FIGO recommendations: Use of midurethral slings for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence.

BACKGROUND: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a global problem. It can significantly adversely impact a woman's quality of life. The use of synthetic mesh in vaginal surgery is controversial, especially when used for pelvic organ prolapse surgery. Although negative effects have been reported, the synthetic mesh midurethral sling (MUS) is considered to be safe and effective in the surgical treatment of SUI. OBJECTIVES: To provide evidence-based data and recommendations for the obstetrician/gynecologist who treats women with SUI and performs or plans to perform MUS procedures. METHODS: Academic searches of MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, Embase, and Google Scholar articles published between 1987 and March 2020 were performed by a subgroup of the Urogynecology and Pelvic Floor Committee, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO). SELECTION CRITERIA: The obtained scientific data were associated with a level of evidence according to the Oxford University Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine and GRADE Working Group system. In the absence of concrete scientific evidence, the recommendations were made via professional consensus. RESULTS: The FIGO Urogynecology and Pelvic Floor Committee reviewed the literature and prepared this evidence-based recommendations document for the use of MUS for women with SUI. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the extensive literature, there is a lack of consensus in the optimal surgical treatment of SUI. These recommendations provide a direction for surgeons to make appropriate decisions regarding management of SUI. The MUS is considered safe and effective in the treatment of SUI, based on many high-quality scientific publications and professional society recommendations. Comprehensive long-term data and systemic reviews are still needed, and these data will become increasingly important as women live longer. These recommendations will be continuously updated through future literature reviews.

The Manchester-Fothergill technique: Browsing in the cutting-edge art gallery.

BACKGROUND: No consensus regarding the surgical strategy for repairs of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) has existed since the writings of Hippocrates. Archibald Donald of Manchester, in 1888, quite independently began to treat cases of prolapsus uteri with a combined operation of anterior and posterior colporrhaphy and amputation of the cervix. OBJECTIVE: To describe the surgical technique of Manchester-Fothergill and to chart its history. SEARCH STRATEGY: A bibliographic search was performed of the PubMed and National Library of Medicine (NIH) databases. SELECTION CRITERIA: The terms "Manchester-Fothergill" AND "History" AND "Pelvic Organ Prolapse" were searched from the first publication on this topic (1951) to December 2020. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Data were extracted from studies independently by two authors. All types of relevant abstracts were selected and analyzed due to the scarcity of studies (books and documents, clinical trials, meta-analysis, randomized controlled trial, review and systematic review). MAIN RESULTS: Although this is a well-described procedure in historic texts, the practical application is not often employed, and modern surgical texts rarely describe how to perform this surgery. The advantages of the Manchester-Fothergill technique include maintenance of the pelvic anatomy, integrity, a reduction of intraoperative blood loss, and shortened operation times and hospital stays. CONCLUSION: Many young gynecologists are not familiar with this operation; therefore, it is important to provide training and exposure to the Manchester-Fothergill technique in the practice of gynecological surgery.

Treatment for vaginal agenesis: A prospective and comparative study between vaginal dilation and surgical neovaginoplasty.

OBJECTIVE: To compare, in terms of anatomical, functional, and sexual aspects, two types of treatment for women with vaginal agenesis: progressive dilation or surgical neovaginoplasty. METHODS: Women with vaginal agenesis underwent either dilation treatment using the Frank method or surgical treatment using the modified Abbé-McIndoe technique with oxidized cellulose. Patients were evaluated 3-6 months after treatment for a follow-up including medical history, physical examination, general satisfaction, clinical aspect of the vagina, Female Sexual Function Index, and three-dimensional pelvic floor ultrasound. RESULTS: In total, 20 women with vaginal agenesis were included in the present study; nine in the dilation group and 11 in the surgical group. A comparison between the groups (vaginal dilation and surgical neovaginoplasty) showed efficacy in neovagina formation after both treatments, with a statistically significant difference between the pre- and post-treatment periods (P value pre- × post-dilation group <0.0001 and P value pre- × post-surgical group <0.0001). There were no statistical differences in total vaginal length measurements (P value post-dilation × post-surgical = 0.09) or Female Sexual Function Index scores (P = 0.72) after both treatments. CONCLUSION: Both treatments had satisfactory efficacy and positive outcomes for patients with vaginal agenesis concerning anatomical, functional, and sexual aspects, with minimum complications in the surgical group. Dilation treatment can remain the first-line therapy.

Advanced Stage Breast Sarcoma Treatment in a Third World Country Public Hospital.

