Mid Urethral Slings for the Treatment of Urodynamic Stress Incontinence in Overweight and Obese Women: Surgical Outcomes and Preoperative Predictors of Failure.

PURPOSE: We evaluated mid urethral sling outcomes in overweight and obese patients compared to normal weight patients and identified risk factors for failure in this population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Records of 688 women between January 2004 and July 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients received urodynamic studies, 1-hour pad test, Urogenital Distress Inventory-6 and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-7, and were divided into normal weight, overweight and obese. Objective cure at 1 year was defined as no involuntary urine leakage during filling cystometry and pad test less than 2 gm. Subjective cure was established by negative response to question 3 on Urogenital Distress Inventory-6. McNemar's test, chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U and Fisher's exact test were used for paired categorical variables. Independent samples t-tests and paired t-test were used for continuous parametric variables. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for failure. RESULTS: Objective and subjective cure in normal, overweight and obese patients was 91.4% and 89.1%, 87.5% and 86%, and 76% and 70.1%, respectively. There was no difference in surgical complications. Obese patients had worse quality of life scores preoperatively and postoperatively. Risk factors in obese patients with failed mid urethral sling included 66 years old or older (OR 2.02, 1.56-3.98), menopause (OR 4.21, 1.21-14.22), previous prolapse surgery (OR 4.57, 2.36-8.52), diabetes (OR 2.79, 1.61-5.99) and intrinsic sphincter deficiency (OR 5.06, 3.08-9.64). CONCLUSIONS: Obese women with mid urethral sling had lower objective and subjective cure at 1 year and worse quality of life scores compared to normal and overweight women. Risk factors for failure include age, diabetes, menopause, previous prolapse surgery and intrinsic sphincter deficiency.

Outcomes of urodynamic mixed urinary incontinence and urodynamic stress incontinence with urgency after mid-urethral sling surgery.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Mixed urinary incontinence (MUI) is defined as symptomatic complaint of involuntary leakage associated with urgency and also with exertion, effort, sneezing or coughing. The paucity of research, especially on the surgical management of MUI, limits its best management. METHODS: This is a retrospective study to determine the outcomes of mixed urinary incontinence after mid-urethral sling surgery with two groups, urodynamic stress incontinence (USI) with urgency and urodynamic mixed urinary incontinence (MUI-UD; USI and detrusor overactivity [DO]). RESULTS: Ninety women (USI + urgency group) with preoperative USI and urgency and no demonstrable DO/DOI attained an objective cure of 82.2%, whereas the remaining 67 (MUI-UD group) women with both USI and DO/DOI were reported to have an objective cure of only 55.2%. Subjective cures were 81.1% and 53.7% respectively. The type of incontinence surgery does not affect postoperative outcomes in either of the groups. Demographic factors identified to have a significant negative effect on cure rates were postmenopausal status (p = 0.005), prior hysterectomy (p = 0.028), pre-operative smaller blafdder capacity (p = 0.001), and a larger volume of pre-operative pad test (p = 0.028). A lower mid-urethral closure pressure (MUCP) was significant with post-operative failure of treatment with MUI-UD group (68.8 ± 36.2 cmH2O vs 51.9 ± 24.7 cmH2O; p = 0.033). CONCLUSIONS: Although there is evidence for a good cure of the stress component of MUI, urodynamic investigation with its findings prior to management of MUI could have greater implications for selective patient centered counseling. Presence of DO or DOI on urodynamics resulted in poorer objective and subjective outcomes.

Anterior-apical single-incision mesh surgery (uphold): 1-year outcomes on lower urinary tract symptoms, anatomy and ultrasonography.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Our primary objective is to determine the presence of SUI at 6-12 months after surgery. The secondary objective is to determine the objective and subjective outcomes of POP. METHODS: A retrospective study conducted between February 2015 and July 2016 at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. The subjects had had symptomatic anterior or apical prolapse with stage III or IV and undergone pelvic reconstructive surgery using Uphold™ LITE. Patients completed a 3-day voiding diary, urodynamic study, real-time ultrasonography and validated quality-of-life questionnaires at baseline and 12-month follow-up. Primary outcome was the absence of USI. Secondary outcomes included the objective cure rate of POP, ≤ stage 1 at the anterior/apical vaginal wall, and the subjective cure rate, negative feedback to POPDI-6. RESULTS: Ninety-five women were eligible. Six were excluded because of incomplete data. The postoperative de novo USI and SUI were 22.7 and 19.7%, respectively. There was significant improvement of USI in patients who had MUS insertion (93.8%) and bladder outlet obstruction (96.7%). The objective and subjective cure rate for prolapse was 95.5 and 94.3%, respectively. POP-Q measurements pre- and postoperatively were significantly improved at all points except for Gh and Pb. There was a significant difference in the distance between the bladder neck to the distal end of the mesh during straining both at both the postoperative 3rd month and 1 year. CONCLUSIONS: Uphold™ mesh has a 20% incidence of de novo USI with acceptable objective and subjective cure rates at 1 year postoperatively. The de novo USI rate was high but not bothersome enough to require surgery.

