The AUA/SUFU Guideline on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Idiopathic Overactive Bladder.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this guideline is to provide evidence-based guidance to clinicians of all specialties on the evaluation, management, and treatment of idiopathic overactive bladder (OAB). The guideline informs the reader on valid diagnostic processes and provides an approach to selecting treatment options for patients with OAB through the shared decision-making process, which will maximize symptom control and quality of life, while minimizing adverse events and burden of disease. METHODS: An electronic search employing OVID was used to systematically search the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases, as well as the Cochrane Library, for systematic reviews and primary studies evaluating diagnosis and treatment of OAB from January 2013 to November 2023. Criteria for inclusion and exclusion of studies were based on the Key Questions and the populations, interventions, comparators, outcomes, timing, types of studies and settings (PICOTS) of interest. Following the study selection process, 159 studies were included and were used to inform evidence-based recommendation statements. RESULTS: This guideline produced 33 statements that cover the evaluation and diagnosis of the patient with symptoms suggestive of OAB; the treatment options for patients with OAB, including non-invasive therapies, pharmacotherapy, minimally invasive therapies, invasive therapies, and indwelling catheters; and the management of patients with BPH and OAB. CONCLUSION: Once the diagnosis of OAB is made, the clinician and the patient with OAB have a variety of treatment options to choose from and should, through shared decision-making, formulate a personalized treatment approach taking into account evidence-based recommendations as well as patient values and preferences.

Defining success after surgical treatment of stress urinary incontinence.

BACKGROUND: A consensus standardized definition of success after stress urinary incontinence surgical treatment is lacking, which precludes comparisons between studies and affects patient counseling. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify optimal patient-centric definition(s) of success after stress urinary incontinence surgical treatment and to compare the identified "more accurate" treatment success definitions with a commonly used composite definition of success (ie, no reported urine leakage, negative cough stress test result, and no retreatment). STUDY DESIGN: We evaluated 51 distinct treatment success definitions for participants enrolled in a previously conducted randomized trial of stress urinary incontinence treatments concomitantly performed with sacrocolpopexy (NCT00934999). For each treatment success definition, we calculated the mean (SD) of participant-assessed symptom improvement and participant-assessed surgical success scores with an 11-point Likert scale among those achieving success and failure. The "more accurate" treatment success definition(s) were identified by measuring the magnitude of the mean difference of participant assessments with Hedges g values. The treatment success definitions with the highest Hedges g values were considered "more accurate" treatment success definitions and were then compared with the composite definition of success. RESULTS: The percentage of participants who had treatment success (6.4% to 97.3%) and Hedges g values (-4.85 to 1.25) varied greatly according to each treatment success definition. An International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form score ≤5, Urogenital Distress Inventory-6 score ≤33.3, and a no/mild stress urinary incontinence response on Urogenital Distress Inventory-6 question 3 had the highest Hedges g values and were considered the top 3 "more accurate" treatment success definitions. Paradoxically, treatment success definitions that required a negative cough stress test result or no persistent urinary leakage greatly reduced the ability to differentiate between participant-assessed symptom improvement and surgical success. When the "more accurate" treatment success definitions were compared with the composite definition, patients with failed treatment according to the composite definition had lower Urinary Impact Questionnaire-7 scores and a higher proportion of survey responses indicating complete satisfaction or some level of satisfaction and very good/perfect bladder condition. In addition, the composite definition had considerably fewer favorable outcomes for participants than did the top 3 "more accurate" treatment success definitions. CONCLUSION: Successful outcomes of stress urinary incontinence surgical treatments for women undergoing concurrent sacrocolpopexy varied greatly depending on the definition used. However, stringent definitions (requiring complete dryness) and objective testing (negative cough stress test result) had decreased, rather than increased, participant-assessed symptom improvement and surgical success scores. The "more accurate" treatment success definitions better differentiated between participant-assessed symptom improvement and surgical success than the composite definition. The composite definition disproportionately misidentified participants who reported minor symptoms or complete/partial satisfaction with their outcome as having treatment failures and yielded a considerably lower proportion of women who reported favorable outcomes than did the top 3 "more accurate" treatment success definitions.

