An assessment of the relationship between urethral hypermobility as measured by ultrasound and the symptoms of stress urinary incontinence in primiparous women 9-18 months postpartum.

Aim: The aim of the study was to estimate the relationship between bladder neck hypermobility as assessed by ultrasound and the occurrence of stress urinary incontinence as measured with the UDI-6 questionnaire in primiparous women 9-18 months postpartum. Materials and methods: The study included 100 women 9-18 months after their first delivery, 19% of whom (study group) presented with urethral hypermobility. Ultrasound was used to determine the position and mobility of the bladder neck in order to assess the urethral hypermobility. A vector of ≥15 mm was defined as urethral hypermobility. Symptoms of stress urinary incontinence were assessed using question 3 of the UDI-6 questionnaire, in which the presence of symptoms was defined as a response rated from 1 to 4. Results: We demonstrated a statistically significant relationship between urethral hypermobility and the symptoms of stress urinary incontinence with a statistical significance level of p <0.002. Conclusions: Stress urinary incontinence is a common disorder in women, the pathophysiology of which is not fully understood. It has adverse effects on the quality of life, perception of one's own body and sexual function. Impairment of urethral fixation may play an important role in the pathophysiology of this common form of urinary incontinence. The study showed that urethral hypermobility, as assessed by ultrasound, contributes to stress urinary incontinence, as measured with the UDI-6 score. Although stress urinary incontinence is a multifactorial disorder influenced by anatomical changes and congenital anatomical features, it is easily diagnosed. Suburethral slings are an effective surgical technique; however, the incidence of postoperative voiding dysfunction or recurrent stress urinary incontinence is 10-20%. Therefore, an assessment of anatomical changes in stress urinary incontinence may help individualize the surgical strategy.

The Urogynecology Section of the Polish Society of Gynecologists and Obstetricians Guideline for the diagnostic assessment of stress urinary incontinence in women.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the Urogynecology Section of the Polish Society of Gynecologists and Obstetricians (PSGO) was to develop an updated Guideline for the diagnostic assessment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Earlier PSGO guidelines and the literature about the diagnostic assessment of SUI, including current international guidelines, were reviewed. RESULTS: As in the earlier guidelines, the diagnostic process was subdivided into the initial and the specialized diagnostics. Patients who required specialized diagnostic testing were identified. Functional diagnostic tests, performed by physiotherapists, were included. Attention was paid to new diagnostic possibilities. CONCLUSIONS: Initial diagnostic assessment is sufficient to devise the optimal treatment plan in a number of patients. It also allows to identify which patients will require specialized diagnostics, whose scope is individually tailored to the patient needs and depends on symptom complexity, surgical history, treatment plan, experience of the physician, availability of the equipment, and cost-effectiveness ratio.

Urogynecology Section of the Polish Society of Gynecologists and Obstetricians Guidelines on the management of recurrent pelvic organ prolapse.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the publication was to present the Guideline of the Urogynecology Section of the Polish Society of Gynecologists and Obstetricians (PSGO) for the management of recurrent pelvic organ prolapse, based on the available literature, expert knowledge and opinion, as well as everyday practice. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 2005, 2006 and 2010, the panel of PSGO experts published guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). This publication presents an update of those recommendations and concerns recurrent POP treatment. MAIN CONCLUSION: The analysis of data revealed that sacrocolpopexy with the use of commercial sets or polypropylene hernia mesh is the method of choice for the surgical repair of recurrent vaginal vault prolapse. However, a significantly higher risk of surgical and postoperative complications after sacrocolpopexy, as compared to vaginal surgeries, should be considered when making treatment decisions. In other types of recurrent POP, the choice of surgery method should be tailored to the individual needs of each patient and may depend on the medical center.

Urogynecology Section of the Polish Society of Gynecologists and Obstetricians guidelines on the management of stress urinary incontinence in women.

OBJECTIVES: The aim was to present an interdisciplinary Guideline of the Urogynecology Section of the Polish Society of Gynecologists and Obstetricians (PSGO) for the management of stress urinary incontinence (SUI). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A review of the literature, including current international guidelines and earlier recommendations of the PSGO Urogynecology Section, about the treatment of SUI was conducted. RESULTS: Management of SUI is presented. Four lines of therapy were identified: line 1 - the so-called 'conservative treatment', which should always be attempted, regardless of SUI symptom severity; line 2 - surgical intervention; lines 3 and 4 - reoperations after unsuccessful surgeries from line 2. The literature reports which provided supporting evidence for this Guideline, including the practical aspects, were discussed. CONCLUSIONS: A systematic review of the guidelines and an analysis of SUI management were conducted. The need for an individualized approach was emphasized.

