Transvaginal mesh repair of anterior and posterior vaginal wall prolapse: a clinical and ultrasonographic study.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether ultrasonography coupled with clinical examination can help in understanding the mechanism of recurrence after transvaginal mesh repair of anterior and posterior vaginal wall prolapse. METHODS: Ninety-one patients who had undergone surgery for anterior and/or posterior vaginal wall prolapse with the Prolift system had a clinical examination and introital/endovaginal two-dimensional ultrasonography a minimum of 1 year later. The retraction of anterior and posterior meshes was estimated relative to the original length of the mesh by transvaginal palpation. Patients with no, moderate (< 50%) or severe (> or = 50%) mesh retraction were compared. Anterior recurrence of prolapse was defined according to the International Continence Society by a Ba value > or = -1 and posterior recurrence by a Bp value > or = -1 (where Ba represents the most distal position of the anterior vaginal wall and Bp the most distal position of the posterior vaginal wall). On ultrasonography, two distances were measured in the midsagittal plane: Distance 1, from the distal margin of the anterior mesh to the bladder neck, and Distance 2, from the distal margin of the posterior mesh to the rectoanal junction. RESULTS: Seventy-five anterior and 62 posterior meshes were studied at a mean follow-up of 17.9 months. Patients with anterior recurrence presented significantly more often with severe anterior mesh retraction compared with patients without anterior recurrence (5/8 vs. 2/67, P < 0.001) and also had an increased Distance 1 (P < 0.001). Patients with posterior recurrence presented significantly more often with severe posterior mesh retraction compared with patients without posterior recurrence (3/4 vs. 3/58, P < 0.01) and also had an increased Distance 2 (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Recurrence of prolapse after transvaginal mesh repair appears to be associated with severe mesh retraction and loss of mesh support on the distal part of the vaginal walls.

[Sexual outcome after pelvic reconstructive surgery]. / Impact de la chirurgie réparatrice pelvienne sur la sexualité

Sexual well-being is an important parameter of women's health and quality of live. Sexual disorders may occur in women with pelvic organ prolapse and/or stress urinary incontinence and also after pelvic reconstructive surgery. Sexual dysfunction after POP or SUI surgery has been poorly documented but new condition specific questionnaires have been developed to help us to better evaluate such consequences. This paper reports available data and highlights more specifically consequences of surgery with mesh reinforcement which is, currently, an important issue particularly when performing by vaginal approach.

[What about transvaginal mesh repair of pelvic organ prolapse? Review of the literature since the HAS (French Health Authorities) report]. / Quoi de neuf depuis le rapport de la HAS? Bilan de deux ans d'évaluation des implants de renfort prothétique dans le traitement des prolapsus par voie vaginale.

The French Health Authorities' (HAS) report of November 2006 concluded that the use of mesh at the time of transvaginal repair of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) should be limited to clinical research. This review intends to analyse and comment the recent data on this topic. A review on PubMed, on a personal database and actualisation until May 2008 has been performed choosing French or English language series concerning prolapse surgery with mesh disposed by the vaginal route. It includes six randomised controlled trials comparing transvaginal repair of POP with or without mesh: four about cystocele, one about rectocele and one about apical prolapse. Both surgical techniques and recurrence criteria are poorly standardised. The four randomised trials focusing on cystocele repair support the anatomical superiority of techniques using mesh, with similar functional results with or without mesh reinforcement. In the other indications, the results remain unclear or controversial. According to the randomised trials, the complications rate, except mesh exposure, is similar with and without mesh. However there are some specific complications when using mesh, such as mesh infection, mesh exposure or shrinkage and visceral extrusion. We recommend using vaginal reinforcement mesh with specific care in selected patients and we suggest some guidelines to be proposed for consensus at concerned French scientific societies.