The case reports a 49-year-old patient, drug-addicted, undernourished, and homeless, who was referred to our service presenting a diagnostic of breast sarcoma and ulcerating tumor which extended from the right breast to the right flank. She underwent hygienic mastectomy and, as it developed, she presented a range of complications, culminating in the recurrence of the tumor and pulmonary metastasis few months after her initial treatment. There is relevance in our study not only because it reports the development of the breast sarcoma, rare neoplasm, and its aggressiveness with fast recurrence, but also because it exposes the impact of biopsychosocial behavior of this patient in her clinical outcome.

Pelvic Floor 3D Ultrasound of Women with a TVT, TVT-O, or TVT-S for Stress Urinary Incontinence at the Three-year Follow-up / Ultrassonografia tridimensional do assoalho pélvico após 3 anos de correção cirúrgica de incontinência urinária de esforço por sling retropúbico, transobturador, ou de incisão única

Abstract Objective Using three-dimensional ultrasound (3D-US), we aimed to compare the tape position and the angle formed by the sling arms in different techniques of midurethral sling insertion for the surgical treatment of stress urinary incontinence, three years after surgery. In addition, we examined the correlations between the US findings and the clinical late postoperative results. Methods A prospective cross-sectional cohort study of 170 patients who underwent a sling procedure between May 2009 and December 2011 was performed. The final sample, with US images of sufficient quality, included 26 retropubic slings (tension-free vaginal tape, TVT), 42 transobturator slings (tension-free vaginal tape-obturator, TVTO), and 37 single-incision slings (tension-free vaginal tape-Secur, TVT-S). The images (at rest, during the Valsalva maneuver, and during pelvic floor contraction) were analyzed offline by 2 different observers blinded against the surgical and urinary continence status. Group comparisons were performed using the Student t-test, the chi-squared and the Kruskal-Wallis tests, and analyses of variance with Tukey multiple comparisons. Results Differences among the groups were found in themean angle of the tape arms (TVT = 119.94°, TVT-O = 141.93°, TVT-S = 121.06°; p < 0.001) and in the distance between the bladder neck and the tape at rest (TVT = 1.65 cm, TVT-O = 1.93 cm, TVTS = 1.95 cm; p = 0.010). The global objective cure rate was of 87.8% (TVT = 88.5%, TVT-O = 90.5%, TVT-S = 83.8%; p = 0.701). The overall subjective cure rate was of 83.8% (TVT = 88.5%, TVT-O = 88.5% and TVT-S = 78.4%; p = 0.514). The slings were located in the mid-urethra in 85.7% of the patients (TVT = 100%, TVT-O = 73.8%, TVTS = 89.2%; p = 0.001), with a more distal location associated with obesity (distal: 66.7% obese; mid-urethra: 34% obese; p = 0.003). Urgency-related symptoms were observed in 23.8% of the patients (TVT = 30.8%, TVT-O = 21.4%, TVT-S = 21.6%; p = 0.630). Conclusions The angle formed by the arms of the sling tape was more obtuse for the transobturator slings compared with the angles for the retropubic or single-incision slings. Retropubic slings were more frequently located in the mid-urethra compared with the other slings, regardless of obesity. However, the analyzed sonographic measures did not correlate with the urinary symptoms three years after the surgery.

