Combined Vaginal Pelvic Floor Electrical Stimulation (PFS) and Local Vaginal Estrogen for Treatment of Overactive Bladder (OAB) in Perimenopausal Females. Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT).

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of combined vaginal pelvic floor electrical stimulation (PFS) and local vaginal estrogen in treatment of female overactive bladder (OAB). MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a randomized controlled trial carried out on 315 perimenopausal females with OAB who were randomly allocated into 3 equal groups. Group A underwent PFS using vaginal probes twice weekly for 12 sessions. Group B received local vaginal estrogen, whereas group C received both PFS and local estrogen. All patients were evaluated by a voiding diary, quality-of-life questionnaire, vaginal examination, urine analysis, blood sugar, ultrasonography, and urodynamic study before and after therapy. Patients were followed up 1 week, 3, and 6 months post-therapy. The analyzed variables included day and night time frequency, incontinence episodes, urgency, quality of life, detrusor overactivity), and functional bladder capacity). Outcome measure was urge incontinence. RESULTS: Within each group, there was a statistically significant improvement in all variables after treatment. Improvement of urgency was better in group C than in groups A and B (P = .000, .009). Improvement of incontinence was better in groups A and C than in group B (P = .005, .004). Follow-up showed worsening of symptoms within 6 months in all groups except incontinence in group C. CONCLUSION: Vaginal PFS and estrogen found to be effective in treating OAB symptoms in perimenopausal females. Estrogen seems to augment the effect of PFS especially in the treatment of urgency incontinence and can delay its recurrence.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy in the oblique supine lithotomy position and prone position: a comparative study.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the safety, efficacy, and complications of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in the oblique supine lithotomy position vs the prone position in a randomized comparative study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 101 and 102 patients in the oblique supine lithotomy position and prone position, respectively. Inclusion criteria were renal and upper ureteral stones. Exclusion criteria were uncorrectable bleeding disorders, active urinary tract infection, and pregnancy. RESULTS: Both the groups were comparable regarding the male/female ratio, stone size, and site. No significant differences were found in terms of the stone-free rate, blood transfusion rate, and complication rates. Significant differences were reported in mean hemoglobin loss (-1.03 and -2.18 g/dL), mean operative time (86.16 and 111.7 minutes), and mean hospital stay (49.88 and 81.2 hours) in the supine and prone positions, respectively, and anesthesiological parameters (the mean blood pressure decreased by 2 and 14.06 mm Hg, the mean heart rate changed by -0.82 and +13.28 beat/minute, and the peak air way pressure changed by +1.08 cm H2O and +7.56 cm H2O in the supine and prone positions, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: PCNL in both positions was equally successful with no significant differences in complications. PCNL in the oblique supine lithotomy position was superior to PCNL in the prone position regarding operative time, hospital stay, and effects on respiratory and cardiovascular status, making it more comfortable for patients and anesthesiologists. Morbidly obese patients, patients with cardiologic disorders, and patients with pulmonary obstructive airway disease need further studies to show if they would benefit from these differences. Additionally, it is more comfortable for the surgeon with little challenges added in the initial puncture.