The effect of prolapse surgery on voiding function.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Of women with symptomatic prolapse, 13-39% experience voiding dysfunction (VD). The aim of our observational cohort study was to determine the effect of prolapse surgery on voiding function. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 392 women who underwent surgery between May 2005 and August 2020. All had a standardized interview, POP-Q, uroflowmetry and 3D/4D transperineal ultrasound (TPUS) pre-and postoperatively. Primary outcome was change in VD symptoms. Secondary outcomes were changes in maximum urinary flow rate (MFR) centile and post-void residual urine (PVR). Explanatory measures were change in pelvic organ descent as seen on POP-Q and TPUS. RESULTS: Of 392 women, 81 were excluded due to missing data, leaving 311. Mean age and BMI were 58 years and 30 kg/m2, respectively. Procedures performed included anterior repair (n = 187, 60.1%), posterior repair (n = 245, 78.8%), vaginal hysterectomy (n = 85, 27.3%), sacrospinous colpopexy (n = 170, 54.7%) and mid-urethral sling (MUS) (n = 192, 61.7%). Mean follow-up was 7 (1-61) months. Pre-operatively, 135 (43.3%) women reported symptoms of VD. Postoperatively, this decreased to 69 (22.2%) (p < 0.001), and of those, 32 (10.3%) reported de novo VD. The difference remained significant after excluding concomitant MUS surgery (n = 119, p < 0.001). Postoperatively, there was a significant decrease in mean PVR (n = 311, p < 0.001). After excluding concomitant MUS surgery, there was a significant increase in mean MFR centile (p = 0.046). CONCLUSIONS: Prolapse repair significantly reduces symptoms of VD and improves PVR and flowmetry.

Relationship between urethral motion profile and parity assessed by translabial ultrasound imaging.

PURPOSE: This study aims to describe the differences in the urethral motion profile (UMP) of primiparous and multiparous women immediately postpartum. METHODS: This prospective study recruited 65 women (29 primiparous, 36 multiparous) one-seven days postpartum. The patients underwent a standardised interview and two-dimensional translabial ultrasound (TLUS). To evaluate the UMP, the urethra was manually traced and divided into five segments with six equidistant points. The mobility vector (MV) for each point was calculated as [Formula: see text]. A Shapiro-Wilk test was conducted to test normality. An independent t-test and a Mann-Whitney test were conducted to express differences between the groups. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to determine the relationships among MVs, parity and confounders. Finally, a univariate generalised linear regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: MV1-MV4 were found to be normally distributed. A significant difference for all MVs, except for MV5, was demonstrated between parity groups (MV1: t = 3.88 (p < .001), MV2: t = 3.82 (p < .001), MV3: t = 2.65 (p = .012), MV4: t = 2.54 (p = .015), MV6: U = 150.00 (exact sig. two tailed = .012)). A strong-to-very strong mutual correlation was observed between MV1 to MV4. The univariate generalised linear regression showed that parity can predict up to 26% of urethral mobility. CONCLUSION: This study shows that multiparous women have significantly higher urethral mobility compared to primiparous women in the first week postpartum, with the most significant effect observed in the proximal urethra.

Does Cystocele Type Vary Between Vaginally Parous and Nulliparous Women?

