Sacral neuromodulation therapy for urinary and defecatory disorders: experience in a Latin American public hospital.

Objective: To show the experience of a Latin American public hospital, with SNM in the management of either OAB, NOUR or FI, reporting feasibility, short to medium-term success rates, and complications. Methods: A retrospective cohort was conducted using data collected prospectively from patients with urogynecological conditions and referred from colorectal surgery and urology services between 2015 and 2022. Results: Advanced or basic trial phases were performed on 35 patients, 33 (94%) of which were successful and opted to move on Implantable Pulse Generator (GG) implantation. The average follow-up time after definitive implantation was 82 months (SD 59). Of the 33 patients undergoing, 27 (81%)reported an improvement of 50% or more in their symptoms at last follow-up. Moreover, 30 patients (90%) with a definitive implant reported subjective improvement, with an average PGI-I "much better" and 9 of them reporting to be "excellent" on PGI-I. Conclusion: SNM is a feasible and effective treatment for pelvic floor dysfunction. Its implementation requires highly trained groups and innovative leadership. At a nation-wide level, greater diffusion of this therapy among professionals is needed to achieve timely referral of patients who require it.

Prevalence of colorectal symptoms and anal incontinence in patients with pelvic organ prolapse attended at an outpatient urogynecology service.

Objective: To analyze data of patients with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse evaluated with PFDI20 and its subscales to report the prevalence of lower gastrointestinal symptoms and anal incontinence in the population of a public hospital and analyze its impact on quality of life. Methods: Cross-sectional study of patients with symptomatic POP. Patients were evaluated with demographic data, POP-Q, pelvic floor ultrasonography, urological parameters, and pelvic floor symptoms (PFDI-20), and quality of life (P-QoL) surveys. Patients were classified as CRADI-8 "positive" for colorectal symptoms, with responses "moderate" in at least 3 and/or "severe" in at least 2 of the items in the CRADI-8 questionnaires. Results: One hundred thirteen patients were included. 42.5% (48) were considered positive for colorectal symptoms on CRADI-8. 53.4% presented anal incontinence. No significant differences were found in sociodemographic variables, POP-Q stage, ultrasound parameters, or urological parameters. Positive patients had a significantly worse result in PFDI-20, POPDI (48 vs 28; p<0.001), UDI6 (51 vs 24; p<0.001), and in the areas of social limitation (44.4 vs 22.2; p = 0.045), sleep- energy (61.5 vs 44.4; p = 0.08), and severity (56.8 vs 43.7, p=0.015) according to P-QoL. Conclusion: Moderate or severe colorectal symptoms are seen in 40% of patients with symptomatic POP in our unit. Full evaluation of pelvic floor dysfunction symptoms should be performed routinely in urogynecology units.(FONIS SA12I2I53 - NCT02113969).

Sacral neuromodulation therapy for urinary and defecatory disorders: experience in a Latin American public hospital

Abstract Objective: To show the experience of a Latin American public hospital, with SNM in the management of either OAB, NOUR or FI, reporting feasibility, short to medium-term success rates, and complications. Methods: A retrospective cohort was conducted using data collected prospectively from patients with urogynecological conditions and referred from colorectal surgery and urology services between 2015 and 2022. Results: Advanced or basic trial phases were performed on 35 patients, 33 (94%) of which were successful and opted to move on Implantable Pulse Generator (GG) implantation. The average follow-up time after definitive implantation was 82 months (SD 59). Of the 33 patients undergoing, 27 (81%)reported an improvement of 50% or more in their symptoms at last follow-up. Moreover, 30 patients (90%) with a definitive implant reported subjective improvement, with an average PGI-I "much better" and 9 of them reporting to be "excellent" on PGI-I. Conclusion: SNM is a feasible and effective treatment for pelvic floor dysfunction. Its implementation requires highly trained groups and innovative leadership. At a nation-wide level, greater diffusion of this therapy among professionals is needed to achieve timely referral of patients who require it.

Prevalence of colorectal symptoms and anal incontinence in patients with pelvic organ prolapse attended at an outpatient urogynecology service