Resumo Objetivo Comparar por meio de ultrassom tridimensional (US-3D) a posição e o ângulo entre os braços da faixa, em diferentes técnicas de inserção de sling de uretra média, para tratamento de incontinência urinária de esforço, 3 anos após a cirurgia, correlacionando os achados ultrassonográficos aos resultados clínicos pós-operatórios. Métodos Este é umestudo de coorte transversal prospectivo de 170 pacientes que se submeteram a um procedimento de sling entremaio de 2009 e dezembro de 2011. Foi possível avaliar as imagens de US em 105 pacientes: 26 com tension-free vaginal tape (TVT), 42 com tension-free vaginal tape-obturator (TVT-O) e 37 com tension-free vaginal tape-Secur (TVT-S). As imagens (em repouso, em manobra de Valsalva e em contração perineal) foram analisadas por dois observadores diferentes, que desconheciam o tipo de sling utilizado na cirurgia, assimcomo as queixas da paciente. A análise estatística foi realizada por meio dos testes t de Student, qui-quadrado, Kruskal-Wallis, e análise de variância com comparações múltiplas de Tukey. Resultados As médias dos ângulos entre os braços da faixa foram: TVT = 119,94°, TVT-O = 141,93°, TVT-S = 121,06° (p < 0,001). As médias das distâncias entre o colo vesical e a faixa, em repouso, foram: TVT = 1,65 cm, TVT-O = 1,93 cm, TVTS = 1,95 cm (p = 0,010). A taxa de cura objetiva dos slings foi de 87,8% (TVT = 88,5%, TVT-O = 90,5% e TVT-S = 83,8%; p = 0,701). A taxa de cura subjetiva foi de 83,8% (TVT = 88,5%, TVT-O = 88,5% e TVT-S = 78,4%; p = 0,514). Os slings estavam na uretra média em 85,7% (TVT = 100%, TVT-O = 73,8% e TVT-S = 89,2%; p = 0,001) dos pacientes, e a localização mais distal foi associada a obesidade (distal: 66,7% obesas; uretra média: 34% obesas; p = 0.003). Os sintomas de urgência foram observados em 23,8% das pacientes (TVT = 30,8%, TVT-O = 21,4%, TVT-S = 21,6%; p = 0,630). Não houve diferenças significativas quando se comparam os achados ultrassonográficos e os grupos de pacientes com sintomas de urgência, cura subjetiva e objetiva. Conclusão O ângulo formado pelos braços da faixa foi mais obtuso noTVT-Oquando comparado com o TVT ou o TVT-S. Os TVTs foram localizados mais frequentemente na uretra média quando comparados com os outros dois grupos, mesmo em pacientes obesas. Entretanto, as medidas ultrassonográficas não tiveram correlação com os sintomas urinários três anos após a cirurgia.

Pelvic Floor 3D Ultrasound of Women with a TVT, TVT-O, or TVT-S for Stress Urinary Incontinence at the Three-year Follow-up.

Objective Using three-dimensional ultrasound (3D-US), we aimed to compare the tape position and the angle formed by the sling arms in different techniques of mid-urethral sling insertion for the surgical treatment of stress urinary incontinence, three years after surgery. In addition, we examined the correlations between the US findings and the clinical late postoperative results. Methods A prospective cross-sectional cohort study of 170 patients who underwent a sling procedure between May 2009 and December 2011 was performed. The final sample, with US images of sufficient quality, included 26 retropubic slings (tension-free vaginal tape, TVT), 42 transobturator slings (tension-free vaginal tape-obturator, TVT-O), and 37 single-incision slings (tension-free vaginal tape-Secur, TVT-S). The images (at rest, during the Valsalva maneuver, and during pelvic floor contraction) were analyzed offline by 2 different observers blinded against the surgical and urinary continence status. Group comparisons were performed using the Student t-test, the chi-squared and the Kruskal-Wallis tests, and analyses of variance with Tukey multiple comparisons. Results Differences among the groups were found in the mean angle of the tape arms (TVT = 119.94°, TVT-O = 141.93°, TVT-S = 121.06°; p < 0.001) and in the distance between the bladder neck and the tape at rest (TVT = 1.65 cm, TVT-O = 1.93 cm, TVT-S = 1.95 cm; p = 0.010). The global objective cure rate was of 87.8% (TVT = 88.5%, TVT-O = 90.5%, TVT-S = 83.8%; p = 0.701). The overall subjective cure rate was of 83.8% (TVT = 88.5%, TVT-O = 88.5% and TVT-S = 78.4%; p = 0.514). The slings were located in the mid-urethra in 85.7% of the patients (TVT = 100%, TVT-O = 73.8%, TVT-S = 89.2%; p = 0.001), with a more distal location associated with obesity (distal: 66.7% obese; mid-urethra: 34% obese; p = 0.003). Urgency-related symptoms were observed in 23.8% of the patients (TVT = 30.8%, TVT-O = 21.4%, TVT-S = 21.6%; p = 0.630). Conclusions The angle formed by the arms of the sling tape was more obtuse for the transobturator slings compared with the angles for the retropubic or single-incision slings. Retropubic slings were more frequently located in the mid-urethra compared with the other slings, regardless of obesity. However, the analyzed sonographic measures did not correlate with the urinary symptoms three years after the surgery.

