY DESIGN: This case control study was conducted in a tertiary referral teaching institution between April and June 2014. Fifty-eight patients with surgically proven endometriosis were enrolled. The EHP-5 questionnaire was evaluated for patients with laparoscopically diagnosed endometriosis. Test-retest reliability, descriptive statistics, reliability analysis (internal consistency and item-total correlation), data completeness, and known-group comparison were all assessed in the validation of the EHP-5 form as translated into the Turkish language. RESULTS: Two weeks test-retest reliability showed statistically significant correlation; Spearman's rho was 0.885 (p<0.001) for the EHP-5 core questionnaire and 0.896 (p<0.001) for the EHP-5 modular questionnaire. Cronbach's alpha values for the translated form of the EHP-5 core and modular questionnaires were 0.829 and 0.804, respectively, with a high level of internal consistency. In known group comparison, there were statistically significant differences in all subgroups except in the infertility group on the core questionnaire. Pain scales on the core questionnaire and infertility scales on the modular questionnaire showed the highest mean scores (1.14±1.16 and 1.78±1.77). CONCLUSION: Like the original English questionnaire, the Turkish-translated version of the EHP-5 is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing symptom severity and the impact of endometriosis on health-related quality of life in Turkish-speaking women.

Effects of urinary incontinence subtypes on women's quality of life (including sexual life) and psychosocial state.

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to investigate the effects of urinary incontinence subtypes on women's quality of life (including sexual life) and psychosocial state. STUDY DESIGN: The patients, who applied to our clinic from March 2011 to August 2011, were identified and stratified into three groups: those with stress incontinence proved urodynamically (USI), those with urge incontinence (UI), and those with mixed incontinence urge incontinence (UI) proved by urodynamic and clinic evaluation. Scores on the Beck anxiety inventory (BAI), pelvic organ prolapse/urinary incontinence sexual questionnaire (PISQ-12), urogenital distress inventory (UDI-6), and incontinence impact questionnaire (IIQ-7) were compared between the urinary incontinence subtypes. RESULTS: According to urodynamic and clinical examination of 111 women with urinary incontinence, 59 (53%) had USI, 35 (32%) had UI, and 17 (15%) had MI. BAI-scores significantly differed between the USI and UI groups (p=0.030) and between the USI and MI groups (p=0.011) not between the UI and MI groups (p=0.597). UDI-6 scores did not significantly differ between the three groups (p=0.845). IIQ-7 scores significantly differed between the USI and MI groups (p=0.003) and between the UI and MI groups (p=0.006) but not between the USI and UI groups. Patients with USI had significantly lower PISQ-12 scores than those with UI (p=0.015). CONCLUSIONS: These differences in the effects of incontinence subtypes should be kept in mind in the evaluation of patients with urinary incontinence. Psychiatric assessment may improve the management of incontinence in women, especially UI and MI.

Low molecular weight heparin use in unexplained recurrent miscarriage.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate whether the use of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) improve live birth rates when compared with control group in patients with unexplained recurrent miscarriages (URM). METHODS: In this prospective observational study 150 women with a history of two or more previous unexplained first trimester pregnancy loss who received LMWH; either enoxaparin (n=50), tinzaparin (n=50) or nothing (n=50) were followed for the pregnancy outcome measures. Only the patients who have used standardized dosage of LMWH (4000 IU/day enoxaparin or 3500 IU/day tinzaparin ) were included to the study. The primary end point was the live birth rate and secondary end points were the side effects, late pregnancy complications and neonatal outcome in the study cohorts. RESULTS: Live birth was achieved 85% of the LMWH group and 66% of the control group (p=0.007). According to the subgroup analysis; live birth rates did not differ significantly between the enoxaparin and tinzaparin group (84% and 86%, respectively). Maternal and neonatal side effects were not statistically significant among the study participants. CONCLUSION: Thromboprophylaxis with LMWH resulted in a improved live-birth rate in patient with 2 or more consecutive unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss. Nevertheless these findings need to be confirmed in larger randomized trials.