The Urogynecology Section of the Polish Society of Gynecologists and Obstetricians Guideline on the use of urodynamic testing in gynecological practice.

OBJECTIVES: The aim was to present an interdisciplinary Guideline of the Urogynecology Section of the Polish Society of Gynecologists and Obstetricians (PSGO) for the use of urodynamics (UDS) in the diagnostic process of patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) based on the available literature, expert knowledge, and everyday practice. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A review of the literature concerning the use of UDS in women, including current international guidelines and earlier recommendations of the PSGO Urogynecology Section, was conducted. RESULTS: Urodynamic testing allows to make the urodynamic diagnosis which, nevertheless, remains to be the preliminary diagnosis. Medical history, physical examination, and detailed analysis of the previous test results (laboratory, imaging, endoscopic) need to be taken into consideration before making the final diagnosis. Urodynamic testing before surgical treatment of SUI is allowable, but the decision remains at the discretion of the physician. Urodynamic testing is not necessary before primary surgical treatment of uncomplicated SUI, but it has been demonstrated to optimize the therapeutic methods in complicated SUI. The significance of UDS in the diagnostic process of patients with overactive bladder symptoms, voiding dysfunction, and bladder outlet obstruction was discussed. CONCLUSIONS: Urodynamic testing is a vital element of the urogynecological diagnostic process. The scope of UDS should reflect the individual needs and symptoms of each patient and be based on the current guidelines, expert knowledge and experience of the physician, indications, and eligibility, as well as additional test results of the affected patients. Due to formal and legal requirements, PSGO, in this Guideline, wishes to emphasize the need for an individualized approach to both, test performance and result interpretation.

The Urogynecology Section of the Polish Society of Gynecologists and Obstetricians guidelines on the management of non-neurogenic overactive bladder syndrome in women.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the publication was to present the interdisciplinary guidelines of the Urogynecology Section of the Polish Society of Gynecologists and Obstetricians (PSGO) for the treatment of overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome based on the available literature, expert knowledge, and everyday practice. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A review of the literature, including current recommendations for the treatment of overactive bladder syndrome, urinary incontinence, urgency and mixed urinary incontinence, as well as the earlier recommendations of the PSGO Urogynecology Section, was conducted. RESULTS: Management of the patients with OAB is presented. Four lines of therapy were identified: 1) educating the patient, behavioral therapy with pelvic floor muscle training, 2) pharmacotherapy, 3) botulinum toxin injection and tibial nerve stimulation; and sacral nerve stimulation even though so far it has been used only in selected populations, 4) surgical intervention. The literature reports which provided supporting evidence and presented various aspects of the therapy were discussed. OAB pharmacotherapy-related issues which are vital in everyday clinical practice were presented. CONCLUSIONS: A systematic review of the available guidelines and an analysis of OAB (including urgency urinary incontinence) management were conducted. The Polish Society of Gynecologists and Obstetricians issued the guidelines for the therapeutic management of OAB patients. The need for an individualized approach was emphasized.

The role of TVT position in relation to the pubic symphysis in eliminating the symptoms of stress urinary incontinence and urethral funneling.

The introduction of suburethral sling was a breakthrough in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence in women. The method is highly effective. However, the mechanism of action of a sling and the reasons for surgical failures are not fully understood. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the impact of sling-pubic symphysis distance on eliminating the symptoms of stress urinary incontinence and urethral funneling. Materials and methods: The analysis included 106 patients who reported 3 to 6 months after sling placement for a follow-up visit encompassing clinical examination and standard ultrasonography. We evaluated the position of sling in relation to the pubic symphysis, urethral length, as well as urethral funneling length and width. Results: Cure criteria were met by 91 patients. Elimination of urethral funneling was achieved in 76.9% (n = 70) of cured patients. Urethral funneling was still present, yet shorter by a mean of 10.2 mm (p = 0.02) than before surgery in the remaining cured patients. There was a 32.5% reduction in the mean relative length of urethral funneling (p = 0.002). No significant differences were found in the pre- and postoperative funneling width. The tape-pubic symphysis distance was lower in cured women: 23.2 mm vs. 26.1 mm in failed women (p = 0.04). Similar observations were made for cured patients with persistent urethral funneling vs. failed patients (22.47 mm vs. 26.0 mm, p = 0.027). There were no differences between cured patients without urethral funneling and cured patients with persistent postoperative funneling (23.5 mm; 22.5 mm; p = 0.417). Conclusions: Tape position in relation to the pubic symphysis is important for the elimination of stress urinary incontinence. Sling location closer to the pubic symphysis reduces the length of urethral funneling, but has no effects on its width in cured patients with persistent postoperative funneling.