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether cystocele type varies with vaginal parity. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 464 vaginally nulliparous women seen at 2 urogynecology units between November 2006 and November 2019. A control group consisted of 871 vaginally parous women seen between July 2017 and November 2019. Patients underwent a standardized interview, POPQ, urodynamic testing, and translabial ultrasound. On imaging, significant cystocele was defined as bladder descent to ≥10 mm below symphysis pubis. Volume datasets were analyzed offline and blinded against clinical data. RESULTS: Of 5266 women seen during the inclusion period, 464 were vaginally nulliparous. Three were excluded due to missing data, leaving 461. A control group of 871 parous women was generated from patients seen during the last 2.5 years of the inclusion period. Vaginally nulliparous women were presented at a younger age compared to vaginally parous women (P < .001). Symptoms of prolapse were reported in 104 (22%) nulliparae and 489 (56%) parous women (P < .0001). Vaginally parous women demonstrated more bladder descent (P < .0001) and more cystocele (418/871 versus 43/461, P < .0001), with a higher proportion of type III cystocele (cystocele with intact retrovesical angle) (20/43 versus 273/ 418, P < .0001). Cystourethrocele (Green type II) was more common in nulliparae and cystocele type III in parous women (P = .015). On multivariate analysis, these differences in proportions remained significant (P = .049). CONCLUSIONS: Nulliparity was associated with a higher proportion of Green type II cystoceles. Green type III cystocele was more common in vaginally parous women, suggesting that the latter may be more likely to be due to childbirth-related pelvic floor trauma.

International urogynecology consultation chapter 1 committee 2: Epidemiology of pelvic organ prolapse: prevalence, incidence, natural history, and service needs.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: This narrative review describes the existing epidemiologic literature and identifies gaps regarding pelvic organ prolapse (POP) prevalence, incidence, natural history, and current and future service needs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A PubMed search identified relevant citations published in 2000 or later. Pre-specified criteria were used to screen titles, abstracts, and manuscripts, including reference sections. Study findings were summarized to define what is known, identify gaps in current knowledge, and suggest priority areas for future research. RESULTS: The reported prevalence of POP varies widely (1-65%) based on whether its presence is ascertained by symptoms (1-31%), pelvic examination (10-50%), or both (20-65%). Most existing population-based surveys do not include physical examination data. White women from higher income countries are overrepresented in the existing literature. Incidence and natural history data are limited and consist mainly of cohorts that follow women after pregnancy or menopause. Given global increases in aging populations in well-resourced countries, the need for POP treatment is anticipated to increase in the coming decades. In lower and middle income countries (LMICs) where demographic trends are different, there is a dearth of information about anticipated POP service needs. CONCLUSION: Future POP incidence, prevalence, and natural history studies should include non-white women from LMICs and should combine pelvic examination data with validated patient-reported outcome measures when feasible. Anticipated future service needs differ globally, with a greater demand for POP treatment services in well-resourced settings where aging populations are prevalent.

Implementing a new method of group toilet training in daycare centres: a cluster randomised controlled trial.

Despite the existing methods, a trend towards a later initiation and completion of toilet training has been seen in Western society. This study is the first to investigate prospectively the efficacy of intensive group toilet training in daycare centres. The primary outcome of interest is the duration until the child is toilet trained. A cluster randomised controlled trial was established in daycare centres; clusters of participants were randomly allocated to an intervention or control group. Intervention group was subjected to an intensive toilet training session. Innovative aspects of this toilet training method were a 2-h training on two consecutive days, carried out in small groups in daycare centres. Parents of children in the control group were encouraged to start TT in their own manner. Children were monitored until they were considered to be fully toilet trained during the day. Median toilet training duration in the intervention group was 2 weeks compared to 5 weeks in controls (p value log rank test = 0.007). The hazard of being clean during the follow-up of 6 weeks was twice as high in the intervention compared to controls (p = 0.018).Conclusion: The intervention had a significant influence on the duration of toilet training in healthy children, with a median duration of 2 weeks. Our findings are clinically relevant for daycare educators, having a considerable responsibility in the development of children.Trial Registration Number: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04221776. What is Known: • Despite different existing methods, a later initiation of toilet training has been seen in Western society and coherent to this an increasing age of acquiring full bladder control. • Child daycare centres have a growing role in the toilet training process. What is New: • This is the first prospective report describing the results of a new method of toilet training healthy children in small groups in daycare centres. • The intervention had a significant influence on the duration of toilet training, with a median duration of 2 weeks.