Objetivo Comparar por meio de ultrassom tridimensional (US-3D) a posição e o ângulo entre os braços da faixa, em diferentes técnicas de inserção de sling de uretra média, para tratamento de incontinência urinária de esforço, 3 anos após a cirurgia, correlacionando os achados ultrassonográficos aos resultados clínicos pós-operatórios. Métodos Este é um estudo de coorte transversal prospectivo de 170 pacientes que se submeteram a um procedimento de sling entre maio de 2009 e dezembro de 2011. Foi possível avaliar as imagens de US em 105 pacientes: 26 com tension-free vaginal tape (TVT), 42 com tension-free vaginal tape-obturator (TVT-O) e 37 com tension-free vaginal tape-Secur (TVT-S). As imagens (em repouso, em manobra de Valsalva e em contração perineal) foram analisadas por dois observadores diferentes, que desconheciam o tipo de sling utilizado na cirurgia, assim como as queixas da paciente. A análise estatística foi realizada por meio dos testes t de Student, qui-quadrado, Kruskal-Wallis, e análise de variância com comparações múltiplas de Tukey. Resultados As médias dos ângulos entre os braços da faixa foram: TVT = 119,94°, TVT-O = 141,93°, TVT-S = 121,06° (p < 0,001). As médias das distâncias entre o colo vesical e a faixa, em repouso, foram: TVT = 1,65 cm, TVT-O = 1,93 cm, TVT-S = 1,95 cm (p = 0,010). A taxa de cura objetiva dos slings foi de 87,8% (TVT = 88,5%, TVT-O = 90,5% e TVT-S = 83,8%; p = 0,701). A taxa de cura subjetiva foi de 83,8% (TVT = 88,5%, TVT-O = 88,5% e TVT-S = 78,4%; p = 0,514). Os slings estavam na uretra média em 85,7% (TVT = 100%, TVT-O = 73,8% e TVT-S = 89,2%; p = 0,001) dos pacientes, e a localização mais distal foi associada a obesidade (distal: 66,7% obesas; uretra média: 34% obesas; p = 0.003). Os sintomas de urgência foram observados em 23,8% das pacientes (TVT = 30,8%, TVT-O = 21,4%, TVT-S = 21,6%; p = 0,630). Não houve diferenças significativas quando se comparam os achados ultrassonográficos e os grupos de pacientes com sintomas de urgência, cura subjetiva e objetiva. Conclusão O ângulo formado pelos braços da faixa foi mais obtuso no TVT-O quando comparado com o TVT ou o TVT-S. Os TVTs foram localizados mais frequentemente na uretra média quando comparados com os outros dois grupos, mesmo em pacientes obesas. Entretanto, as medidas ultrassonográficas não tiveram correlação com os sintomas urinários três anos após a cirurgia.

Two-years results of native tissue versus vaginal mesh repair in the treatment of anterior prolapse according to different success criteria: A randomized controlled trial.

AIMS: To compare efficacy and safety of the traditional colporraphy and transvaginal polypropylene mesh for the treatment of advanced anterior vaginal prolapse according to different success criteria in two-year follow-up. METHODS: In this randomized controlled trial, women with anterior prolapse stage II or greater, with Ba point ≥ +1 (POP-Q quantification), were randomly assigned to have either anterior colporraphy (n = 43) or transvaginal mesh repair (n = 43). The primary outcome was to compare objective success rate under two success definitions: prolapse stage I (Ba < -1) and stage II (Ba < 0). Secondary outcomes included complications and prolapse symptoms, satisfaction and quality of life (QoL). Intention to treat was used for the primary endpoint and per protocol analysis for the secondary outcomes. RESULTS: The groups presented similar preoperative data. Thirty three patients from the colporraphy and 37 from the mesh groups completed two-year follow-up. Under Ba < -1 definition, success rate was 39.53% for both groups (P = 1.00). Considering success as Ba < 0, analysis favored the mesh group by 23% (51.16% and 74.42%; 95% CI for difference: 3-43%; P = 0.022). Patients from the mesh group were more satisfied after two years (81.8% and 97.3% for colporraphy and mesh, respectively, 15.5% difference; 95% CI for difference 1-29%; P = 0.032). Both procedures similarly improved women's symptoms and QoL. Some complications were observed, one being a 13.5% mesh exposure rate. CONCLUSIONS: Transvaginal synthetic mesh repair for advanced anterior vaginal prolapse provided higher anatomical success and satisfaction rates compared with traditional colporraphy. Both procedures equally improved quality of life. Neurourol. Urodynam. 35:509-514, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Randomized controlled trial comparing TVT-O and TVT-S for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence: 2-year results.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The aim was to compare the efficacy and safety of single-incision sling TVT-Secur (TVT-S) and transobturator midurethral sling (TVT-O) for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) over 2 years' follow-up. METHODS: This is a randomized controlled trial in which women with SUI were randomly assigned to have either TVT-O (n = 56) or TVT-S (n = 66). Exclusion criteria included: voiding dysfunction, detrusor overactivity, and pelvic organ prolapse beyond the hymen. The primary outcomes were objective and subjective cure rates at a follow-up visit at 24 months, defined as a negative stress test and pad test as well as absence of self-reported SUI symptoms. Secondary endpoints included quality of life assessment using the King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ), and complication and reoperation rates. Analysis was performed using intention to treat, and statistical significance was fixed at 5% (p < 0.05). Statistical methods used were Mann-Whitney, Student's t, Chi-squared, Fisher's, ANOVA, and McNemar's tests. RESULTS: The groups were similar regarding demographic and clinical preoperative parameters. Objective cure rates for TVT-S and TVT-O groups were 77.3% and 83.6%, while subjective cure rates were 75.7% and 80.3% respectively, with no statistically significant differences between the techniques. There was a significant improvement in all KHQ domains in both groups (p < 0.001). A few complications were observed in our study. The most common perioperative complication was thigh pain associated with TVT-O, while the long-term one was tape exposure observed in 5.3% of TVT-O and in 7.5% of TVT-S cases. CONCLUSION: The efficacy of the TVT-S was similar to that of the TVT-O after 2 years' assessment. This cohort will continue to be followed in order to maintain commitment to contributing data on long-term results.

