Examining vaginal and vulvar health and sexual dysfunction in patients with interstitial cystitis (UNICORN-1 study).

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The Vaginal Health Index Score (VHIS) and vulvodynia swab tests are used to assess vaginal health and vulvodynia. However, few studies have used these tests in patients with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS). IC/BPS is a chronic, debilitating disorder, characterised by urinary frequency, urinary urgency and pelvic pain. It adversely affects organs adjacent to the urinary system, leading to complications of sexual dysfunction. This study was aimed at understanding sexual dysfunction in patients with IC/BPS, as well as deterioration of vaginal health and vulvodynia. METHODS: This study compared the vaginal health of IC/BPS patients with that of asymptomatic control individuals. The Pain Urgency Frequency (PUF) score, Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), VHIS, and vulvodynia swab tests, were used as tools. The PUF and FSFI are questionnaire-based surveys of bladder symptoms and sexual function respectively. VHIS evaluation and vulvodynia swab tests are performed by physicians. The PUF was used to assess baseline IC/BPS symptoms to validate the patient population, and FSFI, vulvodynia swab tests and VHIS were used to determine between-group differences. RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients were recruited in each group. The IC/BPS group had a higher PUF score (18.19±3.51 vs 3.56±2.35; p<0.05), worse total FSFI (15.72±4.46 vs 26.3±4.93; p<0.05), and worse vulvodynia swab test and total VHIS (11.59±2.87 vs 22.05±3.05; p<0.05) scores than those of the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Asian women with IC/BPS experienced greater sexual dysfunction, worsened vaginal health and increased vulvodynia compared with control individuals. Information on vaginal and vulva health is very useful in evaluating IC/BPS patients.

Comparison of urethral sling surgery and non-ablative vaginal Erbium:YAG laser treatment in 327 patients with stress urinary incontinence: a case-matching analysis.

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) occurs when abdominal pressure, such as from coughing or sneezing, causes urine leakage. We retrospectively compared tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) and non-ablative vaginal Erbium:YAG laser treatment (VEL) by propensity score (PS) analysis in women with SUI. No PS analysis studies have investigated urethral sling surgery using polypropylene TVT and VEL for SUI. Data from patients aged 35-50 years who were treated for SUI and registered at several institutions were selected. Patients with medical records covering 1 year for the 1-h pad test, who completed the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF) and the Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS), were included. We analyzed 102, 113, and 112 patients in the TVT, VEL, and control groups, respectively. Compared with the control group, the TVT and VEL groups exhibited significant improvement in the 1-h pad test and ICIQ-SF. In the PS analysis, the TVT and VEL groups similarly improved in the 1-h pad test and ICIQ-SF. As for the OABSS, the VEL group showed significantly greater improvement than the TVT group. In the odds ratio analysis for the 1-h pad test, no differences in any of the parameters were observed between TVT and VEL. VEL may be considered an alternative to TVT for SUI treatment.

Minimally Invasive Vaginal Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery Technique for Successful Polypropylene Mesh Removal in Pelvic Organ Prolapse: A Case Report.

In the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse, the insertion of polypropylene mesh is often necessary but can lead to subsequent complications, such as a high incidence of pain and infections, necessitating mesh removal. However, the removal of polypropylene mesh can be challenging due to the risks of postoperative complications and technical difficulties. The key to effective healing often lies in the complete removal of the mesh, but this process is associated with complications, including severe pain and potential foreign body reactions. These challenges underscore the need for less invasive and more precise removal techniques. In our clinical practice, traditional approaches, such as vaginal and open abdominal surgeries, have often been hindered by limited visibility and accessibility at the mesh fixation sites. To address these issues, our team has pioneered the development of vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) for mesh removal. This innovative and minimally invasive technique, performed through the vaginal route, holds particular promise for repairs within the pelvic cavity. vNOTES not only enhances surgical visibility but also reduces the invasiveness of the procedure. In this case report, we present an 85-year-old female patient, who underwent transvaginal mesh (TVM) insertion at the age of 68 years. The patient developed pain in the left buttock, left lower back, and vulvar region, necessitating the removal of TVM. The vNOTES approach significantly reduced postoperative pain and complications, enabling efficient and safe removal of the polypropylene mesh. Moreover, the pathological examination of the polypropylene mesh, which was causing hip and buttock pain, revealed the presence of poor granulation tissue, indicative of a specific pathological tissue pattern. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first detailed account of the successful application of vNOTES in mesh removal.

