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.

Characteristics of providers who prescribed only anticholinergic medications for overactive bladder in 2020.

BACKGROUND: Pharmacologic therapy for overactive bladder typically includes either an anticholinergic or a beta-3 agonist. Based on research that has demonstrated increased risks of cognitive impairment and dementia associated with anticholinergic use, current guidelines support the use of beta-3 agonists rather than anticholinergics in older patients. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to describe the characteristics of providers prescribing only anticholinergics to treat overactive bladder in patients aged ≥65 years. STUDY DESIGN: The US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services publishes data on medications dispensed to Medicare beneficiaries. Data include the National Provider Identifier of the prescriber and the number of pills prescribed and dispensed for any given medication for beneficiaries aged ≥65 years. We obtained each provider's National Provider Identifier, gender, degree, and primary specialty. National Provider Identifiers were linked to an additional Medicare database that includes graduation year. We included providers who prescribed pharmacologic therapy for overactive bladder in 2020 for patients aged ≥65 years. We calculated the percentage of providers who prescribed only anticholinergics (and did not prescribe beta-3 agonists) for overactive bladder and stratified by provider characteristics. Data are reported as adjusted risk ratios. RESULTS: In 2020, 131,605 providers prescribed overactive bladder medications. Of those identified, 110,874 (84.2%) had complete demographic information available. Although only 7% of providers who prescribed medications for overactive bladder were urologists, prescriptions from urologists accounted for 29% of total prescriptions. Among providers prescribing medications for overactive bladder, 73% of female providers prescribed only anticholinergics, whereas 66% of male providers prescribed only anticholinergics (P<.001). The percentage of providers that prescribed only anticholinergics also varied by specialty (P<.001), with providers specialized in geriatric medicine being least likely to prescribe only anticholinergics (40%), followed by urologists (44%). Nurse practitioners (75%) and family medicine physicians (73%) were more likely to prescribe only anticholinergics. The percentage of providers who prescribed only anticholinergics was the highest for recent medical school graduates and decreased with time since graduation. Overall, 75% of providers within 10 years of graduation prescribed only anticholinergics, whereas only 64% of providers who were >40 years of age from graduation prescribed only anticholinergics (P<.001). CONCLUSION: This study identified considerable differences in prescribing practices based on provider characteristics. Female physicians, nurse practitioners, physicians trained in family medicine, and those who recently graduated from medical school were the most likely to prescribe only anticholinergic medications and not prescribe any beta-3 agonist for the treatment of overactive bladder. This study identified differences in prescribing practices based on provider demographics that may guide educational outreach programs.

Racial and ethnic differences in reconstructive surgery for apical vaginal prolapse.

BACKGROUND: There is limited literature identifying racial and ethnic health disparities among surgical modalities and outcomes in the field of urogynecology and specifically pelvic organ prolapse surgery. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the differences in surgical approach for apical vaginal prolapse and postoperative complications by race and ethnicity. STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective cohort study of women undergoing surgical repair for apical vaginal prolapse between 2014 and 2017 using data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. Patients were eligible for inclusion if they underwent either vaginal colpopexy or abdominal sacrocolpopexy. Abdominal sacrocolpopexy cases were further divided into those performed by laparotomy and those performed by laparoscopy. Multivariable logistic regression models that controlled for age, comorbidities, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification, and concurrent surgery were used to determine whether race and ethnicity are associated with the type of colpopexy (vaginal vs abdominal) or the surgical route of abdominal sacrocolpopexy. Similar models that also controlled for surgical approach were used to assess 30-day complications by race and ethnicity. RESULTS: A total of 22,861 eligible surgical cases were identified, of which 12,337 (54%) were vaginal colpopexy and 10,524 (46%) were abdominal sacrocolpopexy. Among patients who had an abdominal sacrocolpopexy, 2262 (21%) were performed via laparotomy and 8262 (79%) via laparoscopy. The study population was 70% White, 9% Latina, 6% African American, 3% Asian, 0.6% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, 0.4% American Indian or Alaska Native, and 11% unknown. In multivariable analysis, Asian and Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander women were less likely to undergo abdominal sacrocolpopexy compared with White women (odds ratio, 0.82; 95% confidence interval, 0.68-0.99, and odds ratio, 0.56; 95% confidence interval, 0.39-0.82, respectively). Among women who underwent an abdominal sacrocolpopexy, Latina women and Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander women were less likely to undergo a laparoscopic approach compared with White women (odds ratio, 0.68; 95% confidence interval, 0.58-0.79, and odds ratio, 0.31; 95% confidence interval, 0.1-0.56, respectively). Complication rates also differed by race and ethnicity. After a colpopexy, African American women were more likely to need a blood transfusion (odds ratio, 3.04; 95% confidence interval, 1.95-4.73; P≤.001) and have a deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolus (odds ratio, 2.46; 95% confidence interval, 1.10-5.48; P=.028), but less likely to present with postoperative urinary tract infections (odds ratio, 0.68; 95% confidence interval, 0.49-0.96; P=.028) than White women in multivariable regression models. Using the Clavien-Dindo classification system, Latina women had higher odds of developing grade II complications than White women in multivariable models (odds ratio, 1.25; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-1.51; P=.02). CONCLUSION: There are racial and ethnic differences in the type and route of surgical repair for apical vaginal prolapse. In particular, Latina and Pacific Islander women were less likely to undergo a laparoscopic approach to abdominal sacrocolpopexy compared with White women. Although complications were uncommon, there were several complications including blood transfusions that were higher among African American and Latina women. Additional studies are needed to better understand and describe associated factors for these differences in care and surgical outcomes.