Transobturator sling compared with single-incision mini-sling for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy and safety of a single-incision mini-sling compared with a transobturator midurethral sling for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) treatment. METHODS: This prospective single-center randomized controlled trial involved 130 women with a diagnosis of SUI. Primary outcomes were the objective and subjective cure rates, defined as negative cough stress and pad tests, and satisfaction rates. Quality of life assessed by the Incontinence Quality of Life Questionnaire and the Urogenital Distress Inventory Short Form, operation time, complications, and reoperation rates were also recorded. The efficacy was analyzed using a noninferiority test with a margin of 15%. For the noninferiority test, a P value >.05 rejects the noninferiority hypothesis of the mini-sling. RESULTS: Sixty-four patients in the mini-sling group and 56 in the transobturator group completed the 12-month follow-up. The objective cure rates for the mini-sling and the transobturator sling were 68.1% and 81.9% (absolute difference 13.8; 90% confidence interval [CI] 1.5-26.1; P=.439) and the subjective cure rates were 81.1% and 88.5% (absolute difference 7.4%; 90% CI 2.8-17.6; P=.110), respectively. There was a significant improvement in quality of life in both groups. Thigh pain was greater after the transobturator sling, four patients (7.1%) compared with zero (P=.045). The mean operation time was 5 minutes shorter for the mini-sling procedure (P=.000). Five patients (7.8%) in the mini-sling group and one patient (1.8%) in the transobturator group underwent surgical reintervention for persistent SUI (P=.213). CONCLUSION: The noninferiority of the mini-sling could not be demonstrated in this study at the 12-month follow-up. The mini-sling was associated with shorter operative time and less postoperative thigh pain. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT01094353.

The use of transvaginal synthetic mesh for anterior vaginal wall prolapse repair: a randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy and safety of transvaginal trocar-guided polypropylene mesh insertion with traditional colporrhaphy for treatment of anterior vaginal wall prolapse. METHODS: This is a randomized controlled trial in which women with advanced anterior vaginal wall prolapse, at least stage II with Ba ≥ +1 cm according to the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) classification, were randomly assigned to have either anterior colporrhaphy (n = 39) or repair using trocar-guided transvaginal mesh (n = 40). The primary outcome was objective cure rate of the anterior compartment (point Ba) assessed at the 12-month follow-up visit, with stages 0 and I defined as anatomical success. Secondary outcomes included quantification of other vaginal compartments (POP-Q points), comparison of quality of life by the prolapse quality of life (P-QOL) questionnaire, and complication rate between the groups after 1 year. Study power was fixed as 80% with 5% cutoff point (p < 0.05) for statistical significance. RESULTS: The groups were similar regarding demographic and clinical preoperative parameters. Anatomical success rates for colporrhaphy and repair with mesh placement groups were 56.4 vs 82.5% (95% confidence interval 0.068-0.54), respectively, and the difference between the groups was statistically significant (p = 0.018). Similar total complication rates were observed in both groups, with tape exposure observed in 5% of the patients. There was a significant improvement in all P-QOL domains as a result of both procedures (p < 0.001), but they were not distinct between groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Trocar-guided transvaginal synthetic mesh for advanced anterior POP repair is associated with a higher anatomical success rate for the anterior compartment compared with traditional colporrhaphy. Quality of life equally improved after both techniques. However, the trial failed to detect differences in P-QOL scores and complication rates between the groups.