A bundle of opioid-sparing strategies to eliminate routine opioid prescribing in a urogynecology practice.

BACKGROUND: Current evidence supports that many patients do not use prescribed opioids following reconstructive pelvic surgery, yet it remains unclear if it is feasible to eliminate routine opioid prescriptions without a negative impact on patients or providers. OBJECTIVE: To determine if there is a difference in the proportion of patients discharged without opioids after implementing a bundle of opioid-sparing strategies and tiered prescribing protocol compared to usual care after minimally invasive pelvic reconstructive surgery (transvaginal, laparoscopic, or robotic). Secondary objectives include measures of patient-perceived pain control and provider workload. STUDY DESIGN: The bundle of opioid-sparing strategies and tiered prescribing protocol intervention was implemented as a division-wide evidence-based practice change on August 1, 2022. This retrospective cohort compares a 6-month postintervention (bundle of opioid-sparing strategies and tiered prescribing protocol) cohort to 6-month preintervention (usual care) of patients undergoing minimally invasive pelvic reconstructive surgery. A 3-month washout period was observed after bundle of opioid-sparing strategies and tiered prescribing protocol initiation. We excluded patients <18 years, failure to consent to research, combined surgery with other specialties, urge urinary incontinence or urinary retention procedures alone, and minor procedures not typically requiring opioids. Primary outcome was measured by proportion discharged without opioids and total oral morphine equivalents prescribed. Pain control was measured by pain scores, postdischarge prescriptions and refills, phone calls and visits related to pain, and satisfaction with pain control. Provider workload was demonstrated by phone calls and postdischarge prescription refills. Data were obtained through chart review on all patients who met inclusion criteria. Primary analysis only included patients prescribed opioids according to the bundle of opioid-sparing strategies and tiered prescribing protocol protocol. Two sample t tests compared continuous variables and chi-square tests compared categorical variables. RESULTS: Four hundred sixteen patients were included in the primary analysis (207 bundle of opioid-sparing strategies and tiered prescribing protocol, 209 usual care). Baseline demographics were similar between groups, except a lower proportion of irritable bowel syndrome (13% vs 23%; P<.01) and pelvic pain (15% vs 24.9%; P=.01), and higher history of prior gynecologic surgery (69.1% vs 58.4%; P=.02) in the bundle of opioid-sparing strategies and tiered prescribing protocol cohort. The bundle of opioid-sparing strategies and tiered prescribing protocol cohort was more likely to be discharged without opioids (68.1% vs 10.0%; P<.01). In those prescribed opioids, total oral morphine equivalents on discharge was significantly lower in the bundle of opioid-sparing strategies and tiered prescribing protocol cohort (48.1 vs 81.8; P<.01). The bundle of opioid-sparing strategies and tiered prescribing protocol cohort had a 20.6 greater odds (confidence interval 11.4, 37.1) of being discharged without opioids after adjusting for surgery type, arthritis/joint pain, IBS, pelvic pain, and contraindication to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The bundle of opioid-sparing strategies and tiered prescribing protocol cohort was also less likely to receive a rescue opioid prescription after discharge (1.4% vs 9.5%; P=.03). There were no differences in opioid prescription refills (19.7% vs 18.1%; P=.77), emergency room visits for pain (3.4% vs 2.9%; P=.76), postoperative pain scores (mean 4.7 vs 4.0; P=.07), or patient satisfaction with pain control (81.5% vs 85.6%; P=.21). After bundle of opioid-sparing strategies and tiered prescribing protocol implementation, the proportion of postoperative phone calls for pain also decreased (12.6% vs 21.5%; P=.02). Similar results were identified when nonadherent prescribing was included in the analysis. CONCLUSION: A bundle of evidence-based opioid sparing strategies and tiered prescribing based on inpatient use increases the proportion of patients discharged without opioids after minimally invasive pelvic reconstructive surgery without evidence of uncontrolled pain or increased provider workload.