Abstract Objective: To analyze data of patients with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse evaluated with PFDI20 and its subscales to report the prevalence of lower gastrointestinal symptoms and anal incontinence in the population of a public hospital and analyze its impact on quality of life. Methods: Cross-sectional study of patients with symptomatic POP. Patients were evaluated with demographic data, POP-Q, pelvic floor ultrasonography, urological parameters, and pelvic floor symptoms (PFDI-20), and quality of life (P-QoL) surveys. Patients were classified as CRADI-8 "positive" for colorectal symptoms, with responses "moderate" in at least 3 and/or "severe" in at least 2 of the items in the CRADI-8 questionnaires. Results: One hundred thirteen patients were included. 42.5% (48) were considered positive for colorectal symptoms on CRADI-8. 53.4% presented anal incontinence. No significant differences were found in sociodemographic variables, POP-Q stage, ultrasound parameters, or urological parameters. Positive patients had a significantly worse result in PFDI-20, POPDI (48 vs 28; p<0.001), UDI6 (51 vs 24; p<0.001), and in the areas of social limitation (44.4 vs 22.2; p = 0.045), sleep- energy (61.5 vs 44.4; p = 0.08), and severity (56.8 vs 43.7, p=0.015) according to P-QoL. Conclusion: Moderate or severe colorectal symptoms are seen in 40% of patients with symptomatic POP in our unit. Full evaluation of pelvic floor dysfunction symptoms should be performed routinely in urogynecology units. (FONIS SA12I2I53 - NCT02113969).

Reparación quirúrgica por vía vaginal de fístulas vesicovaginales: una experiencia exitosa / Vaginal surgical repair of vesico-vaginal fistulas: a successful experience

OBJETIVO: Se presenta una serie de casos de reparación por vía vaginal de fístula vesicovaginal (FVV) de nuestro centro. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional descriptivo. Se evaluaron todas las pacientes con reparación quirúrgica de FVV en el Centro de Innovación de Piso Pélvico del Hospital Sótero del Río entre 2016 y 2022. RESULTADOS: Se reportaron 16 casos, de los cuales el 81,3% fueron secundarios a cirugía ginecológica. En todos se realizó la reparación por vía vaginal, con cierre por planos. En el 94% (15/16) se logró una reparación exitosa en un primer intento. El tiempo de seguimiento poscirugía fue de 10 meses (rango: 3-29). No hubo casos de recidiva en el seguimiento. Una paciente presentó fístula de novo, la cual se reparó de manera exitosa en un segundo intento por vía vaginal. Se reportaron satisfechas con la cirugía 15 pacientes, con mejoría significativa de su calidad de vida. Una paciente reportó sentirse igual (6,3%), pero sus síntomas se debían a síndrome de vejiga hiperactiva que la paciente no lograba diferenciar de los síntomas previos a la cirugía. CONCLUSIÓN: Las FVV en los países desarrollados son secundarias a cirugía ginecológica benigna. La cirugía por vía vaginal en nuestra serie demostró una alta tasa de éxito, con mejora significativa en la calidad de vida de las pacientes.

OBJETIVE: We present a case series of vesico-vaginal fistulas (VVF) vaginal repair in our center. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Descriptive observational study. All patients with surgical repair of VVF at the Centro de Innovación en Piso Pélvico of Hospital Sótero del Río were evaluated between September 2016 and September 2022. RESULTS: 16 cases were reported. 81.3% were secondary to gynecological surgery. In all cases, a vaginal repair was performed, with a layered closure. 94% (15/16) had no contrast extravasation at the time of examination, confirming fistula closure. The follow-up time was 10 months (range: 3-29). There were no cases of recurrence during follow-up. 1 patient presented de novo fistula which was successfully repaired in a second attempt vaginally. 15/16 patients reported being satisfied with the surgery, with significant improvement in quality of life. 1 patient reported feeling the same (6.3%), but her symptoms were due to overactive bladder syndrome that the patient could not differentiate from the symptoms prior to surgery. CONCLUSION: VFV in developed countries are mainly secondary to benign gynecological surgery. Vaginal surgery in our series achieved a significant improvement in the quality of life of patients.

Adherencias del capuchón del clítoris al glande: una condición poco estudiada y poco examinada / Clitoral hood adhesions to the glans penis: an understudied and under-examined condition

INTRODUCCIÓN: El clítoris es una de las estructuras vulvares menos examinadas, pese a su relevancia en la vida sexual y sus importantes relaciones anatómicas. Las adherencias del capuchón del clítoris han sido descritas y clasificadas según la exposición del glande, siendo relacionadas con trastornos del deseo sexual. La inervación del clítoris depende de raíces de S3-S4, siendo posible que síntomas frecuentes del piso pélvico tengan relación con esta condición. Realizamos un análisis retrospectivo de pacientes de policlínico de piso pélvico entre noviembre de 2021 y abril de 2022. Se incluyeron 100 pacientes con adherencias al ingreso. RESULTADOS: Promedio de edad 45,8 ± 15,5 años. Las adherencias fueron el 19% leves, el 62% moderadas y el 18% graves. Los principales síntomas eran mal vaciado vesical (38%), dolor (28%), disfunción sexual (39%) y síntomas irritativos vesicales (43%); solo una paciente fue asintomática. El área visible promedio del clítoris era de 20,7 ± 13,7 mm2. CONCLUSIONES: Las adherencias del capuchón del clítoris son un hallazgo común, muchas veces no diagnosticadas, por lo que su evaluación debe ser parte de la exploración física. Pueden asociarse a sintomatología de piso pélvico.

