Education in Female Sexual Function and Dysfunction among American Urogynecologic Society Members: An Unmet Need.

OBJECTIVES: Sexual function is an important component of women's health that has not been traditionally emphasized during medical training, suggesting that further education is needed to provide comprehensive patient care. The purpose of this study was to describe education and interest in female sexual function among urogynecology providers. METHODS: Conducted in 2020, this was a cross-sectional survey of American Urogynecologic Society members assessing educational and clinical experience with female sexual function. RESULTS: Of 642 members who opened the survey, 123 (19%) completed it. Most of the respondents were fellowship trained (70%), and 74% reported ≥10% of their patients had sexual function questions or concerns unrelated to prolapse or incontinence. Most (71%) of the members strongly agreed/agreed that they were comfortable evaluating and managing these patients. This was more common in providers who saw more patients (≥25%) with sexual function concerns (83%) compared with those who saw <25% (65%; P = 0.04). Most of the respondents reported receiving ≤1 lecture on normal sexual function (82%) or sexual dysfunction (85%) during medical training. Most (67%) would expand their practice if they received additional education. The most requested topics were disorders of desire (72%), orgasm (71%), and arousal (67%). The most common reasons for not expanding practice even with additional education were female sexual function not being of significant interest (30%) and time and interruption of practice flow (28%). CONCLUSIONS: Most of the respondents felt comfortable caring for patients with sexual function concerns, but reported that they would expand their practice with additional education. The majority reported having received ≤1 female sexual function/dysfunction lecture during their medical training. This highlights a critical need and desire for more female sexual function education among the urogynecologic provider population.

Cross-Sectional Study of Resident-Reported Surgical Experience in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery.

IMPORTANCE: Comprehensive surgical training is an essential component of obstetrics and gynecology residency, yet subspecialty experience may be declining. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to describe trends in reported obstetrics and gynecology resident experience in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery (FPMRS). STUDY DESIGN: This study was a retrospective analysis of national case log reports from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) for obstetrics and gynecology residents. RESULTS: From 2013 through 2019, ACGME collected data from a median of 241 programs (range, 239-242) with a median of 1,259 residents (range, 1,213-1,286) reporting annually. There was a 26% decrease in resident-reported experience with incontinence and pelvic floor procedures from 74 ± 38 in 2013 to 55 ± 34 in 2019 ( P < 0.001). Cystoscopy increased by 19% from 43 ± 25 in 2013 to 51 ± 29 in 2019 ( P < 0.001). From 2014 to 2019, vaginal hysterectomy cases decreased by 12% ( P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: There was a significant decrease in resident-reported FPMRS surgical experience from 2013 to 2019, while cystoscopy numbers increased. After laparoscopic and vaginal hysterectomies were unbundled in 2013, resident vaginal hysterectomy cases decreased from 2014 to 2019. Given that the ACGME Incontinence and Pelvic Floor designation comprises a wide range of procedures, future investigation is needed to elucidate the gaps in FPMRS-specific surgical training during residency and its implication in comprehensive resident surgical training.

Recommended standardized anatomic terminology of the posterior female pelvis and vulva based on a structured medical literature review.

BACKGROUND: Anatomic terminology in both written and verbal forms has been shown to be inaccurate and imprecise. OBJECTIVE: Here, we aimed to (1) review published anatomic terminology as it relates to the posterior female pelvis, posterior vagina, and vulva; (2) compare these terms to "Terminologia Anatomica," the internationally standardized terminology; and (3) compile standardized anatomic terms for improved communication and understanding. STUDY DESIGN: From inception of the study to April 6, 2018, MEDLINE database was used to search for 40 terms relevant to the posterior female pelvis and vulvar anatomy. Furthermore, 11 investigators reviewed identified abstracts and selected those reporting on posterior female pelvic and vulvar anatomy for full-text review. In addition, 11 textbook chapters were included in the study. Definitions of all pertinent anatomic terms were extracted for review. RESULTS: Overall, 486 anatomic terms were identified describing the vulva and posterior female pelvic anatomy, including the posterior vagina. "Terminologia Anatomica" has previously accepted 186 of these terms. Based on this literature review, we proposed the adoption of 11 new standardized anatomic terms, including 6 regional terms (anal sphincter complex, anorectum, genital-crural fold, interlabial sulcus, posterior vaginal compartment, and sacrospinous-coccygeus complex), 4 structural terms (greater vestibular duct, anal cushions, nerve to the levator ani, and labial fat pad), and 1 anatomic space (deep postanal space). In addition, the currently accepted term rectovaginal fascia or septum was identified as controversial and requires further research and definition before continued acceptance or rejection in medical communication. CONCLUSION: This study highlighted the variability in the anatomic nomenclature used in describing the posterior female pelvis and vulva. Therefore, we recommended the use of standardized terminology to improve communication and education across medical and anatomic disciplines.

