Sexual function after pelvic organ prolapse surgery: a systematic review comparing different approaches to pelvic floor repair.

OBJECTIVE: Women consider preservation of sexual activity and improvement of sexual function as important goals after pelvic organ prolapse surgery. This systematic review aimed to compare sexual activity and function before and after prolapse surgery among specific approaches to pelvic organ prolapse surgery including native tissue repairs, transvaginal synthetic mesh, biologic grafts, and sacrocolpopexy. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE, Embase, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were searched from inception to March 2021. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Prospective comparative cohort and randomized studies of pelvic organ prolapse surgeries were included that reported the following specific sexual function outcomes: baseline and postoperative sexual activity, dyspareunia, and validated sexual function questionnaire scores. Notably, the following 4 comparisons were made: transvaginal synthetic mesh vs native tissue repairs, sacrocolpopexy vs native tissue repairs, transvaginal synthetic mesh vs sacrocolpopexy, and biologic graft vs native tissue repairs. METHODS: Studies were double screened for inclusion and extracted for population characteristics, sexual function outcomes, and methodological quality. Evidence profiles were generated for each surgery comparison by grading quality of evidence for each outcome across studies using a modified Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system. RESULTS: Screening of 3651 abstracts was performed and identified 77 original studies. The overall quality of evidence was moderate to high. There were 26 studies comparing transvaginal synthetic mesh with native tissue repairs, 5 comparing sacrocolpopexy with native tissue repairs, 5 comparing transvaginal synthetic mesh with sacrocolpopexy, and 7 comparing biologic graft with native tissue repairs. For transvaginal synthetic mesh vs native tissue repairs, no statistical differences were found in baseline or postoperative sexual activity, baseline or postoperative total dyspareunia, persistent dyspareunia, and de novo dyspareunia. Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire short form change scores were not different between transvaginal synthetic mesh and native tissue repairs (net difference, -0.3; 95% confidence interval, -1.4 to 0.8). For sacrocolpopexy vs native tissue repairs, baseline or postoperative sexual activity, baseline or postoperative total dyspareunia, de novo dyspareunia, and Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire short form score differences were not different. For biologic graft vs native tissue repairs, baseline or postoperative sexual activity, baseline or postoperative total dyspareunia, and Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire short form changes were also not different. For transvaginal synthetic mesh vs sacrocolpopexy, there was no difference in sexual activity and sexual function score change. Based on 2 studies, postoperative total dyspareunia was more common in transvaginal synthetic mesh than sacrocolpopexy (27.5% vs 12.2%; odds ratio, 2.72; 95% confidence interval, 1.33-5.58). The prevalence of postoperative dyspareunia was lower than preoperative dyspareunia after all surgery types. CONCLUSION: Sexual function comparisons are most robust between transvaginal synthetic mesh and native tissue repairs and show similar prevalence of sexual activity, de novo dyspareunia, and sexual function scores. Total dyspareunia is higher after transvaginal synthetic mesh than sacrocolpopexy. Although sexual function data are sparse in the other comparisons, no other differences in sexual activity, dyspareunia, and sexual function score change were found.

International Urogynecology Consultation Chapter 1 Committee 5: relationship of pelvic organ prolapse to associated pelvic floor dysfunction symptoms: lower urinary tract, bowel, sexual dysfunction and abdominopelvic pain.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: This article from Chapter 1 of the International Urogynecology Consultation (IUC) on Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) establishes the prevalence of lower urinary tract disorders, bowel symptoms, vulvo-vaginal/lower abdominal/back pain and sexual dysfunction in women with POP. METHODS: An international group of nine urogynecologists/urologists and one medical student performed a search of the literature using pre-specified search terms in Ovid, MEDLINE, Embase and CINAHL from January 2000 to March 2019. Publications were eliminated if not relevant or they did not include clear definitions of POP or the symptoms associated with POP. Definitions of POP needed to include both a physical examination finding using a validated examination technique and the complaint of a bothersome vaginal bulge. Symptoms were categorized into symptom groups for ease of evaluation. The Specialist Unit for Review Evidence (SURE) was used to evaluate for quality of the included articles. The resulting list of articles was used to determine the prevalence of various symptoms in women with POP. Cohort studies were used to evaluate for possible causation of POP as either causing or worsening the symptom category. RESULTS: The original search yielded over 12,000 references, of which 50 were used. More than 50% of women with POP report lower urinary tract symptoms. Cohort studies suggest that women with POP have more obstructive lower urinary tract symptoms than women without POP. Pain described in various ways is frequently reported in women with POP, with low back pain being the most common pain symptom reported in 45% of women with POP. In cohort studies those with POP had more pain complaints than those without POP. Sexual dysfunction is reported by over half of women with POP and obstructed intercourse in 37-100% of women with POP. Approximately 40% of women have complaints of bowel symptoms. There was no difference in the median prevalence of bowel symptoms in those with and without POP in cohort studies. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of lower urinary tract disorders, bowel symptoms, vulvo-vaginal/lower abdominal/back pain and sexual dysfunction in women with POP are common but inconsistently reported. There are few data on incidence of associated symptoms with POP, and cohort studies evaluating causality are rare or inconsistent. Obstructive voiding, lower abdominal and pelvic pain, and sexual dysfunction are most frequently associated with POP.