An Evidenced-based Approach to Stress Urinary Incontinence in Women: What's New?

Stress urinary incontinence is a common condition in women potentially affecting women of any age including young women who have not yet completed childbearing. It is important to consider the impact on quality of life and offer treatment to those experiencing bother. There are several effective nonsurgical treatments for women before considering more invasive or definitive intervention. There is good data on lifestyle and behavioral changes which are often first-line recommendations. Data is also strong for pelvic muscle training and strengthening. Pessary supportive devices also play a role. Additional options also exist for limited indications.

Assessing patients' preferences for gender, age, and experience of their urogynecologic provider.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Understanding patient preferences regarding provider characteristics is an under-explored area in urogynecology. This study aims to describe patient preferences for urogynecologic care, including provider gender, age, experience, and presence of medical trainees. METHODS: This was a multicenter, cross-sectional, survey-based study assessing patient preferences with a voluntary, self-administered, anonymous questionnaire prior to their first urogynecology consult. A 5-point Likert scale addressing provider gender, age, experience, and presence of trainees was used. Descriptive statistics summarized patient characteristics and provider preferences. Chi-squared (or Fisher's exact) test was used to test for associations. RESULTS: Six hundred fifteen women participated from eight sites including all geographic regions across the US; 70.8% identified as white with mean age of 58.5 ± 14.2 years. Urinary incontinence was the most commonly reported symptom (45.9%); 51.4% saw a female provider. The majority of patients saw a provider 45-60 years old (42.8%) with > 15 years' experience (60.9%). Sixty-five percent of patients preferred a female provider; 10% preferred a male provider. Sixteen percent preferred a provider < 45 years old, 36% preferred 45-60 years old, and 11% of patients preferred a provider > 60 years old. Most patients preferred a provider with 5-15 or > 15 years' experience (49% and 46%, respectively). Eleven percent preferred the presence of trainees while 24% preferred trainee absence. CONCLUSION: Patient preferences regarding urogynecologic providers included female gender and provider age 45-60 years old with > 5 years' experience. Further study is needed to identify qualitative components associated with these preferences.

Introducing New Technologies and Techniques into Gynecologic Surgical Practice.

The surgery practiced today is not the same as the surgery practiced a generation ago and because of the ever-evolving nature of medicine, ongoing education, and adoption of new technology is vital for all surgeons. New technology has the potential to revolutionize the way we practice medicine; however, it is important to understand the context in which new medical devices arise and to approach new medical devices with a healthy combination of skepticism and optimism. Surgeons should feel comfortable assessing, critiquing, and adopting new technology.

Salary Disparities in Academic Urogynecology: Despite Increased Transparency, Men Still Earn More Than Women.

OBJECTIVE: To understand the compensation differences between male and female academic urogynecologists at public institutions. METHODS: Urogynecologists at public universities with publicly available salary data as of June 2019 were eligible for the study. We collected characteristics, including sex, additional advanced degrees, years of training, board certification, leadership roles, number of authored scientific publications, and total National Institutes of Health funding projects and number of registered clinical trials for which the physician was a principal or co-investigator. We also collected total number of Medicare beneficiaries treated and total Medicare reimbursement as reported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. We used linear regression to adjust for potential confounders. RESULTS: We identified 85 academic urogynecologists at 29 public state academic institutions with available salary data eligible for inclusion in the study. Males were more likely to be an associate or a full professor (81%) compared with females (55%) and were more likely to serve as department chair, vice chair, or division director (59%) compared with females (30%). The mean annual salary was significantly higher among males ($323,227 ± $97,338) than females ($268,990 ± $72,311, P = 0.004). After adjusting for academic rank and leadership roles and years since residency, the discrepancy persisted, with females compensated on average $37,955 less annually. CONCLUSIONS: Salaries are higher for male urogynecologists than female urogynecologists, even when accounting for variables such as academic rank and leadership roles. Physician compensation is complex; the differences observed may be due to variables that are not captured in this study. Nevertheless, the magnitude of disparity found in our study warrants further critical assessment of potential biases within the field.

Public perspectives on the use of preimplantation genetic diagnosis.

PURPOSE: To study the perspectives of the United States population towards the use of preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) in various clinical scenarios. METHODS: Online cross-sectional population based questionnaire of a nationally representative sample according to age, gender, race/ethnicity, income, education and religion. RESULTS: A total of 1006 completed the questionnaire with an overall response rate of 94%. A majority supported PGD for diseases fatal early in life or those causing lifelong disability (72.9 and 66.7%, respectively); only 48.0% supported PGD for diseases that manifest late in life. Respondents were more supportive of PGD for genetic diseases if they were aware of PGD prior to the survey (OR = 1.64; CI = 1.13-2.39). However, a small proportion were in favor of genetically-based trait selection: 21.1% supported PGD for sex selection, 14.6% for physical traits and 18.9% for personality traits. Compared to women, men were nearly two- to three-fold more supportive of PGD for sex selection (OR = 1.65; CI = 1.20-2.78), physical traits (OR = 2.38; CI = 1.60-3.48) and personality traits (OR = 2.31; CI = .64-3.26). Compared to Caucasians, Asians (OR = 3.87; CI = 1.71-8.78) and African Americans (OR = 1.61; CI = 1.04-2.74) were more supportive of PGD for sex selection. CONCLUSIONS: In a nationally representative sample, a majority supported PGD to identify early onset diseases. We noted significant variation in opinions by sex, race, and education. There was more support among those with prior knowledge of PGD suggesting that education about PGD may foster favorable opinions. This study identifies public knowledge and attitudes that may be used to shape future research hypotheses and clinical policies.

Trainee Perspectives Regarding the Effect of the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization Supreme Court Decision on Obstetrics and Gynecology Training.

Objectives: We aimed to describe obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN) trainees' anticipation of how the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization (Dobbs) U.S. Supreme Court decision may affect their training. Methods: A REDCap survey of OBGYN residents and fellows in the United States from September 19, 2022, to December 1, 2022, queried trainees' anticipated achievement of relevant Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) training milestones, their concerns about the ability to provide care and concern about legal repercussions during training, and the importance of OBGYN competence in managing certain clinical situations for residency graduates. The primary outcome was an ACGME program trainee feeling uncertain or unable to obtain the highest level queried for a relevant ACGME milestone, including experiencing 20 abortion procedures in residency. Results: We received 469 eligible responses; the primary outcome was endorsed by 157 respondents (33.5%). After correction for confounders, significant predictors of the primary outcome were state environment (aOR = 3.94 for pending abortion restrictions; aOR = 2.71 for current abortion restrictions), trainee type (aOR = 0.21 for fellow vs. resident), and a present or past Ryan Training Program in residency (aOR = 0.55). Although the vast majority of trainees believed managing relevant clinical situations are key to OBGYN competence, 10%-30% of trainees believed they would have to stop providing the standard of care in clinical situations during training. Conclusions: This survey of OBGYN trainees indicates higher uncertainty about achieving ACGME milestones and procedural competency in clinical situations potentially affected by the Dobbs decision in states with legal restrictions on abortion.

Despite Recommendations, Anticholinergics Account for the Majority of Prescriptions to Treat Overactive Bladder in the United States.

IMPORTANCE: There are significant associations between anticholinergic medication use and an increased risk of cognitive impairment and dementia. Many experts now advocate minimizing the use of anticholinergic medications to treat overactive bladder (OAB) in elderly women. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe temporal and geographic trends in the pharmacologic treatment of OAB for patients 65 years or older across the United States. STUDY DESIGN: The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services publishes annual Medicare Provider Utilization and Payment Data. The data set includes the number of unique Part D beneficiaries 65 years or older with at least 1 claim for a drug and the number of 30-day fills dispensed. The database also includes the U.S. state and rural-urban commuting area designation of the prescriber. RESULTS: From 2013 to 2019, Medicare Part D beneficiaries 65 years or older received 47.7 million 30-day fills for the treatment of OAB. In 2013, anticholinergics represented 98% of the total 30-day fills (5.6 million) for OAB. The use of ß3 agonists was nearly 24 times greater in 2019 than in 2013. Geographic variation in prescribing practices was evident. CONCLUSIONS: The number of anticholinergics dispensed for the treatment of OAB remained relatively stable, and there was a substantial increase in the use of ß3 agonists. Percentages of anticholinergics dispensed varied among states. More patients are being treated for OAB; however, anticholinergics comprised the majority of prescriptions for treatment in 2019.

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.

A novel approach to identification and excision of a persistent sinus tract following a rectus fascial sling: A case report.

BACKGROUND: While Gore-Tex® sutures have excellent handling and cause minimal fibroblast activity and a less inflammatory response compared with other materials, they carry a risk of persistent sinus tract formation. CASE: A patient underwent an autologous rectus fascial sling using Gore-Tex® and we describe a novel technique for identification and excision of the sinus tract. CONCLUSION: Preoperative imaging and staining of the sinus tract with methylene blue can aid in successful identification of the tract during surgery and may improve rates of successful treatment.

The Surgical Approach to Abdominal Sacrocolpopexy and Concurrent Hysterectomy: Trends for the Past Decade.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to understand the surgical trends and 30-day complications of patients undergoing an abdominal sacrocolpopexy with a concurrent hysterectomy. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study of surgical cases from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program from 2010 to 2017 who underwent an abdominal sacrocolpopexy and a concurrent hysterectomy. RESULTS: There were 9327 surgical cases of an abdominal sacrocolpopexy with a concurrent hysterectomy of which 7772 (83.3%) were minimally invasive and 1555 (16.7%) were through a laparotomy. The proportion of patients undergoing a laparotomy decreased by 2.4% per year from 2010 to 2018 (R2 = 0.77). Among minimally invasive procedures, 4359 (46.7%) involved a concurrent supracervical hysterectomy and 4968 (53.3%) involved a concurrent total hysterectomy. Among minimally invasive procedures, patients who had a concurrent supracervical hysterectomy both had a longer operative time and were more likely to be admitted at least 2 days postoperatively compared with those who had a concurrent total hysterectomy (P < 0.001 for both). CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing an abdominal sacrocolpopexy and concurrent hysterectomy are increasingly likely to undergo surgery in a minimally invasive approach. The Food and Drug Administration safety communication on electric power morcellation did not impact this trend. Although complication rates are low, regardless of the type of concurrent hysterectomy, some complications, such as blood transfusions and surgical site infections, seem to be highest for those undergoing a concurrent total hysterectomy despite the fact that a concurrent supracervical hysterectomy may be associated with a longer operative time and longer hospital admission.