INTRODUCTION: The clitoris is one of the least examined vulvar structures despite its relevance in sexual life and important anatomical relationships. Clitoral hood adhesions have been described in the literature, classified based on glans exposure, and related to sexual desire disorders. The innervation of the clitoris depends on the roots of S3-S4, and frequent pelvic floor symptoms may be associated with this condition. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical record of patients admitted to a pelvic floor clinic between November 2021 and April 2022. One hundred patients with adhesions at the time of admission were registered. RESULTS: Average 45.8 ± 15.5 years. Clitoral hood adhesions were mild (19%), moderated (62%), or severe (18%). The main symptoms were voiding dysfunction symptoms (38%), pain (28%), sexual dysfunction (39%), and irritative bladder symptoms (43%); only one patient was asymptomatic. The visible area of the clitoris was 20.7 ± 13.7 mm2. CONCLUSIONS: Adhesions of the clitoral hood are often undiagnosed, and its analysis should be part of the physical exam. Clitoral hood adhesions could be associated with pelvic floor symptoms.

Manejo exitoso de síndrome de vejiga hiperactiva refractaria con toxina botulínica A / Successful management of refractory overactive bladder syndrome with botulinum toxin A

Introducción: El síndrome de vejiga hiperactiva (VHA) afecta hasta al 43% de las mujeres. La terapia escalonada incluye cambios de hábitos, fármacos y neuromodulación. Hasta el 40% de las pacientes llegan a requerir terapia avanzada alternativa, como toxina botulínica (TB). Objetivo: Reportar los resultados del tratamiento con toxina botulínica en mujeres con VHA refractaria a tratamiento de primera y segunda línea, en un hospital público en Chile. Método: Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo desde una base de datos recolectada prospectivamente del Hospital Sótero del Río entre 2018 y 2022. Se incluyeron 33 pacientes con tratamiento farmacológico y neuromodulación previa, con una edad promedio de 57 años, sometidas a inyección cistoscópica de TB a detrusor, analizando datos demográficos, antecedentes y complicaciones. Se realizó seguimiento con frecuencia miccional, paños/día, escala de gravedad de Sandvik (ISI) y encuesta Patient Global Impression Improvement (PGI-I). Resultados: Los datos comparativos pre/post TB, respectivamente, fueron: frecuencia miccional diurna 11/6 y nocturna 5/1; paños/día 5/3; ISI 8/3. Veinte de 33 mujeres refirieron estar excelente o mucho mejor (PGI-I). Conclusiones: Es posible realizar manejo con TB en mujeres con VHA refractaria a primera y segunda línea, con buenos resultados e impacto significativo en la calidad de vida.

Introduction: Overactive bladder syndrome (OABS) affects up to 43% of women. Staggered therapy includes habit changes, drugs, and peripheral neuromodulation. Up to 40% of patients may require advanced alternative therapy such as botulinum toxin A (BT). Objective: To report the results of treatment with TB in women with OABS refractory to first- and second-line treatment in a public hospital in Chile. Method: Retrospective cohort study from prospectively collected database from Hospital Sótero del Río between 2018 and 2022. Thirty-three patients with previous pharmacological treatment and neuromodulation were included, with an average age of 57 years, undergoing cystoscopic injection of TB to detrusor. Demographic data, history, and complications were analyzed. Follow-up was performed with voiding frequency, cloths/day, Sandvik Severity Scale (ISI) and Patient Global Impression Improvement (PGI-I) survey. Results: Comparative data pre/post TB, respectively showed: daytime voiding frequency 11/6 and nighttime 5/1; cloths/day 5/3; ISI 8/3. 20 of 33 women reported being excellent or much better (PGI-I). Conclusions: TB management in women with OABS refractory to first- and second-line treatment has good results and significant impact on quality of life.

Agentes de abultamiento en incontinencia de orina de esfuerzo femenina: una alternativa a las mallas suburetrales / Bulking agents in female stress urinary incontinence: an alternative to suburethral mesh

OBJETIVO: Presentar una serie de casos de agentes de abultamiento (AA) de nuestro centro. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo. Se evaluaron todos los casos operados con AA entre 2017 y 2022. La inyección de AA se realizó en quirófano, bajo sedación con anestesia local periuretral o raquídea. La inyección se realizó con uretroscopia, 0,5 cc en 4 puntos periuretrales (horas 2, 5, 7 y 10). Se analizaron datos demográficos, quirúrgicos y de seguimiento. RESULTADOS: 15 casos. 13/15 presentaron incontinencia urinaria mixta. Solo dos casos tenían incontinencia de orina de esfuerzo pura. El procedimiento fue ambulatorio. La mediana del tiempo operatorio fue 15 minutos (15-20). La mediana de seguimiento fue 5 meses (1-9). El índice de severidad preoperatorio promedio fue 10,6 y en el seguimiento fue 2,79. La Escala de Mejoría Global mostró mejoría en 12/15, y 12/15 estaban satisfechas con la cirugía con mejoría en la calidad de vida. CONCLUSIÓN: Los AA son una opción quirúrgica efectiva, con una tasa de éxito del 80% en otros reportes, siendo similar con nuestra casuística. Ofrecer esta opción es posible a la hora de hablar de terapias alternativas.