[TVT Secur: prospective study and follow up at 1 year about 154 patients]. / TVT Secur : étude prospective et suivi à un an de 154 patientes.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy and complications of this new sub-urethral tape procedure with a follow up of 12 months. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective, multicenter study of 154 patients operated for stress urinary incontinence with the TVT Secur. Patients were operated between 24 July 2006 and 18 December 2007 and were all controlled at 2 months and 118 at 1 year. No associated surgical procedure was performed. RESULTS: One hundred five patients had pure stress incontinence with 12 of them presenting an intrinsic sphincter deficient. Forty-nine had a mixed urinary incontinence with 12 of them having ISD. Preoperatively, 69 patients complained of urgency and 12 of micturation disorder. Anaesthesia was local for 97 patients (63%). Per operative complications were five hemorrhages, one bladder injury, one vaginal wound, 21 patients had post-void residual volume (100 to 200ml) and one groin pain. We noted two exposed tapes, one granuloma, one ITU and seven lateral vaginal bands. Among the patients with urge at baseline, 61.2% were cured at 2 months and 75.5% at 1 year. De novo urge appeared in 12.8% at 2 months and 12.3% at 1 year. De novo micturation disorder was found in 9.5% at 2 months and 3.7% at 1 year. The cured patients at 1 year were 70.3%, improved 11% and fails 18.7%. The cured rate remains same between 2 months and 1 year. The improved patients (24%) at 2 months remain 11% at 1 year. The recurrence rate was 12,8% at 1 year. CONCLUSION: The results are inferior to TVT or TVT-O procedures. We probably must selected the patients for this procedure.

[How to manage multicompartment pelvic organe prolapse?]. / La prise en charge des prolapsus multicompartimentaux par voie vaginale?

Repair of pelvic organ prolapse by vaginal route may use native tissues or meshes, which have been in extensive use over the last decades. Traditional surgery, and particularly sacrospinous fixation, has been proven to be effective with long term follow-up with well-known specific risks that could be avoided by skilled surgeons on condition that he observes basic vaginal surgery rules. This surgery is still recommended as first choice in patients over 70 years old with high-grade prolapse. Nevertheless recurrence rate after high-grade cystocele repair using native tissues as been reported between 30 and 50% depending on the technique used. Mesh repair and particularly the use of mesh kits is a valid option in case of prolapse with cystocele behind the hymen, specifically in case of paravaginal defect. Meshes use is licit in patients with prolapse recurrence as well. In contrast, spread use of transvaginal meshes in young patients with grade 3 or 4 prolapse whom tissues have a poor quality, has to be considered very carefully because of the lack of knowledge about long term results and sexual outcome.

[Prevent postnatal urinary incontinence by prenatal pelvic floor exercise? Rationale and protocol of the multicenter randomized study PreNatal Pelvic floor Prevention (3PN)]. / Prévenir l'incontinence urinaire postnatale par la rééducation périnéale prénatale ? Rationnel et protocole de l'étude randomisée multicentrique prévention périnéale prénatale (3PN).

INTRODUCTION: Female urinary incontinence (UI) is a frequent affection that generates handicap and expenses. There is a link between UI and pregnancy; onset of UI during pregnancy is a risk factor for permanent UI. Postnatal pelvic floor exercise has shown efficacy to improve postnatal UI. However, it remains uncertain if benefits last more than few months. Publication of our rationale for prenatal pelvic floor exercise is an opportunity to expose our pre-specified hypotheses and help health professionals' awareness. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of PreNatal Pelvic floor Prevention (3PN) is to compare the effects of prenatal pelvic floor exercise versus sole written instructions on UI one year after delivery. METHODS AND POPULATION: It is a multicenter, randomized, single blind study. Main inclusion criteria are first, single and non-complicated pregnancy over 18 years. Women randomized in pelvic floor exercise group will undergo eight sessions with a physiotherapist between six and eight months of pregnancy. Our principal criterion is UI score (International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form [ICIQ-SF]) one year after delivery. We plan to include 280 pregnant women in five centers over a 12-month screening period to show a one-point difference on UI score. ETHIC AND FINANCING: The study was approved by the IRB Comité de protection des personnes Sud-Ouest et Outre-Mer. It was registered by French Health Products Safety Agency (AFSSAPS) and Clinical Trials.gov. It is supported by the French Ministry of Health through the 2007 Hospital Plan for Clinical Research (PHRC). PERSPECTIVES: We plan to assess if prenatal pelvic floor exercise reduces postnatal medical consultations or physiotherapy sessions.