Persistent levator co-activation is not associated with symptoms or bother of obstructed defecation.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The objective was to determine whether levator contraction during Valsalva (i.e. levator co-activation), as visualised on four-dimensional translabial ultrasound (4D-TLUS), is associated with obstructed defecation (OD). METHODS: This was a retrospective study including patients attending a tertiary urogynecological unit. All underwent an interview, clinical examination and 4D-TLUS. Frequent straining at stool, digitation or sensation of incomplete emptying during defecation were considered symptoms of OD. Archived 4D-TLUS volumes were evaluated, blinded to all other data. Hiatal anteroposterior (AP) diameter (cm) and hiatal area (cm2) were measured at rest and on maximal Valsalva. Patients with anatomical explanations for OD (rectocele, enterocele and/or rectal intussusception) were excluded. Reduction of hiatal AP diameter and hiatal area on Valsalva were tested for association with symptoms of OD. RESULTS: Overall, 1,383 women attended the unit from May 2013 to July 2016. Seven hundred and eight were excluded because of rectocele (n = 645), enterocele (n = 116) or rectal intussusception (n = 41) and 10 owing to missing data, leaving 665. Mean age was 53 years (16-89), mean body mass index (BMI) 27.3 kg/m2 (15.7-64.4). OD symptoms were reported by 368 (55.3%) patients. On imaging, a reduction in hiatal AP diameter on Valsalva was seen in 11.7% cases (78 out of 665) with a mean reduction of 3.5 mm (0.2-17). A mean reduction in hiatal area of 1.9cm2 (0.03-14.8) on Valsalva was seen in 9.8% cases (65 out of 665). These sonographic measures of levator co-activation were not associated with OD symptoms or bother caused by them (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Levator co-activation seen on TLUS is not associated with obstructed defecation.

Is vaginal flatus related to pelvic floor functional anatomy?

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Vaginal flatus is an embarrassing condition that can impair women's quality of life. The underlying pathophysiology is unclear. We aimed to evaluate the association between vaginal flatus and pelvic floor anatomy. METHODS: Retrospective observational study on women seen in a tertiary urogynaecological service. All had undergone a standardised interview, clinical examination and four-dimensional transperineal ultrasound. Offline analysis of volume data was performed blinded against clinical data. RESULTS: Datasets of 570 women were analysed. Five hundred twelve (90%) were vaginally parous. Vaginal flatus was reported by 190 (33%). Mean bother score was 4.2 (SD 3.4, range 0-10). One hundred eighty-five reported frequency of vaginal flatus: it occurred < once a month in 25 (14%), once a month in 70 (38%), once a week in 47 (25%), once daily in 28 (15%) and > once daily in 15 (8%). One hundred two women identified the following precipitating factors: intercourse in 72 (71%), postural change in 22 (22%) and physical activities in 9 (9%). Vaginal birth, central and posterior compartment prolapse, anal incontinence, higher levator resting tone and younger age were associated with vaginal flatus. The latter was moderately correlated with symptom bother (correlation coefficient - 0.21). CONCLUSIONS: Vaginal flatus is a prevalent and bothersome condition affecting one-third of our study population. The condition is associated with pelvic floor functional anatomy. A higher resting tone may confer a higher resistance against which trapped air is expelled during physical activities. Younger age was moderately correlated with symptom bother.

'Elimination signals' in healthy, NON toilet trained children aged 0-4 years: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: An early start of toilet training, which is related to a younger age of acquiring full bladder control, can generate important health advantages. Children display different 'elimination signals' related to voiding or defaecation. The aim of this systematic review is to map these 'elimination signals' in young, healthy children aged 0-4 years. METHOD: The systematic literature search was performed in two databases and was conducted using the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA statement). RESULTS: Two main distinctions in elimination signals were made. The first could be classified as visual, auditory and tactile, most frequently involving a change in facial expression, often combined with body movements and verbal expressions such as a short cry or grunting. Secondly significant changes in heart rate, respiratory frequency or EEG frequency could be defined as 'clinically assessed elimination signals'. CONCLUSION: Different 'elimination signals' could be detected in healthy children while voiding or defaecating and should be observed when initiating toilet training. Detection of noticeable visual, auditory and tactile signals will facilitate and shorten this process.