Single-incision sling compared with transobturator sling for treating stress urinary incontinence: a randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: We tested the hypothesis that the single-incision sling, TVT-Secur (TVT-S), placed in U position is not inferior to transobturator midurethral sling (TVT-O) for treating stress urinary incontinence (SUI). METHODS: This was a noninferiority, prospective, randomized controlled trial in which women with SUI, confirmed by physical and urodynamic evaluation, were randomly assigned to receive either TVT-O (n = 56) or TVT-S (n = 66). Exclusion criteria were voiding dysfunction, detrusor overactivity (DO), and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) beyond the hymen. The primary outcomes were objective and subjective cure rates, which were assessed at the 12-month follow-up visit, defined as negative stress, pad, and urodynamic tests and absence of self-reported SUI symptoms. Secondary outcomes were quality of life (QoL) by King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ) validated for Portuguese language, postoperative pain, and complication rate. The power of the study was 80 % to test the hypothesis that TVT-S is not inferior to TVT-O by >15 %. Statistical significance was fixed at 5 % (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Groups were similar regarding demographic and clinical preoperative parameters. Objective cure rates for TVT-S and TVT-O groups were 84.1 % vs 87 % [90 % confidence interbal (CI) -15 to 9.8], and subjective cure rates were 92.1 % vs 90.7 % (95 % CI -11.4 to 6.7), respectively. TVT-S resulted in less postoperative general and thigh pain (p < 0.001). A few, but not statistically significant different complications, were observed in both groups: vaginal mucosa perforation, urinary retention, urinary infection, tape exposure, and de novo urgency. There was a significant improvement in all KHQ domains in both groups (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: TVT-S was not inferior to TVT-O for treating SUI at 12-month follow-up.

Influence of estrogen replacement and aging on the expression of nerve growth factor in the urethra of female rats.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the expression of nerve growth factor (NGF) in the urethra of adult female rats in different hormonal status using immunohistochemical assay. METHODS: Forty-eight rats (Rattus norvegicus albinus, Rodentia, Mammalia) from the CEDEME-UNIFESP laboratory animal facility were used in the study. Rats were divided into four groups: group A, 12 non-neutered rats; group B, 12 oophorectomized rats; group C, 12 castrated rats treated with 17ß-estradiol for 30 days; and group D, 12 aging rats. Animals were killed by lethal injection and their urethra was removed. NGF expression was evaluated by means of immunohistochemistry using mouse monoclonal primary IgG antibody anti-NGF diluted 1:600, and read under 400× magnification. Digital analysis of the images was done by Imagelab software. The intensity of the dark brown color was used as a measure of NGF cytoplasmatic expression, and was used to quantify the percentage of epithelial and muscular layer cells showing this neurotrophin. RESULTS: After oophorectomy, rats showed a significant increase in NGF expression in the periurethral muscular layer. Compared with oophorectomized rats, NGF expression increased in the epithelial layer and diminished in the periurethral smooth muscle following estrogen administration. In 18-month-old rats, NGF expression was diminished in both epithelial and muscular layers. CONCLUSIONS: Hormonal status led to significant differences in NGF protein expression in urethral epithelium and periurethral smooth muscle.

Pregnancy after uterine arterial embolization.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate pregnancy outcomes, complications and neonatal outcomes in women who had previously undergone uterine arterial embolization. METHODS: A retrospective study of 187 patients treated with uterine arterial embolization for symptomatic uterine fibroids between 2005-2008 was performed. Uterine arterial embolization was performed using polyvinyl alcohol particles (500-900 mm in diameter). Pregnancies were identified using screening questionnaires and the study database. RESULTS: There were 15 spontaneous pregnancies. Of these, 12.5% were miscarriages (n = 2), and 87.5% were successful live births (n = 14). The gestation time for the pregnancies with successful live births ranged from 36 to 39.2 weeks. The mean time between embolization and conception was 23.8 months (range, 5-54). One of the pregnancies resulted in twins. The newborn weights (n = 14) ranged from 2.260 to 3.605 kg (mean, 3.072 kg). One (7.1%) was considered to have a low birth weight (2.260 kg). There were two cases of placenta accreta (12.5%, treated with hysterectomy in one case [6.3%]), one case of premature rupture of the membranes (PRM) (6.3%), and one case of preeclampsia (6.3%). All of the patients were delivered via Cesarean section. CONCLUSION: In this study, there was an increased risk of Cesarean delivery. There were no other major obstetric risks, suggesting that pregnancy after uterine arterial embolization is possible without significant morbidity or mortality.