[TVT Secur: more and more minimally invasive. Preliminary prospective study of 110 cases]. / TVT Secur: de plus en plus minimal invasif. Etude préliminaire prospective sur 110 cas.

OBJECTIVES: To present a new minimal invasive suburethral tape device derivative of the classic TVT, to describe the technique of laying, to evaluate complications and results to short term. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective multicentric study of 110 patients presenting a stress urinary incontinence and benefiting from the laying of TVT Secur without associated operation. The tape is identical to that old-fashioned retropubic and obturator TVT, smaller, laying in "U" or in "hammock" without orifice of exit, to avoid complications due to crossed spaces of the other techniques. The device and the technique of laying are described by authors. The originality of the TVT Secur resides in the mechanism of insertion of the tape to a metallic divice. All patients have been controlled at two months and complications with notably pains (quotation VAS) as well as objective results have been reported. RESULTS: Pure and isolated stress urinary incontinence for 71 patients, mixed incontinence for 39 and sphincter deficient for 23. Preoperative urgency for 49 patients and dysuria for 10 of them. The method "hammock" has been used in 85.5% of cases. The type of anaesthesia has been pure local for 69.1% (0 to 98.8% for the different centers) with an average operative time of 8'30". Under local anaesthesia, the average per operative pain was quoted 2.8/10, and 0.7 at the end of intervention. Peroperative complications have revealed a wound of bladder, a vaginal wound and four bleeding of more than 100ml. In immediate continuations a total retention yielding to 24h and 13 postmicturition residual between 100 and 200ml have been mentioned. At two months, authors have observed the following: de novo urgency in 19.6%, de novo dysuria in 13.2%, one tape exposition, one granuloma, one urinary infection and seven perceptible lateral cords without pain. Thirteen patients have signalled to have had moderated pains on a duration of four to 30 days. Early objective results are globally 70.4% of dry patients (83% for pure isolated SUI, 72.2% for SUI with deficient sphincter, 50% for mixed incontinence). The pure local anaesthesia was recommended by 98% of patients. CONCLUSION: The diminution of complications ahead not to be made to the detriment of results, it is necessary to envisage multicentric studies with standardized modifications. The indications of this new device will have to be defined.

Long-term results of tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) for the treatment of female urinary stress incontinence.

OBJECTIVES: Prospective evaluation of outcome and complications over a 5-year period post-treatment of urinary stress incontinence by TVT, and comparison of our results with the reference studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: About 94 patients were treated for urinary stress incontinence only by one TVT procedure (single surgical procedure), between April 1997 and December 1998; 68% of patients presented pure urinary stress incontinence and 32% mixed incontinence. We found also a 25.5% rate of sphincter deficiency (UCP < 20 cm H(2)O) in this cohort. Patients were evaluated after 5 years: 52 complete evaluations (clinical, flow measurement with measurement of post-mictional residue, 24h PAD-test, quality of life questionnaire), 30 complete telephone interviews, 12 lost to follow-up (2 patients deceased). RESULTS: About 87% of the patients had a 5-year follow-up. The success rate was 79.2% overall (84.5% for the pure urinary stress incontinence and 67% for the mixed incontinence cases), and 72.2% for the cases of associated sphincter deficiency. We had only a 13% rate of patients lost to follow-up. More than half of the urinary urgency cases were treated successfully, however with a less satisfactory outcome in cases of bladder instability. The urodynamic exploration appeared to reveal that TVT caused dysuria: 52% of patients had a maximum flowrate below 15 ml/s, but the quality of life was improved, with a 95% rate of satisfaction without functional problems. We observed no late complications such as vaginal erosion or rejection of the prolene; the de novo syndrome was rare, with 8.5% of urinary frequency, 6% of urinary urgency and only 5.7% of invalidating dysuria. We saw no cases of pelvic floor disease after TVT treatment. DISCUSSION: Our casuistry results are comparable with the reference studies by Scandinavian authors, Rezapour and Ulmsten, confirming the long-term success of the TVT procedure. Concerning the apparently elevated rates of post-TVT dysuria found by urodynamic exploration, a distinction has to be drawn between post-TVT urinary problems (frequent but oligosymptomatic), and true, severe dysuria (rare). However, "dysuria" in the broad sense did not affect the patients' quality of life, and is a reminder of the absolute necessity of meticulous compliance with the correct surgical techniques. CONCLUSION: Treatment of urinary incontinence by TVT is a reliable, mini-invasive, reproducible technique, almost suitable for outpatients, with no serious complications; it is inexpensive and very successful, including in complicated cases such as sphincter deficiency. All the recent data confirms, with this 5-year follow-up, that the TVT procedure is comparable to the previously gold standard, the Burch colposuspension.