Observing postprandial bowel movements in diaper-dependent toddlers.

The gastrocolic reflex is a response of the colon to the presence of food in the stomach. Our goal was to observe bowel movements in healthy infants and toddlers not yet toilet trained, in response to a meal. Stool behavior of 40 toddlers, aged 18-27 months, was monitored. We observed a bowel movement within the first hour after a meal in 75% of the children. This occurred 15, 30 or 60 minutes after a meal in, respectively, 25%, 48% and 66% of the observations. If we limit to the ones that actually defecated, 37% would defecate within 15 minutes and 72% within half an hour. Fifty-nine percent of all children defecated in the morning, 54% at noon and 28% in the evening. In conclusion, we believe the gastrocolic reflex can be used as a facilitating factor to help a child to defecate on the potty, 15-30 minutes after a meal. In 50% of the cases, a child will have a bowel movement on the potty and learn to defecate on it much easier.

Parents' views on toilet training: a cross-sectional study in Flanders.

AIMS: The goals of this research were to investigate parents' perceptions of toilet training and their beliefs and views on how to toilet train children. METHODS: Questionnaires were provided to parents of healthy children, aged 18-72 months, who were or had just finished toilet training. There were 928 questionnaires returned (38% response rate). After correcting for age compliance with the range stated in the study, 832 parents remained. RESULTS: The data confirm a postponement of the age at which children start to potty train and the age at which they are toilet training. Fifty per cent (n=401) of the parents start because the child will soon be attending nursery school and only 27% (n=226) start toilet training because their child shows certain readiness signs. The latter group will significantly end toilet training sooner. Constipation is common and varies considerably in its severity, the complaint should not be ignored. No significant relationship between toilet training and the general family situation - parental status, working status or educational level - was found, suggesting that these factors do not have a significant impact. CONCLUSION: Proper education of parents in toilet training and readiness signs could reduce the uncertainties that exist. In that way, toilet training could be carried out more efficiently and at the right time for the child.

Common errors made in attempt to contract the pelvic floor muscles in women early after delivery: A prospective observational study.

OBJECTIVES: The ability to perform a correct pelvic floor muscle contraction (PFMC) is necessary to start pelvic floor muscle training after delivery. COMMOV are "c"ontractions of "o"ther "m"uscles (m. rectus abdominus, the gluteal muscles, and the adductors), and other "mov"ements (pelvic tilt, breath holding, and straining) performed in addition to or instead of the PFMC. COMMOV are probably the most common errors in attempt to contract the pelvic floor muscles during the first days after delivery. The aims of this study were to observe the prevalence of COMMOV, to investigate whether COMMOV influence the ability to perform a PFMC, and whether verbal instructions are effective to unlearn the COMMOV postpartum. STUDY DESIGN: A Prospective Observational Study was performed in women during the first through sixth day postpartum. PFMC and COMMOV were evaluated with visual observation. Women who did not show correct isolated PFMC received verbal instructions and were re-evaluated. Interobserver variability and agreement were calculated. Chi-square, Kappa, Risk Ratio, and McNemar were used. RESULTS: A total of 382 women participated, 2.36 (±1.2) days postpartum. Twohundred sixteen, 57%, CI (52-62%), showed COMMOV. The chance to perform a correct PFMC was 2.65 times higher without COMMOV (p=0.0001). Verbal feedback was effective (57% reduced to 3%) to abandon COMMOV during PFMC. CONCLUSION: COMMOV are common errors performed during attempts to contract the pelvic floor muscles after delivery. They can reduce the ability to contract the pelvic floor muscles, but can easily been unlearned with visual observation and verbal feedback.

Vaginal wind: A literature review.