The AUA/SUFU guideline on the diagnosis and treatment of idiopathic overactive bladder.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this guideline is to provide evidence-based guidance to clinicians of all specialties on the evaluation, management, and treatment of idiopathic overactive bladder (OAB). The guideline informs the reader on valid diagnostic processes and provides an approach to selecting treatment options for patients with OAB through the shared decision-making process, which will maximize symptom control and quality of life, while minimizing adverse events and burden of disease. METHODS: An electronic search employing OVID was used to systematically search the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases, as well as the Cochrane Library, for systematic reviews and primary studies evaluating diagnosis and treatment of OAB from January 2013 to November 2023. Criteria for inclusion and exclusion of studies were based on the Key Questions and the populations, interventions, comparators, outcomes, timing, types of studies and settings (PICOTS) of interest. Following the study selection process, 159 studies were included and were used to inform evidence-based recommendation statements. RESULTS: This guideline produced 33 statements that cover the evaluation and diagnosis of the patient with symptoms suggestive of OAB; the treatment options for patients with OAB, including Noninvasive therapies, pharmacotherapy, minimally invasive therapies, invasive therapies, and indwelling catheters; and the management of patients with BPH and OAB. CONCLUSION: Once the diagnosis of OAB is made, the clinician and the patient with OAB have a variety of treatment options to choose from and should, through shared decision-making, formulate a personalized treatment approach taking into account evidence-based recommendations as well as patient values and preferences.

Robotic-assisted intravesical mesh excision following retropubic midurethral sling.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Intravesical mesh is an uncommon complication following synthetic midurethral sling placement. Management options have included endoscopic techniques such as laser ablation or surgical excision. We present our technique for robotic-assisted excision of intravesical mesh following a retropubic midurethral sling. METHODS: The patient is a 66-year-old woman with a remote history of laser ablation of intraurethral mesh after midurethral sling, and persistent symptomatic intravesical mesh with associated stone at the bladder neck and right bladder wall. Robotic excision of the intravesical mesh and stone was performed by entering the space of Retzius, carrying the dissection along the right arm of the retropubic sling, performing two cystotomies to free and remove the mesh, and finally closing the cystotomies in two layers. RESULTS: The patient was discharged on postoperative day 1. A cystogram prior to catheter removal showed no extravasation and a competent bladder neck. She reported no new stress incontinence and had improvement in overactive bladder symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic excision of intravesical mesh after synthetic midurethral sling was safely performed in this patient who had multiple areas of intravesical mesh. Management aspects reported here may be helpful for complex presentations of intravesical mesh.

Robotic Excision of Intravesical Mesh Following Transvaginal Mesh-Based Prolapse Repair.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: We describe the surgical management of intravesical mesh perforation following transvaginal mesh surgery for pelvic organ prolapse. METHODS: A 73-year-old woman presented with intravesical mesh perforation 17 years following transvaginal mesh-based prolapse repair at an outside hospital. The patient presented with intermittent hematuria and recurrent urinary tract infections. Cystoscopy demonstrated an approximately 3-cm area of intravesical mesh with associated stone spanning from the bladder neck through the left trigone and ureteral orifice. A robotic-assisted transvesical mesh excision and left ureteroneocystostomy was carried out. Robotic-assisted repair was performed transvesically via transverse bladder dome cystotomy. Dissection was carried out circumferentially around the mesh in the vesicovaginal plane, including a 1-cm margin of healthy tissue. The eroded mesh was excised, and the vaginal wall and bladder were closed with running absorbable sutures. Given the location of the mesh excision and repair, a left ureteral reimplantation was performed. The transverse cystotomy was closed and retrograde bladder filling with methylene blue-stained saline confirmed watertight repairs, with no vaginal extravasation. RESULTS: The patient was discharged the following morning and had an uneventful recovery, including transurethral indwelling catheter removal at 2 weeks after CT cystogram and subsequent ureteral stent removal at 6 weeks postoperatively. At 2-month follow-up she had no new urinary symptoms or obstruction of the ureteral reimplantation on renal ultrasound. CONCLUSIONS: A robotic-assisted approach is a feasible option for managing transvaginal prolapse mesh perforation into the bladder. Pelvic surgeons must be well equipped to handle transvaginal mesh complications in a patient-specific manner.

