Management of mixed urinary incontinence: IUGA committee opinion.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Mixed urinary incontinence (MUI) is defined by the International Urogynecology Association (IUGA) and International Continence Society as the complaint of involuntary leakage of urine associated with urgency and also with exertion, effort, sneezing or coughing. It therefore implies the coexistence of both stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and urgency urinary incontinence (UUI). MUI is a heterogeneous diagnosis that requires an assessment of its individual components of SUI and UUI. Management requires an individualised approach to the symptom components. The aim of this review is to identify the assessment/investigations and management options for MUI. METHODS: A working subcommittee from the IUGA Research & Development (R&D) Committee was created and volunteers invited from the IUGA membership. A literature review was performed to provide guidance focused on the recommended assessment and management of MUI. The document was then evaluated by the entire IUGA R&D Committee and IUGA Board of Directors and revisions made. The final document represents the IUGA R&D Committee Opinion. RESULTS: The R&D Committee MUI opinion paper provides guidance on the assessment and management of women with MUI and summarises the evidence-based recommendations. CONCLUSIONS: Mixed urinary incontinence is a complex problem and successful management requires alleviation of both the stress and urge components. Care should be individualised based on patient preferences. Further research is needed to guide patients in setting goals and to determine which component of MUI to treat first. The evidence for many of the surgical/procedural treatment options for MUI are limited and needs to be explored in more detail.

CO2 Laser and radiofrequency compared to a sham control group in treatment of stress urinary incontinence (LARF study arm 3). A randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Female stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a prevalent condition, and conservative treatment options are needed. Were evaluated CO2 laser and radiofrequency as treatment for SUI. METHODS: One hundred thirty-nine women with SUI were eligible and randomized in a three-arm double-blind randomized controlled trial into radiofrequency (RF), laser (LS) and sham control (SCT) groups, with 3-monthly outpatient treatment sessions. One hundred fourteen women were included, 38 in each group, during a 12-month follow-up. The primary outcomes were: subjective improvement of SUI, evaluated on a Likert scale, and objective cure, which was a composite outcome defined according to negative stress tests, voiding diary and pad test. Questionnaires were also applied. The sample size was calculated to provide 80% power to identify a 20% difference between groups, p < 0.05. RESULTS: Subjective improvement and objective cure of SUI were identified respectively in 72.6% and 45.2% in LS and in 61.7% and 44.7% in RF, both significantly higher than the 30.0% and 14.0% in SCT. Considering only mild cases (pad test < 10 g), objective cure was achieved in 66.7% in LS, 63.6% in RF and 22.2% in SCT. Significant reduction in the number of episodes of urinary incontinence was found according to voiding diaries (p = 0.029) and pad weight (p = 0.021). A significant reduction in urgency and urinary loss during sexual intercourse was observed only with LS and RF. Improvement in quality of life was also verified by the I-QoL and ICIQ-SF in favor of the energy-treated groups. CONCLUSIONS: CO2 laser and radiofrequency are outpatient options for SUI treatment, with no major complications. They had similar results and presented better results than in the sham control group.

Pelvic floor muscle training is better than hypopressive exercises in pelvic organ prolapse treatment: An assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial.

AIMS: To verify if hypopressive exercises (HEs) can improve pelvic organ prolapse (POP) symptoms equally or better than pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT). METHODS: Randomized controlled trial. Symptomatic women with untreated stage II POP according to the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification System (POP-Q) having the ability to contract their pelvic floor muscles were invited. The outcome measures were POP symptoms as measured by specific questions and Prolapse Quality of Life (P-QoL); POP severity as measured by POP-Q; and PFM function. Intervention consisted by 12 weeks of PFMT or an HE home exercise program with bimonthly sessions with a physiotherapist. The protocol consisted of three initial sessions to learn how to perform the exercises correctly, followed by 3 months of exercise with monthly progression. Volunteers filled out exercise diaries to record their compliance. RESULTS: PFMT presented better results in terms of the following symptoms: a bulge/lump from or in the vagina, heaviness or dragging on the lower abdomen, and stress incontinence. PFMT also presented better results regarding the Prolapse impact and role, social and personal limitations of P-QoL. Regarding the total number of symptoms at the end, the PFMT group presented a mean of 1.7 (±1.2), and the HE group presented a mean of 2.8 (±1,1); the effect size was 1.01 in favor of the PFMT group (95%CI = 1.002-1.021). CONCLUSION: Both groups exhibited improvements in POP symptoms, quality of life, prolapse severity, and PFM function. PFMT was superior to HE for all outcomes.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 receive 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%, 55%, and 54% 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% 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.

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.

Ultrasonographic and Doppler velocimetric evaluation of the levator ani muscle in premenopausal women with and without urinary stress incontinence.

OBJECTIVES: The objective was to evaluate the cross-sectional area (CSA) and the Doppler velocimetric parameters of the levator ani muscle vessels in premenopausal women with and without urinary stress incontinence. STUDY DESIGN: Sixty-three premenopausal women constituted three groups: GI (nulliparous), GII (continent multiparous), and GIII (incontinent multiparous). The patients had undergone transperineal ultrasound in which the CSA was measured and Doppler velocimetry was performed. The examination was repeated by a second observer using the same procedure. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant correlation between the measurements of the observers I and II regarding all the parameters studied, except for the A/B ratio in GIII. The CSA was significantly greater in GI and GII than in GIII. As far as Doppler velocimetry is concerned there were no differences in the Doppler velocimetric indices among the three groups. Concerning the absent end diastolic shift, it was observed that there was a significantly greater incidence of such findings in GI+GII (continent women) towards GIII (incontinent women). CONCLUSIONS: The CSA evaluation and the Doppler velocimetry of the levator ani muscle vessels were highly reproducible. The CSA was higher in continent women and the frequency of the absent end diastolic shift was higher in incontinent women.

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.

Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in the lower urinary tract in rats after castration and estrogen administration.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate quantitatively, by means of immune histochemistry, the expression of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the bladder, vesicourethral junction, and urethra in normal, castrated adult rats and under estrogen administration. DESIGN: Sixty adult virgin rats (Rattus norvergicus albinus, Rodentia, Mammalia) from the CEDEME-UNIFESP Animal House were used. Rats were divided into three groups. Group I comprised noncastrated rats, group II comprised oophorectomized rats, and group III comprised castrated rats administered 17beta-estradiol in the form of subcutaneous implants at the dose of 0.18 mg/implant for 30 days. After performing standard immunohistochemistry procedures, the intensity of the dark-brown color was used as the cytoplasmic protein expression of VEGF. Cells without this coloration or weakly stained were considered negative. percentile of VEGF expression was obtained by counting 1,000 cells per slide and establishing the ratio between positive and total cells. RESULTS: The VEGF expression was uniform and similar along the urinary tract in group I. After castration, protein expression was almost absent in the bladder and was low in the vesicourethral junction and urethra. With estrogen replacement, very little of the expression was recovered in the bladder, and the reaction became evident in the vesicourethral junction and urethral sections. CONCLUSIONS: The present study implies a potential relationship between VEGF and urinary tract physiology. The results suggest that there are quantitative differences in VEGF expression in these tissues depending on steroid hormone status.

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.

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.

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.

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.