Mesh Extraction Surgery and Laser Treatment for Pain After Mid-Urethral Sling Surgery: A Case Series.

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is the leakage of urine due to abdominal pressure. The primary surgical approach involves the insertion of a mid-urethral sling (MUS) with a mesh, which can occasionally lead to post-operative pain. To address complications, MUS removal is often necessary. We hypothesize that a non-ablative erbium:yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) laser combined with vagina (vaginal erbium laser (VEL)) and urethra (urethra erbium laser (UEL)) treatments could be a post-MUS removal option. A study involving laser treatment started in 2016 for women with recurrent SUI one year after MUS removal who were not affected by pelvic floor muscle exercises and who did not wish to have MUS reinsertion or urethral injection treatment. Five patients (mean age, 54.5 ± 9.35 years) were enrolled, all receiving laser therapy. The visual analog scale (VAS) was used to assess pain as a primary endpoint, and the one-hour pad test was performed for SUI as a secondary endpoint. The mean pain VAS score changed from 8.57 ± 0.69 to 2.29 ± 1.50 (p = 0.00002) after MUS removal. Furthermore, the VAS score was 0 (p = 0.0034) after VEL + UEL. SUI changed from 4.42 ± 2.9 g on the one-hour pad test during MUS insertion to 66.7 ± 39.0 (p = 0.005) after removal. However, after the VEL + UEL treatment, it was 3.71 ± 5.25 g (p = 0.0035). The pathological tissue collected from the five patients at the time of MUS removal surgery had vacuolization in the part where the artificial material was present in the specimen, with foreign-body giant cells proliferated around it. One year after the MUS removal, mucous membrane regeneration was poor, and tissue thickness was thin. One year after the VEL + UEL treatment, the tissue had normalized mucosa, and there was no inflammation. Our study suggests MUS extraction and VEL + UEL as viable options for treating MUS pain in women.

Efficacy and Safety of Combination Therapy With Vaginal and Urethral Erbium-Doped Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet (Er:YAG) Laser for Overactive Bladder With Urinary Incontinence.

OBJECTIVE: This retrospective cohort study with propensity score (PS) matching aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a combination therapy with vaginal and urethral erbium:yttrium aluminum garnet laser (VEL+UEL) (SP Dynamis; Fotona d.o.o., Ljubljana, Slovenia) in the treatment of overactive bladder with urinary incontinence (OAB-wet). METHODS: The study included female OAB-wet patients aged 65 and above who were already taking OAB medication. Data obtained from electronic medical records were subjected to propensity score matching. All patients received instructions on pelvic floor exercises and were prescribed an appropriate dose of OAB medication. The VEL+UEL group (n=30) underwent three monthly laser sessions, while the control group (n=30) did not receive the treatment. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS), International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF), three-day urination diary, and Vaginal Health Index Score (VHIS). Medication usage and adverse events were also assessed. Statistical analysis and R code were performed using the AI chatbot GPT-4.0. RESULTS: The VEL+UEL group showed significant improvements in OABSS score, ICIQ-SF score, voided volume, daytime frequency, nocturia, and VHIS after 12 months of treatment (p<0.001). Notably, 13.3% of patients transitioned from OAB-wet to OAB-dry. In contrast, the control group did not exhibit significant changes. Medication use was significantly reduced in the VEL+UEL group compared to the control group (p<0.001). No long-term side effects were reported. CONCLUSION: Combination therapy with VEL+UEL demonstrated efficacy and safety in the treatment of OAB-wet. Improvements in OAB symptoms, voided volume, frequency, nocturia, and vaginal health were observed, with a subset of patients transitioning to OAB-dry. VEL+UEL therapy offers a potential treatment option for OAB-wet, reducing medication use and improving patient outcomes. Further research is warranted to investigate the mechanism, long-term effects, safety, and cost-effectiveness of VEL+UEL therapy.

