Ultrasound Evaluation of Mid-Urethral Sling Position: A Potential Predictor of Outcomes and Adverse Effects.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate mid-urethral sling (MUS) position and its association with postoperative outcomes and complications. DESIGN: This was a prospective cohort study. Ninety-two women who underwent MUS procedure with a median follow-up period of 11 months (interquartile range 5-24 months) were recruited. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Two-dimensional trans-labial ultrasound with an endovaginal probe was used to visualize the urethral length (UL), sling distance to the bladder neck (BN) and to the urethra longitudinal smooth muscle (LSM). RESULTS: Mean sling-LSM, UL, and sling-BN distances were 5.97 ± 2.04 mm, 28.66 ± 3.19 mm, and 18.85 ± 4.46 mm, respectively. Sling position relative to BN (proximal vs. middle vs. distal) was not associated with surgery outcomes and complications; however, mean sling-LSM in patients with exposure (4.3%) was significantly higher compared to those who did not experience exposure (8.80 ± 1.9 mm vs. 5.8 ± 2.0 mm, p = 0.048). Moreover, the mean sling-LSM distance was associated with patient satisfaction (5.87 ± 2.0 mm in satisfied patients with VAS > 6 vs. 6.29 ± 2.1 mm in unsatisfied patients, p value = 0.043). Likewise, patients who had worsened or showed de novo overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms (8.8%) had significantly higher mean sling-LSM distance compared to patients with improved OAB symptoms (6.52 ± 2.0 mm vs. 5.37 ± 1.9 mm, p = 0.007). Mean sling-LSM distance was lower in patients with recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI), voiding dysfunction, and improved stress urinary incontinence, whereas patients with dyspareunia after surgery had higher mean sling-LSM distance; however, these differences were not statistically significant. LIMITATIONS: Both trans-obturator and retropubic procedures with or without concomitant prolapse surgery were assessed. Heterogeneity of the study population and pelvic floor ultrasound being performed by a single urogynecologist were the limitations of the current study. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound visualization of MUS is feasible and has the potential to predict outcomes and complications. High sling-LSM distance was associated with exposure, and low sling-LSM distance with increased satisfaction rate, probability of voiding dysfunction, and recurrent UTI.

Effects of quercetin supplementation on glycemic control among patients with metabolic syndrome and related disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials was performed to determine the effect of quercetin supplementation on glycemic control among patients with metabolic syndrome and related disorders. Databases including PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched until August 30, 2018. Nine studies with 10 effect sizes out of 357 selected reports were identified eligible to be included in current meta-analysis. The pooled findings indicated that quercetin supplementation did not affect fasting plasma glucose (FPG), homeostasis model of assessment-estimated insulin resistance, and hemoglobin A1c levels. In subgroup analysis, quercetin supplementation significantly reduced FPG in studies with a duration of ≥8 weeks (weighted mean difference [WMD]: -0.94; 95% confidence interval [CI; -1.81, -0.07]) and used quercetin in dosages of ≥500 mg/day (WMD: -1.08; 95% CI [-2.08, -0.07]). In addition, subgroup analysis revealed a significant reduction in insulin concentrations following supplementation with quercetin in studies that enrolled individuals aged <45 years (WMD: -1.36; 95% CI [-1.76, -0.97]) and that used quercetin in dosages of ≥500 mg/day (WMD: -1.57; 95% CI [-1.98, -1.16]). In summary, subgroup analysis based on duration of ≥8 weeks and used quercetin in dosages of ≥500 mg/day significantly reduced FPG levels.

Prevalence of lymph node metastasis in radical prostatectomy; a retrospective and multicenter study in iran.

Lymph node (LN) metastasis is considered an important prognostic factor in patients with prostate cancer. The aim of this study was to determine the rate of LN metastasis among an Iranian population who underwent radical prostatectomy (RP) with pelvic LN dissection (PLND). In a retrospective review of medical records, 450 RP cases were included and the data on LN metastasis were extracted from surgical pathology reports. Overall, 4.7% of the patients had LN metastasis. The rate of surgical stage T3 (50% vs. 13.5%; P=0.021) and pathological Gleason score ³7 (82.4% vs. 48.8%; P=0.002) was significantly higher among LN-positive patients. All patients with LN metastasis had a serum prostate specific antigen level >4 ng/ml. The diagnosis of prostate cancer is in an acceptable, but not ideal, stage of the disease; this may be due to screening examinations and tests.