OBJECTIVE: To present a case series of bulking agents (BA) from our center. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study. All cases operated with BA between 2017 and 2022 were evaluated. A BA injection was performed in the operating room, under periurethral local anesthesia sedation or spinal anesthesia. The injection was performed with urethroscopy, 0.5 cc in 4 periurethral points (hours 2, 5, 7 and 10). Demographic, surgical, and follow-up data were analyzed. RESULTS: 15 cases were reported. 13/15 patients presented with mixed urinary incontinence. Only 2 cases had pure stress urinary incontinence. The procedure was ambulatory. Median operative time was 15 minutes (15-20). Median follow-up was 5 months (1-9). The average preoperative Sandvik Severity Index was 10.6 and in follow-up was 2.79. The PGI showed improvement in 12/15, and 12/15 were satisfied with the surgery with quality-of-life improvement. CONCLUSION: BA are an effective surgical option, with a success rate of 80%, according to other reports, being similar with our casuistry. Offer this option is possible at the moment of discussing alternative therapies.

Hematoma retropúbico masivo posterior a TVT: enfrentamientos diferentes para una complicación infrecuente / Massive retropubic hematoma after TVT: different approaches for an uncommon complication

INTRODUCCIÓN: La TVT (tension-free vaginal tape) es una cirugía efectiva, pero no exenta de riesgos. Las complicaciones vasculares ocurren en un 0,9-1,7%; solo el 0,33% se presentan como hematoma masivo, en general asociado a la lesión de variante anatómica corona mortis (CM). OBJETIVO: Reportar tres tipos de manejo en pacientes con hematomas masivos después de cirugía para la incontinencia. MÉTODO: Revisión de casos de hematomas masivos tras TVT. Análisis de tres casos con diferente manejo. RESULTADOS: 1086 pacientes operadas en 10 años, 1% hematomas sintomáticos, 0,36% hematomas masivos. Se presentan tres casos. Caso 1: presenta inestabilidad hemodinámica sin respuesta a volumen ni vasoactivos, requirió laparotomía exploradora y se encontró un vaso sangrante retropúbico, compatible con CM, y un hematoma de 1000 cc. Caso 2: hipotensión que responde a volumen, asintomática al día siguiente de alta, reingresó 12 días después con caída de 6 puntos en la hemoglobina y la tomografía computarizada (TC) mostró un hematoma de 550 cc; recibió drenaje percutáneo. Caso 3: asintomática, alta el primer día posoperatorio, reingresa al quinto día con descenso de 4 puntos en la hemoglobina y la TC informa hematoma de 420 cc, que drena espontáneamente por vía vaginal. Todas las pacientes recibieron 14 días de antibióticos, y permanecieron continentes. CONCLUSIONES: Los hematomas retropúbicos masivos son una complicación poco frecuente. Su manejo considera la estabilización hemodinámica, el control del sangrado y el drenaje.

INTRODUCTION: TVT (tension-free vaginal tape) is an effective surgery, not without risks. Vascular complications occur in 0.9 to 1.7%, of which 0.33% present as massive hematoma, generally associated with injury of an anatomical variant, Corona Mortis (CM). OBJECTIVE: To report three types of management in patients with massive hematomas after anti-incontinence surgery. METHOD: Review of cases of massive hematomas after TVT surgery. Analysis of three cases with different management. RESULTS: 1086 patients operated in 10 years, 1% symptomatic hematomas, 0.36% massive. Three cases are presented. Case 1: hemodynamic instability without response to volume or vasoactive agents, required reoperation with exploratory laparotomy, a retropubic bleeding vessel, compatible with CM, and hematoma 1000 cc was found. Case 2: hypotension responds to volume, asymptomatic at next day in discharge conditions, she was readmitted 12 days later with falled 6-point in Hb, and CT showed hematoma 550 cc; she received percutaneous drainage. Case 3: asymptomatic, discharge on the first day after TVT, readmitted on the 5th day with falled 4-point in Hb, CT informed hematoma 420 cc, spontaneously drains vaginally. Patients received 14 days of antibiotics, remained continent. CONCLUSIONS: Massive retropubic hematomas are an infrequent complication, and management considers hemodynamic stabilization, bleeding control and drainage.

Screening of COVID-19 cases through a Bayesian network symptoms model and psychophysical olfactory test.