Ultrasonography and clinical outcomes following anti-incontinence procedures (Monarc vs MiniArc): A 3-year post-operative review.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the ultrasonographic positional changes of mid-urethral sling(MUS) tape in relation to symphysis pubis, and the different clinical outcomes among women who underwent MUS insertion with MiniArcTM or MonarcTM for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence 3 years after. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective follow-up study on patients with clinically confirmed stress urodynamic incontinence and urodynamic stress incontinence who had undergone MiniArc or Monarc surgery. Data regarding preoperative evaluation, intraoperative complications and post-operative follow-ups were collated. Main outcome is to determine the change in position of the sling through measurement of the x- and y-axis at rest and during Valsalva maneuver using the 3D introital ultrasound. RESULTS: A total of 138 patients were evaluated, 82 belonged to Monarc and 56 to MiniArc. At 3years, objective and subjective cure rates for MiniArc and Monarc were comparable (88%, 91%; p>0.05; 83%, 89%, p>0.05 respectively). Ultrasonographic changes between MiniArc and Monarc from 6 months to 3 years, showed MiniArc to exhibit significant movement in both x- [3.0 ±0.4 mm vs. 2.2 ±0.3 mm (p = 0.02) at rest; 2.6 ±0.3 mm vs. 1.6 ±0.3 mm (p<0.001) during valsalva] and y-axis [3.5 ±0.5 mm vs. 2.0 ±0.3 mm (p<0.001) at rest; 3.3 ±0.5 mm vs. 2.9 ±0.3 mm (p = 0.037) during Valsalva]. The mobility of MiniArc was significantly more than Monarc from rest to Valsalva (1.1 ±0.4 mm vs. 0.3 ±0.3 mm, p = 0.001). Tightness of the sling assessed from the major and minor axis of the urethral core had no significant difference in both groups at rest and during Valsalva. Urethral kinking percentage and the location of the sling did not yield statistical difference. CONCLUSION: Maintenance of continence rates of mid-urethral slings depends on the compressive effect of the sling on the urethra, urethral kinking, and sling fixation. From 6months to 3 years, MiniArc changed its position in both x- and y-axis over time, which the authors attribute to loosening of the anchoring mechanism since no clinical relevance could be sought.

Single incision anterior apical mesh and sacrospinous ligament fixation in pelvic prolapse surgery at 36 months follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical efficacy, recurrence, complications and quality of life changes 3 years after Elevate-A/single incision mesh surgery anterior apical (SIM A) and sacrospinous ligament fixation (SSF) in the management of pelvic organ prolapse (POP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective cohort study, 139 women, underwent transvaginal surgery for anterior and/or apical POP > stage 2, 69 patients had SIM A and 70 patients had SSF. The objective cure was defined as POP ≤ stage 1 anterior, apical according to POP-Q. Subjective cure is patient's negative feedback to question 2 and 3 of pelvic organ prolapse distress inventory 6 (POPDI-6). Patient's satisfaction was reported using validated quality of life questionnaires. Multi-channel urodynamic study was used to report any voiding problems related to the prolapse surgery 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: 119 patients completed a minimum of 3 years follow-up. 89.8% is the overall prolapse correction success rate for SIM A and 73.3% for SSF group (p = 0.020), and 96.6% versus 73.4% at the anterior vaginal compartment respectively (p ≤ 0.001). Statistically significant difference was noticed in apical compartment with 98.3% with SIM A and 85.0% with SSF (p = 0.009). The subjective success rate, 86.4% in the SIM A and 70.0% in the SSF arm (p = 0.030) was significantly noted. Only, Pelvic Organ Prolapse Distress Inventory-6 (POPDI-6) showed significant improvement. Operation time and intra-operative blood loss tend to be more with SIM A. CONCLUSION: SIM A has better 3 years objective and subjective cure rate than SSF in the anterior and/or apical compartment prolapse.

