Quality-of-life impact of interstitial cystitis and other pelvic pain syndromes.

Objective: To compare health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and pelvic pain levels over time in patients with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) and those with other pelvic pain conditions (OPPC) including chronic prostatitis, dyspareunia, vaginismus, vulvodynia, and vulvar vestibulitis. Methods: We prospectively enrolled male and female patients from any Veterans Health Administration (VHA) center in the US. They completed the Genitourinary Pain Index (GUPI) quantifying urologic HRQOL and the 12-Item Short Form Survey version 2 (SF-12) quantifying general HRQOL at enrollment and 1 year later. Participants were classified by ICD diagnosis codes and confirmed by chart review to be IC/BPS or OPPC (308 and 85 patients respectively). Results: At baseline and follow-up, IC/BPS patients, on average, had worse urologic and general HRQOL than OPPC patients. IC/BPS patients demonstrated improvement in urologic HRQOL measures over the study but demonstrated no significant change in any general HRQOL measure suggesting a condition-specific impact. Patients with OPPC demonstrated similar improvements in urologic HRQOL but had deteriorating mental health and general HRQOL at follow-up suggesting a wider general HRQOL impact for these diseases. Conclusions: We found that patients with IC/BPS had worse urologic HRQOL compared to other pelvic conditions. Despite this, IC/BPS showed stable general HRQOL over time, suggesting a more condition-specific impact on HRQOL. OPPC patients showed deteriorating general HRQOL, suggesting more widespread pain symptoms in these conditions.

Robotic Sacrohysteropexy With Concurrent Rectopexy using Fascia Lata Graft.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: There is limited data regarding the use of mesh for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) repair in young women of childbearing age who wish to preserve their uterus.1 Sacrohysteropexy with concurrent rectopexy can be performed in this population with a biologic graft, to decrease the risk of contamination with colorectal surgery and allow for future pregnancy.2-4 The objective of this video is to present the surgical management of prolapse repair in a young woman with uterine and rectosigmoid prolapse, causing rectal outlet obstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our patient is a 21-year-old woman with over a decade of severe constipation. Her past medical history includes anxiety, depression and sexual abuse. She previously underwent robotic rectopexy for intra-rectal intussusception and mucosal prolapse with immediate improvement in her symptoms; however, two months after rectopexy, she suffered from persistent abdominal pain and severe difficulty passing stool. Dynamic resonance imaging demonstrated descent of the bladder with significant uterine prolapse, causing impingement of rectum and rectocele, blocking the evacuation of stool. The patient was thus indicated for concurrent sacrohysteropexy and rectopexy. RESULTS: She underwent a robotic procedure. Given her age, in an effort to preserve future child-bearing potential, we performed the surgery with a biologic graft made of fascia lata. For the sacrohysteropexy, the graft was sutured to the posterior cervix. Intraoperatively she was noted to have an intact enterocele repair and posterior rectopexy from her previous surgery; however, there was an angulation at the recto sigmoid. This was corrected by performing a rectopexy to the fascia lata graft. She discharged home the day of surgery without incident. CONCLUSION: Biologic grafts can be used for multi compartment prolapse repair in women of child-bearing age. Fascia lata provides a safe alternative to mesh to allow for future pregnancy. Also, sacrohysteropexy with concurrent rectopexy can be performed with same day discharge.

Prevalence of Overactive Bladder Symptoms Among Women With Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome.

IMPORTANCE: Symptoms of urinary frequency, urgency, and urinary leakage are characteristic of overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome. However, frequency and urgency symptoms are also present in most patients with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS). OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to describe the urge incontinence among women with IC/BPS, which may indicate true overlap of OAB and IC/BPS. STUDY DESIGN: This is a prospective study of women with IC/BPS diagnosed clinically in the Veterans Affairs Health Care system. Patients completed the OAB and Female Genitourinary Pain Index (F-GUPI) questionnaires. Questions from the OAB questionnaire were used to analyze symptoms of urinary urgency and urge incontinence. Pain symptoms, urinary symptoms, and impact on quality of life were assessed based on the F-GUPI. Patient demographics, comorbidities, and symptoms were reviewed. RESULTS: Within the cohort of 144 women with IC/BPS, 100 (69%) had urinary leakage associated with the strong desire to void and were more likely to have incontinence compared with healthy controls (P < 0.001). The IC/BPS group also had higher total and pain scores on the F-GUPI (P < 0.001), but pain scores were not affected by the presence of incontinence (P = 0.478). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of OAB symptoms of urinary leakage is high among women with IC/BPS. This may explain the efficacy of OAB medication and third-line therapies in this population.

