Sonography as a Diagnostic Tool in Midurethral Sling Complications: A Narrative Review.

Despite the established safety and efficacy of midurethral slings (MUS), which are the current gold standard treatment for stress urinary incontinence (SUI), the potential for postoperative complications remains a significant concern for both healthcare professionals and patients. Meanwhile, sonography has emerged as a significant diagnostic tool in urogynecology, and one of the applications of this imaging modality may be the evaluation of complications arising from MUS procedures. This review, based on a comprehensive literature search, focuses on the use of pelvic floor ultrasound (US) in the context of MUS complications. It includes analyses of randomized controlled trials, prospective, and retrospective studies, covering preoperative and postoperative investigations, to assess complications such as persistent and recurrent SUI, urinary retention and obstructive voiding, de novo urgency/overactive bladder, vaginal exposure, sling erosion, pain, and hematoma. The review critically examines the existing literature, with a particular focus on recent publications. Despite the variability in findings, it appears that for each of the discussed complications, the application of pelvic floor US can significantly support the diagnostic and therapeutic process. The paper also identifies potential future directions for the development of US applications in diagnosing MUS complications.

The Influence of Successful Treatment of Stress Urinary Incontinence and Pelvic Organ Prolapse on Depression, Anxiety, and Insomnia-A Prospective Intervention Impact Assessment Study.

Introduction: The association between pelvic floor disorders (PFDs) and psychiatric conditions is an area of emerging interest. The causal direction of this relationship, however, remains ambiguous; it is unclear whether PFDs directly contribute to the deterioration of mental health or if pre-existing psychiatric conditions such as depression exacerbate the symptoms of PFDs. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of successful surgical treatment for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) on symptoms of depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Materials and Methods: This investigation focused on patients who underwent successful surgical interventions for SUI and POP. Both subjective and objective symptoms of PFDs, along with psychiatric status, were assessed before and after the surgical procedures. Results: This study found that successful surgical treatment of SUI and POP led to a significant reduction in anxiety scores. Additionally, in patients with SUI, successful treatment was objectively associated with a decrease in the severity of insomnia. Alleviation of symptoms associated with the lower urinary tract, prolapse, and colorectal-anal region following POP surgery was correlated with improvements in depression and anxiety but not insomnia. Subjectively assessed improvements in SUI subjective symptoms were linked to reductions in the severity of depression, anxiety, and insomnia in patients who underwent anti-incontinence surgery. Conclusions: These findings suggest a potential cause-and-effect relationship between PFDs and certain psychiatric disorders, highlighting the importance of successful treatment of PFDs in mitigating symptoms of depression, anxiety, and insomnia.

Sexual function in women with pelvic organ prolapse and surgery influence on their complaints.

Sexual health is an essential component of women's wellbeing. Women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) often suffer from sexual dysfunction. The current review focuses on the impact of POP as well as surgical POP repair on sexual function. A variety of techniques are discussed in relation to this issue, including native tissue repair (NTR), transvaginal mesh (TVM) and sacrocolpopexy (SCP). The majority of studies utilise validated questionnaires to assess sexual function in women pre- and post-POP repair and FSFI (Female Sexual Function Index) and PISQ-IR (Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire-IUGA revised) are among the most commonly used. According to the available data, surgical management of POP usually results in improved or unchanged scores in sexual function, regardless of the type of procedure used. SCP appears to be the preferred surgical management for women with apical vaginal prolapse that minimises the risk of dyspareunia as compared to vaginal techniques.

Expression of Fucosyltransferase 4 (FUT4) mRNA Is Increased in Endometrium from Women with Endometriosis.