The sudden loss of smell is among the earliest and most prevalent symptoms of COVID-19 when measured with a clinical psychophysical test. Research has shown the potential impact of frequent screening for olfactory dysfunction, but existing tests are expensive and time consuming. We developed a low-cost ($0.50/test) rapid psychophysical olfactory test (KOR) for frequent testing and a model-based COVID-19 screening framework using a Bayes Network symptoms model. We trained and validated the model on two samples: suspected COVID-19 cases in five healthcare centers (n = 926; 33% prevalence, 309 RT-PCR confirmed) and healthy miners (n = 1,365; 1.1% prevalence, 15 RT-PCR confirmed). The model predicted COVID-19 status with 76% and 96% accuracy in the healthcare and miners samples, respectively (healthcare: AUC = 0.79 [0.75-0.82], sensitivity: 59%, specificity: 87%; miners: AUC = 0.71 [0.63-0.79], sensitivity: 40%, specificity: 97%, at 0.50 infection probability threshold). Our results highlight the potential for low-cost, frequent, accessible, routine COVID-19 testing to support society's reopening.

Caracterización de pacientes con antecedente de colposuspensión de Burch que consultan en uroginecología / Characterization of patients with a background of Burch colposuspension consulting in urogynecology

INTRODUCCIÓN Y OBJETIVOS: La incontinencia de orina de esfuerzo (IOE) es una patología muy frecuente. El tratamiento estándar corresponde al uso de cintas medio uretrales. Dentro de las técnicas quirúrgicas clásicas se encuentra la colposuspensión de Burch (CSB), poco frecuente en la actualidad. El objetivo de este estudio es describir las características de las pacientes con antecedentes de una CSB que consultan en la unidad de Uroginecología. MÉTODOS: Revisión tipo transversal de los datos ingresados a la unidad de Uroginecología del Hospital Dr. Sótero Del Río desde 2007 al 2019. Análisis descriptivo de los antecedentes de las pacientes con antecedente de CSB. RESULTADOS: Durante el periodo analizado, 63 pacientes presentaban antecedentes de CSB. La edad promedio fue 68 años, 88% eran post menopáusicas, 60% fueron sometidas a histerectomía y 24% a cirugías por prolapso (POP). La paridad promedio fue 3 hijos, 15% tuvieron al menos un parto por fórceps. Un 51% consultó por IOE, 54% por vejiga hiperactiva (VH) y 56% por sensación de bulto o peso. El 38% consultó por incontinencia de orina mixta, 37% por IOE + POP y 41% por VH + POP. 22% fueron reoperadas, 16% por medio de TVT y 6% por TOT. CONCLUSIONES: El antecedente de CSB es infrecuente en nuestra población. Similar a lo descrito en la literatura, más de un 50% de las pacientes consultó por síntomas de recurrencia y por complicaciones como POP y VH. Próximos estudios deberían evaluar si el antecedente de CSB es un factor de riesgo de complicaciones quirúrgicas o recurrencia.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a common pathology. The standard treatment corresponds to the mid urethral slings. Among the classic surgical techniques is Burch colposuspension (CSB), currently rare. The objective of this study is to describe the characteristics of the patients with a previous history of CSB who consult in the Urogynecology unit. METHODS: Cross sectional review of the data of all the patients admitted to the Urogynecology unit of the Dr. Sótero Del Río Hospital from 2007 to 2019. Descriptive analysis of the antecedents of the patients with a history of CSB. RESULTS: During the analyzed period, 63 patients had a history of CSB. The average age was 68 years. 88% were postmenopausal, 60% underwent hysterectomy, and 24% underwent prolapse (POP) surgery. The average parity was 3, 15% had at least one forceps delivery. 51% consulted for SUI, 54% for overactive bladder (OAB) and 56% for sensation of lump or weight. 38% consulted for mixed urine incontinence, 37% for SUI + POP and 41% for OAB + POP. 22% were reoperated, 16% through TVT and 6% through TOT. CONCLUSION: The history of CSB is infrequent in our population. Similar to that described in the literature, more than 50% of the patients consulted for recurrence symptoms and complications such as POP and OAB. Future studies should assess whether a history of CSB is a risk factor for surgical complications or recurrence.