Cesarean scar pregnancy - a new challenge for obstetricians.

Diagnosis and treatment of ectopic cesarean scar pregnancy has become a challenge for contemporary obstetrics. With an increase in the number of pregnancies concluded with a cesarean section and with the development of transvaginal ultrasonography, the frequency of cesarean scar pregnancy diagnoses has increased as well. The aim of the study is to evaluate various diagnostic methods (ultrasonography in particular) and analyze effective treatment methods for cesarean scar pregnancy. An ultrasound scan, Doppler examination and magnetic resonance imaging are all useful in early detection of asymptomatic cesarean scar pregnancy, thus enabling effective treatment and preservation of fertility. Dilatation and curettage is not recommended as it carries significant risk of bleeding and very high risk of hysterectomy and fertility loss. Systemic methotrexate treatment should not be applied on the routine basis due to its low efficacy, high risk of fertility loss and adverse effects. Local methotrexate therapy (under ultrasound or hysteroscopy guidance) should be considered a perfect management method as it offers fertility preservation in asymptomatic pregnant patients without concomitant hemodynamic disorders. Synchronous usage of several treatment methods is an effective way to manage cesarean scar pregnancy. The combination of local methotrexate with simultaneous aspiration of gestational tissues under ultrasound or hysteroscopy guidance seems optimal. Subsequently, the remaining gestational tissues can be removed hysteroscopically in combination with vascular coagulation at the implantation site. In more advanced cases, local methotrexate treatment should be considered followed by laparoscopic or laparotomic wedge resection with subsequent surgical correction of the cesarean section scar.

Urethral funneling visualized during pelvic floor sonography - analysis of occurrence among urogynecological patients.

OBJECTIVES: There are different diagnostic methods used in women with urinary incontinence symptoms such as: medical history, voiding diary, cough test, pad test, urodynamic testing. None of them is optimal. The aim of this study is to analyze the correlation between urethral funneling visualized during pelvic floor sonography and symptoms of stress urinary incontinence. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We have performed a retrospective analysis of 657 complete datasets of patients who attended our urogynecological clinic for diagnostics. Women with wet overactive bladder were excluded from the analysis. Tests used in our clinic included: standardized interview and questionnaire, clinical exam, cough test. Pelvic floor sonography with a transvaginal probe in women with filled bladder was performed to assess the urethral length and the urethral funneling during maximal Valsalva maneuver. RESULTS: In all patients with clinical SUI symptoms and with a positive cough test the urethral funneling length during Valsalva maneuver was > 50% of urethral length (long urethral funneling). In 83.7% of women without SUI the urethral funneling was absent. In the remaining 16.3% funneling was visible but its relative length was less than 50% of urethral length and urine flow was not observed (short urethral funneling). CONCLUSIONS: Long urethral funneling (> 50% of urethral length) seems to be a characteristic sign for SUI in women. The presence of urethral funneling shorter than 50% of urethral length (short urethral funneling) is not a SUI symptom - it is probably a sign of asymptomatic funneling of bladder neck.

Novel biomarkers of overactive bladder syndrome.

The social aspect of overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) and the lack of objective diagnostic methods for this syndrome have spurred research into its potential biomarkers which can constitute useful diagnostic tools, while also allowing the evaluation of the intensity of clinical symptoms and the efficacy of implemented pharmacotherapy in OAB patients. Due to the complex etiopathogenesis of this syndrome, the researchers are seeking biomarkers connected with inflammation or nerve growth. The aim of this review was to analyse the latest literature data regarding potential biomarkers in OAB. The most promising opportunities are connected with the diagnostic use of the nerve growth factor (NGF), the brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), C-reactive protein (CRP), prostaglandins and cytokines. Despite the most promising results to date having been obtained with regards to neurotrophic factors, it seems that, at the moment, none of these meets the criteria for becoming an isolated OAB marker. It is also suggested that the combined use of several biomarkers will facilitate obtaining the appropriate level of specificity and selectivity to allow their use in clinical practice.

Perspectives for the pharmacological treatment of overactive bladder syndrome.