Left lateral position and common gynecologic examining position in anal manometry measurements for evaluation of urogynecologic patients.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to compare the anometrical parameters obtained in the left lateral position, which is the conventional position of anal manometry, with the same measurements taken in the common gynecologic examining position (45° sitting position in a birthing chair with maximum hip flexion). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-one patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) were enrolled into this prospective cohort study. Basal mean resting pressure (BMRP), maximum squeeze pressure (MSP), rectal sensation, rectal compliance, and recto-anal inhibitory reflex (RAIR) were compared between the gynecologic examining position and left lateral position. RESULTS: There was no statistically difference between the anal manometric measurements of the left lateral and gynecologic examining positions (paired t-test, p>.05). CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that it seems to be unnecessary to change the examination chair and/or patient position in urogynecological patients who need an anorectal assessment.

Vaginal progesterone vs. cervical cerclage for the prevention of preterm birth in women with a sonographic short cervix, previous preterm birth, and singleton gestation: a systematic review and indirect comparison metaanalysis.

OBJECTIVE: No randomized controlled trial has compared vaginal progesterone and cervical cerclage directly for the prevention of preterm birth in women with a sonographic short cervix in the mid trimester, singleton gestation, and previous spontaneous preterm birth. We performed an indirect comparison of vaginal progesterone vs cerclage using placebo/no cerclage as the common comparator. STUDY DESIGN: Adjusted indirect metaanalysis of randomized controlled trials. RESULTS: Four studies that evaluated vaginal progesterone vs placebo (158 patients) and 5 studies that evaluated cerclage vs no cerclage (504 patients) were included. Both interventions were associated with a statistically significant reduction in the risk of preterm birth at <32 weeks of gestation and composite perinatal morbidity and mortality compared with placebo/no cerclage. Adjusted indirect metaanalyses did not show statistically significant differences between vaginal progesterone and cerclage in the reduction of preterm birth or adverse perinatal outcomes. CONCLUSION: Based on state-of-the-art methods for indirect comparisons, either vaginal progesterone or cerclage are equally efficacious in the prevention of preterm birth in women with a sonographic short cervix in the mid trimester, singleton gestation, and previous preterm birth. Selection of the optimal treatment needs to consider adverse events, cost and patient/clinician preferences.

The effect of concealed concomitant anal incontinence symptoms in patients with urinary incontinence on their quality of life.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: We evaluated the bother of concomitant anal incontinence (AI) in women with urinary incontinence (UI) who do not primarily report their anal symptoms. METHODS: This prospective study assessed patients with complaings of primary UI without initially reporting anal symptoms. After urogynecological assessment, all patients were asked to complete the validated versions of the Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6), Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7), Pelvic Floor and Incontinence Sexual Impact Questionnaire (PISQ-12), Wexner Incontinence Scale (WIS) score, and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Patients who scored nil in the WIS constituted the group of only UI, and patients with scores ≥1 were grouped as double incontinence (DI)., and the groups were compared. RESULTS: Among 136 women, 69.1 % (94) had only UI, whereas 30.9 % (42) had DI. There were no differences in age, parity, body mass index (BMI), and prolapse status between patients with UI and those with DI, except menopausal status. Women with DI scored worse for IIQ-7, PISQ-12, and BAI questionnaires compared with women with UI. This difference was not statistically significant for IIQ-7 only. CONCLUSIONS: Our data show that concealed AI symptoms may contribute to the anxiety of the patient and even alter the perception of urinary symptoms. Actually, a significant number of women suffer from DI without reporting their anal symptoms, which results in underdiagnosing of concomitant AI. To prevent the suboptimal management of patients with lower urinary tract symptoms, standardized questionnaires for AI should be included in the evaluation of all patients with lower urinary tract symptoms.

Vaginal progesterone in women with an asymptomatic sonographic short cervix in the midtrimester decreases preterm delivery and neonatal morbidity: a systematic review and metaanalysis of individual patient data.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the use of vaginal progesterone in asymptomatic women with a sonographic short cervix (≤ 25 mm) in the midtrimester reduces the risk of preterm birth and improves neonatal morbidity and mortality. STUDY DESIGN: Individual patient data metaanalysis of randomized controlled trials. RESULTS: Five trials of high quality were included with a total of 775 women and 827 infants. Treatment with vaginal progesterone was associated with a significant reduction in the rate of preterm birth <33 weeks (relative risk [RR], 0.58; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.42-0.80), <35 weeks (RR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.55-0.88), and <28 weeks (RR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.30-0.81); respiratory distress syndrome (RR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.30-0.76); composite neonatal morbidity and mortality (RR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.40-0.81); birthweight <1500 g (RR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.38-0.80); admission to neonatal intensive care unit (RR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.59-0.94); and requirement for mechanical ventilation (RR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.44-0.98). There were no significant differences between the vaginal progesterone and placebo groups in the rate of adverse maternal events or congenital anomalies. CONCLUSION: Vaginal progesterone administration to asymptomatic women with a sonographic short cervix reduces the risk of preterm birth and neonatal morbidity and mortality.