Pregnancy after uterine arterial embolization

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate pregnancy outcomes, complications and neonatal outcomes in women who had previously undergone uterine arterial embolization. METHODS: A retrospective study of 187 patients treated with uterine arterial embolization for symptomatic uterine fibroids between 2005-2008 was performed. Uterine arterial embolization was performed using polyvinyl alcohol particles (500-900 mm in diameter). Pregnancies were identified using screening questionnaires and the study database. RESULTS: There were 15 spontaneous pregnancies. Of these, 12.5 percent were miscarriages (n = 2), and 87.5 percent were successful live births (n = 14). The gestation time for the pregnancies with successful live births ranged from 36 to 39.2 weeks. The mean time between embolization and conception was 23.8 months (range, 5-54). One of the pregnancies resulted in twins. The newborn weights (n = 14) ranged from 2.260 to 3.605 kg (mean, 3.072 kg). One (7.1 percent) was considered to have a low birth weight (2.260 kg). There were two cases of placenta accreta (12.5 percent, treated with hysterectomy in one case [6.3 percent]), one case of premature rupture of the membranes (PRM) (6.3 percent), and one case of preeclampsia (6.3 percent). All of the patients were delivered via Cesarean section. CONCLUSION: In this study, there was an increased risk of Cesarean delivery. There were no other major obstetric risks, suggesting that pregnancy after uterine arterial embolization is possible without significant morbidity or mortality.

Isoflavone regulates vascular endothelial growth factor expression in urinary tract of castrated rats.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Expression (VEGF) gene regulation by isoflavone in urinary tract tissues of castrated adult rats. DESIGN: Forty-five adult rats, 90 days old, weighting 200 g were used, receiving a soy-free ration. The animals were castrated for drug administration for 30 days (125 microg genisteine/g body weight/day) and sacrificed, divided into three groups: Group I-control; Group II-started isoflavone administration on the 5th day after castration; Group III-started isoflavone administration on the 28th day after castration. RNA was isolated from each bladder and urethra. Determination of VEGF gene regulated by isoflavone was obtained using a semiquantitative RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry of total RNA isolated from bladder and urethra. RESULTS: Our results demonstrate that isoflavone was able to upregulate mRNA level of the VEGF gene in the lower urinary tract of rats in Group II, where isoflavone administration was started at an early phase of estrogen deprivation, while in Group III, where isoflavone administration was started in the late phase of hypoestrogenism, did not show alteration of bladder and urethra VEGF gene expression, compared to placebo, maintaining the same level of the castrated rats without treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The data indicate that VEGF expression in rats is also regulated by isoflavone in early phase of hypoestrogenism.

Structural and thermal properties of polypropylene mesh used in treatment of stress urinary incontinence.

Besides material biocompatibility, it is possible to infer that both vaginal and urethral erosion rates associated with sub-urethral synthetic slings may be related to the mechanical properties of the meshes and also to their other properties. With the aim of understanding what distinguishes the different polypropylene meshes, used for the treatment of the stress urinary incontinence (SUI), their structural and thermal properties were investigated. Five different mesh types were tested (Aris, Auto Suture, Avaulta, TVTO and Uretex). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) tests were performed. Furthermore, geometry (electron microscope), linear density and relative density (pyknometer) of the meshes were investigated. The meshes are made of the isotactic polypropylene homopolymer. Aris mesh presented the smallest fibre diameter, linear density and the level of crystallinity among all the meshes used for the treatment of the SUI. This study shows that there is a direct relationship between the fibre diameter, linear density, level of crystallinity and flexural stiffness of the polypropylene meshes used for the treatment of the SUI.

Fisioterapia e incontinência urinária de esforço: revisão e análise crítica / Physiotherapy and stress urinary incontinence: review and critical analysis

A incontinência urinária de esforço é enfermidade com alta prevalência e que afeta milhões de pessoas no mundo. Os autores fazem ampla revisão da literatura, mostrando que as técnicas fisioterápicas tais como os exercícios perineais, a eletroestimulação e a terapia com cones são efetivas no tratamento de mulheres com essa afecção, porém, ressaltam a necessidade de estudos prospectivos, com seguimento em longo prazo para determinar por quanto tempo o sucesso terapêutico permanece adequado.

