Postoperative prophylactic antibiotics for retropubic mid-urethral slings.

OBJECTIVES AND HYPOTHESIS: The primary objective is to measure the difference in urinary tract infection (UTI) rates within 6  weeks of placement of a retropubic mid-urethral sling (RMUS) in the setting of various postoperative prophylactic antibiotic regimens. UTI rates were measured by antibiotic prescriptions to treat UTI and/or culture. Secondary aims included determining risk factors for postoperative UTI. METHODS: A retrospective chart review from 2014 to 2016 was performed at Baylor Scott and White Medical Center-Temple for CPT code 57288. Univariate comparisons were performed using chi-square and Student's t-test. Logistic regression analysis was performed for UTI risk factors with univariate p values ≤ 0.1. RESULTS: One hundred twelve subjects were included. Seventeen (15%) were treated for postoperative UTI. Postoperative prophylactic antibiotics included trimethoprim (39.3%), nitrofurantoin (31.3%), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (5.4%), ciprofloxacin (2.7%), and cephalexin (1.8%). Ninety subjects were prescribed postoperative prophylactic antibiotics (80.4%). The postoperative UTI rate was not significantly different between those who were prescribed postoperative prophylactic antibiotics (16%) and those who were not (14%). None of the treatments showed a significant difference on postoperative UTI rate compared to no treatment. Significant risk factors for UTI included catheterization past postoperative day 1 (OR 6.4, 95% CI 1.7 - 23.8; p  = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant difference in postoperative UTI rate in the group without postoperative prophylactic antibiotics compared to those who did receive it. Catheterization past postoperative day 1 was significantly associated with postoperative UTI. However, definitive conclusions are limited by a lack of power.

Retropubic mid-urethral slings and de novo urinary urgency and frequency: The role of retropubic hematomas.

AIMS: This is a prospective cohort study comparing de novo lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in subjects undergoing a retropubic mid-urethral sling who either did or did not develop a postoperative retropubic hematoma within 6 weeks of surgery. The secondary objective was to measure the incidence and prevalence of retropubic hematomas, and subject characteristics associated with retropubic hematomas. METHODS: Eligible subjects were recruited before undergoing a retropubic mid-urethral sling with or without concurrent pelvic reconstructive surgery. Validated urinary symptom questionnaires were completed before surgery and at 6 weeks postoperatively. An abdominal ultrasound was used to establish baseline lower urinary tract imaging. Ultrasound was repeated immediately after surgery and 6 weeks later to assess for the presence of retropubic hematomas. RESULTS: Ninety-four subjects were enrolled. Baseline urgency and frequency were measured in 35% (33/93) of subjects. At 6 weeks postoperatively, 2% (1/52) had de novo LUTS which were not associated with a retropubic hematoma at any time. Immediately after surgery, the incidence of retropubic hematomas was 17% (16/94) while the prevalence of retropubic hematomas 6 weeks after surgery was 4% (3/75). There was no significant difference in the change in hemoglobin before and after surgery between those with and without postoperative retropubic hematomas. CONCLUSIONS: There is no significant association with de novo LUTS and retropubic hematomas. Though there is a 17% incidence of retropubic hematomas detected immediately after surgery, those with hematomas who were not lost to follow-up resolved by the 6-week postoperative visit and is of unclear clinical significance.

Pelvic floor changes in the first term pregnancy and postpartum period.

OBJECTIVE: To follow a prospective cohort of women during their first term pregnancy to elucidate the nature and timing of changes to the pelvic floor during pregnancy and after vaginal delivery. METHODS: Enrolled subjects were evaluated at four time points with dynamic MRI, POP-Q examinations, and validated symptom questionnaires. The four assessments occurred during the first trimester (ePG), late third trimester (lPG), within a week after vaginal delivery (ePP), and three months postpartum (lPP). Two-dimensional T1-weighted MRI measurements included bladder descent and area of the levator hiatus at rest and during Valsalva maneuvers. Sample size of ten subjects was calculated for a power of 0.8 to detect a 20% change in bladder position with p < 0.05. Comparative statistical tests were used for parametric and non-parametric data, respectively. RESULTS: Twelve subjects completed the study. At lPP, the bladder descent was increased (p = 0.03) at rest and with Valsalva compared to ePG. Levator hiatus area did not differ (p = 0.63) between time points at rest or with Valsalva. Median POP stage increased (p = 0.001) to 1.5 at lPP. Mean genital hiatus increased (p = 0.0003) at each time point. Higher scores were recorded on the UDI-6 (p < 0.001) and the PFDI-20 (p = 0.003) questionnaires at lPG and ePP, but returned to ePG levels by lPP. CONCLUSION: Anatomic changes measured by dynamic MRI and POP-Q examinations demonstrate significant descent at 3 months postpartum. However, these anatomic changes did not significantly correlate with changes in symptoms.