A Human Factors Approach to Vaginal Retained Foreign Objects.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to apply a structured human factors analysis to understand conditions contributing to vaginal retained foreign objects (RFOs). DESIGN: All potential vaginal RFO events from January 1, 2000, to May 21, 2019, were analyzed by trained human factors researchers. Each narrative was reviewed to identify contributing factors, classified using the Human Factors Analysis and Classification System for Healthcare. SETTING: An 890-bed, academic medical center in Southern California. PATIENTS: Patients who underwent a vaginal procedure in which a vaginal RFO-related event occurred were included in this study. However, no patient information was included, and only the relevant details from their procedures were included. INTERVENTIONS: No interventions were developed or implemented. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Over the 19-year period, 45 events were reported. The most common items were vaginal packing and vaginal sponges (53.33%). Less frequently retained items involved broken instruments (20.20%). Most cases were laparoscopic hysterectomies or vaginal deliveries. Based on the Human Factors Analysis and Classification System, 75 contributing factors were identified, consisting primarily of preconditions for unsafe acts (communication challenges, coordination breakdowns and issues with the design of tools/technology) and unsafe acts (errors). CONCLUSION: Although rare, vaginal RFOs do occur. The top 2 contributing factors were skill-based errors and communication breakdowns. Both types of errors can be addressed and improved with human factors interventions, including simulation, teamwork training, and streamlining workflow to reduce the opportunity for errors.

Awareness, Clinical Experience and Knowledge of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting Among Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgeons in the United States.

OBJECTIVE: To promote the recognition and care of patients with female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C), we aimed to evaluate the awareness, clinical experience and knowledge of FGM/C among female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery (FPMRS) specialists. FGM/C is a cultural practice whereby there is removal of external female genitalia for non-therapeutic reasons. Despite the high prevalence of urogynecologic complications, there is a paucity of literature discussing FGM/C from the lens of urologists and urogynecologists. METHODS: By cross-sectional design, we distributed a 27-item survey via email to members of the Society of Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery. We collected variables pertaining to previous FGM/C education, clinical confidence, cultural and medical knowledge, and desire for future education. RESULTS: A total of 54 US-based, mostly urologists and FPMRS specialists, completed the survey. All providers had heard of FGM/C; however only 13% received formal education during medical training. Over 50% had encountered a patient with FGM/C in clinical practice. Only 19% and 13% felt completely confident recognizing and discussing FGM/C, respectively. Seventy percent believed religious doctrine informed FGM/C practice and 24% correctly identified FGM/C type on clinical representation. Finally, only 17% of respondents were aware of FGM/C guidelines, and providers expressed a desire for increased availability of multimodal resources. CONCLUSION: Education regarding FGM/C remains sparse and variable for US FPMRS specialists. Cultural and clinical knowledge is also lacking, which is a detriment to patient care. In order to strengthen awareness and knowledge, we must develop high-quality FGM/C educational resources for urologists and gynecologists.

Racial Disparities in Outcomes of Women Undergoing Myomectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the association of racial and socioeconomic factors with outcomes of abdominal myomectomies. METHODS: All women undergoing abdominal myomectomy in California from 2005 to 2012 were identified from the OSHPD (Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development) using appropriate International Classification of Diseases and Current Procedural Terminology codes. Demographics, comorbidities, surgical approaches, and complications occurring within 30 days of the procedure were identified. Multivariate associations were assessed with mixed effects logistic regression models. RESULTS: The cohort of 35,151 women was racially and ethnically diverse (White, 38.8%; Black, 19.9%; Hispanic, 20.3%; and Asian, 15.3%). Among all procedures, 33,906 were performed through an open abdominal approach, and 1,245 were performed using a minimally invasive approach. Proportionally, Black patients were more likely than White patients to have open procedures, and open approaches were associated with higher complication rates. Overall, 2,622 (7.5%) women suffered at least one complication. Although severe complications did not vary by race or ethnicity, Black (9.0%), Hispanic (7.9%), and Asian (7.5%) patients were more likely to suffer complications of any severity compared with White patients (6.7%, P<.001). As compared with patients with private insurance (6.4%), those with indigent payer status (Medicaid [12.1%] and self-pay [11.1%]) had higher complication rates (P<.001). Controlling for all factors, Black and Asian patients were more likely to suffer complications compared with White patients. CONCLUSION: The overall complication rate after abdominal myomectomy was 7.5%. Comorbidities, an open approach, and indigent payer status were associated with increased complication risk. Controlling for all factors, Black and Asian patients still had increased risks of complications.