It has been found that antimuscarinic drugs, viewed as the "gold standard" in overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) treatment, have an unsatisfactory tolerance profile and limited clinical effectiveness. This fact has given a clear impetus to search for new options in OAB pharmacotherapy. The conducted pre-clinical trials have led to the development of new solutions for the treatment of OAB, which stand a good chance of being applied in clinical practice. The said compounds are characterised by higher receptor and organ specificity than currently used medications.

Repeatability and reproducibility of measurements of the suburethral tape location obtained in pelvic floor ultrasound performed with a transvaginal probe.

INTRODUCTION: Implants used to treat patients with urogynecological conditions are well visible in US examination. The position of the suburethral tape (sling) is determined in relation to the urethra or the pubic symphysis. AIM OF THE STUDY: The study was aimed at assessing the accuracy of measurements determining suburethral tape location obtained in pelvic US examination performed with a transvaginal probe. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The analysis covered the results of sonographic measurements obtained according to a standardized technique in women referred for urogynecological diagnostics. Data from a total of 68 patients were used to analyse the repeatability and reproducibility of results obtained on the same day. RESULTS: The intraclass correlation coefficient for the repeatability and reproducibility of the sonographic measurements of suburethral tape location obtained with a transvaginal probe ranged from 0.6665 to 0.9911. The analysis of the measurements confirmed their consistency to be excellent or good. CONCLUSIONS: Excellent and good repeatability and reproducibility of the measurements of the suburethral tape location obtained in a pelvic ultrasound performed with a transvaginal probe confirm the test's validity and usefulness for clinical and academic purposes.

Adjustable single incision sling Ajust - the effects of first operations controlled by pelvic floor sonography.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate using PFS-TV the mid-term results of our first operative experience with implanting a single incision sling - Ajust™. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One and the same surgeon has operated all the patients with symptoms of stress urinary incontinence. Ajust was the only performed procedure. Postoperative evaluation consisted of: a standardized interview and examination, a cough test and a PFS-TV for evaluation of urinary continence and tape location. PFS-TV was performed under standardized conditions at rest and during maximum Valsalva maneuver. RESULTS: This is a retrospective analysis of data from a total of 31 patients who attended a control visit between the 36th and the 50th month following the operation. Sixteen patients (51.6%) were cured. There were statistically significant differences in urethral mobility (p < 0.0007) and tape-urethra distance (p < 0.002) between cured and not-cured group. The difference in urethral length was not statistically significant. 77.8% of women with a hypermobile urethra was cured in contrast to 15.4% with a normobile urethra. Neither of the groups had a hypomobile urethra patient. There were no significant complications intra- or post-operatively. De novo urgency was observed in 1 patient only. CONCLUSIONS: Implantation of Ajust tape seems to be a safe mode of operative treatment for SUI in women. Our mid-term results suggest that long term effects might be worse compared to retropubic or transobturator tapes, especially at first operative experience with Ajust. Urethral mobility seems to be an important risk factor for treatment failure after Ajust implantation. It seems that patients that may benefit from Ajust most are women with urethral hypomobility but this needs to be verified with a prospective study.

The analysis of repeatability and reproducibility of bladder neck mobility measurements obtained during pelvic floor sonography performed introitally with 2D transvaginal probe.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was the evaluation of repeatability and reproducibility of chosen urethral neck mobility measurements obtained during introital pelvic floor sonography performed with a 2D transvaginal probe. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In order to assess the repeatability and reproducibility, independent measurements on the ultra-sound image were taken by two specialists on 92 female patients at rest and at strain (Valsalva maneuver). 2D ultrasound examination was performed introitally with a transvaginal probe (PFS-TV). The location of the urethral internal orifice was defined with coordinates of two points. Point CI marks the urethral anterior edge visualized on ultrasound as closer to the pubic symphysis. Point CII marks the posterior edge visualized more peripherally from pubic symphysis. RESULTS: Repeatability and reproducibility measurements of point CI location and mobility were good and very good (0.6710-0.9961), while of point CII - were medium, good and very good (0.5738-0.9944). Point CI was clearly visible in all cases. It was not possible to accurately mark point CII in 4.3-17.4% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: The possibility to visualize point CI in every single case with very good and good repeatability and reproduc-ibility of measurements of this point's location and mobility allows the usage of CI point as a universal reference point for evaluation of bladder neck mobility and position during PFS-TV in the clinical practice and for research purposes.