Relationship of postoperative vaginal anatomy and sexual function: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: This was a planned secondary analysis of a systematic review that described sexual function outcomes following pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgery. We aimed to describe the relationship of pre- and postoperative vaginal anatomic measures with sexual function outcomes. Data Sources included the Medline, Embase, and clinicaltrials.gov databases from inception to April 2018. METHODS: The original systematic review included prospective, comparative studies that reported sexual function outcomes before and following POP surgery. Studies were extracted for population characteristics, sexual function outcomes, and vaginal anatomy, including total vaginal length (TVL) and genital hiatus. By meta-regression, we analyzed associations across studies between vaginal anatomic measurements and sexual function using the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Function Questionnaire-12 (PISQ-12) and dyspareunia outcomes. RESULTS: We screened 3124 abstracts and identified 74 papers representing 67 original studies. Among these, 14 studies reported TVL and PISQ-12 outcomes. Nine studies reported TVL and dyspareunia outcomes, eight studies reported GH and PISQ-12 outcomes, and seven studies reported GH and dyspareunia outcomes. We found no associations between anatomic measures and PISQ-12 or dyspareunia, although, we found a statistically significant association found between preoperative TVL and change in PISQ-12. CONCLUSION: Across studies, the evidence does not support an association between vaginal anatomy and either validated, condition-specific sexual function questionnaires or dyspareunia. However, no study has directly analyzed these associations in the setting of pelvic floor reconstructive surgery.

Anesthetics' role in postoperative urinary retention after pelvic organ prolapse surgery with concomitant midurethral slings: a randomized clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Spinal anesthesia can be a potential risk factor for postoperative urinary retention (POUR). Our objective was to compare POUR rates for outpatient vaginal pelvic floor surgeries when using spinal versus general anesthesia. Our hypothesis was that spinal anesthesia would have higher POUR rates compared with general anesthesia. METHODS: This was a randomized clinical trial on subjects undergoing outpatient pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgery with a concomitant midurethral sling (MUS). Subjects were discharged home the same day as surgery. Subjects were excluded if they had a preoperative post-void residual > 150 ml, they were < 40 years of age, surgery was < 1 h, or they had contraindications to spinal or general anesthesia. A standardized voiding trial was performed. The primary aim was to compare POUR rates between anesthesia groups. A power analysis estimated 28 subjects were required per group to detect a 37% difference with 80% power and an alpha of 0.05. RESULTS: The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov on July 15, 2015. Sixty-one subjects were enrolled between June 22, 2015, and December 31, 2017. Three were excluded, leaving 29 in each group. Groups were similar in demographics. For the primary outcome, there was a 14.3% difference in POUR rates between spinal and general anesthesia, which did not reach statistical significance based on our power calculation (p = 0.2516). CONCLUSIONS: Based on this study, there is not an increased rate of POUR with the use of spinal anesthesia for POP surgery with MUS. However, since there was a trend toward higher rates of POUR in the spinal group, it is possible that a larger powered study design would be able to detect a statistically significant difference between the groups. Based on these findings, if surgical patients would benefit from spinal anesthesia, the risk of urinary retention should not be considered a reason to not utilize this form of anesthesia. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Does spinal anesthesia for prolapse surgery with concomitant sling lead to an increase in urinary retention compared to general anesthesia? https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02547155?term=laura+martin&rank=3 (NCT02547155).