A deep giant aggressive angiomyxoma of the labia majora: A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Aggressive Angiomyxoma (AA) is an uncommon, locally infiltrative mesenchymal tumor that primarily originates from perineal and pelvic sites of women, particularly in the 4th decade of life with having an emphasized tendency for local recurrence, whereas it has a low tendency to metastasize. Patients often present with nonspecific symptoms such as painless visible mass that might be misdiagnosed with every mass in genital and pelvic sites in reproductive-age women. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe a 31-year-old female presenting with an enlargement on the right labia majora. Ultrasound and magnetic resonance were carried out, and the mass was surgically excised completely and without complication. The diagnosis of AA was made based on characteristic histopathological features. The postoperative follow-up for recurrence is currently being continued. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Due to its rarity and lack of specificity in clinical and radiological examinations, the pre-operative misdiagnosis rate of AA is rather high. Hence, most cases are diagnosed on histology after initial surgical excision. Surgical management is the gold standard treatment for primary tumors; however, in case of local recurrences, treatment choices range from surgical resection to gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist for tumors positive for estrogen and progesterone receptors. CONCLUSION: Wide surgical resection is the gold standard treatment of AA; however, exceptions might occur due to the depth of tumor infiltration to adjacent viscera. Therefore, adjunct medical therapies can play a crucial role in treatment. In addition, long-term follow-up is necessary due to the high rate of local recurrences.

Synchronous Telemedicine Model in Urogynecology: Are Patients Willing to Continue Telemedicine in the Post-COVID-19 Pandemic Era?

IMPORTANCE: Following the recent expansion of telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic, this remote model of care in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery will likely remain and continue to evolve. OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to assess patients' perceptions of and willingness to participate in a synchronous telemedicine visit beyond the COVID-19 pandemic for women with pelvic floor disorders. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a cross-sectional study of women who completed a synchronous telemedicine visit from March 16 through May 22, 2020, at a urogynecology practice in an academic medical center. An electronic survey was distributed to women after all telemedicine visits. Demographic data, visit type, and survey responses were analyzed. RESULTS: Two hundred two women received the survey, and 135 women completed it (response rate of 66.8%). The mean age of the respondents was 62.9 ± 16.4 years, and the 3 most common visit diagnoses were overactive bladder (43.7%), stress urinary incontinence (22.2%), and pelvic organ prolapse (21.4%). Most survey participants (88.9%) found that the quality of their telemedicine visits was better than expected, and 89.6% reported that they would like to continue telemedicine care. Our survey showed that 19.4% of women reported difficulty with technology. CONCLUSIONS: We found that most women presenting for synchronous telemedicine urogynecology care had a positive visit experience and would continue to use telemedicine for their care. Further developmental work needs to be done on improving the ease of technology as well as availability of telemedicine in the care of women affected by pelvic floor disorders.

Association Between Hemoglobin A1c and Midurethral Sling Complications in Diabetic Women: A Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the association between hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels and midurethral sling (MUS) complications. METHODS: This was a multihospital, retrospective cohort study from 2010 to 2020. We included all women with diabetes mellitus who underwent a synthetic mesh MUS procedure and had a preoperative HbA1c within 3 months of surgery. The primary outcome was a composite of complications, including MUS mesh exposure, surgical site granulation tissue or infection, urinary tract infection, surgical site pain beyond 6 weeks postoperatively, and MUS failure. A sensitivity analysis analyzing MUS failure alone was performed. RESULTS: During the study period, 109 women met the inclusion criteria. Most were White (52.2%) and had a median body mass index of 31.2 kg/m2, and 84.9% were postmenopausal. Median HbA1c was 7.2% (interquartile range, 6.3%-7.7%). Urinary tract infection was the most common complication in 12 (11.0%) women. Mesh exposure was diagnosed in 7 (6.4%) women. Seventeen (15.6%) had MUS failure. On univariate regression analysis, a higher HbA1c was associated with increased odds of composite complications (odds ratio, 1.67; 95% confidence interval, 1.20-2.32; P = 0.002) and MUS failure (odds ratio, 1.81, 95% confidence interval, 1.26-2.60; P = 0.001). On multivariate analysis, higher HbA1c levels were associated with a composite of complications and failure (P < 0.05). Based on the receiver operating characteristic curve, HbA1c greater than 8% demonstrated a specificity of 85.7% and a sensitivity of 50% for MUS failure. CONCLUSIONS: In diabetic patients, a higher HbA1c was associated with a higher risk of MUS complications and failure. Obtaining an HbA1c within 3 months of surgery may help with risk stratification.