[The prosthetic kits in the prolapse surgery: is it a gadget?]. / Le kit prothétique dans la cure des prolapsus génitaux: est-ce un gadget?

OBJECTIVE: To search if the prosthetic kits bring an interest, other that financier. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Authors have counted 5 firms presenting the varied kits. The Prolift kit with synthetic pre- cut mesh made of polypropylene, standardized needle, cannulas and protective devices of recovery of mesh arms in 3 versions, anterior, posterior and total. Perigee and Apogee systems in a synthetic version (IntePro) and a biological version (InteXen ++LP) matched of specific needles for the different obturator passages and infra coccygeus. The Avaulta kit declines in a biosynthetic version and a hybrid version with a specific needle for its anterior kit and an other for its posterior kit. The Biomesh Soft system presents a polypropylène mesh posed on a multi pattern sheet to carve following dots with a share of 3 needles according to the type of arm passage ended by a recuperator thread. The Nazca POP Repair System, in its anterior version claims to be able to correct in the same time a urinary incontinence by pre-pubic arms. The polypropylene mesh is perforated and is had with the help a needle for its anterior and posterior kit. Authors have been interested in the research of studies on prosthesis with and without kit. RESULTS: The Prolift kit contains the alone prosthesis having been evaluated without (TVM) and with kit. Authors remind results of two studies, understanding 684 cases without kit and 110 cases with kit. The rate of early per and postoperative complications has been decreased half, the rate of mesh exposure decreased from 11,3 to 4,7%. Studies on Perigee and Apogee IntePro kits, whose meshe and the procedure are similar to the Prolift seem to obtain from results equal. The Biological version has not made the object of study. For the Avauta kit, alone the mesh in plate not pre-cut has been well studied as for its tolerance for the biosynthetic version. Nothing on the hybrid version. No study is found for the Biomesh Soft kit and Nazca POP repair system. DISCUSSION: The cost of these kits, varying 1 to 4, is to take in consideration and to put in scale with the returned service. Alone TVM/Prolift allows to advance in a reply. The utilization of needles, presents in all the kits, but especially devices facilitating the passage and the recovery of prosthesis arms, presents solely in the Prolift kit, reduce the utilization of valves and the risk of tear tissues during their job. The improvement of techniques by elements of the kit make that the surgical procedure become mini invasive. CONCLUSION: The full kits allow a best security of procedures, facilitate the surgical gesture and limit complications. It is necessary to remain vigilant in the evaluation of these new materials "ready to wear" and to require pre clinic and clinic studies before their distribution.

[Is hysterectomy indicated during prolapsus treatment?]. / Faut-il réaliser une hystérectomie lors de la cure de prolapsus?