Standardized terminology of apical structures in the female pelvis based on a structured medical literature review.

The objectives of this study were to review the published literature and selected textbooks, to compare existing usage to that in Terminologia Anatomica, and to compile standardized anatomic nomenclature for the apical structures of the female pelvis. MEDLINE was searched from inception until May 30, 2017, based on 33 search terms generated by group consensus. Resulting abstracts were screened by 11 reviewers to identify pertinent studies reporting on apical female pelvic anatomy. Following additional focused screening for rarer terms and selective representative random sampling of the literature for common terms, accepted full-text manuscripts and relevant textbook chapters were extracted for anatomic terms related to apical structures. From an initial total of 55,448 abstracts, 193 eligible studies were identified for extraction, to which 14 chapters from 9 textbooks were added. In all, 293 separate structural terms were identified, of which 184 had Terminologia Anatomica-accepted terms. Inclusion of several widely used regional terms (vaginal apex, adnexa, cervico-vaginal junction, uretero-vesical junction, and apical segment), structural terms (vesicouterine ligament, paracolpium, mesoteres, mesoureter, ovarian venous plexus, and artery to the round ligament) and spaces (vesicocervical, vesicovaginal, presacral, and pararectal) not included in Terminologia Anatomica is proposed. Furthermore, 2 controversial terms (lower uterine segment and supravaginal septum) were identified that require additional research to support or refute continued use in medical communication. This study confirms and identifies inconsistencies and gaps in the nomenclature of apical structures of the female pelvis. Standardized terminology should be used when describing apical female pelvic structures to facilitate communication and to promote consistency among multiple academic, clinical, and surgical disciplines.

Surgical Anatomy of Vaginal Hysterectomy-Impact of a Resident-Constructed Simulation Model.

OBJECTIVES: Obstetrics and gynecology residents are less prepared to perform vaginal hysterectomy (VH), despite its advantages over other hysterectomy routes. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and Council on Resident Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology have prioritized simulation training in VH. Our objective was to improve residents' understanding of surgical anatomy of VH using a resident-constructed, low-cost, low-fidelity model. METHODS: A single simulation session was held in November 2016. Residents constructed a pelvic model, guided by 2 surgeons. A pretest and a posttest were administered. Experienced-based responses were tabulated for frequencies and contents. Improvement on knowledge-based questions was assessed using McNemar's test. RESULTS: Of 20 residents, 16 completed the pretest and 14 (70%) completed pretests and posttests. One hundred percent of postgraduate year (PGY)-4 had performed greater than 10 VH (11-21) and 75% of PGY-3 had performed 5 to 12 VH. Although 75% of PGY-3 and 100% of PGY-4 felt comfortable performing VH, baseline knowledge of essential surgical anatomy of VH was low (65.8%). The PGY-3 and -4 group (n=8) experienced a mean improvement of 24.4% (mean pretest score 65.8% vs mean posttest score 90%; 95% confidence interval, +14.1% to +33.3%, P=0.0005). The PGY-1 and -2 groups (n=6) experienced a mean improvement of 43.3% (mean pretest score, 41.7% vs mean posttest score, 85%; 95% confidence interval, +26.7% to +59.2%, P=0.001). After the session, all residents reported improved understanding surgical anatomy of VH and "more hands-on sessions" was the most frequently requested teaching aid. CONCLUSIONS: Residents desire additional model-based simulation training in VH, and such structured, model-based simulations can identify and address gaps in resident knowledge of surgical anatomy of this important operation.

Symptom Relief and Retreatment After Vaginal, Open, or Robotic Surgery for Apical Vaginal Prolapse.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this work was to determine the degree of symptom relief and survival free of retreatment after Mayo-McCall culdoplasty (MMC), open abdominal sacrocolpopexy (ASC), and robotic sacrocolpopexy (RSC) for posthysterectomy vaginal vault prolapse. METHODS: We retrospectively studied patients who had undergone surgery for posthysterectomy apical vaginal prolapse from January 1, 2000, through June 30, 2012, at our institution. Baseline characteristics and perioperative outcomes were abstracted from electronic health records. Cross-sectional data for current pelvic floor symptoms were collected by using validated questionnaires. Survival free of retreatment was estimated with the Kaplan-Meier method. To account for selection bias, adjusted analyses using inverse probability weighting (IPW) were performed to compare outcomes for MMC versus ASC, MMC versus RSC, and ASC versus RSC. RESULTS: Of 512 patients, 337 completed at least a validated or abbreviated questionnaire. Among MMC, ASC, and RSC groups, overall Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory 20, Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire Short Form 7, and Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Function Questionnaire 12 summary scores were not significantly different. There was no significant difference in 5-year survival free of retreatment for MMC (94.0%) versus RSC (95.5%) and ASC (94.8%) versus RSC (92.1%). However, patients who had MMC were more likely to have retreatment than patients who had ASC during the first 10 years (10-year survival free of retreatment: 81.1% vs 95.4%; hazard ratio, 3.68 [95% confidence interval, 1.51-8.98]); the 10-year data were not available for RSC comparisons, given the later initiation of RSC. CONCLUSIONS: Symptom relief was comparable after MMC, ASC, and RSC. Among all groups, most patients were free of retreatment for prolapse at 5 years. Between the MMC and ASC groups, survival free of retreatment (%) within 10 years was still favorable, but ASC had greater durability, particularly after accounting for selection bias.

Outcomes of Robotic Sacrocolpopexy Using Only Absorbable Suture for Mesh Fixation.

OBJECTIVE: The optimal suture selection for mesh attachment during robotic sacrocolpopexy (RSC) is currently unknown. Here, we sought to evaluate the outcomes of RSC using absorbable sutures for vaginal and sacral mesh attachment. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 132 RSC surgeries that were performed for vaginal vault prolapse in the Division of Gynecologic Surgery at our institution from February 2007 to December 2013. All cases were performed with absorbable suture (polyglactin) for vaginal and sacral mesh fixation. Sacrocolpopexy failure was defined as patients undergoing either repeat prolapse surgery or pessary use for recurrent prolapse. The durability of RSC was assessed via Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: The median age at surgery was 61.1 years (interquartile range [IQR], 55.6-68.2) and the median length of postoperative follow-up was 33 months (IQR, 15.7-57). The median body mass index was 26.5 kg/m (IQR, 24.3-29.7). During follow-up, 10 patients underwent prolapse retreatment. There were 2 apical recurrences, 4 distal anterior recurrences, 2 posterior recurrences, and, in 2 cases, the location was unknown. One apical recurrence was confirmed to be secondary to detachment of the mesh from the sacral promontory. Among those with recurrence, the median time to recurrence was 15.5 months (IQR, 4.22-35.9). Overall, the 1-year and 3-year freedom from repeat surgery rates were 96% and 93%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: With a median follow-up of 33 months, the use of absorbable suture for both vaginal and sacral attachments during RSC is effective. Further studies evaluating suture selection and mesh attachment techniques for RSC are needed.

Perioperative Complications and Cost of Vaginal, Open Abdominal, and Robotic Surgery for Apical Vaginal Vault Prolapse.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the rate of perioperative complications and cost associated with Mayo-McCall culdoplasty (MMC), open abdominal sacrocolpopexy (ASC), and robotic sacrocolpopexy (RSC) for posthysterectomy vaginal vault prolapse. METHODS: We retrospectively searched for the records of patients undergoing posthysterectomy apical vaginal prolapse surgery (MMC, ASC, or RSC) between January 1, 2000, and June 30, 2012, at our institution. For all patients identified, perioperative complications, length of hospital stay, and inpatient costs to patients were abstracted from the medical records and compared by procedure. Inverse-probability-of-procedure weighting using propensity scores was used to obtain less-biased comparisons of outcomes between procedures. RESULTS: A total of 512 patients met the inclusion criteria (174 MMC, 237 ASC, and 101 RSC). Using inverse-probability weighting, the MMC group had a significantly lower intraoperative complication rate (3.3% vs 11.6% for ASC, 3.4% vs 24.1% for RSC), median operative time (94 vs 217 min for ASC, 100 vs 228 min for RSC), and median cost (US $8,776 vs $12,695 for ASC, US $8,773 vs $13,107 for RSC) than the ASC and RSC groups (all P < 0.01). In addition, the MMC group had significantly fewer postoperative grade 3+ complications than the RSC group (1.1% vs 9.4%, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In the treatment of posthysterectomy vaginal vault prolapse, MMC is associated with decreased non-urinary tract infection, less perioperative morbidity, and lower cost to patients compared with sacrocolpopexy.

Factors Influencing Selection of Vaginal, Open Abdominal, or Robotic Surgery to Treat Apical Vaginal Vault Prolapse.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine factors influencing the selection of Mayo-McCall culdoplasty (MMC), open abdominal sacrocolpopexy (ASC), or robotic sacrocolpopexy (RSC) for posthysterectomy vaginal vault prolapse. METHODS: We retrospectively searched for the records of patients undergoing posthysterectomy apical vaginal prolapse surgery between January 1, 2000, and June 30, 2012, at our institution. Baseline characteristics and explicit selection factors were abstracted from the electronic medical records. Factors were compared between groups using χ tests for categorical variables, analysis of variance for continuous variables, and Kruskal-Wallis tests for ordinal variables. RESULTS: Among the 512 patients identified who met inclusion criteria, the MMC group (n = 174) had more patients who were older, had American Society of Anesthesiologists class 3+ or greater, had anterior vaginal prolapse grade 3+, desired to avoid abdominal surgery, and did not desire a functional vagina. Patients in the ASC (n = 237) and RSC (n = 101) groups had more failed prolapse surgeries, suspected abdominopelvic pathologic processes, and chronic pain. Advanced prolapse was more frequently cited as an explicit selection factor for ASC than for either MMC or RSC. CONCLUSIONS: The most common factors that influenced the type of apical vaginal vault prolapse surgery overlapped with characteristics that differed at baseline. In general, MMC was chosen for advanced anterior vaginal prolapse and baseline characteristics that increased surgical risks, ASC for advanced apical prolapse, and ASC or RSC for recurrent prolapse, suspected abdominal pathology, and patients with chronic pain or lifestyles including heavy lifting. Thus, efforts should be made to attempt to control for selection bias when comparing these procedures.

Assessing the learning curve of robotic sacrocolpopexy.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The aim was to evaluate the learning curve of robotic sacrocolpopexy, adjusted for surgical risk. METHODS: The charts of 145 robotic sacrocolpopexies performed by urogynecologists at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA, from 2007 to 2013, were reviewed. Outcomes of interest included operative time, intraoperative complications, and postoperative complications with a Clavien-Dindo grade 2 or higher. Risk-adjusted cumulative summation analysis was performed by comparing a calculated complication risk score with observed patient outcomes, and then cumulatively recalculating the rate of expected vs observed complications after each procedure. Proficiency was defined as the point at which the surgeon's complication rates were better than expected, given the patient's risk factors. RESULTS: The median operative time decreased significantly, from 5.3 to 3.6 h, during the 7-year period, and plateaued after the first 60 cases. A higher ASA classification was associated with an increased risk of intraoperative complications (p = 0.02), and a higher Charlson comorbidity index was associated with an increased risk of intraoperative or postoperative complications (p = 0.01). In risk-adjusted CUSUM analyses, accounting for these factors, and for body-mass index and vaginal parity, proficiency was identified at 55 cases for intraoperative complications and 84 cases for intraoperative or postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: Operative time plateaued after the first 60 cases, whereas complication rates continued to decrease beyond this. Proficiency, as determined by a risk-adjusted CUSUM analysis for complication rates, was achieved after approximately 84 cases. Evaluation of postoperative complications in addition to intraoperative complications, in a risk-adjusted model, is critical in depicting the surgical learning curve.