Transvaginal six-arm mesh OPUR in women with apical pelvic organ prolapse - analysis of short-term results, pelvic floor ultrasound evaluation.

OBJECTIVES: Analysis of feasibility, efficacy and short-term results after six-arm transvaginal mesh OPUR implantation in women with apical prolapse. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The same surgeon operated all of 39 women using mesh OPUR. Preoperatively patients had a standardized interview and clinical examination. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were analyzed. Postoperative evaluation included standardized interview, clinical examination and standardized pelvic floor ultrasound performed with 2D transvaginal probe and 4D abdominal probe. RESULTS: There was no complication that needed operative intervention. Hematomas in 3 patients resolved spontaneously. Transient voiding difficulties which lasted less than 7 days were observed in 5 patients. No erosion was observed. Comparison of pre- and postoperative results in 34 women revealed that in all 3 compartments improvement in POP-Q scale was statistically significant (p < 0.0000). One patient with malposition and rolled up mesh needed re-operation. During PFS-TV in 94.1% of patients urethra was normobile or hypermobile. In all of the patients urethral end of the mesh was positioned far enough from the middle part of the urethra (ultrasound) to implant suburethral sling without risk of collision. Sexually active women did not inform of any important discomfort or pain during intercourse. CONCLUSIONS: It seems that six-arm OPUR mesh, if implanted under strict surgical rules, gives low risk of complications and high chance to successfully reduce POP symptoms in short term after the operation. It seems that OPUR mesh should not have negative influence on the results after anti-incontinence suburethral sling.

Role of intrinsic sphincter deficiency with and without urethral hypomobility on the outcome of tape insertion.

AIMS: Intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD) is a known risk factor for therapy failure after tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) insertion. The purpose of this study was to investigate if the severity of ISD alone or other factors such as urethral mobility and tape localization influence outcomes. METHODS: One hundred and nine women with urodynamically determined ISD, a TVT insertion, and a 6-month follow-up visit were included. Urethral length, mobility, and tape localization were evaluated by pelvic floor sonography. Patients were classified into three urethral mobility groups (hypomobile, normomobile, hypermobile). Surgical outcome was assessed by a combination of objective and subjective criteria. RESULTS: Therapeutic success rate after TVT insertion was 81.6%. The severity of ISD did not associate with therapy failure. But urethral mobility (P < 0.0001), relative tape position (P = 0.0003), and tape-urethra distance (P < 0.0001) differed between cured and not cured patient groups. Patients with a relative tape position toward 1/2 of urethral length had a higher cure rate. Significantly different cure rates (P = 0.0003) were found for hypomobile (67%), normomobile (76%), and hypermobile (100%) urethras. For ISD patients with a hypomobile urethra, highest cure rates were obtained for tape-urethra distances between 2.5 and 3.5 mm. CONCLUSIONS: The reduced cure rate for ISD patients was due to the subgroup with a hypomobile urethra. A prospective study is needed to confirm that slightly shorter tape-urethra distances and a relative tape position more toward the mid-urethra will lead to better outcomes for this patient group.

The effectiveness of a pre-pubic four-arm NAZCA-TC mesh in treating cystocele and stress urinary incontinence simultaneously - results controlled with a pelvic floor ultrasound. A preliminary study.

OBJECTIVES: It is controversial whether pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence (SUI) should be treated simultaneously with a single surgery or separately with two procedures. The pre-pubic four-arm NAZCA-TC® mesh was invented to treat cystocele and SUI with a single procedure. The objective of this study is to analyze short-term results after the implantation of NAZCA-TC mesh. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 18 women underwent the evaluation of results of mesh implantation within a 24 to 36 months follow-up. Pre-operatively, patients were examined under standardized conditions. Postoperatively we analyzed the following: standardized interview and examination as well as pelvic floor ultrasound: 2D with a transvaginal probe and 4D with an abdominal probe. RESULTS: There was one case of intraoperative bladder damage noticed and repaired followed with NAZCA implantation. In 2 cases vaginal erosion was found that healed successfully after re-operation. In 3 cases hematomas were observed but resolved spontaneously. After the surgery there was a statistically significant improvement of prolapse in anterior (p < 0.0003) and in central (p < 0.001) compartment. Six women (33.3%) had no stress urinary incontinence symptoms during the control visit but we did not find a statistically significant improvement in SUI symptoms after the procedure. We recorded no case of hypomobile urethra after the surgery. The mesh covered > 50% of the urethral length in all of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: Mid-term results showed that implantation of NAZCA TC mesh allows to achieve statistically significant im-provement in reducing cystocele coexisting with enterocele in over 65% of patients. A complete cure from stress urinary incontinence was confirmed in 1/3 of patients. NAZCA-TC covered more than 50% of the urethral length, which can possibly have a negative influence on the effectiveness of the suburethral tape.