Stress urinary incontinence is a highly prevalent condition that affects millions of people worldwide. This paper presents an important review of the literature on the matter and concludes that physiotherapic techniques such as pelvic floor exercise, electrical estimulation and vaginal cones are effective in the treatment of women with this disease. It is nevertheless necessary to conduct prospective trails with long term follow-up in order to determine the adequacy of such therapeutic intervention.

Single-blind, randomized, controlled trial of pelvic floor muscle training, electrical stimulation, vaginal cones, and no active treatment in the management of stress urinary incontinence

PURPOSE: To compare the effectiveness of pelvic floor exercises, electrical stimulation, vaginal cones, and no active treatment in women with urodynamic stress urinary incontinence. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred eighteen subjects were randomly selected to recieve pelvic floor exercises (n=31), ES (n=30), vaginal cones (n=27), or no treatment (untreated control) (n=30). Women were evaluated before and after completion of six months of treatment by the pad test, quality of life questionnaire (I-QOL), urodynamic test, voiding diary, and subjective response. RESULTS: In the objective evaluation, we observed a statistically significant reduction in the pad test (p=0.003), in the number of stress urinary episodes (p<0.001), and a significant improvement in the quality of life (p<0.001) in subjects who used pelvic floor exercises, electrical stimulation, and vaginal cones compared to the control group. No significant difference was found between groups in the urodynamic parameters. In the subjective evaluation, 58 percent, 55 percent, and 54 percent of women who had used pelvic floor exercises, electrical stimulation, and vaginal cones, respectively, reported being satisfied after treatment. In the control group, only 21 percent patients were satisfied with the treatment. CONCLUSION: Based on this study, pelvic floor exercises, electrical stimulation, and vaginal cones are equally effective treatments and are far superior to no treatment in women with urodynamic stress urinary incontinence.

Influence of ovarian hormones deprivation on gene expression in the lower urinary tract of rats.

OBJECTIVE: Identify the influence of ovarian hormone deprivation in expression genes on the lower urinary tract of rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study deals with gene screening on lower urinary tract of rats. Fifty isogenic rats divided in two groups of twenty-five animals have their lower urinary tract surgically removed: group I, ovariectomized rats 30 days prior to surgery; group II, non-ovariectomized rats. Total RNA was isolated from bladder and urethra, and differential expression of genes was analyzed quantitative, qualitative and comparatively by array technology and RT-PCR. RESULTS: A total of 76 candidate genes were identified as differentially expressed between the groups, 26 being lower expressed in group II, and 50 in group I. Among them, differential expression validation was confirmed by RT-PCR for three lower expressed genes in group I: Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), Beta-2 Microglobulin (B2M) and Cytochrome c Oxidase subunit I (COX I). CONCLUSION: Ovarian hormone deprivation influences the expression genes on lower urinary tract. We demonstrated that a 30-day period of castration down regulate the expression of VEGF, B2M and COX I in adult rats which are involved in activities of angiogenesis, immune responses and cellular metabolism respectively.

Influence of ovarian hormones deprivation on gene expression in the lower urinary tract of rats

OBJECTIVE: Identify the influence of ovarian hormone deprivation in expression genes on the lower urinary tract of rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study deals with gene screening on lower urinary tract of rats. Fifty isogenic rats divided in two groups of twenty-five animals have their lower urinary tract surgically removed: group I, ovariectomized rats 30 days prior to surgery; group II, non-ovariectomized rats. Total RNA was isolated from bladder and urethra, and differential expression of genes was analyzed quantitative, qualitative and comparatively by array technology and RT-PCR. RESULTS: A total of 76 candidate genes were identified as differentially expressed between the groups, 26 being lower expressed in group II, and 50 in group I. Among them, differential expression validation was confirmed by RT-PCR for three lower expressed genes in group I: Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), Beta-2 Microglobulin (B2M) and Cytochrome c Oxidase subunit I (COX I). CONCLUSION: Ovarian hormone deprivation influences the expression genes on lower urinary tract. We demonstrated that a 30-day period of castration down regulate the expression of VEGF, B2M and COX I in adult rats which are involved in activities of angiogenesis, immune responses and cellular metabolism respectively.