Does spinal anesthesia lead to postoperative urinary retention in same-day urogynecology surgery? A retrospective review.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Spinal anesthesia has been reported to be a risk factor for postoperative urinary retention (POUR) in various surgical specialties. We hypothesized that spinal anesthesia was a risk factor for POUR after outpatient vaginal surgery for pelvic organ prolapse (POP). METHODS: This was a retrospective review of an urogynecology database for all outpatient POP vaginal surgeries performed in 2014 to evaluate the risk of POUR after general versus spinal anesthesia. A standardized voiding trial was performed by backfilling the bladder with 300 ml of saline. A successful trial was achieved if the patient voided two-thirds of the total volume instilled, confirmed by bladder ultrasound. Our primary outcome was to compare POUR requiring discharge with a Foley catheter between spinal and general anesthesia. Multivariate logistic regression was performed for variables with significance at p < 0.1 at the bivariate level. RESULTS: A total of 177 procedures were included, 126 with general and 51 with spinal anesthesia. The overall POUR rate was 48.9%. Type of anesthesia was not a risk factor for POUR. Multivariate logistic regression demonstrated that age < 55 years (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 3.73; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.31-11.7), diabetes (adjusted OR 4.18, 95% CI 1.04-21.67), and having a cystocele ≥ stage 2 (adjusted OR 4.23, 95% CI 1.89-10) were risk factors for developing POUR. CONCLUSIONS: Acute urinary retention after outpatient vaginal pelvic floor surgery can vary by procedure, but overall is 48.9%. Spinal anesthesia does not contribute to POUR, but rates are higher in those women that are younger than 55 years of age, have a cystocele ≥ stage 2 preoperatively, and a history of diabetes.

Advanced uterovaginal prolapse: is vaginal hysterectomy with McCall culdoplasty as effective as in lesser degrees of prolapse?

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: There is a paucity of data on the success of vaginal surgery for severe prolapse. The authors hypothesized that the success rates of total vaginal hysterectomy (TVH) with McCall culdoplasty in women with advanced pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and in women with less severe POP are similar. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of women undergoing TVH with McCall culdoplasty from 2005 to 2014. Advanced POP was defined as exteriorized uterovaginal prolapse with Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) point C, Ba or Bp ≥50% of the total vaginal length. The primary aim was to compare surgical success of TVH with McCall culdoplasty for the repair of advanced POP and less severe POP at ≥1 year. RESULTS: A total of 311 women were included, 38 with advanced POP and 273 with less severe POP. Women with advanced POP were older (71.6 vs. 61.8 years, respectively; p < 0.0001), but there were no significant differences in the length of follow-up (102.5 vs. 117 weeks, p = 0.2378), success rates (76.3% vs. 68.5%, p = 0.3553) or reoperation rates (2.6% vs. 4%, p > 0.9999) between women with advanced POP and less severe POP, respectively. There was a higher failure rate in the anterior compartment in those with advanced POP (18.4% vs. 6.2%, p = 0.0168), but not in the apical or posterior compartment. CONCLUSIONS: TVH with McCall culdoplasty is equally effective for the treatment of advanced uterovaginal prolapse as for the treatment of less severe POP. Surgeons should consider this traditional surgery for their patients even if they have high-stage uterovaginal prolapse.

Are suburethral slings less successful in the elderly?

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

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

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

The Quality of Care Provided to Women with Urinary Incontinence in 2 Clinical Settings.

PURPOSE: Our aim was to test the feasibility of a set of quality of care indicators for urinary incontinence and at the same time measure the care provided to women with urinary incontinence in 2 clinical settings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a pilot test of a set of quality of care indicators. A total of 20 quality of care indicators were previously developed using the RAND Appropriateness Method. These quality of care indicators were used to measure care received for 137 women with a urinary incontinence diagnosis in a 120-physician hospital based multispecialty medical group. We also performed an abstraction of 146 patient records from primary care offices in Southern California. These charts were previously used as part of ACOVE (Assessing Care of Vulnerable Elders Project). As a post-hoc secondary analysis, the 2 populations were compared with respect to quality, as measured by compliance with the quality of care indicators. RESULTS: In the ACOVE population, 37.7% of patients with urinary incontinence underwent a pelvic examination vs 97.8% in the multispecialty medical group. Only 15.6% of cases in the multispecialty medical group and 14.2% in ACOVE (p = 0.86) had documentation that pelvic floor exercises were offered. Relatively few women with a body mass index of greater than 25 kg/m(2) were counseled about weight loss in either population (20.9% multispecialty medical group vs 26.1% ACOVE, p = 0.76). For women undergoing sling surgery, documentation of counseling about risks was lacking and only 9.3% of eligible cases (multispecialty medical group only) had documentation of the risks of mesh. CONCLUSIONS: Quality of care indicators are a feasible means to measure the care provided to women with urinary incontinence. Care varied by population studied and yet deficiencies in care were prevalent in both patient populations studied.

Apical sling: an approach to posthysterectomy vault prolapse.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: This video demonstrates a transvaginal technique for vaginal vault suspension using an apical sling suspended from the sacrospinous ligaments. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of apical sling procedures performed from July 2013 to November 2014. The technique is started by marking the vaginal apex. A posterior dissection is performed and the sacrospinous ligaments are identified after dissection into the pararectal space. A 10-cm piece of monofilament, inelastic polypropylene tape is attached to the underside of the vaginal apex. Polypropylene sutures are placed into the sacrospinous ligament and threaded though the lateral edges of the apical sling and tied down, restoring apical support. Finally, the vaginal epithelium is closed. RESULTS: A total of 67 women underwent an apical sling procedure with 70 % (47/67) completing 6 months follow-up. The subjective cure rate ("cured" or "greatly improved") was 78.7 % and the objective cure rate (anatomical success, defined as apical prolapse stage ≤1) was 100 % (47 patients). CONCLUSIONS: Our apical sling sacrospinous ligament fixation approach is a unique, minimal mesh approach using a tape commonly used for midurethral slings to suspend the vaginal apex. We achieved high anatomical success and patient satisfaction.

Measuring the quality of care provided to women with pelvic organ prolapse.

OBJECTIVE: Health care providers are increasingly being evaluated by the quality of care they provide. Our aim was to assess the feasibility of recently developed quality indicators (QIs) for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and identify possible deficits in care. STUDY DESIGN: A panel ranked 14 QIs based on the RAND appropriateness method assessing screening and diagnosis, pessary management, and surgery for POP. Retrospective chart abstraction was performed after identifying patients with a diagnosis of POP evaluated within a hospital-based multispecialty group using International Classification of Diseases, ninth edition, diagnosis codes. RESULTS: Of 283 patients identified, 98% of those with a new complaint of vaginal bulge had a pelvic examination. The POP was described but not staged in 6% and not documented at all in 25.1%. Among those managed with pessaries, 98% had vaginal examinations at least every 6 months. Forty-nine percent of the patients who had surgery had complete preoperative POP staging. Only 20% of women undergoing apical surgery had documentation of counseling regarding different surgical options, and of the women who underwent a hysterectomy for POP, only 48% had a concomitant vault suspension. Although 71% had documentation about the risk of postoperative stress incontinence, only 14.5% had documented counseling regarding risks of mesh. Only 37% of patients implanted with mesh for POP had documented follow-up at 1 year. An intraoperative cystoscopy was performed in 86% undergoing cystocele repair or apical surgery. CONCLUSION: The quality of care for women with POP can be feasibly measured with QIs. Processes of care were deficient in many areas, and our findings can serve as a basis for quality improvement interventions.

Misconceptions and miscommunication among Spanish-speaking and English-speaking women with pelvic organ prolapse.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Limited data exist on women's experience with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) symptoms. We aimed to describe factors that prevent disease understanding among Spanish-speaking and English-speaking women. METHODS: Women with POP were recruited from female urology and urogynecology clinics in Los Angeles, California, and Albuquerque, New Mexico. Eight focus groups were conducted, four in Spanish and four in English. Topics addressed patients' emotional responses when noticing their prolapse, how they sought support, what verbal and written information was given, and their overall feelings of the process. Additionally, patients were asked about their experience with their treating physician. All interview transcripts were analyzed using grounded theory qualitative methods. RESULTS: Qualitative analysis yielded two preliminary themes. First, women had misconceptions about what POP is as well as its causes and treatments. Second, there was a great deal of miscommunication between patient and physician which led to decreased understanding about the diagnosis and treatment options. This included the fact that women were often overwhelmed with information which they did not understand. The concept emerged that there is a strong need for better methods to achieve disease and treatment understanding for women with POP. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings emphasize that women with POP have considerable misconceptions about their disease. In addition, there is miscommunication during the patient-physician interaction that leads to further confusion among Spanish-speaking and English-speaking women. Spending more time explaining the diagnosis of POP, rather than focusing solely on treatment options, may reduce miscommunication and increase patient understanding.

Management of apical pelvic organ prolapse.

UNLABELLED: Pelvic organ prolapse is a prevalent condition, with up to 12 % of women requiring surgery in their lifetime. This manuscript reviews the treatment options for apical prolapse, specifically. Both conservative and surgical management options are acceptable and should be based on patient preferences. Pessaries are the most commonly used conservative management options. Guided pelvic floor muscle training is more beneficial than self-taught Kegel exercises, though may not be effective for high stage or apical prolapse. Surgical treatment options include abdominal and vaginal approaches, the latter of which can be performed open, laparoscopically, and robotically. A systematic review has demonstrated that sacrocolpopexy has better long-term success for treatment of apical prolapse than vaginal techniques, but vaginal surgery can be considered an acceptable alternative. Recent data has demonstrated equal efficacy between uterosacral ligament suspension and sacrospinous ligament suspension at 1 year. To date, two randomized controlled trials have demonstrated equal efficacy between robotic and laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy. Though abdominal approaches may have increased long-term durability, when counseling their patients, surgeons should consider longer operating times and increased pain and cost with these procedures compared to vaginal surgery. KEY POINTS: • Pelvic floor physical therapy (PFPT) with a physical therapist is the best approach to conservative management of apical prolapse [10]. • Pessaries should be managed with regular follow-up care to minimize complications [14•]. • Minimally invasive sacrocolpopexy appears as effective as the gold standard abdominal sacrocolpopexy (ASC) [42•]. • Robotic assisted sacrocolpopexy (RASC) and laparoscopic assisted sacrocolpopexy (LASC) are equally effective and should be utilized by pelvic floor surgeons based on their skill level and expertise in laparoscopy [44, 45•]. • Uterosacral ligament suspension (USLS) and sacrospinous ligament suspension (SSLS) are considered equally effective procedures and can be combined with a vaginal hysterectomy. • Obliterative procedures are effective but are considered definitive surgery [24••]. • The use of transvaginal mesh has been shown in some studies to be superior to native tissue repairs with regard to anatomic outcomes, but complication rates are higher. Transvaginal mesh should be reserved for surgeons with adequate training so that complications are minimized.

Role of apical support defect: correction in women undergoing vaginal prolapse surgery.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The aim was to review most recent literature and provide updates in clinical management and surgical treatment of apical pelvic organ prolapse. RECENT FINDINGS: In patients who decline surgical intervention, formal referral to pelvic floor muscle training is beneficial over self-directed Kegel exercises. Systematic reviews revealed that sacrocolpopexy has better long-term outcomes than vaginal approaches. Uterosacral ligament suspension and sacrospinous ligament suspension have equal efficacy at 1 year. These procedures should be considered as acceptable alternatives to sacrocolpopexy. Two randomized controlled trials have demonstrated equal efficacy between robotic and laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy. SUMMARY: Minimally invasive sacrocolpopexy should be considered the gold standard for apical prolapse, but these techniques are associated with longer operating times and higher complication rates and longer convalescence than nonmesh vaginal surgery. Surgeons must individualize surgical technique for each patient and should consider a vaginal approach in patients who do not desire laparotomy and are not candidates for minimally invasive surgery.

Impact of Obesity on Midurethral Sling Failure in a Highly Hispanic Population.

IMPORTANCE: Mixed data exist in the literature regarding the impact of obesity on midurethral sling (MUS) failure rates. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of obesity and Hispanic ethnicity on MUS failure. STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective cohort study of females who underwent MUS surgery, alone or with concomitant prolapse repair, with at least 1 year of follow-up. Body mass index (BMI) classes were categorized as normal (<25 kg/m2), overweight (25-29.9 kg/m2), obese (30-39.9 kg/m2), and severe obesity (≥40 kg/m2). The primary outcome was MUS failure, defined as a composite of subjectively unchanged or worsened symptoms or need for additional procedures. Secondary outcomes included risk factors related to MUS failure and the effect of ethnicity on MUS failure rates. RESULTS: A total of 322 women were included for analysis. The mean age was 52.3 years. Increasing BMI was associated with higher MUS failure, with multivariate logistic regression showing a 5% increased risk for each 1 kg/m2 BMI increase. Failure rates were significantly different between normal BMI and severe obesity (16.7% vs 36.4%, P = 0.04). After adjusting for other variables, transobturator slings had a higher risk of failure compared with retropubic slings, whereas surgeon training and patient ethnicity did not affect failure rates. CONCLUSIONS: We found that increasing BMI was associated with higher MUS failures, with significantly higher failure rates in the severely obese population. Although MUS remains the standard of care for treatment of SUI, based on our findings, counseling should be individualized to the patient, taking into account each patient's unique characteristics.

Repair of Vesicovaginal Fistulae: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: To assess and compile the current level of evidence regarding successful surgical treatment of vesicovaginal fistulae and how these perioperative interventions affect anatomic, patient-centered, and adverse outcomes. DATA SOURCES: PubMed and EMBASE were searched from inception through September 9, 2022. METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION: This review included comparative studies (of any sample size) and single-group studies (1,000 or more participants) of primary or recurrent vesicovaginal fistula (ie, vesicovaginal fistula, urethrovaginal fistula, and bladder neck-vaginal fistula). We evaluated preintervention assessment or management, various techniques for intraoperative management, and postoperative management. Outcomes of interest included anatomic and objective outcomes (such as successful repair, fistula closure, urinary incontinence, recurrent fistula, perioperative complications) and subjective outcomes (such as voiding symptoms and quality of life). Abstracts and full-text articles were screened in duplicate, and study descriptions and findings were extracted into standardized extraction forms. Risk of bias was assessed independently by two investigators and adjudicated by a third. Study quality was summarized with standardized tools. We conducted random-effects model and restricted maximum-likelihood meta-analyses of relative risks when at least three studies compared similar interventions and reported similar outcome measures. TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS: Forty-six studies met the inclusion criteria. Studies were categorized into 11 domains: 1) preoperative assessment, 2) preoperative and postoperative physical therapy, 3) route of surgery, 4) incorporation of a flap, 5) trimming, 6) layered closure, 7) intraoperative antibiotics, 8) fibrin glue, 9) fascial sling, 10) postoperative Foley catheter duration, and 11) quality of life. Although the strength of the data is insufficient, preoperative phenazopyridine, physical therapy, layered closure, and intraoperative antibiotics seemed to improve the rate of successful fistula repair. Route of surgery (vaginal vs abdominal laparotomy) was determined primarily by surgeon preference and showed no difference in successful fistula repair. In addition, use of interpositional flaps, trimming fistula edges, fibrin glue, and fascial sling did not show significant improvement in rates of fistula cure. Overall, quality-of-life scores improved postoperatively regardless of route of repair and use of interpositional flaps. CONCLUSION: Our findings highlight the limited information available to guide evidence-based treatment of vesicovaginal fistula repair. Overall, high-quality evidence is lacking to provide guidelines; therefore, expert opinion remains the primary influence for fistula repair recommendations. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO, CRD42021214948.

Effects of Obesity on Urogynecologic Prolapse Surgery Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the literature on outcomes of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgery in patients from various body mass index (BMI) categories to determine the association between obesity and surgical outcomes. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched from inception to April 12, 2022; ClinicalTrials.gov was searched in September 2022 (PROSPERO 2022 CRD42022326255). Randomized and nonrandomized studies of urogynecologic POP surgery outcomes were accepted in which categories of BMI or obesity were compared. METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION: In total, 9,037 abstracts were screened; 759 abstracts were identified for full-text screening, and 31 articles were accepted for inclusion and data were extracted. TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS: Studies were extracted for participant information, intervention, comparator, and outcomes, including subjective outcomes, objective outcomes, and complications. Outcomes were compared among obesity categories (eg, BMI 30-34.9, 35-40, higher than 40), and meta-analysis was performed among different surgical approaches. Individual studies reported varying results as to whether obesity affects surgical outcomes. By meta-analysis, obesity (BMI 30 or higher) is associated with an increased odds of objective prolapse recurrence after vaginal prolapse repair (odds ratio [OR] 1.38, 95% CI, 1.14-1.67) and after prolapse repair from any surgical approach (OR 1.31, 95% CI, 1.12-1.53) and with complications such as mesh exposure after both vaginal and laparoscopic POP repair (OR 2.10, 95% CI, 1.01-4.39). CONCLUSION: Obesity is associated with increased likelihood of prolapse recurrence and mesh complications after POP repair. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42022326255.