Pathological Insights on Polypropylene Mesh Complications From Laparoscopic Sacrocolpopexy: A Case Series.

Background The use of polypropylene mesh in laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (LSC) is a common treatment for pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Despite its widespread application, postoperative complications such as mesh pain and infection sometimes necessitate the removal of the mesh. However, it remains unclear in which cases mesh removal is warranted. Our research focused on the pathological changes at the sacral fixation point of the mesh. We sought to evaluate the pathological alterations of the sacral mesh removed through an innovative approach of transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES). Methods This retrospective study included nine patients who underwent mesh removal surgery at the Yokosuka Urogynecology and Urology Clinic in 2023. Extraction surgery was performed using vNOTES with the GelPoint Access Platform (Applied Medical JAPAN HEADQUARTERS, Tokyo, Japan). Non-ablative Erbium YAG and Neodymium YAG lasers (RenovaLase, SP Dynamis; Fotona d.o.o., Ljubljana, Slovenia) were utilized for persistent stress urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, vaginal erosion, and bleeding after surgery. Patients were categorized based on mesh fixation conditions, including unintended mesh overlap (Group I), excessive traction (Group II), and signs of mesh aging (Group III). This categorization helped to understand the distinct pathological outcomes associated with each condition. Results Pathological findings from the mesh removed via vNOTES varied significantly across the groups. In Group I, characteristic large vacuole formation and accumulation of atypical giant cells were observed, attributed to mesh overlap. Group II presented with vacuole formation, fiber degradation, and tissue destruction as a result of excessive mesh traction. In Group III, the aging of the mesh was marked by cracks in the surrounding tissues and granuloma formation. These detailed observations provide crucial insights into the underlying causes of mesh-related pain and other complications, highlighting the complexity of bodily responses to mesh implants. Conclusion This study demonstrated the effectiveness of vNOTES for polypropylene mesh removal in patients with post-LSC complications, resulting in significant pain reduction. Pathological analysis revealed that mesh-related issues stem from the surgical techniques, mesh properties, and long-term bodily reactions. These findings provide valuable insights for improving mesh design and POP treatment strategies. Despite the technical challenges, vNOTES is recommended for mesh removal in patients with pain. Additionally, the combination of UEL, VEL, targeted laser irradiation, AEL, and Nd:YAG laser treatments showed promising results in managing post-mesh removal complications such as stress urinary incontinence, vaginal erosion, bleeding, and fecal incontinence, offering hope for improved patient outcomes.

Evaluating Non-ablative Erbium Yttrium Aluminium Garnet (YAG) Laser Treatment for Polypropylene Mesh-Induced Vaginal Erosion: A Case Series.

Background Vaginal erosion caused by the polypropylene mesh is a serious side effect, and the development of effective treatment methods is required. This study explored the potential of non-ablative vaginal erbium yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) laser treatment (VEL) as a novel treatment approach. Methods In this study, VEL was performed on nine women who experienced vaginal erosion after undergoing treatment for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) with polypropylene mesh. These patients visited our hospital between April and December 2020. Using the Renovalase (SP Dynamis Fotona d.o.o., Ljubljana, Slovenia), the laser was applied to the entire vagina, with intensive irradiation focused on the erosion areas. Detailed analyses of symptoms before and after treatment, as well as histopathological changes, were conducted one year post-treatment. Results Nine women were referred to our hospital due to vaginal erosion caused by polypropylene mesh. The participants' average age was 73.2 years (range: 69-81 years), with four patients having undergone transvaginal mesh (TVM) surgery and five undergoing laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (LSC). The average time from mesh insertion to treatment initiation was 7.2 years (range: 3-15 years), with eight patients having previously attempted mesh removal. Post-treatment, significant improvements were observed in managing vaginal erosion and related bleeding, corroborated by histopathological analysis confirming cell regeneration and tissue repair. These improvements also resulted in significant improvements in bleeding management and quality of life (QoL). Conclusion VEL suggests the possibility of being an effective treatment method for vaginal erosion caused by a polypropylene mesh. However, further research is needed because of the small sample size and the limitations inherent in the retrospective case series design.