OBJECTIVE: In the medical literature, there is little known about vaginal wind, though from clinical expertise, it turns out to be a consistent and underreported problem. The aim of this review was to collect the available literature about the different aspects of vaginal wind. STUDY DESIGN: A systematic literature search was conducted using three databases until December 2015. The search strategy was built using relevant synonyms of vaginal wind. Study characteristics were extracted. Risk of bias, the quality of the relevant studies and the level of evidence was judged. RESULTS: Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria. Vaginal wind occurs on random movements and during or after coitus. The prevalence ranges from one to 69%. The pathophysiology is unclear and the incidence unknown. Known risk factors are vaginal delivery and urinary incontinence. Provoking factors are coitus, digital stimulation, cunnilingus and exercising. Female sexual function is decreased. The sexual function of male partners with vaginal wind is not influenced. Overall vaginal wind leads to a decrease in the quality of live and can have cause social isolation. The treatment is related to the cause and mainly not successful. Tampons can be used for treatment as well as prevention. CONCLUSION: Vaginal wind is an underestimated health issue with a severe impact on sexual functioning. Adequate research is needed regarding the influence of sexual activity, weight, age, parity, the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms, prevention and treatment.

Does pelvic floor muscle contraction early after delivery cause perineal pain in postpartum women?

OBJECTIVE: Pelvic floor muscle training is effective and necessary in the prevention and treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction during pregnancy and after childbirth. But because of the high prevalence of perineal pain observed in women after childbirth, many women and caregivers fear to start pelvic floor muscle training immediately after childbirth. However, it is unknown whether pelvic floor muscle contractions (PFMC) provoke perineal pain in women shortly after childbirth. Therefore, the main objective is to study whether PFMC performed immediately after childbirth is painful or not. STUDY DESIGN: Observational longitudinal study. Perineal pain was assessed (1-6 days and 9 weeks postpartum) using a visual analogue scale (VAS 0-10) during PFMC and during several activities of daily living (ADL), during micturition and defecation. Descriptive statistics, Wilcoxon and McNemar tests were used. RESULTS: A total of 233 women participated (148 primiparous and 85 multiparous). Immediately postpartum the prevalence and intensity of pain during ADL (73%; VAS 4.9 (±2.3)), micturition (47%; VAS 3.4 (±1.7)) and defecation (19%; VAS 3.6 (±2.2)) were significantly higher (all p<0.000) than during PFMC (8%; VAS 2.2 (±0.9)). At 9 weeks postpartum, 30% experienced perineal pain during sexual intercourse (VAS 4.6 +/- 2.3) and 18% during defecation (VAS 4.7 +/- 2.3), but none during PFMC. CONCLUSION: Perineal pain is highly prevalent immediately after childbirth during ADL, micturition and defecation, but not during PFMC (only 8%). In case perineal pain occurs during PFMC, the intensity of pain is low (VAS 2). These results show that fear of perineal pain should not discourage women to start pelvic floor muscle training shortly after childbirth.

Knowledge of the pelvic floor in menopausal women and in peripartum women.

[Purpose] Pelvic floor dysfunction is an important health-care issue, with pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause as the most important risk factors. Insufficient knowledge about pelvic floor dysfunction is the largest barrier to seeking care. The aim of this study was to investigate the level of knowledge and information on pelvic floor dysfunction in peripartum and menopausal women. [Subjects and Methods] The present study was a cross-sectional survey. A valid and reliable questionnaire of 48 items was distributed to 402 women who were pregnant or had recently given birth and to 165 postmenopausal women. All answers were analyzed and interpreted. The study was approved by an ethics committee (B300201318334). [Results] On a VAS scale of 0 to 10, the mean ratings of the peripartum and postmenopausal women concerning their knowledge were 4.38 (SD 2.71) and 4.92 (SD 2.72). Peripartum women held significantly more pessimistic perceptions about the occurrence of postpartum pelvic floor dysfunction. The results showed that 75% of the peripartum women and 68% of the postmenopausal women felt insufficiently informed or want to get better informed. [Conclusion] The results reveal sparse knowledge about the pelvic floor among women of all ages and that a major proportion of them would be interested in more information. Amelioration of common knowledge could improve help-seeking behavior in women.