Association of urodynamics and lower urogenital tract nerve growth factor after synthetic vaginal mesh implantation on a rat model.

AIM: By investigating the association of urodynamics and urogenital nerve growth factor (NGF) levels in vaginal mesh surgery, we may be able to associate the likelihood of postoperative lower urinary tract symptoms developing as a result of synthetic mesh implanted for pelvic floor reconstructive surgery. METHODS: Thirty-eight female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups: mesh, sham (no mesh), and control. Urodynamic study and NGF analysis of the urogenital tissues were done and results were compared among all groups. The urodynamic studies of the mesh and sham groups were further divided into the 4th and 10th days. A P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: All rats survived and no complications were observed during the post-implantation period. Histological evaluation showed intense acute inflammatory reaction on days 4 and 7 in the mesh and sham groups when compared to the control. The mesh group showed a larger area of inflammation as compared to the sham. The NGF levels increased significantly in the mesh and sham groups on the 4th and 10th days when compared to the control (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively). Both the mesh and sham groups had shorter voiding interval and lower voiding volume on days 4 and 10 when compared to the control group (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively). The magnitude on increasing NGF level and decreasing voiding interval and voiding volume was significantly more on the mesh group than the sham group. CONCLUSION: A higher level of NGF in the early days post-transvaginal mesh implantation is associated with a shorter voiding interval and a smaller bladder capacity, which represents abnormal lower urinary tract symptoms following transvaginal mesh implantation.

Tension-releasing suture appendage on single-incision sling device: A novel approach to postoperative voiding dysfunctions.

OBJECTIVE: Voiding dysfunction following a midurethral sling procedure is still a relevant consequence that can affect patients' quality of life. Various invasive methods have been described to manage this problem. We hypothesize that we if we could diagnose the condition early using noninvasive tools, we would be able to offer appropriate effective management. We sought to study the effectiveness of attaching a tension-releasing suture on a single-incision sling (SIS) tape as a prophylactic measure for the treatment of immediate postoperative voiding dysfunctions, and secondarily, to evaluate the objective and subjective cure rates of the treatment for stress urinary incontinence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It is a prospective observational study. A tension-releasing suture was prepared by appending a polyglactin suture to one end of the MiniArc sling tip fiber, which could be used to manipulate the sling tip when postoperative voiding dysfunction was identified. Primary outcome measure was the number of patients requiring tension-releasing suture manipulation to treat postoperative voiding dysfunctions successfully. RESULTS: Twelve of the 131 (9.2%) patients who underwent SIS procedure for urodynamic stress incontinence surgery required tension-releasing suture manipulation due to voiding dysfunction during the immediate postoperative period with a good outcome. Postoperative overall objective and subjective cure rates were 90.5% and 88.9% (126 available patients at 1-year follow up, mean 19.2 ± 8.0 months), respectively. The subanalysis of the objective and subjective cure rates of the group with tension-releasing suture manipulation were 91.7% (11/12) and 91.7% (11/12), and those of the group without tension-releasing suture manipulation were 90.4% (103/114) and 88.6% (101/114), respectively, at 1-year follow up. CONCLUSION: Tension-releasing suture is effective in the management of immediate postoperative voiding dysfunction in an SIS procedure. SIS operation has good short-term objective and subjective cure rates for female urodynamic stress incontinence.

Assessment of collagen versus non collagen coated anterior vaginal mesh in pelvic reconstructive surgery: prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the sonologic and clinical outcome of collagen coated (CC) versus non-collagen coated (NC) anterior vaginal mesh (AVM) for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgery. STUDY DESIGN: The study is a prospective observational study which included 122 patients who had symptomatic POP stage III and IV. AvaultaPlus™ (collagen coated, CC group) was compared to Perigee™ (non collagen coated, NC group). Introital ultrasound morphology, measure of neovascularization by color Doppler and clinical outcomes were assessed. Student t test was used for comparison of pre- and post-operation continuous data (p value of <0.05). RESULTS: A total of 110 (CC group=50, NC group=60) women completed the study. A woman in the CC group developed ureteral injury. Both groups had comparable morphologic and clinical outcomes however, the onset of changes in mesh thickness and neovascularization occurred earlier in the NC group (1 month) compared to the CC group (6 months to 1 year). CONCLUSION: CC group was comparable to the NC group in terms of erosion rate, ultrasound and clinical assessment. Collagen coating may induce delayed inflammatory response however may also delay tissue integration. The onset of changes in mesh thickness and neovascularization may give us an insight toward utilization of collagen coated mesh for host-tissue integration.