Ninjin'yoeito Improves Genitourinary Symptoms in Patients With Frailty.

Introduction In geriatric medicine, there is currently significant attention on frailty, a condition commonly associated with aging and characterized by muscle weakness and other age-related changes. Within the fields of urology and gynecology, conditions such as overactive bladder (OAB) and genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) have been identified as crucial concerns due to their negative impact on the quality of life of elderly individuals. In this study, we investigated the potential of Ninjin'yoeito (NYT), a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, as a viable treatment option for frailty. Additionally, we hypothesized that NYT may also contribute to the improvement of symptoms associated with OAB and GSM, and potentially help in reducing the dosage of OAB medications. Methods In this retrospective cohort study conducted from November 2016 to November 2022, we created a website describing the relationship between frailty and genitourinary symptoms in frail patients aged ≥ 65 years with GSM who underwent pelvic floor muscle training. The patients were divided into two propensity score-matched groups: NYT group (received NYT for one year) and no-NYT group (did not receive NYT), based on their wishes. The fatigue, resistance, ambulation, illnesses, and loss of weight (FRAIL) scale was used to assess frailty status. Urinary symptoms were evaluated using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF) and Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS). Genital symptoms were investigated using the vaginal health index score and vulvodynia swab test. The value of each score was obtained before (T0) and 12 months after (T12) treatment, and the difference (ΔT0/T12) was calculated. Results During the study period, 985 outpatients visited our clinic, of whom 725 were considered frail/pre-frail; 402 women with frailty/pre-frailty (mean age 77.5 ± 6.49 years) were included, with a median follow-up of 14.5 months. The NYT and no-NYT groups had 220 and 182 patients, respectively. After propensity score matching, each group had 159 patients. ΔT0/T12FRAIL scale score was significantly higher in the NYT group (0.13 ± 0.37) than in the no-NYT (0.01 ± 0.10) group (p=0.001.) However, urinary symptoms improved in the NYT group more than in the no-NYT in terms of the following parameters: ΔT0/T12OABSS (NYT: 0.89 ± 1.65; no-NYTl: 0.36 ± 1.14, p=0.001) and ΔT0/T12ICIQ-SF score (NYT: 1.51 ± 1.75; no-NYT: 0.42 ± 1.18, p<0.001). Genital symptoms were better in the NYT group in terms of ΔT0/T12VHIS (NYT: 0.58 ±1.08; no-NYT: 0.21 ±0.65, p<0.001). The vulvodynia swab test showed improvements in left para-hymen evoked pain in both groups. In the NYT group, 5% of the patients underwent antimuscarinic drug dose reduction for overactive bladder treatment. NYT use was not associated with significant side effects, and only 0.6% of patients reported drug allergies. Conclusion NYT improved activity levels in frail/pre-frail patients. Moreover, NYT use improved various genitourinary symptoms experienced by patients with frailty/pre-frailty. Treatment with NYT may reduce the dose of overactive bladder medications. The anticholinergic load-reducing effect of NYT may help solve the problem of polypharmacy.

Laser Treatment for Patients With Vulvodynia and Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome: A Case Series (The UNICORN-3 Study).