Endometriosis is a common gynecological disorder defined as the presence of endometrial-like tissue (glands and stroma) outside the uterus. The etiopathogenesis of endometriosis is still poorly recognized. It is speculated that stage-specific embryonic antigen 1 (SSEA-1)-positive stem-like glandular epithelial cells may contribute to the development of the disease. The synthesis of SSEA-1 is mediated by fucosyltransferase 4 encoded by the FUT4 gene. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the specific expression of FUT4 mRNA in biopsies of the endometrium from women with and without endometriosis. FUT4 mRNA levels were examined in 49 women with laparoscopically confirmed endometriosis and 28 controls by means of quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The expression of FUT4 mRNA was significantly increased in the endometrium of patients with endometriosis when compared to the controls (p < 0.0001). Expression of FUT4 mRNA in the endometrium was correlated with the severity of endometriosis (rs = 0.5579, p < 0.0001); however, there were no differences in endometrial FUT4 mRNA expression when comparing endometriotic lesions from various locations. The discriminatory ability of FUT4 mRNA expression was evaluated by receiver-operating characteristics (ROC), which showed high statistical significance (AUC = 0.90, p < 0.0001), thus indicating that an increased level of endometrial FUT4 mRNA may serve as a specific marker for endometriosis.

Endometriotic Peritoneal Fluid Stimulates Recruitment of CD4+CD25highFOXP3+ Treg Cells.

Endometriosis is a common gynecological disorder characterized by the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus. The disease is associated with disturbed local and systemic immunity. It has been reported that the proportion of CD4+CD25highFOXP3+ Treg cells may be significantly increased in the peritoneal fluid of patients with endometriosis. Therefore, the aim of our study was to investigate whether the proportions of Treg cells in the peritoneal cavity of patients with endometriosis are related to the chemotactic and stimulatory activity of the local peritoneal milieu. The peritoneal fluid was collected from 13 women with ovarian endometriosis and 12 control women without the disease. T cell populations were analyzed by flow cytometry, cytokines and chemokines were evaluated using the cytometric bead kit, and cell chemotaxis was studied by cell migration assay. We confirmed that the proportions of Treg cells are increased in the peritoneal fluid of women with endometriosis as compared to the control women. Endometriosis was also associated with elevated concentrations of IL-6, IL-10, and TGF-ß1/2 as well as CCL20, CXCL8, CXCL9, and CXCL10. We did not reveal any changes in the proportion of peritoneal Th17 cells and concentrations of IL-17A. Peritoneal Treg cells positively correlated with concentrations of TGF-ß, IL-10, and CCL20. Endometriotic peritoneal fluid stimulated chemotaxis of both CD4+ and Treg cells. This chemotactic activity positively correlated with concentrations of CCL20. CCL20 stimulated the migration of Treg cells, and the chemotactic activity of the endometriotic peritoneal fluid was inhibited by neutralizing anti-CCL20 antibodies. These results imply that increased proportions of the peritoneal Treg cells in women with endometriosis may result from attraction and activation by local chemokines and cytokines, especially CCL20 and TGF-ß. Since Treg cells contribute to the immunopathogenesis of endometriosis, their chemotaxis and activation may be considered as a target for therapeutic intervention.

Peritoneal Fluid from Patients with Ovarian Endometriosis Displays Immunosuppressive Potential and Stimulates Th2 Response.