Knowledge of the pelvic floor in nulliparous women.

[Purpose] Proper pelvic floor function is important to avoid serious dysfunctions including incontinence, prolapse, and sexual problems. The current study evaluated the knowledge of young nulliparous women about their pelvic floor and identified what additional information they wanted. [Subjects and Methods] In this cross-sectional survey, a validated, 36 item questionnaire was distributed to 212 nulliparous women. The questionnaire addressed demography, pelvic floor muscles, pelvic floor dysfunction, and possible information sources. Descriptive statistics were generated for all variables. Stability and validity testing were performed using Kappa statistics and intra class correlation coefficients to define agreement for each question. The study was approved by the ethics Committee (B300201318334). [Results] Using a VAS scale (0 to 10), the women rated their knowledge about the pelvic floor as a mean of 2.4 (SD 2.01). A total of 93% of the women were insufficiently informed and requested more information; 25% had concerns about developing urinary incontinence, and 14% about fecal incontinence. Many of the women were unaware what pelvic floor training meant. [Conclusion] There was a significant lack of knowledge about pelvic floor function among nulliparous women. The majority of nulliparous women expressed a need for education, which might offer a way to reduce dysfunction.

History taking by physiotherapists with low back pain patients: are illness perceptions addressed properly?

PURPOSE: Despite the increasing evidence that illness perceptions should be addressed in patients, there is a lack of studies evaluating whether physiotherapists question illness perceptions. This study, using a mixed-methods design, investigates the integration of illness perceptions during the first consultation of physiotherapists treating patients with low back pain (LBP). METHODS: Thirty-four physiotherapists performed usual history taking in a patient with non-specific LBP. The interview was audiotaped and illness perceptions were indexed using an observational instrument, based on the domains of Leventhal's Common Sense Model. Patients were also asked to fill in the Illness Perception Questionnaire-Revised for LBP. RESULTS: Physiotherapists assessed the illness identity, also perceptions regarding the (physical) cause and controllability of LBP were evaluated. Illness perceptions, such as timeline, consequences, coherence and emotional representation, were poorly assessed. Results of the questionnaire reveal that LBP-patients report overuse, workload and bad posture as primary cause. Patients held positive beliefs about the controllability and have high illness coherence. CONCLUSION: Belgian physiotherapists mainly question bio-medically oriented illness perceptions, e.g. physical symptoms and causes, but do not sufficiently address psychosocially oriented illness perceptions as recommended in LBP guidelines. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: Belgian physiotherapists mainly question biomedical oriented illness perceptions (illness identity, provoking factors and treatment control) in patients with low back pain (LBP) during the history taking (i.e. the first consultation). From a bio-psycho-social view psychosocially oriented illness perceptions should be incorporated in the daily routine of physiotherapist's to comply with the bio-psycho-social treatment guidelines for LBP. Continuing education is mandatory in order to improve physiotherapists' knowledge regarding the use of all dimensions of illness perceptions in the assessment of patients with LBP.

Physical therapists should integrate illness perceptions in their assessment in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain; a qualitative analysis.

In the past decade, scientific evidence has shown that the biomedical model falls short in the treatment of patients with musculoskeletal pain. To understand musculoskeletal pain and a patient's health behavior and beliefs, physical therapists should assess the illness perceptions of their patients. In this quantitative study, we audiotaped the assessments of 19 primary care physical therapists on 27 patients and analyzed if and how illness perceptions were assessed. The Common Sense Model was used as the theoretical framework. We conclude that some of the domains of the Common Sense Model were frequently asked for (identity, causes and consequences), while others (timeline, treatment control, coherence, emotional representation) were used less frequently or seldom mentioned. The overall impression was that the assessments of the physical therapists were still bio-medically oriented in these patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain.