The effect of intravesical instillations with Hyaluronic Acid on sexual dysfunction in women with recurrent urinary tract infections (RUTI).

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether sexual dysfunction in women with recurrent urinary tract infections (RUTI) improved following treatment with intravesical Hyaluronic Acid (HA) instillations. STUDY DESIGN: Ethical approval was obtained for a prospective study to be performed. Patients referred for bladder instillations to treat RUTI, and who were sexually active, were recruited to the study. A selection of validated questionnaires (ICIQ-UI, ICIQ-VS, FSDS-R, ICIQ-FLUTS, O'Leary/Sant and PGI-I) were completed at baseline, three, six and 12 months after initiation of treatment with bladder instillations. Treatment consisted of weekly bladder instillations with a preparation containing HA for four weeks then monthly for two further treatments. Results were populated in SPSS for statistical analysis and statistical significance was powered for 22 patients. RESULTS: Thirty women were included in the study. FSDS-R was used to determine sexual dysfunction and showed that 57% patients with RUTI had significant sexual distress. There was a significant improvement in FSDS-R at three, six and 12 months when compared to baseline (Friedman two-way analysis p < 0.001). ICIQ FLUTS F and I scores, O'Leary/Sant, ICIQ VS and PGI-I also showed a statistically significant improvement throughout the period of follow up. A statistically significant, negative correlation was found between FSDS-R and PGI-I at 12 months (r = -0.468, p = 0.009). CONCLUSION: We have reinforced previous work showing the association between RUTI and sexual dysfunction, and an improvement in bladder symptoms following treatment with HA. To our knowledge, this is the first study to prove an improvement in sexual dysfunction following intravesical treatment with HA which is sustained for up to 12 months.

Unplanned return to the operating theatre in gynaecology: five years' experience.

OBJECTIVES: To review our incidence of unplanned return to the operating theatre (OT) and compare our findings with the published literature. STUDY DESIGN: Five year retrospective review of case notes in our gynaecology department between January 2005 and April 2010. Women were eligible for recruitment if they returned to the OT for an unplanned operation during the same admission following a gynaecological operation. RESULTS: Seventeen cases were identified, mean age 40 years (range 27-52 years). The incidence of unplanned return to the OT was 0.03%. Elective and emergency initial operations accounted for 72% and 28% respectively. Over 80% of the cases followed a hysterectomy, giving an overall risk of return to OT after hysterectomy of 2%. Reactionary bleeding was the cause in all cases. A specific bleeding site was identified in 82% of the women. The mean time between primary surgery and return to the OT was 7.9 h. The triggering factors were a combination of a change in observations, postoperative bleeding, a drop in haemoglobin level and uncontrolled abdominal pain despite analgesics. Blood transfusion was required in 53% of cases and one woman was admitted to the intensive care unit for one night. No women required further reoperation, and all were discharged home with no long-term sequelae. CONCLUSION: Unplanned reoperation is a potentially life threatening complication, and therefore early recognition; resuscitation and emergency return to the OT to stop the bleeding are the main principles of management.

Collagen metabolism in the uterosacral ligaments and vaginal skin of women with uterine prolapse.

OBJECTIVE: To compare tissue markers of collagen metabolism in the uterosacral ligaments with those in vaginal tissue in women with uterine prolapse. DESIGN: Prospective observational experimental study. SETTING: A tertiary urogynaecology unit. POPULATION: Women referred for hysterectomy for prolapse or benign gynaecological disease. METHODS: Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9 expression, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-2 expression and hydroxyproline content were measured in the uterosacral ligaments and vaginal tissue from 14 women with prolapse compared with 14 controls. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Levels of MMP, TIMP and hydroxyproline in the uterosacral ligaments and vaginal tissue of women with prolapse and controls. RESULTS: Fourteen women with prolapse and 14 women without prolapse (controls) were included. A significant increase in pro MMP-2 expression was seen in vaginal tissue from women with prolapse (P < 0.05) but not activated MMP-2, MMP-9 and TIMP-2. For uterosacral ligaments, the differences were not statistically significant. No significant difference in hydroxyproline content was found between control and prolapse in either tissue. Significant correlations exist in expression of pro-MMP-2, activated MMP-2, MMP-9 and TIMP-2 in vaginal tissue with that in uterosacral ligaments. CONCLUSIONS: Correlations existed between markers of collagen metabolism in the vaginal and uterosacral tissues. This suggests vaginal tissue reflects the endopelvic fascia. The changes which are more pronounced in vaginal tissue may be as a result of prolapse rather than cause.