Introduction Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) is a chronic pain disorder characterized by urgency, frequency of urination, and pelvic pain. Women with IC/BPS often experience sexual dysfunction, vulvodynia, and vaginal health issues. Combined erbium and neodymium yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) laser treatments targeting the vagina and vulva have shown promise in improving symptoms. Our study aims to investigate the effectiveness of these combined laser treatments in women with IC/BPS and vulvodynia. Methods Women diagnosed with vulvodynia and IC/BPS underwent combined laser treatment using vaginal erbium:YAG laser (VEL) and neodymium:YAG laser (Nd:YAG). Various parameters were evaluated, including the vulvodynia test, numeric rating scale (NRS-11) for pain, interstitial cystitis symptom index and problem index (ICSI and ICPI), pelvic pain and urgency/frequency symptom score (PUF), and mean urination volume/daily urination frequency in a three-day urination diary. Treatment was administered three times, with intervals of one month between each session, and follow-up evaluations were conducted at six and 12 months. All statistical analyses were designed and programmed by the AI chatbot GPT-4 (chatGPT-4). Results Fifteen female patients diagnosed with vulvodynia and IC/BPS were treated with three sessions of VEL + Nd:YAG. Significant improvements were observed in the vulvodynia test, NRS-11 scores, PUF, ICSI scores, ICPI scores, mean urination volume, and daily urination frequency at six and 12 months (p<0.01). Short-term improvements in IC/BPS pain scores correlated with improvements in the vulvodynia test (p=0.007), suggesting a synergistic effect. However, no significant correlations were found at 12 months. Conclusion Combined laser treatments targeting the vagina and vulva showed significant therapeutic effects in women with IC/BPS and vulvodynia. The addition of Nd:YAG to the VEL treatment enhanced outcomes. Short-term improvements in IC/BPS pain scores correlated with improvements in the vulvodynia test, indicating a synergistic effect. Long-term improvements in both vulvodynia and IC/BPS symptoms may occur independently. These findings highlight the importance of comprehensive approaches for treating coexisting vulvodynia and IC/BPS.

Analysis of Predictive Factors for Return to Sports in Female Athletes With Stress Urinary Incontinence.

Introduction This study aimed to identify predictive factors for successful return to sports among elite female athletes (EFAs) experiencing stress urinary incontinence (SUI). We used machine learning to analyze these predictors. Methods This study was conducted at Yokosuka Urogynecology and Urology Clinic, located in Yokosuka City, Kanagawa, Japan. A total of 153 EFAs with postpartum SUI were included in this retrospective cohort study. Information regarding the frequency of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT), treatment approaches, rates of return to sports after one year, and one-hour pad test (1HrPadtest) at three months were collected. Results At three months, 26.8% of the EFAs improved in SUI; after one year, 28.1% returned to their respective sports successfully. The equation for predicting return to sports (logit(p)) involved several factors: (a) serum total testosterone, (b) PFMT frequency per week, (c) 1HrPadtest at three months, and (d) vaginal erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser (VEL) + urethral EL (UEL) treatment. The equation was as follows: -126 - 0.07276a + 25.98b - 1.947c - 25.32d, with a logit(p) cutoff point at 0.5. The optimal cutoff values and the four influential factors were determined through a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and the random forest model, respectively. Conclusions For EFAs with severe SUI to successfully return to their sports activities, the PFMT frequency was paramount. Patients who exhibited unsatisfactory results in the 1HrPadtest at the three-month mark benefited from the VEL+UEL treatment. Serum total testosterone proved to be an effective discerning criterion.

Long-Term Improvement in Urinary Incontinence in an Elite Female Athlete Through the Laser Treatment: A Case Report.

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is increasing in elite female athletes (EFAs), affecting competition results and quality of life. Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is the first-line treatment for SUI, and surgery is generally performed when PFMT is insufficient. However, in EFA, there are few cases in which surgery is performed and fewer reports. Therefore, there is no known general treatment strategy for EFA with SUI. In our study, a 23-year-old track-and-field medalist with severe SUI was successfully treated with a vaginal and urethral erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser (VEL + UEL). After 12 treatments over one year, urinary incontinence decreased from 300 mL or more in the 400 m track run before treatment to 0 mL. She did not experience any more problems during running or competition. There was no recurrence of SUI for three years, and the urethral pressure profile examination confirmed improvement. MRIs showed that the left puborectalis muscle was absent from the first visit. The urethra was oval with an anteroposterior outer diameter of 10 mm and a transverse outer diameter of 13 mm before treatment. However, after three years of treatment, both anteroposterior and transverse diameters became circular, measuring 11 mm. Vaginal wall thickness increased from 8 to 12 mm at the center of the height of the urethra, making it possible to support the urethra, and pretreated adipose tissue space between the urethra and vagina disappeared. It was noted that the uneven and fragile urethra/vagina, the presence of adipose tissue space, and the absence of the left puborectalis muscle may have been the cause of the SUI. One year of VEL + UEL treatment resulted in long-term improvement of SUI; MRI showed changes in the urethra and vagina.