Risk factors for failure of repeat midurethral sling surgery for recurrent or persistent stress urinary incontinence.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: To study the outcomes following repeat midurethral sling (MUS) surgery in patients with persistent or recurrent stress urinary incontinence after failure of primary MUS surgery and risk factors for surgical failure. METHODS: The medical records of 24 patients who underwent repeat MUS surgery at a single tertiary center from January 2004 to February 2014 were reviewed. The types of MUS used for the repeat surgey were transobturator, retropubic and single incision slings. Objective cure was defined as no demonstrable involuntary leakage of urine during increased abdominal pressure in the absence of a detrusor contraction observed during filling cystometry, and subjective cure was defined as a negative response to Urogenital Distress Inventory six (UDI-6) question 3 during follow-up between 6 months and 1 year postoperatively. The change in the inclination angle between the urethra and pubic axis was measured with introital ultrasonography and the cotton swab test performed. RESULTS: The objective and subjective cure rates were 79.2 % and 75 %, respectively. There were no differences in demographics between the patients with failure of surgery and those with successful surgery. Significant independent risk factors for failure of repeat MUS surgery were a change in cotton swab angle at rest and straining of <30° (OR 4.6, 95 % CI 2.5 - 7.9°), a change in inclination angle of <30° (OR 4.6, 95 % CI 2.5 - 7.9°), intrinsic sphincter deficiency (OR 3.4, 95 % CI 1.8 - 6.1) and a mean urethral closure pressure of <60 cm H2O (OR 2.9, 95 % CI 1.5 - 4.5). In one patient the bladder was perforated. CONCLUSIONS: Repeat MUS surgery is safe and has a good short-term success rate, both objectively and subjectively, with independent risk factors for failure related to bladder neck hypomobility and poor urethral function.

Influence of anterior vaginal mesh with concomitant mid-urethral sling surgery on stress urinary incontinence: clinical and sonographic outcome.

INTRODUCTION: To clinically and sonographically evaluate the influence of anterior vaginal mesh (AVM) surgery with concomitant mid-urethral sling surgery (MUS) for stress urinary incontinence (SUI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Women with severe symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse (POP) stage III or IV with concomitant SUI were divided into two groups: Group I had transobturator tape (TOT) and AVM surgery and Group II underwent TOT without AVM surgery. Clinical outcome was assessed pre-operatively and 1 year post-operatively, while ultrasound evaluations were performed after one year. Objective cure was defined as no urinary leakage demonstrable on provocative filling cystometry. Subjective SUI cure was a negative response to Urogenital Distress Inventory Six (UDI-6) (question 3). RESULTS: A total of 97 women were recruited, 57 in Group I and 40 in Group II. Three women had symptomatic prolapse in Group I and 5 in Group II. There were no differences in the ultrasound and clinical outcomes between women who had mid-urethral slings with and without AVM. Successful SUI outcome was reported in 85 women. Urethral kinking was demonstrable in 50% of successful cases, but none with failed outcomes. Subanalysis among those with successful SUI outcome (n = 85) and failure (n = 12) revealed the tape, bladder neck and mesh mobility was significantly higher (P < 0.001) among those with SUI success. CONCLUSIONS: Among women who had MUS, there were no differences in the ultrasound and clinical outcome between those who had AVM or otherwise.

Clinical outcomes of mesh exposure/extrusion: presentation, timing and management.

BACKGROUND: The Food and Drug Administration has recently highlighted an increase in reported complications associated with the use of transvaginal mesh. AIMS: To describe the clinical outcomes, presentation, timing and management of mesh exposure/extrusion MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective study from December 2006 to March 2012. A total of 40 women had vaginal mesh exposure/extrusion secondary to prior transvaginal mesh (TVM) surgery. Descriptive statistics were used for demographics and pre-operative data. Paired-samples t-test was applied for comparison of pre- and postoperation. A P value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The mesh exposure/extrusion rate was noted to be 2.64% (17/642). Vaginal bleeding in 29 of 40 (72.5%) and hispareunia in 12 of 13 (92.3%) were identified as the most common symptoms for mesh exposure/extrusion. The onset of complications occurred in two peaks: between 3 and 4 months and after 1-year of follow-up. Initial conservative treatment was given for 12.5% (5/40) of women, while 87.5% (35/40) had undergone repair for mesh exposure/extrusion (21 outpatient and 14 inpatient cases). Among those who had conservative treatment, 80% (4/5) had persistent mesh exposure. CONCLUSION: Persistent or new-onset abnormal vaginal bleeding and hispareunia after TVM surgery should be considered as 'red flag' symptoms for mesh exposure/extrusion. Frequent follow-up from the first 3-4 months up to 1 year postoperative may identify complications. Utilisation of mesh excision or trimming as the initial means of treatment may yield a better outcome.