Disparity in Medicare payments by gender and training track in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery.

BACKGROUND: Gender disparities in medicine have been demonstrated in the past, including differences in the attainment of roles in administration and in physician income. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to determine the differences in Medicare payments based on the provider gender and training track among female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgeons. STUDY DESIGN: Medicare payments from the Provider Utilization Aggregate Files were used to determine the payments made by Medicare to urogynecologists. This database was merged with the National Provider Identifier registry with information on subspecialty training, years since graduation, and the geographic pricing cost index used for Medicare payment adjustments. Physicians with <90% female patients and those who graduated medical school <7 years ago in obstetrics and gynecology or <8 years ago in urology were excluded. The effects of gender, specialty of training, number of services provided, years of practice, and geographic pricing cost index on physician reimbursement were evaluated using linear mixed modeling. RESULTS: A total of 578 surgeons with female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery subspecialty training met the inclusion criteria. Of those, 517 (89%) were trained as gynecologists, whereas 61 (11%) were trained as urologists. Furthermore, 265 (51%) of the gynecology-trained surgeons and 39 (80%) of the urology-trained surgeons were women. Among the urology-trained surgeons, the median female surgeon was paid $85,962 and their male counterparts were paid $121,531 (41% payment difference). In addition, urology-trained female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery surgeons performed a median of 1135 services and their male counterparts performed a median of 1793 services (57% volume difference). Similarly, among gynecology-trained surgeons, the median female payment was $59,277 with 880 services performed, whereas male gynecology-trained surgeons received a median of $66,880 with 791 services performed, representing a difference of 12% in payments and 11% in services. With linear mixed modeling, male physicians were paid more than female physicians while controlling for specialty training, number of services performed, years of practice, and geographic pricing cost index (P<.001). CONCLUSION: Although Medicare payments are based on an equation, differences in reimbursement by physician gender exist in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery with female surgeons receiving lower payments from Medicare. The differences in reimbursement could not be solely explained by differences in patient volume, area of practice, or years of experience alone, suggesting that, similar to other fields in medicine, female surgeons in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery are not paid as much as their male counterparts.

A Survey of Operative Techniques Used by Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgeons Performing Minimally Invasive Sacral Colpopexy.

Objective Assess variability of surgical technique for minimally invasive sacral colpopexy (MISC) among Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (FPMRS). Methods A voluntary anonymous questionnaire was given to the 2018 American Urogynecologic Society (AUGS) annual meeting attendees. Comparisons were made by age, gender, experience (years), practice setting, and U.S. region. Results There were 59 responses from 671 physician conference attendees. Most were male (64.4%), U.S. physicians (94.6%), completed Obstetrics and Gynecology residencies (91.5%), practicing in University settings (66.1%). The mean age was 47.4±8.6 years, practicing>15 years (47.5%). Predominant routes were 53.8% robotic, 42.2% laparoscopic, and 4.0% open. Surgeons used 3-4 ports (both 50.0%), with 0-degree (46.0%) or 0 and 30 degree laparoscopes (36%). For sacral mesh attachment, 83.1% used suture as opposed to tacking devices, most often Gortex (56.3%). Anterior (48.1%) and posterior (50.0%) vaginal attachment used 5-6 sutures. Concomitant procedures included anterior repair (83.4% "not usually"/"not at all"), posterior repair/perineorrhaphy (77.8% "yes, often"/"yes, sometimes"), midurethral sling (42.6% "yes, often"/51.9% "yes, sometimes"), and hysteropexy (86.5% "not usually"/"not at all"). Post void residual (PVR) was assessed after surgery by 89.8%, 75.5% via retrograde fill voiding trial. Most patients were discharged post-operative day 1 (POD1) (47.6% AM, 29.1% PM) or day of surgery (15.2%).  Females more commonly performed hysteropexy (p=0.028) with no other significant differences by age, gender, experience, practice setting or region.  Conclusion Most FPMRS surgeons perform MISC, equally robotic and laparoscopic. Concomitant posterior wall procedures and midurethral slings are common. Other than more hysteropexies performed by females, no other variables predicted technique variations, suggesting technique homogeneity.