Endometriosis is a common gynaecological disorder characterized by the ectopic growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity. It is associated with chronic pelvic inflammation and autoimmune reactivity manifesting by autoantibody production and abrogated cellular immune responses. Endometriotic peritoneal fluid contains various infiltrating leucocyte populations and a bulk of proinflammatory and immunoregulatory cytokines. However, the nature and significance of the peritoneal milieu in women with endometriosis still remains obscure. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the immunoregulatory activity of the peritoneal fluid (PF) from women with endometriosis. The peritoneal fluid samples were collected during laparoscopic surgery from 30 women with and without endometriosis. Immunoregulatory cytokines (IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A, IFN-γ and TNF) and chemokines (CCL2, CCL5, CXCL8 and CXCL9) were evaluated in PF and culture supernatants generated by unstimulated and CD3/CD28/IL-2-stimulated CD4+ T cells cultured in the presence of PF. The effect of PF on the generation of Treg and Th17 cells in CD4+ T cell cultures, as well as the natural cytotoxic activity of peripheral blood mononuclear cells, was also investigated. Concentrations of IL-6, IL-10, CCL2, CXCL8 and CXCL9 were significantly upregulated in the PF from women with endometriosis when compared to control women, whereas concentrations of other cytokines and chemokines were unaffected. The culturing of unstimulated and CD3/CD28/IL-2-stimulated CD4+ T cells in the presence of endometriotic PF resulted in the downregulation of their IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-17A and TNF production as compared to culture medium alone. On the other side, endometriotic PF significantly stimulated the production of IL-4 and IL-10. Endometriotic PF also stimulated the release of CCL2 and CXCL8, whereas the production of CCL5 and CXCL9 was downregulated. Endometriotic PF stimulated the generation of Treg cells and had an inhibitory effect on the generation of Th17 cells in cultures of CD4+ T cells. It also inhibited the NK cell cytotoxic activity of the peripheral blood lymphocytes. These results strongly imply that the PF from patients with endometriosis has immunoregulatory/immunosuppressive activity and shifts the Th1/Th2 cytokine balance toward the Th2 response, which may account for deviation of local and systemic immune responses. However, a similar trend, albeit not a statistically significant one, was also observed in case of PF from women without endometriosis, thus suggesting that peritoneal milieu may in general display some immunoregulatory/immunosuppressive properties. It should be stressed, however, that our present observations were made on a relatively small number of PF samples and further studies are needed to reveal possible mechanism(s) responsible for this phenomenon.

Epidemiological Features of the Bladder Neck Rest Position and Mobility.

The data concerning epidemiological determinants of the bladder neck (BN) mobility are scarce. The aim of the study was to determine epidemiological features and identify factors influencing BN position at rest and BN mobility in patients without pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Seven hundred and ninety-six patients that attended two outpatient clinics were enrolled in the study. Position and mobility of the BN were measured with the use of pelvic floor ultrasound. Demographic and functional factors that were hypothesized to influence BN mobility were assessed. Vaginal deliveries (VDs) and age ≥65 were associated with lower BN position at rest. Higher BN mobility was observed in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). In obese women, higher BN position and lower BN mobility was observed compared to non-obese women, and it was correlated with longer urethras in this group of patients. VDs and their number were associated with increased BN mobility, independently of body mass index (BMI). To conclude, obesity, VDs, and age are factors associated with changes in bladder neck position at rest and its mobility. Higher BMI correlates with restricted BN mobility, and, therefore, the incidence of SUI in obese patients is probably not connected to BN hypermobility.

Impact of Midurethral Sling Implantation on Sexual Function in Women with Stress Urinary Incontinence.

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) negatively influences sexual functions. However, the available data on sexual activity of patients who underwent midurethral sling (MUS) implantation are inconsistent. Our aim was to evaluate the impact of MUS implantation on sexual functions of women with SUI. We enrolled 171 patients undergoing the MUS procedure. Preoperative examination included the cough test, 1 h pad test and the Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire, IUGA Revised (PISQ-IR). All patients had the retropubic sling implanted. Follow-up visits were performed 6-12 months after surgery. Objective cure rate was obtained in 90.98% of patients. Coital incontinence was reported by 56% of women before the surgery, and 8.6% afterwards. Among women who gained continence, significant improvement in sexual function was observed in the majority of the domains. In women who were not objectively cured (9.02%), we did not observe improvement in sexual life. All these patients indicated fear of leaking urine during sexual activity as the main cause of avoiding sex, similarly as before operation. To conclude, successful treatment of SUI with MUS significantly improves the quality of sexual life. On the other hand, persistent incontinence appears to be the most probable cause of lack of improvement in the quality of sexual life.

Does Previous Pelvic Organ Prolapse Surgery Influence the Effectiveness of the Sub-Urethral Sling Procedure?