Urethral length measurement in women during sonographic urethrocystography - an analysis of repeatability and reproducibility.

UNLABELLED: There has been a rise in the use of sonographic urethrocystography in patients with a full bladder. So far, no publications have been made on the analysis of repeatability and reproducibility of the measurements performed during this procedure. AIM: An assessment of repeatability and reproducibility of urethral length measurements during sonographic urethrocystography in females with a full bladder in the introital approach, using real-time two-dimensional transvaginal ultrasound. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The ultrasound was performed in accordance with a standardized technique in female patients with a full bladder containing 200-300 mL of liquid. A total of 92 patients were included in the analysis. RESULTS: The Intraclass Correlation Coefficient for repeatability and reproducibility of urethral length measurements in sonographic urethrocystography ranged between 0.9217 and 0.9873 (p = 0.0000). The analysis of ultrasound urethral length measurements taken by two different physicians at an interval of several months confirmed their very high compatibility (ICC = 0.81, p = 0.000). CONCLUSIONS: Very good repeatability and reproducibility of urethral length findings during sonographic urethrocystography performed in accordance with the presented technique support the possible use of this type of examination in both clinical practice and research.

Can we predict urinary stress incontinence by using demographic, clinical, imaging and urodynamic data?

OBJECTIVE: It has been claimed that urethral hypermobility and resting urethral pressure can largely explain stress incontinence in women. In this study we tried to replicate these findings in an unselected cohort of women seen for urodynamic testing, including as many potential confounders as possible. STUDY DESIGN: This study is a retrospective analysis of data obtained from 341 women. They attended for urodynamic testing due to symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction. We excluded from the analysis women with a history of previous anti-incontinence and prolapse surgery. All patients had a standardised clinical assessment, 4D transperineal pelvic floor ultrasound and multichannel urodynamic testing. Urodynamic stress incontinence (USI) was diagnosed by multichannel urodynamic testing. Its severity was subjectively graded as mild, moderate and severe. Candidate variables were: age, BMI, symptoms of prolapse, vaginal parity, significant prolapse (compartment-specific), levator avulsion, levator hiatal area, Oxford grading, midurethral mobility, maximum urethral pressure (MUP), maximum cough pressure and maximum Valsalva pressure reached. RESULTS: On binary logistic regression, the following parameters were statistically significant in predicting urodynamic stress incontinence: age (P=0.03), significant rectocele (P=0.02), max. abdominal pressure reached (negatively, P<0.0001), midurethral mobility (P=0.0004) and MUP (negatively, P<0.0001). On multivariate analysis, accounting for multiple interdependencies, the following predictors remained significant: max. abdominal pressure reached (negatively, P<0.0001), cough pressure (P=0.006), midurethral mobility (P=0.003) and MUP (negatively, P<0.0001), giving an R(2) of 0.24. CONCLUSIONS: Mid-urethral mobility and MUP are the main predictors of USI. Demographic and clinical data are at best weak predictors. Our results suggest the presence of major unrecognised confounders.

Standardized modified colposuspension--mid-term results of prospective studies in one centre.

INTRODUCTION: Burch colposuspension is still estimated as a 'gold standard' by the Cochrane Collaboration Group in the treatment of operative stress urinary incontinence (SUI) Some urogynecologists agree with this statement, some argue that Burch colposuspension should no longer be used. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate mid-term effects and patient's satisfaction with standardized modified colposuspension performed in one centre. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Modified colposuspension was performed after standardization by 2 trained gynaecologists in 354 women. Data collected from 227 women were added to the final analysis of mid-term results. Average time from the operation to mid-term visit was 19 months (range 9-36 months). RESULTS: At mid-term visit, 86.3% of patients were cured. There was no case of post-void urine residual over 100 ml. Pain near the operated region was reported by 1 woman from agricultural region. No one reported negative impact of modified colposuspension on sexual activity or dyspareunia. CONCLUSIONS: Modified colposuspension according to the E. Petri technique seems to be an operation that is safe and well-tolerated by women with preoperative stress urinary incontinence and paravaginal defect without urodynamic signs of ISD in mid-term observation.