Vesicovaginal Fistulas: Prevalence, Impact, and Management Challenges.

Background and Objectives: Vesicovaginal fistulas (VVFs) are an abnormal communication between the vagina and bladder and the most common type of acquired genital fistulas. This review will address the prevalence, impact, and management challenges of VVFs. Materials and Methods: Epidemiologic studies examining VVFs are considered. In addition, publications addressing the treatment of VVFs are reviewed. Results: VVFs in developing countries are often caused by obstructed labor, while most VVFs in developed countries have iatrogenic causes, such as hysterectomy, radiation therapy, and infection. The reported prevalence of VVFs is approximately 1 in 1000 post-hysterectomy patients and 1 in 1000 deliveries. VVFs affect every aspect of quality of life, including physical, mental, social, and sexual aspects. Prevention of VVFs is essential. Early diagnosis is necessary to reduce morbidity. Nutrition, infection control, and malignancy detection are important considerations during evaluation and treatment. Conservative and surgical treatment options are available; however, these approaches should be customized to the individual patient. The success rate of combined conservative and surgical treatments exceeds 90%. Conclusions: VVFs are considered debilitating and devastating. However, they are preventable and treatable; key factors include the avoidance of prolonged labor, careful performance of gynecologic surgery, and early detection.

Comparison of Low-Energy Radiofrequency Thermal Vaginal Therapy with Sham Treatment for Stress Urinary Incontinence in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Introduction and Hypothesis: Low-energy radiofrequency (RF) thermal vaginal therapy for vaginal laxity and the genitourinary syndrome of menopause denatures collagen fibrils in the endopelvic fascia; fiber tightening during healing may stabilize the urethra and bladder neck, thereby resolving female stress urinary incontinence (SUI), especially in postmenopausal women. This study compared RF vaginal therapy with sham treatment for mild to moderate SUI. Methods: This double-blinded, randomized controlled trial, conducted at a tertiary center from September 2018 to April 2021, recruited postmenopausal women with mild to moderate degree of SUI who had never undergone surgery, energy-based therapy, or vaginal estrogen treatment. The intervention group received vaginal RF laser treatment; the sham group did not. The primary outcome was the 1-hour pad-weight test (PWT) result. Secondary outcomes were Incontinence Quality of Life (I-QOL), Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6), Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7), Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I), percentage of improvement among all participants, and adverse events. Data were analyzed using STATA 17.0. Results: Forty-nine participants randomized to RF (n = 23) and sham (n = 26) groups were eligible for analysis. PWT decreased during follow-up in the RF group but remained stable in the sham group; PWT did not significantly differ between groups. The 1-year post-treatment success rate was higher in the RF group (69.6%) than in the sham group (38.5%). At 1 year post-treatment, there were no statistically significant differences in any secondary outcomes. Conclusion: Low-energy RF vaginal therapy is an alternative treatment for mild to moderate SUI in postmenopausal women without serious adverse events. Larger randomized controlled trials should be conducted.

Prevalence of precancerous gynecological lesions and gynecological cancer in patients undergoing vaginal hysterectomy for pelvic organ prolapse.

OBJECTIVES: This retrospective cohort study aimed to determine the prevalence of precancerous or malignant lesions of the cervix and/or endometrium among patients who underwent vaginal hysterectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical record of patients who had been diagnosed with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and undergone vaginal hysterectomy from January 2009 to September 2018 in tertiary hospital was reviewed. The exclusion criteria included individuals who had previously received a diagnosis of gynecologic precancerous lesions or cancer, had abnormal preoperative findings, presented abnormal cervical cancer screening test results or abnormal results from preoperative endometrial biopsy, and had incomplete operative notes or pathological results. RESULTS: The electronic medical records of 530 patients were reviewed and included in the analysis. Nine of the 530 patients (1.7%) had precancerous or malignant lesions of the cervix and/or endometrium. The prevalence of atypical endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial carcinoma were 0.19% and 0.57%, respectively. All of the patients with endometrial cancer subsequently underwent complete surgical staging. Precancerous cervical lesions were found in five patients (0.95%): CIN II 0.38% and CIN III 0.57%. No cases of cervical cancer were identified. CONCLUSIONS: It is possible to detect a minor prevalence of precancerous and malignant lesions following post-operative procedures in POP. The assessment of the elderly through the use of risk-based evaluation merits attention for the purpose of early identification. This study offers valuable insights that can be utilized in preoperative counseling and enhancing the preoperative evaluation process.