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) often co-occurs with stress urinary incontinence. There is no consensus on whether prolapse repair and anti-incontinence surgery should be performed concomitantly or separately, in a two-step manner. The present study evaluated the effects of the tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) procedure in patients who had previously undergone pelvic floor repair (study group), compared to women who underwent TVT insertion only (control group). The study group comprised 84 patients who underwent the TVT procedure but had previously also undergone surgical POP repair. The control group consisted of 250 women in whom the TVT was inserted. The primary objective was to compare the objective cure rate and the secondary objective was to compare the subjective cure rate in both groups. Negative pad test was achieved in over 91% in both groups. Objective and subjective cure rates were compared, as well as complication rates. Significant improvement was observed in the postoperative 1-h pad test in all patients. In all patients, we observed significant improvement in the quality of life, with no differences between the groups. No differences were found in the occurrence of postoperative urinary retention, urgency and frequency of daytime micturition, or vaginal erosion between the groups. The current results demonstrate that the two-step approach to pelvic reconstruction and anti-incontinence surgery is as safe and effective as primary TVT implantation.

Oxidative stress markers in saliva and plasma differ between diet-controlled and insulin-controlled gestational diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of the study were as follows: to investigate possible differences between plasma oxidative status (OS) in late-onset GDM and well-characterized healthy pregnant women (oral health, diet); to verify the existence of possible differences between GDMG1 (diet-treated) and GDMG2 (insulin-treated GDM); to determine whether oxidative stress markers could be detected in saliva. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 89 pregnant women (n = 89; 59 with GDM and 30 controls) were evaluated. Malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (ORAC), inactivation of aldehyde dehydrogenase (IALDH), activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione transferase (GST)) in plasma and/or saliva were analyzed. RESULTS: The activity of GPx and GST in plasma was higher in GDMG2 as compared to GDMG1 and controls. Also, in GDMG2, elevated concentrations of salivary MDA and higher IALDH were observed. In contrast, GDMG1 had higher plasma ORAC and lower GPx activity as compared to controls, probably due to low-energy diet, high in antioxidants and fibers. Salivary and plasma OS were correlated and most significant for ORAC. CONCLUSION: Oxidative stress were not observed in GDMG1 but were confirmed to be moderate in GDMG2. However, large variability of the analyzed markers in GDM groups encourages screening of all patients, regardless of the treatment option. Saliva may be considered useful for the estimation of oxidative stress levels in GDM populations.

Demographic risk factors for mid-urethral sling failure. Do they really matter?

Age, obesity and vaginal deliveries (VD) are recognized risk factors for stress urinary incontinence (SUI). According to many authors, the abovementioned risk factors for incontinence also increase the risk of mid-urethral sling (MUS) failure. Our aim was to evaluate the objective and subjective effectiveness of retropubic MUS in 12 months observation, relative to the three potential risk factors of failure: obesity, age and VDs. A prospective observational study including 238 women who underwent retropubic MUS implantation was performed. Patients were divided into subgroups: obese vs non-obese, <65 vs ≥65 years old and no history of VD vs ≥1 VD. Follow-up took place between 6 and 12 months post-surgery. Cough test, 1-hour pad test, pelvic floor ultrasound examination, and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire 7 (IIQ-7) results were assessed pre- and post-operatively. Of the 238 patients, 208 (86.3%) completed a minimum follow-up period of 12 months. Significant improvement in the pad test was observed in all patients (83.2 ± 78.6 g vs 0.7 ± 3.3 g). Negative cough test results were obtained in over 94% of patients. Significant improvement in the IIQ7 results was observed in all patients (74.2 ± 17.7 vs 5.5 ± 13.4). No significant differences in all the analyzed parameters with regard to BMI, age and parity were observed. No combination of risk factors influenced the objective and subjective cure rates. Our study demonstrated that older age, obesity and history of VDs have no impact on objective and subjective sling effectiveness in a short term observation. There is no influence of combined demographic features on the failure risk.

Demographic features of female urethra length.