Utility of intraoperative cystoscopy in detecting ureteral injury during vaginal hysterectomy.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the utility of intraoperative cystoscopy in detecting and managing ureteral injury among women undergoing vaginal hysterectomy. METHODS: We performed a secondary analysis of a retrospective cohort study of 593 patients who underwent vaginal hysterectomy for benign indications, with or without additional pelvic floor reconstructive surgery, from January 2, 2004, through December 30, 2005. A logistic regression model determining the propensity to undergo intraoperative cystoscopy was constructed. Comparisons of ureteral injury and cost between patients with and without cystoscopy were adjusted for the cystoscopy propensity score. We further explored the feasibility of using perioperative change in creatinine level to detect ureteral injury. RESULTS: In total, 230 (38.8%) of 593 patients underwent cystoscopy. Six patients (2.6%) in the cystoscopy group and 5 (1.4%) in the no-cystoscopy group had ureteral injuries (odds ratio, 1.92; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.58-6.36). This association was further attenuated after adjusting for the propensity to undergo cystoscopy (odds ratio, 1.31; 95% CI, 0.19-9.09). Four injuries detected cystoscopically were managed intraoperatively. Adjusted mean-predicted costs for patients undergoing cystoscopy were $10,686 (95% CI, $7500-$13,872) versus $10,217 (95% CI, $6894-$13,540). In the no-cystoscopy group, patients with ureteral injury had a median increase in creatinine level of 0.2 mg/dL, whereas patients without injury had a median decrease of 0.1 mg/dL (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The level of selection for cystoscopy did not significantly increase the mean predicted costs for patients. Reliance on postoperative creatinine level to detect ureteral injury, while highly sensitive, is limited by a low positive predictive value and variable range.

Vesicosacrofistulization after robotically assisted laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy.

Diskitis after sacrocolpopexy for pelvic organ prolapse has been increasingly reported in the literature. We present a case of vesicosacrofistulization resulting in diskitis and osteomyelitis after robotically assisted laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy performed at an outside institution. A 70-year-old woman with uterovaginal prolapse and stress urinary incontinence underwent robotic supracervical hysterectomy with sacrocolpopexy and transobturator sling placement at an outside hospital. Postoperatively, she had recurrent urinary tract infections; by 3 months postoperatively, fevers and leg and back pain had developed. She was given a diagnosis of L5-S1 spondylodiskitis. After 3.5 weeks of intravenous antibiotic therapy failed, further evaluation revealed a fistulous tract to the sacrum. She was transferred to our institution and underwent sacrocolpopexy mesh removal, L5-S1 debridement, antibiotic treatment, and physical therapy. One year after this repair surgery, she has returned to her usual activities with no current symptoms of infection, prolapse, urinary incontinence, or back pain. Vesicosacrofistulization is a serious complication of sacrocolpopexy that can result in diskitis and osteomyelitis. Prevention involves avoiding placing mesh on the bladder and at the L5-S1 disk space during open or minimally invasive sacrocolpopexy. A high index of suspicion for diskitis, even several months after surgery, should be maintained to expedite evaluation. If fistulization of pelvic structures to the sacrum is suspected, a multidisciplinary evaluation and treatment approach should be considered to optimize patient care.

Perioperative complications of robotic sacrocolpopexy for post-hysterectomy vaginal vault prolapse.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Open abdominal sacrocolpopexy has been the preferred treatment for post-hysterectomy vaginal vault prolapse. In light of the rise in popularity of less invasive robotic sacrocolpopexy, our objective was to compare perioperative complications of robotic vs open sacrocolpopexy. METHODS: This was a single-institution, retrospective cohort study of robotic and open sacrocolpopexies. Robotic sacrocolpopexies performed between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2009 were compared with open cases performed between 1 January 2002 and 31 December 2006. Baseline and intraoperative variables of the groups were compared. Complications were compared univariately and in a multivariable logistic regression model to adjust for prior transabdominal surgery. RESULTS: A total of 50 robotic and 87 open sacrocolpopexies were analyzed. Baseline characteristics were similar, but patients in the open group had more prior transabdominal surgeries. The robotically assisted group had decreased estimated blood loss (median, 100 mL vs 150 mL; P = 0.002) and hospital stay (median, 2 days vs 3 days; P < 0.001), but increased operative time (median, 4.6 vs 2.9 h; P < 0.001), cystotomy (10.0 % [5 out of 50] vs 1.1 % [1 out of 87]; P = 0.02), and vaginotomy (24.0 % [12 out of 50] vs 5.7 % [5 out of 87]; P = 0.003). Two patients in the robotically assisted group had postoperative hernia. There were no differences in rates of ureteral or bowel injury, urinary tract infection, ileus, bowel obstruction, or overall complications. CONCLUSIONS: Overall complication rates of robotic and open sacrocolpopexy were not significantly different. The robotically assisted group experienced shorter hospital stay but increased operative times and increased incidence of cystotomy and vaginotomy, possibly reflecting the learning curve of robotic sacrocolpopexy.