The Surgical Management of Large Bladder Calculi and Irreducible Uterine Prolapse: A Case Report and Review of Literature.

Bladder calculi are rare in women. We report a case of bladder calculi complicating irreducible uterovaginal prolapse. It provides diagnostic and operative challenges to the management team. A 77-year-old woman presented with irreducible complete uterovaginal prolapse. Bladder stones were appreciated on examination and confirmed with imaging. The patient was managed surgically with transabdominal hysterectomy with bilateral uterosacral colpopexy followed by cystolithotomy. The patient's postoperative course was uncomplicated, and she had an uneventful recovery at her 3-month postoperative visit without a recurrence of prolapse and gained good continence. The presence of bladder calculi should be considered in the setting of irreducible pelvic organ prolapse. The abdominal approach of cystolithotomy with a concomitant hysterectomy and vaginal apical suspension is safe and effective.

Rate of Postoperative Urinary Retention after Anterior Compartment Prolapse Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Early versus Conventional Transurethral Catheter Removal.

BACKGROUND: Pelvic organ prolapse is a common condition of pelvic floor dysfunction in women, especially in adult vaginally parous and elderly women. Because of its anatomy, the anterior compartment has a significant effect on urinary symptoms. Anterior colporrhaphy and colpocleisis are major anterior compartment prolapse-related surgeries. As we know, postoperative urinary retention (POUR) is one of the most common complications following pelvic floor surgery. To prevent this complication, indwelling bladder catheterization is routinely applied. In contrast, to minimize risk of infection and the patient's discomfort, the catheter should be removed as soon as possible. However, there is a lack of clarity regarding the optimal timing for catheter removal. Therefore, the aim of this trial is to compare the rate of POUR after anterior prolapse surgery between early transurethral catheter removal (24 h postoperatively) and our standard practice (on postoperative day 3). METHODS: We conducted a randomized controlled trial among patients undergoing anterior compartment prolapse surgery between 2020 and 2021 at a university hospital. Women were randomized into two groups. After removal, if the second void residual urine volume exceeded 150 mL, POUR was diagnosed, and intermittent catheterization was performed. The primary outcome was the POUR rate. The secondary outcomes included urinary tract infection, asymptomatic bacteriuria, time to ambulation, time to spontaneous voiding, length of hospitalization, and patient satisfaction. Analysis was performed according to the intention to treat principle. The calculated sample size was 68 patients (34 patients in each group) for a 95% confidence interval, 80% power, 5% probability of type I error, and 10% data loss. DISCUSSION: This study demonstrated that early catheter removal was comparable in POUR rate to conventional treatment with shorter hospitalization among patients undergoing anterior compartment prolapse surgery. Additionally, we observed no re-hospitalization owing to POUR. Therefore, early transurethral catheter removal is preferable following anterior compartment prolapse-related surgery.

Effects of testosterone treatment on transgender males: A single-institution study.