AIMS: To determine cohort urethral length, identify epidemiological factors influencing the parameter and to establish the percentage of cases with clinically relevant outsized urethras. METHODS: Prospective cohort study conducted in two tertiary clinical centers between 2013 and 2017. Nine hundred and twenty seven consecutive adult, Caucasian females attending outpatients' clinics were included. The urethral length has been measured in pelvic floor ultrasound examination. The exclusion criteria were inadequate bladder filling (<200 mL; >400 mL), previous history of pelvic floor surgery, and no consent. RESULTS: Urethral length varied from 19 to 45 mm. The distribution of the examined parameter was normal. Obese patients had significantly longer urethras as compared to non-obese subjects. Number of vaginal deliveries was connected with shorter urethral length. The limitations of the study are: analysis only of Caucasian patients and subjects without previous pelvic floor surgeries. CONCLUSIONS: Differences in urethral length in the female population were demonstrated. Thirty percent of patients have atypical urethras that may be a risk factor for sling surgery failure. We therefore postulate introduction of urethral measurement before the procedure.

Is Bariatric Surgery a Prophylaxis for Pelvic Floor Disorders?

INTRODUCTION: Obesity is one of the well-documented risk factors of pelvic floor disorders (PFDs). The PFDs include urinary and fecal incontinence (UI, FI) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Surgery-induced weight loss improves different kinds of incontinence as well as POP symptoms. However, there is a lack of evidence how bariatric surgery influences pelvic floor anatomy and function in women without previous PFDs and whether it may be concerned as PFD prophylaxis tool. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present analysis is a prospective, non-randomized case-control study from January 2014 to September 2017. Participants underwent pelvic floor ultrasound examination with bladder neck position estimation at rest, during levator ani tension, and at Valsalva maneuver before surgery and 12-18 months after. Pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POPQ) > 2 stage and PFD complaints were the exclusion criteria. RESULTS: Fifty-nine patients underwent bariatric surgery (57 sleeve gastrectomy and 2 gastric bypass). Mean BMI decreased from 43.8 ± 5.9 to 29 ± 4.6 kg/m2 after surgery (p < 0.001). Statistically significant higher position of the bladder neck at rest, during tension, and at Valsalva maneuver (p < 0.05) was shown after surgery. We did not demonstrate differences in bladder neck mobility and bladder neck elevation at tension after weight loss. CONCLUSIONS: Bariatric surgery is associated with a betterment of bladder neck position at rest, tension, and Valsalva maneuver in women without PFDs. We postulate that bariatric surgery may be a tool for PFD prevention. It does not improve levator ani function and does not limit bladder neck mobility, which implicates that it has no influence on preexisting pelvic dysfunction.

Recurrent miscarriage is associated with increased ghrelin mRNA expression in the endometrium- a case-control study.

Ghrelin has been found to be expressed in the human endometrium. Emerging evidence links ghrelin and its receptor with the reproductive system. Certain associations between ghrelin and angiogenesis have also been established. The aim of this small case-control study was to quantify and compare the expression of mRNA encoding ghrelin, ghrelin receptor (GHS-R), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF A) and its receptors (VEGFR1-3) in the endometrium of women with recurrent miscarriage compared to parous controls. Correlations between the expression of particular genes were also investigated. Endometrial samples were obtained during the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle from 15 women with a history of recurrent miscarriage (first trimester pregnancy loss without a known cause) and 10 healthy parous controls. Ghrelin, GHS-R, VEGF A and VEGFR1-3 mRNA expression was analyzed by quantitative RT-PCR. The expression of mRNA for ghrelin and VEGF A was significantly higher in the study group than the control group. In the control group, the expression of ghrelin mRNA was positively correlated with the expression of VEGF A and VEGFR1 mRNA. In the study group, no such associations were observed. These results show that the expression of mRNA for ghrelin and VEGF A may be increased in the endometrium of women with recurrent miscarriage thus suggesting that ghrelin may play a role in the pathogenesis of recurrent miscarriage.

Does the suburethral sling change its location?