Perineal body length and perineal lacerations during delivery in primigravid patients.

This study assessed the relation between perineal body length and the risk of perineal laceration extending into the anal sphincter during vaginal delivery in primigravid patients at an institution with a low utilization of episiotomy. This was a prospective study of primigravid patients in active labor. Primigravid women with singleton pregnancies who were in the first stage of labor at 37 weeks gestation or greater were recruited, and the admitting physician measured the length of the perineal body. The degree of perineal laceration and other delivery characteristics were recorded. Data were analyzed using univariate analyses, receiver-operator curve analyses, and multiple logistic regression for factors associated with increased severity of vaginal lacerations. The perineal body length, duration of second stage of labor, type of delivery, and patient age were associated (P < 0.1) with third- and fourth-degree (severe) perineal lacerations in primigravid women using receiver-operator curve analysis. Using logistic regression, only the duration of second stage of labor and length of the perineal body were significant (P < 0.04) predictors of third- and fourth-degree lacerations, with odds ratios of 32 (1.3 to 807 as 95% CI) and 24 (1.3 to 456), respectively. Both a perineal body length of ≤3.5 cm and a duration of second stage of labor >99 minutes were associated with an increased risk of third- and fourth-degree lacerations in primigravid patients.

Incidence of Bladder Injury During Retropubic Midurethral Sling Placement After Prior Burch Colpopexy.

OBJECTIVES: To elucidate if prior Burch changes the risk of bladder injury or rates of voiding dysfunction and continence in the immediate postoperative period when undergoing retropubic midurethral sling (MUS) placement. METHODS: In this retrospective case control, charts were selected by Current Procedural Terminology codes for MUS placement. Women undergoing retropubic MUS placement with history of Burch urethropexy were considered. For every case, 2 age-matched and parity-matched controls without prior Burch were selected. RESULTS: In total, 538 charts were reviewed from 2010 to 2014. Twenty cases were found. There was a difference (P = 0.023) in trocar penetration of the bladder. Twenty-five percent (5/20) of women with prior Burch had a 9-fold (odds ratio [OR], 9.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.0-82) higher chance of bladder penetration compared with women without prior retropubic surgery as calculated with Mantel-Haenszel paired test. Women with prior Burch had more success passing their voiding trials (OR, 7.5; 95% CI, 1.1-49.2). At 6 weeks, there was no difference in voiding dysfunction. Cure of stress incontinence at 6 weeks occurred more in controls than cases (P = 0.044) with match pairs manifesting an OR of 0.20 and 95% CI of 0.04-1.1. DISCUSSION: This study shows a significant increase risk of trocar penetration of the bladder during retropubic MUS placement in women with a history of Burch urethropexy. Despite this, MUS placement was successful in all women. Women with prior surgery were much more likely to pass their voiding trials. There was no difference in voiding dysfunction at 6 weeks between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: This indicates that though bladder penetration with a trocar is more common in the setting of previous retropubic surgery, it does not impact a woman's short-term intraoperative or postoperative course.

Antibiotic prophylaxis for urinary tract infection after midurethral sling: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: Because of the reported high percentage of bladder infections after placement of a midurethral sling (8.9%-34%), this study was undertaken to determine if a 3-day postoperative course of a urinary antibiotic would significantly lower the incidence of urinary tract infection (UTI) among treated women. METHODS: Women who were planning outpatient vaginal surgery for stress incontinence were enrolled, after informed consent, and randomized to receive placebo or nitrofurantoin (100 mg 2 times a day) for 3 days after surgery. Research subjects and investigators were blinded to the randomization. Women were observed for signs and symptoms of UTI until 6 weeks after surgery. Sample size was calculated to have 80% power to detect a 15% difference in the primary outcome (α = 0.05). The primary outcome was analyzed using a χ analysis. RESULTS: Data were analyzed from 149 subjects (placebo, n = 75; drug, n = 74). Overall, 37 women (24.8%) were diagnosed with a UTI during the study period. The incidence of postoperative UTI was significantly lower in the treatment arm (17.6%) then in the placebo arm (32%; P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: A short (3-day) course of nitrofurantoin after outpatient sling surgery significantly reduces the incidence of postoperative bladder infection in the first 6 weeks after sling surgery.

Lack of preoperative predictors of the immediate return of postoperative bladder emptying after uterosacral ligament suspension.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether preoperative postvoid residual volume (PVR), pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POPQ) stage, patient characteristics, or concurrent operations are predictors of immediate postoperative bladder emptying after uterosacral ligament suspension (USLS). METHODS: A review of patients undergoing USLS in 2008 and 2009 was performed. The factors analyzed included patient age, body mass index, parity, preoperative PVR, POPQ stage, concurrent anterior repair, posterior repair, hysterectomy and/or sling procedures, and postoperative voiding trial status. RESULTS: During the study interval, 151 patients underwent USLS with various combinations of concurrent procedures. The mean preoperative PVR was 90 mL. Seventy-five patients (50%) passed the postoperative voiding trial on postoperative day 1. Patients who passed the postoperative voiding trial and those who failed had similar average preoperative PVR (P = 0.94), similar age (P = 0.14), body mass index (P = 0.45), parity (P = 0.82), and preoperative POPQ stage (P = 0.80). There was no difference (P ≥ 0.14) among concurrent surgical procedures in the proportion of patients who passed the postoperative voiding trial based on univariate analyses. CONCLUSIONS: In our cohort of patients, preoperative PVR, POPQ stage, and other patient characteristics were not predictors of immediate postoperative bladder emptying after USLS. Postoperative voiding function is one of the most unpredictable aspects of pelvic reconstructive surgery.

Indigo carmine extravasation to upper limb after pelvic reconstructive surgery.

BACKGROUND: The use of dyes during cystoscopy to visualize the ureters adequately is prevalent in gynecologic surgery. Observing ureteral patency after procedures such as a hysterectomy or pelvic reconstruction is important for identifying injury to the upper urinary tract. Indigo carmine is commonly used. Knowing the possible adverse effects and being aware of unusual presentations with the use of indigo carmine are important in managing and counseling patients. CASE: We present a case in which a patient developed indigo carmine extravasation to her upper limb after pelvic reconstructive surgery. The blue discoloration disappeared after 1 day. CONCLUSION: Indigo carmine extravasation to other parts of the body can occur without long-term complications. It takes 24-48 hours for the dye to clear subcutaneously.

Recognition and management of nerve entrapment pain after uterosacral ligament suspension.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the incidence, risk factors, and characteristics of neuropathic pain related to nerve entrapment after uterosacral ligament suspension. METHOD: A review of patients who underwent uterosacral ligament suspension from January 2007 to August 2011 was performed. Patients with neuropathic pain attributable to nerve entrapment from uterosacral ligament suspensory suture placement were identified. Factors including surgeon's dominant hand, side of pain, onset of pain, day of suture removal, number of sutures placed and removed, patient age, and body mass index (BMI) were collected. Follow-up of patients with neuropathic pain was performed at postoperative visits and by telephone contact. RESULT: Eight (1.6%) of 515 patients had neuropathic pain requiring suture removal from the affected side. The postoperative pain was recognized after discontinuation of intravenous narcotics on postoperative day 1. Patients reported their pain improved after removal of all sutures on the affected side. Patients with neuropathic pain did not differ from those without in regard to age, BMI, and preoperative prolapse stage, or in the number of sutures placed. None of the eight had recurrent pelvic organ prolapse (POP), with a median follow-up of 5 months. CONCLUSION: Eight patients (1.6%) had postoperative neuropathic pain that resolved after all sutures were removed on the affected side. The removal of sutures was not associated with recurrent POP in the short-term. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Periurethral angioleiomyoma in a female patient.

A 51-year-old white woman, gravida 4, para 3-0-1-3 referred to our urogynecology clinic for evaluation of questionable symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse was found to have a periurethral mass with associated urinary urgency. She underwent transvaginal excision of this mass, and pathology revealed angioleiomyoma. Her urinary urgency has resolved after surgery. No prior periurethral angioleiomyoma has been reported in female patients.