OBJECTIVES: Data regarding gender-affirming hormone therapy in the Asian population are sparse. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of testosterone therapy in transgender men. METHODS: A retrospective study chart review was conducted in a single university-based transgender clinic. Transgender men aged >18 years who newly started testosterone therapy during January 2015 to October 2019 were recruited. Physical changes, laboratory results, and adverse events, including cancer, thromboembolism, cardiovascular events, and death after masculinizing hormone therapy, were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 39 transgender men (mean age: 27.8 ± 6.0 years) were included. All individuals were treated with intramuscular testosterone injection with a mean follow-up of 25.2 ± 12.9 months. The most common maintenance regimen was testosterone enanthate 250 mg every 4 weeks. Masculinizing effects developed in all transgender men. There were no changes in body weight, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Hematocrit levels were 12% significantly increased from 39.9 ± 3.3% to 48.9 ± 2% (p < 0.001). Ten individuals (25.6%) had hematocrit >50%. Significant changes were found in decreased fasting plasma glucose, increased creatinine, and increased uric acid levels. A non-significantly increased alanine aminotransferase, increased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were observed. No thromboembolism, cancer, stroke, or coronary artery disease occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Gender-affirming hormone therapy is an effective and safe short-term treatment in Thai transgender men. Apart from the standard recommendation, uric acid, plasma glucose, and creatinine level evaluation before and during masculinizing hormone therapy are rational practices. An intramuscular testosterone enanthate 250 mg every 4 weeks is an alternative masculinizing regimen with decent efficacy and safety profile.

Quality of life following vaginal reconstructive versus obliterative surgery for treating advanced pelvic organ prolapse.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Although colpocleisis is effective in selected women, the low-morbidity obliterative procedure for treating pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and its impact on postoperative quality of life (QOL) have rarely been studied. Our aim was to assess QOL in women after colpocleisis and compare it with that of women after reconstructive vaginal surgery. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included women (aged 35-85 years) with POP who underwent obliterative or reconstructive surgical correction during 2009-2015. Patients who met the inclusion criteria underwent telephone interviews that included the validated Prolapse QOL questionnaire (P-QOL Thai). RESULTS: Of 295 potential participants, 197 (67%) completed the questionnaire: 93 (47%) with obliterative and 104 (53%) with reconstructive surgery. Most were Thai (95.4%), multiparous (87%), and sexually inactive (76%). Their histories included hysterectomy (12%), incontinence or prolapse surgery (11%), and POP stage 3/4 (77%). Patients undergoing obliterative surgery were significantly older than those undergoing a reconstructive procedure (69 vs 58 years, P < 0.05). The obliterative group had more children, less education, and more advanced POP. There were no significant differences in operative parameters or complications. The obliterative surgery group had a significantly shorter hospital stay: median 2 (range 1-17) days vs 3 (1-20) days (P = 0.016). P-QOL scale revealed significantly less postoperative impairment in the obliterative surgery group (1.75 vs 5.26, P = 0.023). There were no significant differences in other P-QOL domains. CONCLUSIONS: Colpocleisis improves condition-specific QOL in selected patients with advanced POP and remains an option for this group. Surgeons should consider counseling elderly women with advanced POP about obliterative vaginal surgery.

Treatment of Endometrial Cancer in Association with Pelvic Organ Prolapse.

Background. Uterine malignancy coexistent with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is uncommon and standardized treatment is not established. The objective of this case study was to highlight the management of endometrial cancer in association with pelvic organ prolapse. Case Report. An 87-year-old woman presented with POP Stage IV combined with endometrioid adenocarcinoma of the uterus: clinical Stage IV B. She had multiple medical conditions including stroke, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism. She was treated with radiotherapy and pessary was placed. Conclusion. Genital prolapse with abnormal uterine bleeding requires proper evaluation and management. Concurrent adenocarcinoma and POP can be a difficult clinical situation to treat, and optimum management is controversial.

Are suburethral slings less successful in the elderly?