Natural history of pelvic organ prolapse in symptomatic patients actively seeking treatment.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: At our institution many symptomatic patients must wait months or years for surgery. Our aim was to determine the rates of clinically significant pelvic organ prolapse (POP) progression and identify risk factors associated with POP progression. METHODS: Data from a prospectively maintained database of POP patients evaluated between 2008 and 2013 were analyzed. Women with symptomatic POP and two or more POP-Q examinations prior to surgery were included. POP progression was defined as having any of the POP-Q points Aa, Ba, C, D, Ap or Bp above the hymen at the baseline examination and at or below the hymen at the follow-up examination. Multivariable logistic analysis was preformed and the results are presented as odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: Of consecutive patients evaluated between July 2008 and June 2013, 388 met the inclusion criteria and were included. The median time between the POP-Q examinations was 9.9 months (IQR 7.8 to 13.8 months). The POP progression rate was 29.1% (95% CI 24.6-33.6%). Predictors of progression included age (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.01-2.87) and the baseline status of points Ba, C, Bp and gH (OR 1.91, 95% CI 1.01-3.62; OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.3-0.94; OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.32-0.93; OR 2.15, 95% CI 1.13-4.1; respectively). POP-Q point correlations showed that anterior and posterior compartment points evolve with apical compartment points and gH evolves with both the anterior compartment and the apex. CONCLUSIONS: Up to 29.1% of symptomatic patients with POP showed clinically significant progression over a median follow-up of 9.9 months. The likelihood of progression was not significantly associated with time. Those ≥60 years of age as well as those with point Ba ≥4 cm or gH ≥5 cm at baseline were at increased risk of POP progression.

Removal of obstructing synthetic sling from a urethra: English and Spanish version.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Urethral perforations after synthetic midurethral sling (MUS) placement are uncommon. Transvaginal removal is an option. The objective of this English and Spanish video is to demonstrate removal of an MUS that had perforated the urethra and the concomitant urethral reconstruction. METHODS: A 66-year-old woman with a history of an anterior and posterior colporrhaphy and a retropubic MUS 12 years earlier presented with difficulty voiding, recurrent urinary tract infections, and mild stress incontinence (SUI). Physical examination revealed tenderness on the anterior vaginal wall (AVW) without mesh extrusion. Cystourethroscopy showed urethral perforation, distal to the bladder neck and urodynamics demonstrated an obstructive pattern. The patient wished to undergo transvaginal sling removal and reconstruction. RESULTS: The mesh was deep in the AVW perforating the urethra and the vaginal portion was completely removed. The video demonstrates several tips on how to remove a perforating MUS and subsequent urethral reconstruction. Ten months postoperatively the force of stream returned to normal, with no further UTIs, no evidence of fistula, and rare SUI. CONCLUSIONS: Urethral perforation with an MUS can be successfully treated with removal of any mesh in proximity to the urethra and urethral reconstruction via a completely transvaginal approach.

Association between pelvic floor disorder symptoms and QoL scores with depressive symptoms among pelvic organ prolapse patients.

BACKGROUND: There is no consensus on the relationship between depressive symptoms (DS) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) symptoms and quality of life (QoL). Our hypothesis was that women with DS and POP have worse symptoms and QoL than those without DS and POP. AIM: Our aim was to compare two groups of POP patients, those with depressive symptoms and those without, and evaluate the association of symptoms and QoL. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This planned report is part of a prospective study evaluating the impact of pessary use among symptomatic POP patients. Patients were evaluated by POP quantification (POP-Q), pelvic ultrasound (US), voiding diaries, stress test, pad test, Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI-20), Prolapse QoL (P-QoL) and the Goldberg Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) (psychological health screening for DS when score ≥5). A sample size of 78 patients was required to demonstrate a 50-point difference in the global PFDI-20 score with 80% power and 95% probability. RESULTS: Ninety-one women with POP were included. GHQ-12 was positive in 47 (51.6%) patients. No differences were found in POP-Q, pad and stress test between those with a positive GHQ-12 and those without. However, GHQ-12 was associated with higher PFDI-20 scores and higher scores in seven of nine P-QoL domains. GHQ-12 persisted as an independent risk factor for worse P-QoL scores after multivariable analysis. CONCLUSION: A 'positive' screening for DS was associated with worse PFDI-20 and P-QoL scores despite no difference in objective measurements. It may be that depressed patients interpret their symptoms differently.

Validation of the Spanish-language version of the Prolapse Quality of Life questionnaire in Chilean women.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The Prolapse Quality of Life (P-QOL) questionnaire is a specific health-related quality of life (HRQL) instrument to assess the impact of POP on women. It has been validated in English-speaking women and to date has been translated into several other languages. However, currently there is no Spanish translation of the P-QOL questionnaire. The aim of this study was to translate the P-QOL questionnaire into Spanish and to assess its feasibility, validity, and reliability. METHODS: Following a forward- and back-translation of the original English P-QOL questionnaire into Spanish language, the translated questionnaire was reviewed by a group of patients as well as an expert panel to assess its comprehensibility. In this cross-sectional study women with POP symptoms were recruited from a tertiary referral teaching hospital. Women were defined as symptomatic if they report feeling a lump/bulge/pressure in the vagina. The Spanish translated P-QOL questionnaire was self-administered to all women. Reliability, content, and construct validity were evaluated using the Cronbach's alpha coefficient, ANOVA, and Spearman's correlation tests. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-eight women were studied. There were no missing items. The Cronbach's alpha ranged from 0.626 to 0.866 across domains, demonstrating the good reliability of the Spanish P-QOL. The severity of symptoms was related to the worst quality of life, but the severity of POP was not related to poorer QoL. CONCLUSIONS: The Spanish translated version of the P-QOL is a reliable, consistent and valid instrument to assess symptom severity and QoL impact in Chilean women with POP.