Robotic repair of a branching vesicouterine and vesicovaginal fistula.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: We present technical considerations and tips for repairing a complex branching vesicouterine and vesicovaginal fistula via a robotic approach. METHODS: A 31-year-old female presented with constant urinary leakage following a vaginal birth after prior cesarean section. Evaluation with cystoscopy and cross-sectional imaging demonstrated a branching vesicouterine and vesicovaginal fistula. Repair with robotic-assisted approach was carried out. An intentional cystotomy was made with a tear-drop incision around the fistula tracts. The vesicouterine and vesicovaginal planes were dissected and mobilized. The vaginotomy and cystotomy were closed in a running two-layer fashion with absorbable suture and the uterine defect closed with interrupted absorbable suture. Retrograde bladder filling confirmed a watertight repair. A broad peritoneal flap was created, positioned, and secured with care to ensure it covered past the apex of the fistula closure. RESULTS: Following overnight observation she had an uneventful recovery, including catheter removal at 3 weeks after cystogram confirmed resolution of the fistula. At 6 weeks the fistula and her leakage remained resolved, with no de novo voiding or incontinence symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: A robotic approach to complex branching vesicouterine and vesicovaginal fistula is technically feasible. Careful attention to surgical technique and the use of tissue interposition may improve fistula resolution rates.

Healthcare system contact following ureteroscopy: does discharge instruction readability matter?

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to assess the impact of discharge instruction (DCI) readability on 30-day postoperative contact with the healthcare system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Utilizing a multidisciplinary team, DCI were modified for patients undergoing cystoscopy, retrograde pyelogram, ureteroscopy, laser lithotripsy, and stent placement (CRULLS) from a 13th grade to a 7th grade reading level. We retrospectively reviewed 100 patients including 50 consecutive patients with original DCI (oDCI) and 50 consecutive patients with improved readability DCI (irDCI). Clinical and demographic data collected including healthcare system contact (communications [phone or electronic message], emergency department [ED], and unplanned clinic visits) within 30 days of surgery. Uni/multivariate logistic regression analyses used to identify factors, including DCI-type, associated with increased healthcare system contact. Findings reported as odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals and p values (< 0.05 significant). RESULTS: There were 105 contacts to the healthcare system within 30 days of surgery: 78 communications, 14 ED visits and 13 clinic visits. There were no significant differences between cohorts in the proportion of patients with communications (p = 0.16), ED visits (p =1.0) or clinic visits (p = 0.37). On multivariable analysis, older age and psychiatric diagnosis were associated with significantly increased odds of overall healthcare contact (p = 0.03 and p = 0.04) and communications (p = 0.02 and p = 0.03). Prior psychiatric diagnosis was also associated with significantly increased odds of unplanned clinic visits (p = 0.003). Overall, irDCI were not significantly associated with the endpoints of interest. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing age and prior psychiatric diagnosis, but not irDCI, were significantly associated with an increased rate of healthcare system contact following CRULLS.