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: We aimed to evaluate the success of suburethral slings in women ≥70 years of age. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of women who underwent suburethral sling placement. Subjects were separated into three groups: ≤50 years of age (group 1), 51 to 69 years of age (group 2), and ≥70 years of age (group 3). The primary aim was to evaluate success as defined by ≥ improved on a validated patient improvement satisfaction score and a negative postoperative standardized stress test. RESULTS: There were 1,464 subjects. Mean age was 44.51 ± 4.25 (n = 296) for group 1, 60.5 ± 5.28 (n = 680) for group 2, and 77.68 ± 5.41 (n = 488) for group 3. The median follow-up was 26 (6-498) weeks, 45 (6-498) weeks, and 42 (6-543) weeks, for groups 1, 2, and 3 respectively. Multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated no difference in sling success according to age stratification. Lower success was associated with having had a previous sling (adjusted OR 0.25, 95 % CI 0.12-0.5), having detrusor overactivity (adjusted OR 0.44, 95 % CI 0.28-0.69), and having a history of urge urinary incontinence (UUI) for ≥ 4 years (adjusted OR 0.54, 95 % CI 0.31-0.95). CONCLUSIONS: There is no difference in sling success between the elderly and younger populations. However, those with previous sling surgery or a long standing history of UUI may be at a higher risk of failure.

De novo stress urinary incontinence after pelvic organ prolapse surgery in women without occult incontinence.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: There is a paucity of data evaluating the risk of de novo stress urinary incontinence (SUI) after surgery for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) in women with no preoperative occult SUI. We hypothesized that apical suspension procedures would have higher rates of de novo SUI. METHODS: This was a retrospective database review of women who had surgery for POP from 2003 to 2013 and developed de novo SUI at ≥6 months postoperatively. Preoperatively, all patients had a negative stress test and no evidence of occult SUI on prolapse reduction urodynamics. The primary objective was to establish the incidence of de novo SUI in women with no objective evidence of preoperative occult SUI after POP surgeries at ≥6 months. RESULTS: A total number of 274 patients underwent POP surgery. The overall incidence of de novo SUI was 9.9 % [95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.07-0.14]. However, the incidence of de novo SUI in those with no baseline complaint of SUI was 4.4 % (95 % CI 0.03-0.1). There was no difference in de novo SUI rates between apical [9.7 % (n = 57)] and nonapical [10.5 %, (n = 217] procedures (p = 0.8482). Multivariate logistic regression identified sacrocolpopexy [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 4.54, 95 % CI 1.2-14.7] and those with a baseline complaint of SUI (adjusted OR 5.1; 95 % CI 2.2-12) as risk factors for de novo SUI. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of de novo SUI after surgery for POP without occult SUI was 9.9 %. We recommend counseling patients about the risk of de novo SUI and offering a staged procedure.

Laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy: operative times and efficiency in a high-volume female pelvic medicine and laparoscopic surgery practice.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: There has been a trend toward robotic sacrocolpopexy in the United States despite longer operating times and higher costs compared with traditional laparoscopy. The current study objective was to evaluate incision to closure times of laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy in a urogynecologic practice with extensive experience in the laparoscopic approach for pelvic reconstruction. METHODS: We conducted a single-center retrospective evaluation of consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy for vaginal vault prolapse using a permanent polypropylene Y-mesh over a 1-year period. Standard operative technique for sacrocolpopexy was used. Four to six sutures were placed on the anterior leaflet of the mesh, and six to eight sutures were placed posteriorly. Two sutures were placed in the presacral ligament. Mesh was retroperitonealized with a running 2-0 monocryl suture. Primary outcomes were total operating time and time to complete laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-seven consecutive patients with an average age of 60.04 ± 10.14 years, body mass index (BMI) 25.79 ± 4.52 kg/m2, underwent laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy for vaginal vault prolapse. Ninety-two patients had other procedures performed intraoperatively: laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy, laparoscopic paravaginal repair, laparoscopic enterocele repair, and/or laparoscopic enterolysis. Mean total operative time for all laparoscopic procedures completed was 107.45 ± 34.00 min. The average time to perform sacrocolpopexy, including incision and closure, was 52.78 ± 13.09 min. CONCLUSION: This retrospective evaluation provides further evidence that traditional laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy should be considered a primary therapy for vaginal vault prolapse.