Does mediolateral episiotomy decrease central defects of the anterior vaginal wall?

OBJECTIVE: This retrospective study investigates the effects of mediolateral episiotomy on the pelvic floor. METHODS: Premenopausal women suffering from urinary incontinence/genital prolapse who delivered only by vaginal route were enrolled into the study. History of diabetes, morbid obesity (BMI > 40 kg/m(2)), vacuum/forceps extraction, perineal lacerations that warranted repair during labor and any pelvic surgery were the exclusion criteria. Evaluation of the patients included pelvic organ prolapse quantification scores, presence of stress incontinence, urethral hypermobility, and questionnaires were obtained for overactive bladder and anal incontinence symptoms. These data obtained from patients with the history of mediolateral episiotomy were compared with those of patients with no episiotomy or any other pelvic injury that warranted surgical repair. RESULTS: Groups were identical by means of demographic data, POP-Q findings, signs and symptoms of the pelvic floor. However, in the MLE group, central defects on the anterior vaginal wall were less frequent. CONCLUSION: According to the results of this retrospective study, MLE seems to prevent central defects on the anterior vaginal wall. Prospective randomized studies are needed to draw a sufficient conclusion.

Approach to concomitant rectal and uterine prolapse: case report.

The classic description of rectal prolapse is a protrusion of the rectum beyond the anus. Peaks of occurrences are noted in the fourth and seventh decades of life, and most patients (80-90%) are women. The condition is often concurrent with pelvic floor descent and prolapse of other pelvic floor organs, such as the uterus or the bladder. In this study, two cases having contraindication to general anesthesia with rectal and uterine prolapse are presented. These cases were operated on under local anesthesia with support of sedation by Leforte and Delorme's operation at the same time. In conclusion; pelvic floor disorders should be considered as a whole, and surgical correction of rectal prolapse and uterine prolapse may be done at the same time under local anesthesia with the support of sedation. Performance of these operations by experienced and trained pelvic reconstructive surgeons may be advocated.

Effects of single vaginal incision technique on quality of life in women with stress urinary incontinence.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To estimate the short-term effects of a minimally invasive single vaginal incision technique without passing through the abdomen or groin (ContaSure Needleless System) on the quality of life in women with incontinence. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING: Tertiary referral urogynecology clinic. PATIENTS: 50 consecutive patients with urodynamically proved stress urinary incontinence from October 2008 to March 2009. INTERVENTIONS: Preoperative and postoperative scores on the short forms of the IIQ-7 (Incontinence Impact Questionnaire, UDI-6 (Urinary Distress Inventory) PISQ-12 (Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Function), and long form of the P-QOL (Prolapse Quality of Life) were evaluated in 50 patients with urodynamically proved stress urinary incontinence. Scores were compared with postoperative urodynamic findings. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Mean (SD) follow-up was 433.5 (44.1) days (95% CI, 420.1-445.1). Patients showed statistically significant improvement insofar as preoperative and postoperative scores on the IIQ-7, P-QOL, and PISQ-12 and the irritative and stress subgroups of UDI-6. Obstructive score of UDI-6 worsened, consistent with the findings of pressure-flow studies. Postoperatively, 40 patients (80%) were urodynamically continent. Eight patients (16%) were still incontinent; however, their quality of life scores (IIQ-7 and UDI-6 stress) improved. Two patients (4%) continued to experience leakage, with equal or worsened quality-of-life scores. CONCLUSION: Early clinical results of the present trial demonstrate that the ContaSure Needleless System seems to be capable of improving significantly all aspects of quality of life in women with incontinence. To improve the willingness for treatment of women with stress incontinence, this minimally invasive technique should be encouraged after confirming its efficacy in larger prospective, randomized, comparative trials.