Neglected Pessary in Patient With Pelvic Organ Prolapse: A Case Report.

Objective: To report the neglected pessary in a patient with pelvic organ prolapse. Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is one of the most important medical challenges in women especially elderly. One of the conservative treatments of symptomatic POP is pessary placement. Case report: A 84-year-old woman, para 10 was referred to female pelvic floor clinic of an academic hospital for vaginal bleeding and neglected vaginal pessary. Vaginal examination in the pelvic floor clinic revealed an entrapped ring pessary in severely atrophic vaginal mucosa with purulent discharge. Conclusion: Although pessary is the first choice and one of the best conservative treatment for pelvic organ prolapse, it shouldn't be used for poor cooperative patient who cannot comply with regular follow-up visits which may cause harmful complications.

Effects of Opium Dependency on Testicular Tissue in a Rat Model: An Experimental Study.

PURPOSE: This study is aimed to evaluate the effects of opium dependency on testicular tissue in a rat model. METHODS: Thirty-two Wistar male rats (aged 30 days and weighing 200-250 grams) were randomized into two groups. Group A, consisting of 16 rats, received dissolved oral opium tablets in drinking water for 45 days, whereas group B (control group) consisted of 16 rats that received opium-free water. After 45 days vertical and horizontal diameters of testis, number of seminiferous tubules, mean seminiferous tubule diameter, number of germ cells, height of germinal epithelium, percentage of degenerating Leydig and germ cells and glutathione density of testicular tissue (µmol/g of tissue) were compared between study groups. RESULTS: Morphological evaluation of testicular tissue revealed a significantly higher percentage of degenerating Leydig and germ cells in the treated group compared to control group. (10.08 ± 0.351 vs. 1.83 ± 0.88, 4.50 ± 0.769 vs. 0.607 ± 0.118, respectively) (P-value<0.001 for each) Interestingly, vertical and horizontal diameter of testis, the average number of germ cells, height of germinal epithelium and number of seminiferous tubules, were significantly higher in the treated group compared to control group. Seminiferous tubule diameter and glutathione density of testicular tissue were not statistically significantly different between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Applying a rat model, we noted that opium has a substantial effect on testicular structure and function. A significantly higher proportion of Leydig and germ cells were degenerated in treated rats despite an increase in the average number of seminiferous tubules and germ cells. These findings support the hypothesis that opium consumption adversely affects male fertility.

Effects of Melatonin Supplementation on Hormonal, Inflammatory, Genetic, and Oxidative Stress Parameters in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Purpose: The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effect of melatonin administration on clinical, hormonal, inflammatory, and genetic parameters in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Methods: The present randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted among 56 patients with PCOS, aged 18-40 years old. Subjects were randomly allocated to take either 5 mg melatonin supplements (n = 28) or placebo (n = 28) twice a day for 12 weeks. Results: Melatonin administration significantly reduced hirsutism (ß -0.47; 95% CI, -0.86, -0.09; P = 0.01), serum total testosterone (ß -0.11 ng/mL; 95% CI, -0.21, -0.02; P = 0.01), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (ß -0.61 mg/L; 95% CI, -0.95, -0.26; P = 0.001), and plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) levels (ß -0.25 µmol/L; 95% CI, -0.38, -0.11; P < 0.001), and significantly increased plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels (ß 106.07 mmol/L; 95% CI, 62.87, 149.28; P < 0.001) and total glutathione (GSH) (ß 81.05 µmol/L; 95% CI, 36.08, 126.03; P = 0.001) compared with the placebo. Moreover, melatonin supplementation downregulated gene expression of interleukin-1 (IL-1) (P = 0.03) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) (P = 0.01) compared with the placebo. Conclusions: Overall, melatonin administration for 12 weeks to women with PCOS significantly reduced hirsutism, total testosterone, hs-CRP, and MDA, while increasing TAC and GSH levels. In addition, melatonin administration reduced gene expression of IL-1 and TNF-α. Clinical Trial Registration: www.irct.ir, identifier IRCT2017082733941N9, Available online at: https://www.irct.ir/trial/26051.