Indications and Complications Associated with the Removal of 506 Pieces of Vaginal Mesh Used in Pelvic Floor Reconstruction: A Multicenter Study.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Synthetic mesh utilized to treat stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) can often result in postoperative complications. The objectives of this study were to determine: 1) the most common indications for mesh removal; 2) the incidences of the removal of specific mesh procedures (such as suburethral sling [SUS], transvaginal mesh [TVM], or sacrocolpopexy); and 3) the idences and types of surgical complications associated with mesh removal. DESIGN: This was a retrospective study. Design Classification: Canadian Task Force II-3. SETTING: Three tertiary referral centers in the United States. PATIENTS: We examined data from all patients at the three centers who underwent surgical removal of synthetic materials from previous SUS, TVM, and sacrocolpopexy procedures for mesh-related complications from 2011 to 2013. INTERVENTION: Patients underwent vaginal, intra-abdominal, and inguinal mesh revisions by cutting, partial removal, or total removal of the mesh for mesh-related complications. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Overall, 445 patients with complications underwent mesh removal laparoscopically, via groin dissection and/or transvaginally. There were a total of 506 mesh products removed. Of these, 56.5% were slings and 43.5% were for pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Synthetic mesh removed from patients included: transvaginal mesh (TVM) anterior for anterior vaginal prolapse, TVM posterior for posterior vaginal prolapse, sacrocolpopexy mesh, and suburethral slings (SUS) for stress urinary incontinence. Synthetic SUS removed included: retropubic (RPS), transobturator (TOT), and single-incision slings (SIS). TOT was the most common type of sling removed. Patients with a sling who only complained of vaginal pain with or without intercourse underwent a vaginal approach for surgical revision/removal of the sling (86.6%). Patients with an RPS with lower abdominal/suprapubic pain and vaginal pain underwent a vaginal and laparoscopic approach for sling removal (18.4%). Patients with a TOT sling who complained of vaginal and groin pain underwent a vaginal and inguinal approach for sling removal (4.3%). In patients who had POP mesh removal, 42.3% had an anterior TVM, 30.6% had a posterior TVM, 14% had both anterior and posterior TVMs, and 13.1% underwent sacrocolpopexy mesh removal. Complications encountered during mesh revision/removal surgery were: two blood transfusions from complete RPS removal (vaginal and laparoscopic approach), three urethral injuries during TOT sling removal (vaginal approach), two ureteral injuries during anterior vaginal wall mesh removal, and two rectal injuries during posterior vaginal wall mesh removal. All injuries were repaired at the time of mesh removal without recurrence. CONCLUSION: In our study, the most common indication for mesh removal was pain with or without intercourse. The most common mesh procedure resulting in removal was the TOT sling. Use of a vaginal approach only for sling removal had the lowest incidence of intraoperative complications. Laparoscopic RPS removal had the highest incidence of required blood transfusions, anterior TVM had the highest incidence of ureteral injury, and posterior TVM had the highest incidence of rectal injury. Overall, sling, TVM, and sacrocolpopexy mesh removal are safe procedures when performed by experienced surgeons.

The IUGA/ICS classification of synthetic mesh complications in female pelvic floor reconstructive surgery: a multicenter study.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The objective was to report patterns of sling and transvaginal mesh-related complications using the IUGA/ICS classification of prosthesis-related complications. METHODS: This was a retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent surgical removal of sling, transvaginal mesh, and sacrocolpopexy for mesh-related complications from 2011 to 2013 at three tertiary referral centers. The International Urogynecological Association (IUGA)/International Continence Society (ICS) classification system was utilized. RESULTS: We identified 445 patients with mesh complications, 506 pieces of synthetic mesh were removed, and 587 prostheses-related complications were classified. 3.7 % of patients had viscus organ penetration or vaginal exposure as their presenting chief complaint and 59.7 % were classified as not having any vaginal epithelial separation or category 1. The most common category was spontaneous pain (1Be: 32.5 %) followed by dyspareunia (1Bc: 14.7 %). The sling group was 20 % more likely to have pain compared with the pelvic organ prolapse (POP) mesh group (OR 1.2, 95 % CI 0.8-1.6). The most commonly affected site (S2) was away from the suture line (49 %). Compared with the sling group, the POP group had a higher rate of mesh exposure, which mostly occurred at the suture line area. The majority of patients presented with mesh-related complications more than 1 year post-insertion (T4; average 3.68 ± 2.47 years). CONCLUSION: Surgeons should be aware that patients with vaginal mesh complications routinely exhibit complications more than 1 year after the implantation with pain as the most common presenting symptom.