OBJECTIVES: To ascertain whether a phenomenon of sling migration exists after suburethral sling placement, whether this might be responsible for suboptimal sling location and persistent incontinence, and whether a link exists between sling dislocation or migration and risk factors, such as obesity or age. METHODS: The present prospective cohort study was carried out in a group of 244 patients who underwent retropubic sling implantation. Sling location was determined by means of pelvic floor ultrasound, and calculated relative to the individual patient's urethral length measured before the procedure. The sling location was visualized on 1 day, and 1 and 6 months post-surgery. Overweight/obese and elderly patients were analyzed separately to assess the possible influence of those factors on sling location. RESULTS: The mean urethral length in the studied cohort was 28.76 ± 3.67 mm. The mean tape position 1 day post-surgery was 66.18 ± 8.43% of the urethral length, and it did not change 1 and 6 months post-surgery in the whole group. Similar results were obtained in elderly and overweight/obese patients. CONCLUSIONS: Suboptimal sling location appears to result from incorrect surgical technique, and should be diagnosed and treated early after the primary surgery. Sling location does not change after mid-term follow up.

Are complications of stress urinary incontinence surgery procedures associated with the position of the sling?

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether the sling position is associated with particular types of complications in patients undergoing suburethral sling placement for stress urinary incontinence. METHODS: Data from 100 women diagnosed at the Evangelical Hospital Hagen-Haspe with complications after suburethral sling insertion were analyzed. All patients underwent pelvic floor ultrasound to assess: urethral length, sling location in relation to the urethral length (%) and the sling distance to the longitudinal smooth muscle complex of the urethra (the sling-longitudinal smooth muscle distance). RESULTS: The shortest median sling-longitudinal smooth muscle distance was observed in patients with recurrent urinary tract infections, urinary retention and overactive bladder: 0.9, 1.1 and 1.75 mm, respectively (P < 0.05). In women with persistent stress urinary incontinence and sling erosion, the sling-longitudinal smooth muscle distance was 3.6 and 4.6 mm, respectively (P < 0.05). Persistent stress urinary incontinence was connected with the position of the sling in relation to the bladder neck - in these patients, the sling was closer to the bladder neck. CONCLUSIONS: Sling location plays a pivotal role in the occurrence of certain complications. The sling position in the proximal part of the urethra or between the middle and proximal urethra appears to be connected with a high rate of unsuccessful stress urinary incontinence treatment. A sling-longitudinal smooth muscle distance below 2 mm is often connected with sling complications, such as overactive bladder, urinary retention and recurrent urinary tract infections.

Vaginal excision of the sub-urethral sling: analysis of indications, safety and outcome.

INTRODUCTION: Sling techniques are the method of choice in stress urinary incontinence management, despite the high rates of complications leading sometimes to the necessity of re-operation, and the tape transection and resection are of the greatest importance. The study was aimed at analyzing the indications, technique and effects of transvaginal tape excision. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study including 100 patients who underwent surgical removal of the sub-urethral sling in Evangelisches Krankenhaus Hagen-Haspe was conducted. The analyzed measures were: sling type, onset of symptoms, rates of particular complications, safety and outcome of the operative procedure. RESULTS: Most complications occurred in the first 2 years after surgery. The most common indications for re-operation were: overactive bladder (OAB) (64%), persistent stress urinary incontinence (SUI) (59%), pain (40%), urinary retention (40%), and erosion (29%). Some of the complications co-existed (i.e. vaginal erosion with postoperative pain, infections with urinary retention). During the procedure 1 bladder was injured and 1 patient had a hematoma. In women with OAB, 24-hour frequency decreased from 13.3 to 8.5 (p < 0.001), the mean voiding volume increased from 131.7 to 216.4 ml (p < 0.001), and nocturia increased from 3.28 to 1.19 (p < 0.001). Intensity of urgency decreased from 8.78 to 0.92 in the 10-point visual score (p < 0.001). Pain and urinary retention resolved in 39 out of 40 patients (p < 0.0001). The rate of SUI increased from 59% to 83% (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Sling removal is safe and associated with a minimal rate of complications. Removing the tape causes resolution of most of the complications, but SUI recurs or worsens.