Uso de pesarios en mujeres menores de 65 años con diagnóstico de prolapso de órganos pelvianos: estudio de factibilidad / Pessaries for pelvic organ prolapse: feasibility study

Antecedentes: El prolapso de los órganos pelvianos (POP) es una enfermedad prevalente. Los pesarios vaginales son una opción de tratamiento. Algunos especialistas prefieren la cirugía como el tratamiento de elección. Objetivo: Describir la respuesta subjetiva y complicaciones asociadas al uso de pesarios en pacientes <65 años con POP en el Hospital Dr. Sotero del Río. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de pacientes con POP sintomático <65 años con indicación de pesario, entre julio de 2009 y noviembre de 2012. Para la evaluación de los resultados subjetivos del uso de pesarios, se utilizó la escala PGI-I. Resultados: Cuarenta y nueve pacientes cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. En 39 pacientes el fitting fue exitoso. Veinticinco de las 39 pacientes, fueron capaces de acceder y usar el pesario, de las cuales 6 abandonaron el tratamiento. La mediana de la edad fue 62,5 años. Un 48 por ciento eran sexualmente activas. La mediana de seguimiento fue 9 semanas. Según POP-Q un 60 por ciento se encontraba en etapa III. El tipo de pesario más utilizado fue el Gellhorn. Trece pacientes presentaron efectos adversos, siendo lo más frecuente el flujo vaginal (40 por ciento). La respuesta subjetiva de mejoría estuvo disponible en 15 (64 por ciento) de 25 pacientes. Un 88 por ciento notaron mejoría subjetiva importante. Conclusión: El uso de pesarios vaginales en pacientes menores de 65 años con POP es factible, asociado a mejoría subjetiva de los síntomas, con baja tasa de complicaciones. Son necesarios estudios prospectivos de mayor tamaño muestral para evaluar este subgrupo.

Background: Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a common disease. Vaginal pessaries are a treatment option. Some specialists prefer surgery as the treatment of choice. Objective: To describe the subjective response and complications associated with the use of pessaries in patients <65 years old with POP in Dr. Sotero del Rio Hospital. Methods: Retrospective study of patients with symptomatic POP <65 and use pessary between July 2009 and November 2012. And assessment of the subjective results of using the PGI-I pessaries scale was used. Results: 49 patients met the inclusion criteria. In 39 patients the fitting was successful. 25 of 39 patients were able to access and use the pessary. 6 patients discontinued treatment. The median age was 62.5 years. 48 percent were sexually active. Median follow-up was 9 weeks. According POP-Q 60 percent were in stage III. The type of pessary was the most used Gellhorn. 13 patients had adverse effects. The subjective response improvement was available in 15 (64 percent) of 25 patients. 88 percent noted significant subjective improvement. Conclusion: The use of vaginal pessaries in patients under 65 with POP is feasible, associated with subjective improvement in symptoms, with low complication rate. Prospective studies are needed with larger sample sizes to evaluate this subgroup.

Descripción de la función sexual en mujeres con alteraciones de piso pélvico en un hospital público de Santiago / Sexual function of a group of women with any pelvic floor disorder in a public hospital of Santiago, Chile

Antecedentes: Se estima que entre 25-50 por ciento de las mujeres sufrirá de alguna alteración del piso pélvico durante su vida. La función sexual es un concepto complejo y multidimensional. Se ha planteado que a mayor sintomatología de alteraciones de piso pélvico, las mujeres presentan mayores inconvenientes en su respuesta sexual. Objetivo: Describir la función sexual de un grupo de mujeres que presentan algún tipo de trastorno de piso pélvico. Método: Estudio descriptivo a 195 mujeres con diagnóstico de alteraciones de piso pélvico utilizando un cuestionario que incluía evaluación de aspectos sociodemográficos y de la función sexual con instrumento PISQ-12. Para el análisis se utilizaron medidas de tendencia central y dispersión. Resultados: 73,7 por ciento de las mujeres refieren tener algún grado de insatisfacción con su vida sexual actual afectando principalmente el área del deseo sexual. Dentro de las limitaciones en la relación sexual reportadas se encuentran: orgasmos menos frecuentes (70,5 por ciento), dispareunia (89,5 por ciento), problemas de erección (40 por ciento) y eyaculación precoz (47,4 por ciento) en sus parejas. Conclusión: Las mujeres reportan niveles de insatisfacción con su vida sexual, disminución de su deseo sexual, dolor durante la relación sexual y disminución de la intensidad del orgasmo. Es importante incorporar en la atención de este grupo de mujeres una evaluación sistemática de la función sexual, centrándose no solo en la respuesta sexual femenina, sino que también identificando aquellas limitaciones de la mujer y de la pareja que pueden estar influyendo en su satisfacción sexual.