The impact of prior prolapse repairs on surgical outcomes with minimally invasive sacral colpopexy.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: To determine whether prior prolapse repair has an impact on operative time, surgical complications, and prolapse recurrence with minimally invasive sacral colpopexy (MISC). METHODS: This was a retrospective study of all laparoscopic and robotic MISC procedures performed from January 2009 to July 2014 at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Patient demographics, clinical and surgical data were compared in women who underwent MISC for initial repair versus those undergoing MISC for recurrence after prior prolapse surgery. Our primary outcome was operating room (OR) time (skin incision to closure) using linear regression. Logistic regression compared complications (a composite variable considered present if any major complication occurred) and prolapse recurrence (any POP-Q point ≥0 or retreatment). RESULTS: Of 816 subjects, the mean age was 59.6 ± 8.7, with mean BMI 27.0 ± 3.0 in a primarily Caucasian population (97.8%). Subjects had predominantly POP-Q stage III prolapse (69.9%), and 21.3% reported prior prolapse repair. OR time was 205.0 ± 69.0 min. Prior prolapse repair did not impact OR time (p = 0.25) after adjusting for age, concomitant procedures, POP-Q measurements, changes in OR personnel, case order in the day, and preoperative stress incontinence. Complications occurred in 15.8% but were not impacted by prior prolapse repair (OR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.53-1.67) after adjusting for potential confounders. During a median follow-up of 31 weeks, 7.8% had recurrence with no impact from prior prolapse surgery (OR = 1.557, 95% CI = 0.67-3.64) after adjusting for potential confounders. CONCLUSIONS: We were unable to demonstrate increased OR time, complications, or prolapse recurrence for MISC based on history of prior prolapse repair. Longer follow-up is needed to confirm the lack of difference in prolapse recurrence rates.

Comparing laparoscopic and robotic sacrocolpopexy surgical outcomes with prior versus concomitant hysterectomy.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The objective was to compare surgical outcomes after prior hysterectomy versus concomitant hysterectomy with laparoscopic/robotic minimally invasive sacral colpopexy (MISC). METHODS: Using all MISC from 2009 to 2014, patient sociodemographic and surgical data were compared between MISC with prior versus concomitant hysterectomy. Operative time (skin incision to closure) was compared with linear regression. Logistic regression compared complications, a composite variable including ≥1 transfusion, infection, readmission, reoperation, bowel obstruction/ileus, conversion to laparotomy, bowel/bladder injury, or mesh complication. Logistic regression compared prolapse recurrence defined as retreatment (pessary/surgery) or postoperative POP-Q points ≥ 0. RESULTS: Eight hundred and sixteen patients were 59.6 ± 8.7 years old and predominantly Caucasians (97.8%), with BMI 27.4 ± 4.5 and predominantly POP-Q stage III prolapse (69.9%). Operative time was 205.0 ± 69.0 min. Concomitant hysterectomy increased operative time 17.8 min (p = 0.004) adjusting for age, POP-Q stage, total vaginal length, perineal body, lysis of adhesions or perineorrhaphy, changes in operating personnel (scrub tech/circulating nurse), case order during the day, and preoperative stress incontinence. Complications occurred in 15.8% and were more likely with prior hysterectomy (odds ratio [OR] = 2.30, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.43-3.70) adjusting for preoperative genital hiatus and perineal body, concomitant midurethral sling, obesity, and immunosuppression. During a follow-up of 31 weeks, 7.8% had prolapse recurrence with no impact from concomitant hysterectomy (OR = 0.96, 95% CI 0.41-2.24). Post-hoc power calculation would have required an unattainable size of >2,800 per group for this outcome. CONCLUSIONS: For MISC, concomitant hysterectomy is associated with longer operative time but lower risk of complications. There was no impact of concomitant hysterectomy on prolapse recurrence, but longer follow-up may be needed for this outcome.