Hysterectomy remains a usual procedure in vaginal reconstructive pelvic surgery. However, it may seem illogical, given our improved knowledge of the pathologic pelvic anatomy, to begin pelvic repair by a removal procedure. The question about uterine preservation during vaginal reconstructive surgery is crucial. Although some authors have proposed some arguments on this topic, we don't have, at present, any rigorous prospective and randomized studies able to prove the superiority of hysterectomy or uterine preservation, on long-term anatomic results. Nevertheless, in reconstructive surgery with synthetic mesh, hysterectomy exposes to an increased risk of mesh exposure. Consequently, it increases blood lost, surgical duration and hospitalisation stay. On the other hand, uterine preservation imposes constant gynaecologic follow-up. Subsequently, if a hysterectomy is needed for benign or malignant diseases, the surgery is often difficult because of prior uterine fixation. Subtotal hysterectomy which prevents endometrial cancer can be a possible alternative but, at the moment, no study was able to demonstrate that uterine cervix has a role in pelvic static. Functional results, influenced by biological individual characteristics and by the number of associated procedures, are even more difficult to analyse. Sexual life after hysterectomy has been the subject of numerous publications of unequal scientific quality. Among correctly evaluated and informed patients, hysterectomy do not seem to produce negative consequences on sexuality; it can even improve, in some circumstances, the sexual life. We can admit that cervical conservation in some women may have a role in terms of pleasure, more from sexual fantasies and ballistic reasons than in relation with organic and physiologic reasons. Since no rigorous and specifically oriented works on that topic have been published until now, it seems justified today to promote prospective and randomized studies, advice against systematic attitudes, favour uterine conservation in young women and when doing surgery with mesh, realize a complete gynaecologic work-up before all uterine conservation decisions, correctly inform the patient and respect her preference.

[Human African trypanosomiasis in children. A pediatrics service experience in Libreville, Gabon]. / Trypanosomose humaine africaine chez l'enfant. Expérience d'un service de pédiatrie à Libreville, Gabon.

During a period of six years (1/1/89-12/31/94), seven children with trypanosomiasis were admitted to the Department of Pediatrics of Owendo Pediatric Hospital-Libreville, Gabon. They were 5 boys and 2 girls, aged 4-17 years, five of them under 15 years. The main reasons of hospitalization were somnolence (4 cases), psychical disorders (5 cases), neurological disorders (4 cases), asthenia (3 cases), loss of weight (3 cases) and fever (3 cases). Increased sedimentation rate (5 cases) and hypergammaglobulinemia (6 cases) were the most important biological disturbances. Serodiagnosis (CATT, indirect immunofluorescence test) was positive in all cases. The parasite was detected in blood seven times, and four times in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). According to CSF status, six children have been classified in second stage of the disease. Six patients were treated by melarsoprol, and one by eflornithine. Tolerance and response to treatment were good in six cases. Three children presented sequels when leaving hospital. No patient was seen again after the study.

[Rupture of a splenic artery aneurysm during pregnancy. Report of a case]. / Rupture pergravidique d'un anévrysme de l'artère splénique. A propos d'une observation.

Splenic artery aneurysm rupture during pregnancy is a rare but serious condition. The clinical presentation associates abdominal pain, hypotension and anemia that can mimic uterine rupture or abruptio placentae. An emergency cesarean section and splenectomy are necessary.

[Iron deficiency and pregnancy. A survey in a Mother and Child Care Center in Niamey (Niger)]. / Carence martiale et grossesse. A propos d'une enquête menée dans un Centre de Santé. Maternelle et Infantile de quartier de Niamey (Niger).

A survey carried out in a mother and child care Center in Niamey (Niger) in 1989 has revealed the association of a ferruginous deficiency phase II and III in pregnant women examined in the 8th month of their pregnancy and not presenting any sign of microcytic hypochromic anemia. A preventive and a curative therapy was proposed to these pregnant women in order to correct this ferruginous deficiency without waiting for a hypochromic anemia be evident.

[Tuberculosis control in the regional health district of Mauritanian Adrar (September 1976 to September 1980)]. / La lutte antituberculeuse dans la circonscription sanitaire régionale de l'Adrar mauritanien (Septembre 1976 à Septembre 1980).

Two strategies toward tuberculosis control in the sanitary district of Adrar (Mauritania) are compared. From September 1976 to September 1978, tuberculosis control is centralized in few health centers where non standardized diagnosis methods are applied, with a curative and non-mobile scheme. From September 1978 to September 1980, this control is decentralized, utilizing the purposely set up preventive medicine structures which are based on one pluri -disciplinary mobile team and on sanitary agents (dél egu és sanitaires ). The comparative study indicates clearly that, during the second period, screening and monitoring of the patients is much more effective (significant decrease in the number of people no more recorded; increased number of the people either cured or presenting a favourable evolution). The author noticed in the area under investigation, that incidence of the disease did not depend upon both dwelling (urban or rural) and living conditions (nomadic or sedentary) In addition, the interest of paraclinical exams, bacilloscopy excepted, is rather inexistent in the screening of the pulmonary tuberculosis.