Urinary Symptoms and Bladder Voiding Dysfunction Are Common in Young Men with Defecatory Disorders: A Retrospective Evaluation.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are frequently reported by constipated patients. Prospective studies investigating the association between defecatory disorders (DDs) and voiding dysfunction, predominantly in women, have reported conflicting results. This study investigated (1) the prevalence of LUTS in young men with DDs and (2) the association between objectively documented DDs and voiding dysfunction in constipated young men with LUTS. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records, including validated questionnaires, of men aged 18-40 with confirmed DDs treated with pelvic floor physical therapy (PT) at our institution from May 2018 to November 2020. In a separate group of constipated young men with LUTS who underwent high-resolution anorectal manometry (HRM), rectal balloon expulsion test (BET), and uroflowmetry, we explored the relationship between DDs and voiding dysfunction. RESULTS: A total of 72 men were evaluated in the study. Among 43 men receiving PT for a proven DD, 82% reported ≥ 1 LUTS, most commonly frequent urination. Over half of these men experienced a reduction in LUTS severity after bowel-directed pelvic floor PT. Among 29 constipated men with LUTS who had undergone HRM/BET and uroflowmetry, 28% had concurrent defecatory and voiding dysfunction, 10% had DD alone, 14% had only voiding dysfunction, and 48% had neither. The presence of DD was associated with significantly increased odds of concurrent voiding dysfunction (odds ratio 9.3 [95% CI 1.7-52.7]). CONCLUSIONS: Most young men with DDs experience LUTS, which may respond to bowel-directed physical therapy. Patients with DD and urinary symptoms have increased odds of voiding dysfunction.

Transurethral dorsal buccal graft urethroplasty for proximal female urethral strictures.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: We present a novel outpatient transurethral dorsal buccal graft urethroplasty for managing proximal female urethral strictures. METHODS: A 69-year-old female presented with a 2.5-year history of slowing urinary stream. After discussing treatment options, she opted for transurethral dorsal buccal graft urethroplasty. The procedure begins with buccal graft harvest, and care is taken to avoid Stetson's duct. A nasal speculum is placed transurethrally, distal to the stricture. The full length of the dorsal urethra is incised superficially. A suture-passing device is used to place three sutures at the bladder neck and then through the buccal graft. The sutures are tied transurethrally using a laparoscopic knot pusher, parachuting the graft into place. The distal aspect of the buccal graft is secured to the urethral meatus with interrupted suture and surgical glue used to secure the midportion of the graft. RESULTS: Following the outpatient procedure, she had an uneventful recovery, including catheter removal at 3 weeks. At 3 months she had significant improvement in her urinary stream and no stress incontinence. CONCLUSIONS: The transurethral approach to dorsal buccal graft urethroplasty is technically feasible and, in the short term, effective. Longer follow-up and larger series are needed to validate this procedure.

A "cooler" simulation model for robotic cuff closure and sacrocolpopexy.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The objective of this video was to demonstrate the build and use of a single robotic simulation model for a double-layer vaginal cuff closure and sacrocolpopexy vaginal mesh attachment. Simulation models are frequently used to improve surgical skills and augment operating room experience for surgical trainees. METHODS: To create our robotic simulation model, we utilized the Advincula arch manipulator handle with a sacrocolpopexy tip attached to the ALLY Uterine Positioning System. To simulate the vagina, we used a pink, slim can cooler/coozie attached to the sacrocolpopexy tip. The edges of the coozie represented the vaginal cuff following a hysterectomy. Mesh attachment was demonstrated using a precut Y-shaped polypropylene mesh. CONCLUSIONS: Simulation has become a critical part of education in surgical training programs as it enhances learner knowledge and improves surgical confidence and preparedness in the operative setting.