Long-term outcome of native tissue reconstructive vaginal surgery for advanced pelvic organ prolapse at 86 months: Hysterectomy versus hysteropexy.

AIM: To evaluate and compare the long-term outcome of sacrospinous ligament fixation (SSF) in combination with various other compartment defect native tissue repairs with hysterectomy or hysteropexy. METHODS: Medical records of 159 patients who underwent surgery for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) between April 2004 and August 2008 were reviewed retrospectively. Patients were assessed at baseline and at 5-year postoperative follow-up. SSF, anterior (AC) and posterior colporrhaphy (PC), both with and without hysterectomy, were performed. Primary outcome was objective cure (POP quantification system [POP-Q] ≤1) and subjective cure (negative response to questions 2 and 3 on Pelvic Organ Prolapse Distress Inventory 6 [POPDI-6]). Subanalysis was done on patients who had uterus preserved compared with those with vaginal hysterectomy. RESULTS: Postoperative data were available for 146 patients: 120 in the hysterectomy group and 26 in the hysteropexy group. Mean age, parity, postmenopausal status and mean operating time in the hysterectomy group were significantly higher than in the hysteropexy group. At median follow-up of 86 months, objective cure at overall compartments for all patients was 67.8%, and for subjective cure, this was 64.4%. There was no difference in the adjusted odds ratio for objective and subjective cure rates in both groups, but the hysterectomy group had a significantly lower mean total POPDI-6 score. CONCLUSION: SSF plus AC and PC have a low reoperation rate despite a moderate success rate at 7-year follow-up. There was no difference in the adjusted objective, subjective success rates and sexual function between sacrospinous hysteropexy and hysterectomy. The hysterectomy group, however, had fewer bothersome prolapse symptoms.

Outcome after conservative management for mixed urinary incontinence.

AIM: Recommended initial treatment for mixed urinary incontinence involves behavioral therapy, and drug and pelvic floor muscle exercises. Our objective is to evaluate the outcome of these conservative treatments in our patients with mixed urinary incontinence. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted in patients with mixed urinary incontinence who were offered sequential conservative treatment modalities comprised of medication and physiotherapy. Outcome was defined as a score of 1 or less for questions 2 and 3 on the six-item Urodynamic Distress Inventory (UDI-6) and seven-item Incontinence Impact Questionnaire, in addition to clinical symptomatic improvement with no urgency, urge incontinence and voiding frequency of less than eight times per 24 h on a 3-day bladder diary after treatment. Treatment outcome of patients opting for medication plus physiotherapy (M + P) were analyzed against patients preferring medication only (M). RESULTS: Sixty-two mixed urinary incontinent patients received an initial treatment with conservative measures with mean follow-up of 14 months. A total of 61.2% (30/49) and 56.3% (9/13) subjects had improved symptoms in the M + P and M group, respectively. There was significant improvement in UDI-6 total score in the M + P group after conservative treatment, despite no significant difference when compared to the M group. Only 6.45% required subsequent anti-incontinence surgery after conservative treatment, amongst whom only half showed improvement after the surgery. CONCLUSION: Combined treatment with medication and physiotherapy is highly recommended for patients with mixed urinary incontinence. Conservative measures should still precede any surgical intervention. Further studies are needed to evaluate the long-term efficacy.