Is There a Role for Urodynamic Study in Women with Urinary Incontinence?

PURPOSE: To compare clinical and urodynamic study (UDS) findings in Iranian women with mixed or stress UI (Urinary Incontinence). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 132 patients with either stress or mixed type of UI were enrolled. After accurate examination, data regarding age, parity, mode of delivery and menopausal state were recorded. Furthermore the presence and severity of UI was evaluated with empty bladder supine stress test (ESST) and cough test in supine and standing positions in all patients. Eligible cases underwent UDS evaluation by an expert urologist using a standardized protocol. RESULTS: Stress and mixed UI were found in 33 (25%) and 99 (75%) patients respectively. By considering clinical evaluation as gold standard, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of urodynamic study were 83.4%, 30.4%, 43.4% and 80% for detecting stress UI and 96.1%, 35.6%, 34.7%, 96.2% for detecting mixed UI respectively. No correlation was noted between ESST or cough test results and Valsalva leak point pressure (VLPP) values in patients with stress UI, however ESST was correlated with VLPP values in patients with mixed UI. CONCLUSION: Despite a relatively high sensitivity, the specificity was low and urodynamic evaluation seems to be of limited value in the assessment of UI in female patients. .

Prostate-Specific Antigen Density and Gleason Score Predict Adverse Pathologic Features in Patients with Clinically Localized Prostate Cancer.

BACKGROUND: According to recent studies, prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among Iranian men. Radical prostatectomy has been considered the gold standard treatment in patients with clinically localized prostate cancer. Gleason score, PSA density, and PSA velocity are some of the parameters used to predict adverse pathologic features. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of PSA density and Gleason score in predicting adverse pathologic features in patients with localized prostate cancer who undergo radical prostatectomy. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 105 patients with localized prostate cancer who underwent radical prostatectomy between 2006 and 2013. We recorded Gleason scores and PSA levels, in addition to the results of pathological evaluations after radical prostatectomy, including prostate volume, stage, LNI (lymph node involvement), SVI (seminal vesicle invasion), and extraprostatic extension (EPE). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21. RESULTS: Mean PSA density was 0.27 (0.17 SD). The frequencies of EPE, SVI, and LNI were 21.9, 16.2, and 2.9, respectively. The Mann-Whitney U-test demonstrated a significant correlation between PSA density and adverse pathologic features (EPE, SVI, and LNI). CONCLUSIONS: PSA, PSA density, and Gleason score should be considered together in order to more accurately predict the adverse pathologic features of prostate cancer.

Adrenocortical Carcinoma With Renal Vein Thrombus Extended to Inferior Vena Cava: A Case Report.

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare aggressive tumor. Renal vein and inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombi have been found as uncommon presentations of ACC; however, the implementation of comprehensive therapy has remained controversial in such cases. We report a case of a 46-year-old woman with a large ACC associated with the invasion of tumor to IVC confirmed by imaging and immunohistochemistry examinations. The patient was treated successfully using aggressive surgery, including adrenalectomy and thrombectomy adjunct to an adrenocorticolytic agent. However, she died of metastasis complications at 3-month follow-up period. ACC is a rare malignancy, mostly presenting in advanced stages with poor prognosis. Implementing aggressive surgical therapy might be effective for the management of such cases; however, the short survival duration in our case underscores the need for defining the precise therapy of metastatic ACC associated with venous invasion.