Efficacy of Two Laser Treatment Strategies for Breast Cancer Survivors With Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause.

Background A typical symptom of patients with genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is dyspareunia. Dyspareunia has been thought to be caused by vaginal dryness. In recent years, a survey of breast cancer survivors (BCS) with GSM has shown that para-hymen is the most painful. Dyspareunia and superficial vulvar pain (vulvodynia) may be closely linked. A recent study showed that vulvodynia is very common in BCS. Therefore, we believe treatment targeting the vagina and the vulva is necessary for pain in BCS with GSM. We hypothesized that treating both the vagina and the vulva would solve the problem of BCS with GSM. We compared the vaginal erbium SMOOTH mode laser (VEL) and neodymium-doped yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser (VEL+Nd:YAG) combination treatment over time. This study explores therapeutic targets for pain in BCS with GSM. Methodology This retrospective, case-control study targeted sexually active BCS who reported GSM with vulvodynia and dyspareunia. After all women enrolled in the VEL treatment group had completed treatment, we treated women enrolled in the VEL+Nd:YAG treatment group. A total of 256 women who received either VEL+Nd:YAG or VEL were enrolled. Propensity score (PS)-matching analysis was used to compare two-year postoperative data retrospectively. The PS-matching results registered 102 patients in the VEL+Nd:YAG group and 102 patients in the VEL group. Symptoms were assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS) for vulvodynia before and after laser treatment for one, three, six, 12, and 24 months after completion. As a preliminary study, the vulvodynia swab test confirmed the causative location of dyspareunia. Moreover, the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and Vaginal Health Index Score (VHIS) were assessed. FSFI and VHIS were treated as supplement research because the conditions were unmet. Results In the vulvodynia swab test, dyspareunia, and para-hymen (especially at 4 o'clock and 9 o'clock), all felt pain, and only a few felt pain in the vagina and labia. FSFI improved significantly in the VEL+Nd:YAG group and persisted for two years. VHIS improved equally in both groups and was not significantly different. After the first laser application, the VEL+Nd:YAG and the VEL groups showed sustained efficacy and safety in vulvodynia. Baseline VAS scores (8.74 ± 0.72 vs. 8.79 ± 0.74; p = 0.564) were similar in both groups. Both groups had a significant (p < 0.001) decrease in the VAS score. The VAS values in the VEL+Nd:YAG group and the VEL group decreased from the pretreatment to 3.79 ± 0.63 (p < 0.001 vs. baseline) and 5.56 ± 0.89 (p < 0.001 vs. baseline) after the third treatments, respectively. After 24 months, the VAS value in the VEL+Nd:YAG group and the VEL group was at 4.43 ± 1.38 (p < 0.001 vs. baseline) and 5.56 ± 0.89 (p < 0.001 vs. baseline), respectively. The side effects in both groups were short-term and minor. Conclusions Both VEL+NdYAG and VEL effectively and safely treat GSM dyspareunia and vulvodynia in BCS. Comparing the two groups, we confirmed that VEL+Nd:YAG treatment of the vaginal vestibule and vaginal opening reduced superficial vulvar pain more effectively, extensively, and over a longer period than VEL. The results of the vulvodynia swab test, FSFI, and VHIS suggest that the vulva and the vagina are important therapeutic targets for pain in BCS with GSM. The importance of treating the vulvar area for superficial pain and dyspareunia in GSM has been emphasized.

Predictive Factors for High Post-void Residual Volume in Older Females After OnabotulinumA Treatment for Severe Overactive Bladder Using a Machine Learning Model.