Anterior-apical single-incision mesh surgery (SIMS): surgical and functional outcomes at 1 year.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To study the surgical and functional outcomes of single-incision mesh surgery for treatment of advanced pelvic organ prolapse (POP). DESIGN: Case series (Canadian Task Force classification II-3). SETTING: University hospital. PATIENTS: Sixty-five patients who underwent surgery to treat symptomatic POP greater than stage II according to the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification System (POP-Q). INTERVENTION: All patients underwent anterior-apical single-incision mesh surgery using the Elevate Anterior and Apical Prolapse Repair System. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The primary objectives were anatomical correction of anterior and apical prolapse of POP stage I or greater and absence of voiding dysfunction reported via multi-channel urodynamic study at 6 months after surgery. Subjective outcome was measured via patient feedback using questions 2 and 3 of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Distress Inventory 6 (POPDI-6). The secondary outcome was quality of life using the following: Urogenital Distress Inventory 6 (UDI-6), Incontinence Impact Questionnaire 7 (IIQ-7), POPDI-6, and Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ-12). Two-dimensional introital ultrasonography was performed in the first and third months after surgery and at 1-year follow-up. Descriptive statistics were used for demographic and perioperative data. The paired-samples t test was used for comparison of preoperative and postoperative continuous data. For all comparisons, a value of p < .05 was considered statistically significant. All statistical methods were performed using commercially available software (SPSS version 17). Postoperative data were available for 64 patients. The objective outcome was 96.9%, and the subjective outcome was 93.8%. All patients demonstrated significant improvement in anatomical outcomes after prolapse surgery (p < .05), and none experienced recurrence requiring further surgery. There was concomitant significant improvement in POPDI-6, UDI-6, IIQ-7, and PISQ-12 scores after surgery. A subanalysis of POP quantification measurements immediately after surgery and at 1-year postoperative follow-up demonstrated deepening of the C point and total vaginal length. Ultrasound evaluation demonstrated a significant increase in the length and thickness of mesh at 1-year follow-up. There has been no documented mesh extrusion to date. However, the number of patients with stress urinary incontinence has increased. Four patients received treatment, whereas in the remaining patients the condition was not severe enough to require surgical intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Single-incision mesh surgery for treatment of advanced POP results in improvement in anatomical and quality-of-life outcomes. No mesh exposure was recorded in the first year after surgery; however, new onset of stress urinary incontinence may occur. Ultrasound evaluation demonstrated an increase in mesh length and thickness over time, with concurrent calculated lengthening of the C point and total vaginal length.

Ultrasonography and clinical outcomes following surgical anti-incontinence procedures (Monarc vs Miniarc).

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the ultrasound morphology and its clinical outcome among women who had undergone Miniarc™ vs Monarc™ in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI). STUDY DESIGN: This was a prospective study on 140 patients with USI and undergone either Miniarc or Monarc surgery. From March 2010 to December 2011, patients with clinically SUI and urodynamic stress incontinence (USI) were included in the study. Objective cure of SUI was defined as no urinary leakage on provocative filling cystometry and 1-h pad test of <2 g. Subjective cure of SUI was the negative response to UDI-6. Introital ultrasound at one-year explored the sling and bladder neck's position, mobility, sling tension, percentile of urethra where the sling was located and urethral kinking. RESULTS: Postoperative data was available from 130 women. The ultrasound objective data for successful treatment post-operative follow-up was available from 119 women (46 Monarc, 73 Miniarc), the rest failed to follow-up. A bladder perforation was diagnosed in the Monarc group and 15 cases (7.1% of Monarc and 16.3% of Miniarc, p=0.082) of urinary retention was reported due to over-tensioning of the sling, majority of cases came from the Miniarc group. At rest and during Valsalva, analogous distances of the bladder neck and sling as well as the center of the urethral core were similar for both procedures. In both groups, shortest (Us) and longest diameters (Ul) of the urethral core were comparable at Valsalva which was significantly shorter and longer, respectively, compared to the values at rest. Sling position and percentage of urethral kinking were similar. Statistical analysis failed to detect any significant difference between the two groups with regards to the objective and subjective cure (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, a Miniarc and Monarc exhibit similar mechanism of action with comparable subjective and objective clinical outcomes. Majority of urethral impingement was noted in the Miniarc group. A higher maximum urethral closure pressure (MUCP), longer resting Ul, and shorter resting Us suggested these observations. Postoperative ultrasonographic evaluation may give a promising future perspective for the evaluation of sling tension.

Delayed intravesical mesh erosion in a midurethral sling following further mesh-augmented pelvic prolapse surgery.