A novel transvaginal approach to correct recurrent apical prolapse after failed sacral colpopexy: case series.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The objective of the study was to describe the transvaginal approach utilizing the existing sacral colpopexy (SC) graft for recurrent apical prolapse following failed SC. METHODS: Twenty-two patients with recurrent vaginal vault prolapse following a prior SC were treated between January 2000 and December 2009. Twelve patients had a standard uterosacral ligament cuff suspension (USLS) performed. In ten patients, the vaginal cuff was suspended to the left uterosacral ligament and reattached to the graft material from the prior SC. One of these ten subsequently failed and a standard USLS was performed. Patient characteristics, preoperative pelvic floor assessment, operative information, and postoperative follow-up were collected. Cases in which the graft material was used were compared with those undergoing standard USLS. RESULTS: Demographic characteristics and preoperative Baden-Walker scores were similar. Of 23 cases, 21 (91 %) were a consequence of graft separation from the vagina and not the sacrum. Two of nine patients with follow-up where the SC graft was utilized transvaginally had recurrent prolapse. One required reoperation. Of 13 patients in the group that underwent traditional USLS, 2 had asymptomatic recurrent anterior prolapse; neither required additional surgery. CONCLUSIONS: A transvaginal surgical approach for recurrent vaginal prolapse after a history of failed abdominal SC should be considered. If feasible, the SC graft material can be used when performing USLS instead of the right uterosacral ligament for these patients with a prior history of abdominal SC.

A randomized comparison of bupivacaine versus saline during placement of tension-free vaginal tape.

OBJECTIVES: To compare postoperative urinary retention and pain control when bupivacaine versus saline for hydrodissection is used while placing tension-free vaginal tape midurethral slings. METHODS: A prospective, randomized, double-blind trial was performed after institutional review board approval. Sixty women were randomized to receive bupivacaine or saline for hydrodissection. Subjects and research team were blinded to subject assignments. Group characteristics were compared using the Student t test, the χ test, and the Mann-Whitney U test. Proportions of subjects with a successful postoperative voiding trial along with measurements of postoperative pain and analgesic use were compared using similar appropriate tests. The study was powered to detect differences in voiding trial success from an estimated 58% to greater than 90% with P < 0.05 and 0.8 power using 25 subjects per group. RESULTS: Thirty patients were allocated to each group. One subject in the saline-only group was excluded. Group characteristics were not different. After surgery, pain medication use (20/30 vs 25/29 for bupivacaine vs saline only; P = 0.08), pain scores (36 ± 22 vs 31 ± 24; P = 0.49), and successful voiding trials did not differ (14/30 vs 19/29; P = 0.14), whereas postvoid residuals did differ (225 ± 180 mL vs 140 ± 147 mL; P = 0.043). CONCLUSIONS: Bupivacaine was not seen to improve immediate postoperative pain after placement of a tension-free vaginal tape. It did not increase the risk of failing a postoperative voiding trial. Without an obvious benefit, the use of an additional medicine is not supported. We suggest saline alone be used for hydrodissection.

Incidence and risk factors of postoperative urinary tract infection after uterosacral ligament suspension.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: We assessed the incidence of and risk factors for developing urinary tract infection (UTI) after uterosacral ligament suspension (USLS). METHODS: Retrospective analysis of patients undergoing USLS in 2008-2009 was performed. Postoperative UTI was defined as a positive urine culture within 1 month following surgery. Factors analyzed were patient age, body mass index, parity, history of UTI before surgery, passing voiding trial, discharge with Foley catheter or intermittent self-catheterization, antibiotics at discharge, history of diabetes or renal disease, and surgeon. RESULTS: Surgical records from 169 patients were reviewed. Twenty-three patients (14%) developed UTI. There were no differences in preoperative factors between patients who developed UTI and those who did not. Subgroup analysis revealed those patients who went home with a Foley catheter and did not receive antibiotics had the highest proportion of UTI. CONCLUSION: Patients requiring Foley catheter at discharge following vaginal prolapse repair are at highest risk for UTI and require prophylactic antibiotics.

Permanent suture used in uterosacral ligament suspension offers better anatomical support than delayed absorbable suture.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The objective of this study was to compare the outcomes of uterosacral ligament suspension (USLS) procedures in relation to suture material used for apical suspension. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed for two senior surgeons who supervised and performed USLS with both suture types in 2008-2009. Permanent and delayed absorbable sutures were compared for failure of anatomical support. Failure, defined as recurrent prolapse beyond the hymen, was evaluated using survival analysis. RESULTS: Two hundred forty-eight procedures were performed. One percent in the permanent group had a loss of support beyond the hymen compared to 6% in the delayed absorbable group (p = 0.034). The preoperative prolapse stage and duration of follow-up did not differ between the two groups. The number of sutures used did not differ between patients who failed and those who did not fail. CONCLUSIONS: The use of permanent sutures for USLS of the vaginal apex was associated with a lower failure rate than delayed absorbable sutures in the short-term.