Management of advanced prolapse including a bowel obstruction: expanding the role of transvaginal surgery.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: We reviewed a case of concomitant advanced pelvic organ prolapse and partial small bowel obstruction managed via transvaginal small bowel resection and native tissue prolapse repair. METHODS: The patient is an 82-year-old woman with a history of a radical cystectomy and ileal conduit 2 years prior for bladder cancer that was transferred from an outside hospital for incarcerated prolapse including a small bowel obstruction with transition point inside the prolapse. She had previously unsuccessfully tried several pessaries for her prolapse. She was widowed and not sexually active. After conservative management of her bowel obstruction was unsuccessful, she was taken to the operating room for transvaginal prolapse repair. Intraoperatively, we encountered an isolated area of indurated bowel adherent to the prolapse. Colorectal surgery performed a transvaginal small bowel resection with stapled anastomosis, and a modified LeFort colpocleisis was performed to address her prolapse. Her postoperative course was uncomplicated, and at 6 months, she reported normal bowel function and had no evidence of prolapse recurrence. CONCLUSION: We present a case of incidental bowel pathology during vaginal prolapse surgery, requiring a small bowel resection. This case demonstrates the feasibility of this procedure when working with a multi-disciplinary team and localized bowel pathology.

McIndoe neovagina creation for the management of vaginal agenesis.

This video reviews technical considerations for performing a modified McIndoe vaginoplasty with skin graft. A 24-year-old female was referred for management of vaginal agenesis. She had unsuccessfully tried vaginal dilation and was interested in vaginal canal creation. A 10 × 20-cm split-thickness skin graft was harvested from the buttock and secured to a condom-covered rubber-sponge mold. The vaginal dissection was initially performed with electrocautery and sharp dissection to enter the plane between the bladder anteriorly and the rectum posteriorly. Then, blunt dissection using a finger, surgical sponges, and retractors was performed to open the space to the level of the peritoneal reflection. With the dissection completed, the graft-covered mold was inserted and secured with labial stay sutures. During the second stage of the procedure, roughly 14 days later, the mold was removed, the graft assessed, and the distal edges secured. A polyethylene mold was then used as the wound continued to heal. The patient had an uncomplicated perioperative course. She had excellent take of her skin graft, with 10 cm vaginal length and adequate vaginal caliber. Vaginoplasty with a split-thickness skin graft is an excellent surgical option for vaginal canal creation in patients with vaginal agenesis.

Surgical management of stress urinary incontinence following traumatic pelvic injury.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The objective was to discuss the evaluation and management of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) following traumatic pelvic injury by use of a video case. METHODS: We present a patient with severe SUI following pelvic trauma and our surgical approach to her case. Her injuries included two sacral compression fractures and four un-united bilateral pubic rami fractures, with her right-upper pubic rami impinging on the bladder. RESULTS: Preoperative assessment included detailed review of her pelvic imaging, multichannel urodynamic testing, cystoscopy, and examination of periurethral and bony pelvis anatomy. We proceeded with a synthetic retropubic mid-urethral sling, which required medial deviation of the trocar passage owing to her distorted anatomy. Rigid cystoscopy provided an inadequate bladder survey following sling placement, thus flexible cystoscopy was used to confirm the absence of bladder perforation. Postoperatively, our patient experienced resolution of SUI. CONCLUSIONS: In patients who sustain pelvic fractures, imaging to evaluate bony trauma and genitourinary tract injury is essential. Urodynamic testing provides clarity of the nature and severity of incontinence symptoms. Rigid and/or flexible cystoscopy should be performed for diagnostic purposes pre-operatively and after operative intervention. Typical anti-incontinence procedures can be offered to these patients, but since bony anatomy can be unreliable, an individualized approach to their specific injury should be utilized.

Techniques for optimizing lead placement during sacral neuromodulation.

We present a video describing technical considerations for optimizing lead placement for sacral neuromodulation. A 56-year-old female presented with urinary urgency incontinence refractory to behavioral modification, physical therapy, and oral pharmacotherapy. An Interstim device had been placed 3 years prior by another provider, but the patient did not find it beneficial and had uncomfortable stimulation despite reprogramming. After counseling, she opted for device revision. The S3 foramen is identified using fluoroscopy in anterior-posterior and lateral views; a needle is advanced through the cephalad and medial aspect of the foramen and tested for bellows and toe responses. After the directional guide is placed, the introducer is advanced until it is midway through the bony table. The lead, with a curved stylet, is advanced for repeat testing prior to deployment. It should have a cephalad-to-caudad appearance and curve laterally. Motor responses are tested and optimally should be < 2 V with all electrodes. The lead is then advanced fully, deployed, and retested. The patient's daytime frequency improved to 6 per day from 11 per day at baseline; her urgency incontinence and the uncomfortable stimulation resolved. Optimization of lead placement for sacral neuromodulation is crucial for improving clinical results.