Background: It is estimated that between 25- 50 percent of women will suffer from a pelvic floor disorder during their lifetime. Sexual function is a complex and multidimensional concept. It has been suggested that to greater symptoms of pelvic floor disorders, women have major problems in sexual response. Objective: To describe the sexual function of a group of women with any pelvic floor disorder in a public hospital of Santiago, Chile. Method: A descriptive study of 195 women diagnosed with pelvic floor disorders using a questionnaire that included assessment of sociodemographic and sexual function instrument PISQ-12. For the analysis used measures of central tendency and dispersion. Results: 73.7 percent of referred women have some degree of dissatisfaction with their current sex life mainly affecting the area of sexual desire. Within the limitations in sexual intercourse reported are: less intense orgasms (70.5 percent), dyspareunia (89.5 percent), erectile dysfunction (40 percent) and premature ejaculation (47.4 percent) in their partners. Conclusion: Women report levels of dissatisfaction with their sex life, decreased sexual desire, pain during intercourse and decreased intensity of orgasm. It is important to incorporate in the care of these women a systematic assessment of sexual function focusing not only on the female sexual response, but also identifying those limitations of women and couples that may be influencing women's sexual satisfaction.

Colpoperineocleisis de Labhardt: una alternativa segura y eficaz para el tratamiento del prolapso genital en pacientes sin actividad sexual / Labhardt colpocleisis in the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse

Introducción: El prolapso genital impacta negativamente la calidad de vida y autoimagen de la mujer. Rutinariamente indicamos la colpoperineocleisis de Labhardt a pacientes de edad avanzada y sin actividad sexual. Objetivo: Evaluar los resultados con esta técnica e identificar posibles factores de riesgo que predigan la falla. Métodos: Análisis retrospectivo de pacientes tratadas con la técnica entre los años 2008-2010. Se realizó análisis univariado y multivariado para identificar factores de riesgo asociados a la falla y se construyeron curvas libre de falla anatómica a fin de evaluar la durabilidad. Resultados: 68 pacientes cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. La edad promedio fue 71,9 +/- 5,7 años; 95,6 por ciento fueron clasificadas en etapa III o IV según POP-Q. El tiempo operatorio fue de 54 +/- 20 minutos. Seguimiento promedio de 21 meses; la tasa de recidiva anatómica fue de 14,7 por ciento. La tasa de incontinencia de orina de esfuerzo (IOE) de novo fue de 5,9 por ciento. El análisis univariado identificó como factor predictor de recidiva el flujo vaginal posoperatorio; en análisis multivariado de Cox, esa condición mantuvo significancia estadística (OR 6,3). Se identificó como factor de riesgo el no acatamiento de la técnica quirúrgica (OR 7,2). Conclusión: La colpoperineocleisis de Labhardt es una técnica segura, con baja tasa de complicaciones, una tasa de recurrencia aceptable y baja tasa de IOE de novo. Pilar del éxito es evitar la infección y respetar la técnica quirúrgica. Es necesario estudios comparativos con otras técnicas oclusivas, como también evaluar el rol de la infección como causa de falla de la técnica.

Introduction: Genital prolapse affects up to 50 percent of multiparous women, impacting their quality of life and self-image. At our Institution Labhardt's colpoperineocleisis is usually proposed to older patients, without sexual activity, regardless the type or grade of prolapse. Objective: To evaluate the results with this technique and identify potential risk factors predicting the failure. Methods: Analysis of a retrospective cohort of patients treated with this technique between 2008 and 2010. Univariate and multivariate analysis were carried out to identify risk factors and failure-free curves were built to estimate durability. Results: 68 patients met the inclusion criteria. Average age was 71.9 +/- 5.7 years; 95.6 percent of patients were classified as stage III or IV based on POP-Q system. Operative time was 54 +/- 20 min. At 21 months of follow-up, recurrence rate was 14.7 percent. De novo stress urine incontinence (SUI) was diagnosed in 5.9 percent of patients. In univariate analysis, post operative vaginal discharge was identified as predicting factor for defect recurrence. In Cox analysis, this condition remained significant (OR 6.3), In addition, failure to observe the surgical technique was also identified as risk factor for defect recurrence (OR 7.2). Conclusion: Labhardt 's colpoperineocleisis is a safe technique, with low complication rate, acceptable recurrence rate, and low de novo SUI rate. Mainstay for success is to avoid infection and observe the surgical technique. Comparative studies with other occlusive techniques might be carried out, as well as exploring the role of infection as predisposing condition for failure.