Postoperative Admission, Readmission, and Complications for Patients 60 Years and Older Who Are Undergoing an Isolated Sling Procedure for Stress Incontinence: A Database Study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to determine the effect of increasing age on postoperative admission, readmission, and complications for patients 60 years and older who underwent a synthetic or autologous sling procedure for stress incontinence. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of surgical cases from 2012 to 2017 from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was conducted. Eligible patients were at least 60 years old and underwent an isolated sling procedure for stress incontinence identified by Current Procedural Terminology code 57288. Baseline demographics, preoperative comorbidities, and postoperative complications were obtained. Risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using log-binomial regressions. RESULTS: Of 3,960 eligible patients, 634 (16.0%) were admitted postoperatively. Admission rates differed across age groups (P = 0.04). For example, compared with patients aged 60-64 years, those aged 70-74 years had 1.3 times the risk of admission (95% confidence interval, 1.04-1.6). Other risk factors for admission included diabetes (RR, 1.3) and hypertension (RR, 1.2). Patients who had general anesthesia had 6.3 times the risk of admission compared with those who had monitored anesthesia/intravenous sedation. There were 72 patients (1.8%) readmitted within 30 days. There was no association between age and readmission. Risk factors for readmission included diabetes (RR, 1.8), bleeding disorders (RR, 3.4), severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (RR, 3.7), and congestive heart failure (RR, 11.3). There were 192 complications (4.8%), including 45 major complications (1.1%). CONCLUSIONS: Among patients 60 years and older, the risk of postoperative admission and readmission for patients undergoing a synthetic or autologous sling procedure is low and complications are uncommon.

Composite Outcomes After Posterior Colporrhaphy With and Without Biologic Graft Augmentation.

OBJECTIVES: To compare subjective and objective failure after posterior colporrhaphy with and without biologic graft augmentation. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review and telephone survey of patients who underwent a posterior colporrhaphy with and without biologic graft augmentation from 2005 to 2019. Patients who underwent a sacrocolpopexy, uterosacral ligament suspensions, or anterior sacrospinous ligament fixation were excluded. We determined objective, subjective, and composite failure rates. RESULTS: Although 137 patients met eligibility criteria, 56 did not have valid contact information and, therefore, were excluded from the study. Of the 81 with valid contact information, 67 (83%) agreed to participate. There were 24 (36%) who had a native tissue repair and 43 (64%) who had biologic graft augmentation. Median telephone follow-up was 73 months (interquartile range [IQR], 36-117). Objective failure was similar for the biologic graft (37%) and the native tissue (42%) groups (P = 0.72). Subjective failure was twice as likely among the biologic graft group (60%) compared with the native tissue group (33%, P = 0.03). Patients with a biologic graft reported a median Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-Short Form 20 improvement of 31 (IQR, 8-33), while those with a native tissue repair reported a median improvement of 45 (IQR, 4-46). Overall, 78% were satisfied, 85% would recommend the procedure, and 84% reported symptomatic improvement. Reoperation occurred for 15% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Although biologic graft-augmented posterior colporrhaphy may be a safe and effective treatment option, the use of biologic grafts in the posterior compartment does not appear to confer a significant long-term benefit to traditional posterior colporrhaphy.

Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Obliterative Procedures for the Treatment of Vaginal Prolapse.

OBJECTIVES: Although racial disparities are well documented for common gynecologic surgical procedures, few studies have assessed racial disparities in the surgical treatment of vaginal prolapse. This study aimed to compare the use of obliterative procedures for the treatment of vaginal prolapse across racial and ethnic groups. STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective cohort study of surgical cases from 2010 to 2018 from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program, a nationally validated database. Cases were identified by Current Procedural Terminology codes. Modified Poisson regression was used to calculate risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals, adjusting for potential confounders selected a priori. RESULTS: We identified 45,865 surgical cases, of which 10% involved an obliterative procedure. In the unadjusted model, non-Hispanic Asian and non-Hispanic Black patients were more likely to undergo an obliterative procedure compared with non-Hispanic White patients (risk ratio [95% confidence interval], 2.4 [2.1-2.7] and 1.2 [1.03-1.3], respectively). These relative risks were largely unchanged when controlling for age, body mass index, diabetes, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, and concurrent hysterectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Although both obliterative and reconstructive procedures have their respective risks and benefits, the proportion of patients undergoing each procedure differs by race and ethnicity. It is unclear whether such disparities may be attributable to differences in preference or inequity in care.