Introduction Intravesical onabotulinumA injection is actively used for the treatment of overactive bladder (OAB). However, it occasionally results in significant post-void residual urine (PVR) volume, which can lead to complications and can further impair the activities of daily living in older people. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the predictors of a high post-onabotulinumA injection PVR volume in older women with severe OAB. Methods An observational study was conducted on older women who had previously received intravesical onabotulinumA injections to treat OAB between 2020 and 2022. Urodynamic studies and symptom assessments were conducted, and machine learning models, including random forest and support vector machine (SVM) models, were developed using the R code generated by Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer 4 (ChatGPT, OpenAI, San Francisco, USA). Results Among 128 patients with OAB, 23 (18.0%) had a PVR volume of > 200 mL after receiving onabotulinumA injections. The factors associated with a PVR volume of > 200 mL were investigated using univariate and multivariate analyses. Age, frailty, OAB-wet, daytime frequency, and nocturia were significant predictors. Random forest analysis highlighted daytime frequency, frailty, and voiding efficiency as important factors. An SVM model incorporating daytime frequency, frailty, and voiding efficiency improved PVR volume prediction. Logit(p) estimation yielded an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.926294.  Conclusion The study found daytime frequency, frailty, and voiding inefficiency to be significant factors associated with a PVR volume of > 200 mL, in older women with severe OAB. Utilizing advanced machine learning techniques and following the guidance of ChatGPT, this research emphasizes the relevance of considering multiple intersecting factors for predicting PVR volume. The findings contribute to our understanding of onabotulinumA injection treatment for OAB and support evidence-based decision-making using readily available information.

Is Erbium/Neodymium Laser Combination Therapy an Effective Treatment Option for Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome With Vulvodynia?

Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) is often associated with vulvodynia and poor vaginal health. IC/BPS causes pelvic and bladder pain and urinary symptoms, which considerably reduce the quality of life. To date, this condition has no definitive cure. Local estrogen therapy (LET) has been proposed as a treatment for vulvodynia and poor vaginal health to improve the symptoms of IC/BPS. However, chronic LET could be contraindicated or not desired in some patients. The present study reports the case of a 55-year-old postmenopausal woman with IC/BPS who was successfully treated with combined vaginal erbium (VEL)/neodymium (Nd:YAG) laser (VEL+Nd:YAG) therapy. The patient presented with a five-year history of pelvic pain and urinary frequency. Direct approaches for the bladder (such as hydrodistension, anticholinergic drugs, and transurethral Hunner lesion ablation/cauterization) were conducted with inconsistent results. Immediately prior to the patient's presentation, LET was administered for 12 weeks; however, this therapy resulted in mild improvement and poor patient satisfaction. After presentation, VEL+Nd:YAG therapy was conducted once a month for three months. The patient reported considerable decrease in pain during urination. The improved symptoms were maintained for six months after the last therapy session. These results suggest that VEL+Nd:YAG therapy is an effective method for improving symptoms in patients with IC/BPS.

Improvements in overactive bladder syndrome after polypropylene mesh surgery for cystocele.

BACKGROUND: The International Continence Society has defined overactive bladder syndrome (OABS) by the following set of symptoms: 'urgency, with or without urge incontinence, usually with urinary frequency and nocturia'. OABS and cystocele often coexist. AIM: This study aimed to analyse the changes in the overactive bladder symptom score (OABSS) of women followed up for one year after anterior repair surgery performed using a polypropylene mesh. In this surgery, a tape with four straps designed for optimum tissue holding capacity was fixed to the obturator foramen. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-four women were operated using the abovementioned mesh. The OABSS, maximal urinary flow rate (Qmax) and postvoid residual (PVR) volume were evaluated pre- and post-surgery. RESULTS: We observed significant improvements in the OABSS and quality of life scores before and after one year of surgery. The surgery was significantly effective in improving urgency, daytime frequency, incontinence, the Qmax and the PVR volume. No significant change in nocturia was observed post-surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirmed the efficacy of the propylene mesh introduction surgery for cystocele for the improvement of OABS symptoms.