[Emergency preparedness based on coherent integration of crisis response resources: workshop on mass casualty management in Bethlehem in June 1999]. / Préparation à l'action pour une réponse aux crises par une integration cohérente des moyens: l'atelier de gestion d'un afflux massif de blessés à Bethléem, en juin 1999.

In June 1999, the Humanitarian Action Division of the Foreign Affairs Department organized a training course on the mass casualty management within the framework of religious festivities related to the Bethlehem 2000 project. This initiative was undertaken at the request of the Palestinian Authority and the General Consulate of France in Jerusalem. Palestinian and French specialists in the field worked together in three workshops devoted to rescue, search and first aid; medical outposts and triage; and emergency and surgical care in referring hospitals.

[Workshop of military reconstructive surgery in Conakry May 1999: example of civilian-military cooperation in responding to medical-surgical crisis emergencies]. / L'atelier de chirurgie réparatrice de guerre de Conakry mai 1999: exemple de coopération civilo-militaire dans une réponse aux aspects d'urgence médico-chirurgicale d'une crise.

During the period from 1998 to 1999, civil wars broke out in number of west African countries including Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea Bissau. Due to the situation in surrounding countries, Guinea Conakry was forced to accept nearly 650000 refugees whose presence represented a major risk for the socio-political stability of the country. International organizations and NGOs condemned the atrocities inflicted on civilian populations by the children serving as soldiers in the RUF rebels organizations of Sierra Leone and Liberia. These attacks included murders, gang rapes, abduction of children and young people, and mutilation of extremities of people of all ages ranging from infants to elderly. Treatment of mutilation victims requires the availability of facilities for surgical treatment and prosthetic fitting in Guinea Conakry. The humanitarian action division of the French Foreign Affairs Department and the NGO Handicap International decided to provide specialized training in the management of mutilation injuries to surgical groups in hospitals of Guinea and Sierra Leone. The program consisted in a workshop on reconstructive surgery for war-related injuries to allow optimal prosthetic fitting for reinsertion of mutilation victims into society.

[Postoperative pain after transvaginal repair of pelvic organ prolapse with or without mesh]. / Douleurs postopératoires après cure de prolapsus génital par voie vaginale avec ou sans renfort prothétique.

OBJECTIVE: To assess postoperative pain after POP surgery by vaginal approach with and without mesh. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred and thirty-two consecutives patients operated on for POP (POP-Q ≥ 2) were enrolled. Surgical procedure was a traditional repair without mesh in 66 women and a mesh repair (Prolift) in 66 women. Postoperative pain was prospectively assessed by autoadministred questionnaires including analog visual scale. Pain scores were recorded 1 day after surgery (D1), at discharge, at 1 month follow-up (M1) and at 3 to 6 months follow-up (M3-6). We focused specially on mesh repair, age, previous prolapse procedure, hysterectomy, sacrospinofixation, transobturator sling, pre- and postoperative POP-Q score. RESULTS: At discharge, pain score was significantly higher in the mesh group (1.2 ± 1.8 versus 0.5 ± 0.9, P=0.021). Pain score were low (VAS<3) and similar in the two groups with or without mesh at M1 and M3-6 follow-up. When focusing on associated factors, hysterectomy as a significant higher pain score at day 1, transobturator slings associated to traditional repair are more painful at D1 versus associated to mesh repair, sacrospinofixation has only a statistical tendency (P=0.08) more painful at D1. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Pain score are low after both traditional or mesh repair by vaginal route. Mesh repair, hysterectomy and sacrospinofixation are more painful only in the first days after surgery. Our study supports the theory that transvaginal mesh procedure allows a quick return to normal life.