The pessary process: Spanish-speaking Latinas' experience.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Little is known about women's experience with conservative management of pelvic organ prolapse. We sought to understand the experiences of Spanish-speaking women who choose a pessary. METHODS: Spanish-speaking women from a urogynecological pessary clinic were recruited for this study. Interviews were conducted and the women were asked about their pessary experience including questions involving symptom relief, pessary management, and quality of life. All interview transcripts were analyzed using the qualitative methods of grounded theory. RESULTS: Sixteen Spanish-speaking women who had been using a pessary for at least 1 month were enrolled in this study. Grounded theory methodology yielded several preliminary themes, in which one major concept emerged as a pessary adjustment process. In this process patients had to first decide to use a pessary, either because of physician's recommendations or out of personal choice. Second, the patients entered an adjustment period in which they learned to adapt to the pessary, both physically and mentally. Lastly, if the patients properly adjusted to wearing a pessary they experienced relief of bothersome symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate that Spanish-speaking women go through a process in order to adjust to a pessary. Furthermore, the physician plays a major role in not only determining a woman's decision to use a pessary, but also whether she can adjust to wearing the pessary. This process is most successful when patients receive comprehensive management from a healthcare team of physicians and nurses who can provide individualized and continuous pessary care.

Nonestrogen Therapies for Treatment of Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the literature and provide clinical practice guidelines regarding various nonestrogen therapies for treatment of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE, EMBASE, ClinicalTrials.gov , and Cochrane databases were searched from inception to July 2021. We included comparative and noncomparative studies. Interventions and comparators were limited to seven products that are commercially available and currently in use (vaginal dehydroepiandrosterone [DHEA], ospemifene, laser or energy-based therapies, polycarbophil-based vaginal moisturizer, Tibolone, vaginal hyaluronic acid, testosterone). Topical estrogen, placebo, other nonestrogen products, as well as no treatment were considered as comparators. METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION: We double-screened 9,131 abstracts and identified 136 studies that met our criteria. Studies were assessed for quality and strength of evidence by the systematic review group. TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS: Information regarding the participants, details on the intervention and comparator and outcomes were extracted from the eligible studies. Alternative therapies were similar or superior to estrogen or placebo with minimal increase in adverse events. Dose response was noted with vaginal DHEA and testosterone. Vaginal DHEA, ospemifene, erbium and fractional carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) laser, polycarbophil-based vaginal moisturizer, tibolone, hyaluronic acid, and testosterone all improved subjective and objective signs of atrophy. Vaginal DHEA, ospemifene, tibolone, fractional CO 2 laser, polycarbophil-based vaginal moisturizer, and testosterone improved sexual function. CONCLUSION: Most nonestrogen therapies are effective treatments for the various symptoms of GSM. There are insufficient data to compare nonestrogen options to each other.

Changes in Pelvic Floor Symptoms After Procedural Interventions for Uterine Leiomyomas: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: To conduct a systematic review to evaluate the effect of procedural interventions for leiomyomas on pelvic floor symptoms. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, EMBASE, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched from inception to January 12, 2023, searching for leiomyoma procedures and pelvic floor disorders and symptoms, restricted to primary study designs in humans. METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION: Double independent screening for studies of any study design in all languages that reported pelvic floor symptoms before and after surgical (hysterectomy, myomectomy, radiofrequency volumetric thermal ablation) or radiologic (uterine artery embolization, magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasonography, high-intensity focused ultrasonography) procedures for management of uterine leiomyomas. Data were extracted, with risk-of-bias assessment and review by a second researcher. Random effects model meta-analyses were conducted, as feasible. TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS: Six randomized controlled trials, one nonrandomized comparative study, and 25 single-group studies met criteria. The overall quality of the studies was moderate. Only six studies, reporting various outcomes, directly compared two procedures for leiomyomas. Across studies, leiomyoma procedures were associated with decreased symptom distress per the UDI-6 (Urinary Distress Inventory, Short Form) (summary mean change -18.7, 95% CI -25.9 to -11.5; six studies) and improved quality of life per the IIQ-7 (Incontinence Impact Questionnaire, Short Form) (summary mean change -10.7, 95% CI -15.8 to -5.6; six studies). There was a wide range of resolution of urinary symptoms after procedural interventions (7.6-100%), and this varied over time. Urinary symptoms improved in 19.0-87.5% of patients, and the definitions for improvement varied between studies. Bowel symptoms were inconsistently reported in the literature. CONCLUSION: Urinary symptoms improved after procedural interventions for uterine leiomyomas, although there is high heterogeneity among studies and few data on long-term outcomes or comparing different procedures. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO, CRD42021272678.