Quality of life assessment in women after cervicosacropexy with polypropylene mesh for pelvic organ prolapse: a preliminary study.

AIM OF THE STUDY: Aim of the study was to assess the changes in the subjective perception of quality of life in patients who underwent abdominal cervicosacropexy for pelvic organ prolapse. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty patients with diagnosed pelvic organ prolapse (Pelvic Organ Prolapse - Quantification [POPQ] stage IV or IIIC) underwent abdominal supracervical hysterectomy and cervicosacropexy. The questionnaire concerning the quality of life was filled in before and 6 months after the surgery. RESULTS: In all patients, an accurate prolapse correction was achieved. In 42% of patients, stress urinary incontinence (SUI) was diagnosed prior to surgery, while after the surgery in 38.24% (p > 0.05). In 50% of women, symptoms of overactive bladder (OAB) occurred pre-surgery. These symptoms were reported by 17.65% of patients postoperatively (p < 0.05). Urinary retention was observed in 32.36% before and in 2.5% after the surgery (p < 0.05). The average score of the quality of sexual life was 5.75 (SD 2.52, 95% CI: 4.41-7.1) before and increased to 7.93 (SD 1.77, 95% CI: 6.9-8.95) after the procedure (p < 0.05). The mean score of the overall quality of life in relation to POP before and after the procedure was 2.77 (SD 2.39, 95% CI: 1.87-8.64) and 9.03 (SD 1.08, 95% CI: 8.66-9.43), respectively (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These results show a highly significant improvement of the quality of life in patients who underwent abdominal cervicosacropexy for POP. The change in quality of their sexual life, reduced OAB and urinary retention rates, as well as improvement of the esthetic self-perception may have contributed to this positive effect.

Assessment of patient acceptability of medical treatment in case of non-viable first trimester pregnancy.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to assess patient acceptability and satisfaction with medical treatment (vaginal misoprostol) of non-viable first trimester pregnancy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 64 women, treated with vaginal misoprostol for non-viable first trimester pregnancy between October 2012 and December 2012 at the First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Medical University of Warsaw, were included in this questionnaire-based study. Questions pertaining to advantages and disadvantages of misoprostol treatment as compared to potential surgical intervention were used. The respondents also determined whether they would choose medical treatment if they were to decide again. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used to assess pain and bleeding intensity. RESULTS: Medical treatment was successful in 57 and surgical treatment was needed in 7 women. Average pain and bleeding intensity were 5.8 and 5.3, respectively. The most common side effects included diarrhea (27%), dizziness (22.2%), nausea (15.9%), and chills (15.6%). The most important advantages of misoprostol therapy were avoidance of the risk of uterine perforation (96.4%) and formation of intrauterine adhesions (74.6%), whereas the most significant disadvantages were prolonged bleeding (21.4%), pain (21.4%), and longer treatment duration (42.9%). Overall, 95.6% of the patients with successful treatment outcome declared they would choose this procedure if they were to decide again, as compared to 85.6% of women with treatment failure (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Medical treatment with vaginal misoprostol is acceptable and well-tolerated by the vast majority of women with non-viable first trimester pregnancy. Satisfaction is expressed by both, respondents with successful as well as unsuccessful treatment outcome.

Complications of sub-urethral sling procedures.

Approximately one-third of the female population has been estimated to suffer from stress urinary incontinence. Surgical management of this disorder has been an area of ongoing innovation since the beginning of the 20th century. Better understanding of the underlying patomechanisms resulted in the invention of suburethral sling, that proved to be very effective in terms of the cure rates. The introduction of sling techniques also caused a considerable reduction of the rates of intra- and postoperative complications of incontinence treatment. Unfortunately modern anti-incontinence surgery continues to be associated with a high risk of both, perioperative morbidity and long-term adverse outcomes, even with the recently introduced single-incision techniques. The article focuses on intra- and postoperative complications of sling techniques in anti-incontinence surgery. Both, common and rare adverse outcomes are widely discussed.