Female genital mutilation reversal: a general approach.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a violation of human rights; yet, more than 100 million females are estimated to have undergone the procedure worldwide. There is an increased need for physician education in treating FGM. Female pelvic surgeons have a unique opportunity to treat this population of patients. Here, we depict the classification of FGM and a general approach to FGM reversal. We specifically address the procedure of type III FGM reversal, or defibulation. METHODS: In this video, we first highlight the importance of the problem of FGM. Next, we present the classification of FGM using an original, simple, schematic diagram highlighting they key anatomic structures involved in the four types of FGM. We then present a simple case of reversal of type III FGM, a procedure also known as defibulation. After depicting the surgical procedure, we discuss clinical results and summarize key principles of the defibulation procedure. RESULTS: Our patient was a 25-year-old woman who had undergone type III FGM as a child in Somalia. She desired restoration of vaginal function. We performed a reversal, and her postoperative course was uncomplicated. By 6 weeks postoperatively, she was able to engage in sexual intercourse without dyspareunia. CONCLUSION: FGM is a problem at the doorsteps of female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery. Our video demonstrates a basic surgical approach that can be applied to simple cases of type III FGM presenting to the female pelvic surgeon.

Estrogen affects the glycosaminoglycan layer of the murine bladder.

OBJECTIVES: Urinary tract infections (UTIs), commonly caused by uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC), confer significant morbidity among postmenopausal women. Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) comprise the first line of defense at the bladder's luminal surface. Our objective was to use a murine model of menopause to determine whether estrogen status affects the GAG layer in response to UPEC infection. METHODS: Adult female mice underwent sham surgery (SHAM, n = 18) or oophorectomy (OVX, n = 66) to establish a murine model of menopause. A subset of oophorectomized mice underwent hormone therapy (HT, n = 33) with 17ß-estradiol. Mice were inoculated with UPEC and killed at various time points; bladders were collected and GAG layer thickness was assessed in multiple bladder sections. Sixteen measurements were made per bladder. A repeated-measures 2-way analysis of variance was performed to determine the effect of time after infection and hormonal condition on GAG thickness. We also investigated the molecular underpinnings of GAG biosynthesis in response to alterations in estrogen status and infection. RESULTS: We did not observe significant difference of GAG thickness among the 3 hormonal conditions; however, the time course of GAG thickness was significantly different (P < 0.05). The OVX mice demonstrated significantly greater thickness at 72 hours after infection (P = 0.0001), and this effect was shifted earlier (24 hours after infection) on the addition of HT (P = 0.001). At 2 to 4 weeks after infection, GAG thickness among all cohorts was not significantly different from baseline. In addition, quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that GAG biosynthesis is altered by estrogen status at basal level and on infection. CONCLUSIONS: The GAG layer is dynamically altered during the course of UTI. Our data show that HT positively regulates GAG layer thickness over time, as well as the composition of the GAGs. In addition, the GAG sulfation status can be influenced by estrogen levels in response to UPEC infection. The protective effects of the GAG layer in UTI may represent pharmacologic targets for the treatment and prevention of postmenopausal UTI.

Discussion: 'Perioperative morbidity model for vaginal hysterectomy' by Heisler et al.

In the roundtable that follows, clinicians discuss a study published in this issue of the Journal in light of its methodology, relevance to practice, and implications for future research.

Physical and sexual violence and incident sexually transmitted infections.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether women aged 13-35 who were victims of interpersonal violence were more likely than nonvictims to experience incident sexually transmitted infections (STIs). METHODS: We examined 542 women aged 13-35 enrolled in Project PROTECT, a randomized clinical trial that compared two different methods of computer-based intervention to promote the use of dual methods of contraception. Participants completed a baseline questionnaire that included questions about their history of interpersonal violence and were followed for incident STIs over the 2-year study period. We compared the incidence of STIs in women with and without a history of interpersonal violence using bivariate analyses and multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: In the bivariate analyses, STI incidence was found to be significantly associated with African American race/ethnicity, a higher number of sexual partners in the past month, and a lower likelihood of avoidance of sexual partners who pressure to have sex without a condom. In both crude and adjusted regression analyses, time to STI incidence was faster among women who reported physical or sexual abuse in the year before study enrollment (HRR(adj) = 1.68, 95% CI 1.06, 2.65). CONCLUSIONS: Women with a recent history of abuse are at significantly increased risk of STI incidence than are nonvictims.