Laparoscopic Paravaginal Defect Repair: Surgical Technique and a Literature Review.

Paravaginal defects, commonly seen in patients with anterior vaginal wall prolapse, are due to the detachment of pubocervical fascia from the arcus tendineus fascia pelvis (ATFP), at or near its lateral attachment. The majority of anterior vaginal wall prolapse is thought to be caused by paravaginal defects. Richardson et al. first described and demonstrated the anatomy of the paravaginal defect, as well as described the initial technique of the abdominal approach to repair. Since that time, the laparoscopic approach for repair has been developed and described with success rates of laparoscopic paravaginal defect repair reported in the range of 60% to 89%. This minimally invasive approach to address anterior wall prolapse eliminates the need for a vaginal incision, reduces risk of vaginal shortening and can be completed at the same time as other laparoscopic procedures, such as hysterectomy, sacralcolpopexy, and/or Burch Urethropexy. Compared to the open abdominal approach, there is improved visualization, less risk of bleeding, and faster recovery with the laparoscopic method. Compared to an anterior colporrhaphy, laparoscopic paravaginal repair is a much more anatomic repair of lateral defects and does not result in vaginal shortening. The laparoscopic paravaginal repair should be considered as the first-line treatment of anterior vaginal wall prolapse caused by lateral defects, including at time of laparoscopic/robotic sacralcolpopexy.

Laparoscopic and Robotic-assisted Vesicovaginal Fistula Repair: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

Two types of laparoscopic or robotic-assisted vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) repairs, the traditional transvesical (O'Conor) and extravesical techniques, dominate the literature. The objectives of this study are to compare success rates between laparoscopic or robotic transvesical and extravesical laparoscopic VVF repair techniques and to evaluate the impact of the number of layers in the closure, interposition flaps, and intraoperative testing of the integrity of the bladder repair. Eligible studies, published between 1994 and March 10, 2014, were retrieved through Medline and bibliography searches. All study designs of laparoscopic/robotic VVF repair were included. Open laparotomy and vaginal approaches were excluded. Only 1 retrospective cohort study was included, with the remaining articles consisting of case reports and case series. Ultimately, only 44 studies were included in a systematic review: 9 articles of robotic-assisted approach, 3 laparoscopic single-site surgeries, and 32 conventional laparoscopic approaches. A literature review revealed a balanced number of reports for both transvesical and extravesical approaches. Statistical meta-analysis was not performed because of high heterogeneity. The overall success rate of laparoscopic VVF repair was 80% to 100% with a follow-up period of 1 to 74 months. The success rate of transvesical and extravesical techniques were 95.89% and 98.04% (relative risk, .98; 95% confidence interval, .94-1.02). There was no statistical difference in success rates of VVF repair with different number of layers in the fistula closure or with use of interposition flaps, but there was a small increase in success in the cases that documented intraoperative bladder filling to test the integrity of the bladder closure. In conclusion, transperitoneal extravesical VVF repair has cure rates similar to the traditional transvesical approach. Laparoscopic extravesical VVF repair is a safe, effective, minimally invasive technique with excellent cure rates similar to those of the conventional transvesical approach in experienced surgeons' hands.