Intravesical mesh erosion and extrusion have been reported as devastating late complications of synthetic suburethral sling placement for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence. We report a case of a female patient with intravesical mesh erosion from a sling suspension that developed 4 years after primary prolapse surgery with mesh reinforcement. Intravesical mesh erosion was observed ultrasonographically and confirmed through cystoscopy. We excised the mesh via a vaginal approach and repaired both bladder mucosa and vaginal wall. As of this writing, the patient has been symptom-free for the past year post-surgery. Long-term follow-up is recommended in such cases. Anti-incontinence surgery followed by primary prolapse surgery could potentially jeopardize the former. Complications may arise several years later so long-term follow-up is essential. Ultrasonography is an effective tool in evaluating mesh morphology and detecting intravesical mesh erosion.

Urethral Diverticulum in Young Nulliparous with Unusual Presentation.

CASE: We highlight a case of chronic skenitis leading to the formation of Urethral diverticulum. A young nulliparous woman presented with dysuria, intermittent hematuria and a 3 cm cystic swelling adjacent to the left distal urethra. Aspiration of the cyst was done initially. Excisional biopsy was followed when it recurred. Urethral diverticulum was revealed when the excisional operation traced up to left distal urethral wall. The cystic swelling urethral diverticulum was completely enucleated. OUTCOME: The pathology report showed fibrous tissue with cystic spaces lined by squamous epithelium with inflammation, which was consistent with a urethral diverticulum. CONCLUSION: The presenting symptoms and signs of female urethral diverticulum are often diverse and easily overlooked, we have to keep in mind that cases with unusual age, location and presentation can also exist.

Long-term outcomes of synthetic transobturator nonabsorbable anterior mesh versus anterior colporrhaphy in symptomatic, advanced pelvic organ prolapse surgery.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Anterior vaginal mesh (AVM) combined with sacrospinous ligament fixation (SSF) yields better long-term success rates over anterior colporrhaphy (AC) in advanced pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgery, with a low rate of mesh-related complications. METHODS: Medical records of 198 patients who underwent surgery for POP between January 2006 and March 2010 were reviewed retrospectively. Patients' assessment at baseline and third-year postoperative follow-up were analyzed. SSF plus AC or AVM was performed for apical and anterior compartment repair. Primary outcome was objective cure [Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) stage ≤ 1)], and subjective cure defined as negative response to questions 2 and 3 on the POPDI-6. Secondary outcomes were complications, symptoms severity and quality of life as measured with validated questionnaires. RESULTS: Post-operative data were available for 186 patients, 72 in AC group and 114 in AVM group were analyzed. The mean age, parity and operating time in AVM group were significantly higher as compared to AC group. The overall objective and subjective cure rate in AVM group was significantly higher than AC group (90.3 % and 88.6 % versus 73.6 % and 70.8 %, with P value = 0.003 and 0.002 respectively). Mesh exposure rate was 3.5 %. Improvement in both POPDI-6 and PISQ-12 in AVM group was statistically significant compared to AC group. CONCLUSION: Transobturator synthetic nonabsorbable AVM combined with SSF yielded a favorable and sustainable result over 5 years as compared to traditional AC, both in anatomical and subjective success rate. Mesh related morbidities were low and acceptable.

Strangulated small bowel 14 years after abdominal sacrocolpopexy.

Abdominal sacrocolpopexy is a well-established procedure for the reconstruction of apical support in pelvic organ prolapse. Its long-term efficacy is well known; however, it is also associated with higher perioperative morbidity when compared with the less invasive transvaginal approach. Long-term risk of bowel-related complication from abdominal sacrocolpopexy is rare, but can be significant as it is often serious and requires major surgical intervention. Here we highlight an unusual case of strangulated small bowel (in this instance complicated with sepsis secondary to peritonitis), 14 years after an abdominal sacrocolpopexy procedure. This example amplifies the need for proper preoperative counseling; also, life-long follow-up is necessary for patients undergoing this procedure.

Vaginal vascular malformation mimicking pelvic organ prolapse requiring serial embolizations.

Vaginal vascular malformation (VVM) is rare. There are, in fact, less than ten cases reported to date. VVM often presents as a mass protruding from the vagina, mimicking pelvic organ prolapse (POP). It can coexist with POP, thereby usually exaggerating the severity of POP. We report a case of VVM in a premenopausal woman who presented as severe POP and urinary incontinence. The diagnosis was confirmed with computed tomography (CT) scan and angiography. The patient underwent conservative management with embolization. These procedures had to be repeated three times in 1.5 years due to lesion recurrence. In mitigation, conservative treatment eliminates the risks associated with surgery, e.g. massive hemorrhage and visceral injuries. It does, however, require a long course of treatment and follow-up.