LeFort partial colpocleisis: tips and technique.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: We present a video describing the technical considerations for performing a LeFort colpocleisis. METHODS: A 79-year-old woman presented with a symptomatic vaginal bulge. She was not sexually active, and had no desire to maintain the vaginal canal. Her history was significant for aortic valve replacement, chronic anticoagulation, and a cardiac pacemaker. She had uterine procidentia, with occult stress urinary incontinence. After discussing options, she elected to undergo LeFort colpocleisis. Following sharp endometrial curettage, hydro-dissection was performed with lidocaine and epinephrine. Rectangular patches of vaginal epithelium were excised anteriorly and posteriorly, and the proximal margins were re-approximated, inverting the cervix. Following this, the lateral margins were re-approximated to create lateral channels. The anterior and posterior rectangles were then plicated, reducing the prolapse. The vaginal incision was closed transversely. A retropubic, synthetic, mid-urethral sling was placed, and an aggressive posterior colpoperineorrhaphy was performed. RESULTS: Her postoperative course was uncomplicated. At her 6-week follow-up she had no recurrent prolapse, denied stress incontinence, and was voiding without difficulty. CONCLUSIONS: Important tips for LeFort colpocleisis include ruling out underlying malignancy, using lidocaine with epinephrine for hydrodissection, creating adequate lateral channels, closure in multiple layers with excellent hemostasis, and an aggressive posterior repair.

Management of Vaginal Mesh Exposures Following Female Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To discuss considerations and current evidence for the diagnosis and management of vaginal mesh exposures following female mesh-augmented anti-incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse surgery. RECENT FINDINGS: Since the introduction of mesh into female pelvic surgery, various applications have been reported, each with their own unique risk profile. The most commonly encountered mesh-related complication is vaginal mesh exposure. Current evidence on the management of vaginal mesh exposure is largely limited to observational studies and case series, though this is continuing to expand. We present a synthesis of the available data, as well as clinical and surgical approaches to managing this complication. It is important for surgeons to be familiar with the management of vaginal mesh exposures. Depending on the patient's presentation and goals, there is a role for conservative measures, mesh revision, or mesh excision. Further study is warranted to standardize mesh resection techniques and explore non-surgical treatments.

Bacterial Cultures at the Time of Artificial Urinary Sphincter Revision Surgery in Clinically Uninfected Devices: A Contemporary Series.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the rate of bacterial colonization in artificial urinary sphincters during revision surgery for noninfectious etiologies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated bacterial culture swab data on all explanted artificial urinary sphincter components (cuff, pump and reservoir) in patients who underwent revision surgery between February 2016 and July 2018. Those treated with revision for infection or erosion were excluded from study. Patient demographic variables were assessed to identify factors associated with colonization. RESULTS: Cultures were obtained from 200 components, including 86 cuffs, 56 pumps and 58 reservoirs among the total of 80 patients. The etiology of revision included urethral atrophy in 31 cases (39%) and mechanical failure in 49 (52%). Median time after prior artificial urinary sphincter placement was 4.3 years (IQR 2-9). Median operative time was 37.5 minutes (IQR 32-46). All components were explanted and replaced in 55 patients (69%) and a single component was replaced in 23 (28%). Positive culture swabs were identified in 37 of the 200 components (19%), including 25 of 86 cuffs (29%), 7 of 56 pumps (13%) and 5 of 58 reservoirs (9%). Of the 80 patients 31 (39%) had at least 1 positive component culture and were more likely to have a history of radiation (65% vs 33%, p = 0.006). Identified organisms included Staphylococcus species in 57% of cases, Propionibacterium in 10% and Aerococcus in 5%. CONCLUSIONS: Positive artificial urinary sphincter component bacterial swab cultures were found in 39% of patients undergoing artificial urinary sphincter revision in the absence of clinical infection. Those with positive cultures were more likely to have a history of pelvic radiation. These results suggest that bacterial colonization of organisms with low virulence may not lead to device infection.