Obturator Neuralgia: A Rare Complication of Tension-free Vaginal Tape Sling-Complete Resolution After Laparoscopic Tension-free Vaginal Tape Removal.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To show a technique of retropubic tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) removal using both a transvaginal and laparoscopic approach in the treatment of a rare condition, obturator neuralgia. DESIGN: A step-by-step explanation of the patient's condition, diagnosis, surgical technique, and postoperative results using video, pictures, and medical illustrations (education video). SETTING: TVT retropubic slings have become the gold standard for the treatment of stress urine incontinence over the last decade. Despite high cure rates, the TVT is not without potential complications. Typical complications include urine retention, incomplete bladder emptying, frequency, urgency, urethral erosion, vaginal extrusion, vaginal pain, and dyspareunia. The most common complication for sling removal/revision is chronic pain. The TVT obturator neuralgia is a rare and specific type of chronic pain that is normally associated with transobturator tape slings. The purpose of this video is to present an extremely rare complication of TVT retropubic slings, present symptoms and signs of obturator nerve compression, show the normal and the actual position of this patient's TVT sling, describe the laparoscopic removal of the TVT sling, and present the postoperative course and resolution of the patient's pain. The patient signed a release for her video to be used for educational and teaching purposes. INTERVENTION: A combined transvaginal and laparoscopic approach in a patient with lower abdominal, levator, and obturator-type pain after a TVT retropubic procedure. CONCLUSION: In patients suffering from obturator neuralgia after a retropubic sling, surgeons should include the sling as a potential causative factor in the differential diagnosis. Surgeons should consider removing the sling based on the patient's symptoms. If the patient suffers from only vaginal pain and dyspareunia, then the surgeon should consider only the removal of the vaginal portion of the sling. In patients with obturator neuralgia, retropubic, and/or lower abdominal pain, one should consider a combined transvaginal and laparoscopic approach in an attempt to remove the majority of the sling and release tension between 2 points of fixation.

Evaluation of sexual function outcomes in women undergoing vaginal rejuvenation/vaginoplasty procedures for symptoms of vaginal laxity/decreased vaginal sensation utilizing validated sexual function questionnaire (PISQ-12).

Sexual function outcomes were analyzed in a group of women (n = 78) presenting for vaginal rejuvenation/vaginoplasty procedure for a chief complaint of vaginal laxity and decreased sensation with intercourse. Outcomes were analyzed utilizing the validated Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire-12 (PISQ-12) before and at least 6 months after repair with vaginal rejuvenation/vaginoplasty procedure (VR). Mean age was 43.6 ± 7.9 (range 25-62), and 19 patients (24.3%) were found to have prolapse at time of initial exam and underwent vaginal vault suspension in addition to VR. Compared preoperatively and postoperatively, the overall sexual function (Total PISQ-12) statistically improved (30.3 ± 6.6 vs. 38.2 ± 5.2, P < 0.001). All individual scores statistically improved except in 3 categories in which there was no change (Q1-desire, Q5-pain, and Q11- partner premature ejaculation). Overall sexual satisfaction improved as well as subcategories of increased sexual excitement during intercourse and overall increase in intensity of orgasms. Pain with intercourse subscores were found to be no different from preoperatively to postoperatively. Previous studies have shown that sexual function improves with repair of prolapse; however, this is the first study to show improved function using a validated questionnaire in patients undergoing VR for laxity.

Iatrogenic lower urinary tract injury at the time of pelvic reconstructive surgery: does previous pelvic surgery increase the risk?