Long-term Fecal Incontinence, Recurrence, Satisfaction, and Regret After the Transobturator Postanal Sling Procedure.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to assess long-term outcomes after the transobturator postanal sling (TOPAS) procedure for the treatment of fecal incontinence. Long-term recurrence, satisfaction and regret after transobturator postanal sling procedure support the ongoing use of this procedure for patients with fecal incontinence. METHODS: Both a retrospective review of medical records and a prospective telephone survey were conducted. For the retrospective review of medical records, all patients who underwent the TOPAS procedure at our institution were eligible. Medical records were reviewed to assess for symptom resolution, retreatment, and complications. For the prospective telephone survey, patients who were conversant in English and had a valid contact information were eligible and were asked to complete questions on satisfaction, the Patient Global Impression of Improvement, the Wexner Symptom Severity Score, the Fecal Incontinence Qualify of Life Scale, and the modified Decision Regret Scale. RESULTS: A total of 134 patients met the inclusion criteria for the retrospective medical record review. Patients were followed in clinic for a median of 24.0 months (interquartile range, 6.0-53.0). Overall, 75.4% reported improvement in fecal incontinence. There were 37 (27.6%) who required subsequent treatment for fecal incontinence. There were 67 patients eligible for the prospective telephone survey, of whom 46 (68.7%) agreed to participate. Median time between surgery and the telephone survey was 63.5 months (interquartile range, 36.0-98.0). Among these participants, 54.3% were satisfied and 60.9% would recommend the procedure to someone else. No adverse events were identified with long-term follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that the TOPAS procedure remains a safe and effective therapy for the treatment of fecal incontinence with favorable long-term outcomes.

Long-term Pelvic Floor Symptoms, Recurrence, Satisfaction, and Regret Following Colpocleisis.

There are insufficient studies on long-term outcomes following colpocleisis, which limits physicians' ability to effectively counsel patients. The purpose of this study was to assess pelvic floor symptoms, recurrence, satisfaction, and regret among patients who underwent colpocleisis procedures. METHODS: This is an ambidirectional cohort study involving patients who underwent a colpocleisis at a single institution from 2002 to 2012. Medical records were reviewed, and patients were contacted by telephone in order to complete questionnaires. RESULTS: A total of 73 patients met inclusion criteria for our study. At the time of colpocleisis, patients were an average of 78.1 years old (range, 62-85 years). Patients were followed up in clinic for a median of 44.4 months, and the majority reported overactive bladder postoperatively. We were able to contact 33 patients by telephone. Median time between surgery and telephone follow-up was 6 years (range, 5-15 years). Among these patients, 78% were satisfied with the procedure; however, 13% reported strong feelings of regret. Regret was associated with postoperative bowel and bladder symptoms. The majority reported urinary frequency (63%) and urgency urinary incontinence (56%). Fewer than half (44%) of patients reported bowel symptoms. Only 19% reported prolapse symptoms. No patients reported regret due to loss of sexual function. CONCLUSIONS: Colpocleisis remains an excellent surgical option for elderly patients. However, regret and dissatisfaction may increase over time as bowel and bladder symptoms may be perceived to be the result of surgery. Our findings highlight the continued need for detailed consent and expectation setting for women considering colpocleisis.

Survey of Postoperative Activity Guidelines After Minimally Invasive Gynecologic and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery.

OBJECTIVES: Most surgeons recommend restriction of activities after minimally invasive gynecologic and pelvic reconstructive surgery. The goal of this study was to identify and assess the postoperative guidelines gynecologists and urogynecologists provide their patients. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of physicians at a national gynecology conference in March 2018. Respondents were asked to answer questions about the typical postoperative recommendations they provide patients after gynecologic surgery as well as their postoperative prescribing habits. RESULTS: There were 418 attendees, and 135 (32%) eligible physicians completed the survey. Of respondents, 87% were specialists in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery. Most respondents (61%) were in academic practice. Most respondents (82%-86%) recommended specific postoperative lifting restrictions, and 49% to 52% recommended limiting lifting to a maximum of 10 lb after surgery with some variation depending on the surgical procedure performed. Many respondents (42%-56% depending on the surgical procedure) recommended that patients wait at least 2 weeks before returning to sedentary work. Male respondents and those who were in practice for more than 10 years recommended that patients return to work sooner compared with those who were in practice less than 10 years. Male respondents prescribed fewer opioids to patients after vaginal hysterectomy (P = 0.04) and vaginal prolapse repair (P = 0.03) compared with female respondents. CONCLUSIONS: After minimally invasive gynecologic or pelvic reconstructive surgery, providers recommend a wide range of postoperative restrictions and prescribe significantly different quantities of opioids during the postoperative period. This study highlights some of the recommendations with the greatest variability.