Assessing the impact of procedure-specific opioid prescribing recommendations on opioid stewardship following pelvic organ prolapse surgery.

BACKGROUND: Nationally, there is increasing concern regarding the volume of opioid medications prescribed postoperatively and the rate of prescription opioid-related adverse events. In evaluation of this, several reports have identified significant variability in postoperative opioid-prescribing patterns, including quantities exceeding patient's needs, especially after minor surgical procedures. However, data regarding patient's postoperative opioids needs following surgery for pelvic organ prolapse are sparse. OBJECTIVE: To design procedure-specific opioid-prescribing recommendations for pelvic organ prolapse surgeries and evaluate their impact on opioid stewardship. STUDY DESIGN: We prospectively evaluated opioid-prescribing patterns, patient use, medication refills, and patient satisfaction in women undergoing prolapse surgery (ie, vaginal, abdominal, or robotic) during an 8-month time period. Two cohorts of women, stratified by whether they had surgery before or after implementation of procedure-specific opioid-prescribing recommendations, were evaluated. Postoperative opioid usage (assessed via pill count), medication refills, and satisfaction with pain management after hospital dismissal were evaluated by telephone call 2 weeks after surgery. Postoperative opioid prescribing and use were recorded after conversion to oral morphine equivalents. RESULTS: Overall, 96 women were included, 57 in the initial baseline cohort, and 39 following implementation of the prescribing recommendations. In the initial cohort, 32.8% of the prescribed oral morphine equivalents (3607/11,007 mg) were consumed. Following implementation of the prescribing recommendations, median oral morphine equivalents prescribed decreased from 200 mg oral morphine equivalents (interquartile range 150, 225) to 112.5 mg oral morphine equivalents (interquartile range 22.5, 112.5; P<.0001). The total oral morphine equivalents prescribed decreased by 45% when compared with the volume that would have been prescribed before implementing the recommendations. The amount of leftover opioids per patient significantly decreased as well (P<.0001). Pain medication refills increased after the intervention (18% vs 3.5%; P=.03), whereas satisfaction scores were similar in both cohorts (P=.87). CONCLUSIONS: By using procedure-specific opioid prescribing recommendations, we decreased the number of opioids prescribed at hospital dismissal by roughly one half. Decreased opioid prescribing did not adversely impact patient satisfaction.

Cystoscopic ureteral stent placement: techniques and tips.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: We present a video demonstrating technical considerations and tips for cystoscopic placement of external, lighted, and internal ureteral stents. METHODS: Cystoscopic ureteral stent placement is useful in cases where difficult pelvic periureter dissection is expected or encountered. In this video, we review cystoscopy basics, our approach to various types of retrograde stent placement, and performing retrograde pyelograms. Traditional external ureteral stent and lighted stent placement for prophylactic purposes are discussed, with attention to understanding stent markings, appropriate resistance, and steps for externalization. Internal, double-J ureteral stent placement with the use of fluoroscopy is initiated with placement of a guidewire. An open-ended ureteral catheter is advanced over the wire in the pelvic portion of the ureter, and a retrograde pyelogram is performed. The wire is reintroduced and the stent advanced to the renal pelvis under fluoroscopy. The proximal curl is confirmed to be in the appropriate position with fluoroscopy. The string attached to the stent is then cut and removed, the guidewire is removed, and the stent is deployed with the distal curl in the bladder. CONCLUSIONS: This video reviews key steps for cystoscopic ureteral stent placement in a prophylactic setting, cases of challenging anatomy, or ureteral injury.