Nausea and vomiting after placement of tension-free vaginal tape sling.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive surgical procedures such as tension-free vaginal tape sling should not imply that a minimal preoperative evaluation is all that is required. CASE: A 52-year-old multiparous perimenopausal woman presented with postoperative nausea, vomiting, and vague abdominal-pelvic discomfort after placement of tension-free vaginal tape. The final diagnosis was invasive molar pregnancy. CONCLUSION: This case raises the awareness of the rare diagnosis of gestational trophoblastic disease in perimenopausal women and emphasizes the importance of a complete preoperative evaluation in those scheduled to undergo minimally invasive procedures.

Delayed presentation of complete ureteral obstruction deligated transvaginally.

Complete ureteral obstruction with delayed presentation is managed first by percutaneous nephrostomy and later with ureteral deligation, reimplantation, and stenting. Transvaginal deligation of complete obstruction after delayed presentation has not been described. We present two cases of ureteral ligation after pelvic reconstructive surgery. The first patient underwent high uterosacral ligament vaginal vault suspension then presented on postoperative day 22. The second patient underwent anterior colporrhaphy and presented on postoperative day 6. Both patients had flank pain, elevated creatinine, and signs of complete obstruction on CT scan. They both underwent transvaginal ureterolysis, retrograde stent placement, and later removal without any sequelae. Transvaginal ureterolysis of complete obstruction after delayed presentation is better tolerated and less morbid than traditional management.

Does body mass index impact passing voiding trial after midurethral sling procedures for stress urinary incontinence?

OBJECTIVE: : To test the hypothesis that body mass index (BMI) is a factor associated with passing a voiding trial after midurethral sling procedures for stress urinary incontinence (SUI). STUDY DESIGN: : The medical records of 136 consecutive patients who underwent placement of either tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) or transobturator tape (TOT) for SUI during a 1-year period (September 1, 2007 to August 31, 2008) were retrospectively reviewed. Variables assessed were BMI, age, and passing or failing a postoperative urinary voiding trial. Patients with concomitant pelvic organ prolapse surgeries were not included in this analysis. RESULTS: : Sixty-seven patients underwent TVT, whereas 69 had TOT procedures. In the TVT group, 30 patients (42%) were unable to void immediately postoperatively compared with 11 patients (16%) in the TOT group (P = 0.0003). The mean (SD) age and BMI of patients who failed or passed voiding trials was 58.6 (12.0) years and 28.0 (4.9) kg/m or 53.5 (12.3) years and 29.8 (5.7) kg/m, respectively. Of 38 patients who did not pass a voiding trial on the day of the procedure, 31 (82%) passed on postoperative day 1, and all patients had passed a voiding trial by postoperative day 11. The mean (SD) BMI for 7 patients who did not pass voiding trial by postoperative day 1 was 28.3 (5.2) kg/m. CONCLUSIONS: : Women with higher BMIs were more likely to pass voiding trials after midurethral sling procedures. Patients who had TOT placement had greater success passing a postprocedure voiding trial than did patients who had TVT placement.

Tension-free vaginal tape bowel perforation.

A 73-year-old para 3 white female with posthysterectomy pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence underwent pelvic reconstructive surgery and placement of tension-free vaginal tape. On postoperative day 4, she underwent exploratory laparotomy for small bowel obstruction. She was found to have an injury to the small bowel secondary to a through-and-through perforation by tension-free vaginal tape. The entire tape was removed. Partial small bowel resection and primary anastomosis were performed. Her subsequent recovery was uneventful.

Transverse cystocele repair with uterine preservation using native tissue.

The goals of this study were to describe the surgical procedure of the transverse cystocele repair with uterine preservation using native tissue and to examine the surgical complications and short-term anatomical outcomes of this operation. Patients who underwent transverse cystocele repair with uterine preservation at our institution were identified by retrospective chart review for the interval from January 2001 to September 2006. Sixty-nine patients were identified. Median point for first postoperative visit was 6.1 weeks (range 3-101 weeks). Average age was 66.6 +/- 13.1 years (range 33-89). Patients undergoing this procedure had no intraoperative complications and high frequency of initial anatomic success (defined as Baden-Walker halfway system grade 0 or 1 for anterior compartment) during a relatively short follow-up interval. Preoperatively, bladder grade averaged 2.6 with postoperative grade averaging 0.02. Based on our initial anatomical findings, we conclude that this surgical approach has merit for a subset of patients with adequate uterine support.