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The objective of this study was to evaluate whether a history of previous pelvic surgery is associated with lower urinary tract (LUT) injury at the time of pelvic reconstructive surgery (PRS). METHODS: A retrospective analysis of patients undergoing pelvic reconstructive surgery from 2006 to 2011 was performed. Patients were divided into two groups: those with previous pelvic surgery and those without previous pelvic surgery. A sample size analysis was performed to determine the number needed to detect at least a 3-fold difference in the rate of LUT injury. Demographic, historical, clinical, intraoperative, and postoperative data were analyzed. Associations between LUT injury and demographics, previous pelvic surgery, or other clinical risk factors were assessed using univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: 685 women were included in the analysis: 514 (74.9%) with and 171 (25.1%) without prior pelvic surgery. The overall rate of LUT injury was 6%. Of the injuries, 3.2% were cystotomies, and 1.9% were ureteral obstructions. Previous pelvic surgery did not significantly affect the rate of LUT injury (OR 0.76, 95%CI 0.38-1.54). A diagnosis of prolapse, concurrent hysterectomy, anterior repair, and apical repair were significantly associated with LUT injury. After controlling for age and race, a diagnosis of prolapse remained significantly associated with LUT injury (OR 3.38, 95% CI 1.11-14.75). CONCLUSIONS: Prior pelvic surgery does not affect the rate of LUT injury in pelvic reconstructive surgery. The diagnosis of prolapse is a risk factor for LUT injury in women undergoing pelvic reconstructive surgery.

Laparoscopic mesh sacrohysteropexy with concurrent laparoscopic myomectomy for treatment of multiple myomas: case report and literature review.

Conservative surgical management of uterine prolapse with uterine conservation has become an alternative treatment in women who wish to maintain their uterus. Vaginal and abdominal approaches for uterine suspension have been described and reported. Certain concomitant pathologic conditions of the uterus such as uterine myomas have been considered in some patients to be a contraindication to conservative surgery. Herein we report the case of a 55-year-old woman with symptomatic uterine prolapse with multiple myomas who desired uterine preservation and was successfully treated via laparoscopic myomectomy and laparoscopic mesh sacrohysteropexy.

Transumbilical single-incision laparoscopic hysterectomy with conventional laparoscopic instruments in patients with symptomatic leiomyoma and/or adenomyosis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the feasibility, safety and perioperative outcome of single-incision laparoscopic hysterectomy (SILH) using conventional laparoscopic instruments for treatment of patients with symptomatic leiomyoma and/or adenomyosis. METHODS: A retrospective study (Canadian Task Force Classification II-2) was carried out at a tertiary referral university hospital from August 2009 to January 2010. Women diagnosed with leiomyoma/adenomyosis and scheduled to undergo SILH were enrolled. The criteria included uterine size ≤16 weeks' gestation on pelvic examination, no suspected malignancy on sonography, normal cytology and contraindications for vaginal hysterectomy. The medical records of all consecutive patients undergoing SILH were reviewed. The main outcome measurements were the feasibility and safety of SILH in terms of conversion rate, body mass index (BMI), uterine weight, operative time, estimated blood loss, drop in hemoglobin level and complications. RESULTS: Eleven consecutive patients diagnosed with leiomyoma (10) and adenomyosis (1) underwent SILH successfully during the study period, without conversion or requirement of any extra port. The mean age and BMI of the patients were 47.4 ± 4.27 years and 25.2 ± 4.61 kg/m(2), respectively. The average clinical uterine size and uterine weight were 13.2 ± 2.48 weeks' gestation and 281.6 ± 152.89 g, respectively. The mean operative time was 163.3 ± 20.46 min. The mean estimated blood loss and drop in hemoglobin level were 114.5 ± 48.65 ml and 0.33 ± 0.62 g/dl, respectively. No intra-operative complication occurred. Postoperative febrile morbidity was found in two patients. The follow-up at 14 days and 6 weeks postoperatively was uneventful. CONCLUSIONS: SILH using conventional laparoscopic instrumentation might be a feasible and safe alternative to standard multiple incision laparoscopic hysterectomy in selected patients with symptomatic benign uterine tumor. The potential advantages of our technique are: it is simple and cost-effective, due to the use of conventional, user-friendly laparoscopic instruments. Additional studies on SILH are needed to demonstrate its safety, define selective criteria and determine any benefits over conventional laparoscopic hysterectomy.