Outcome of the laparoscopic two-team sling procedure, tension-free vaginal tape insertion, and transobturator tape insertion in women with recurrent stress urinary incontinence.

OBJECTIVE: Although the surgical treatment of primary stress urinary incontinence (SUI) has been well studied, the optimal treatment of persistent or recurrent SUI represents a significant challenge to the surgeon, and there are limited relevant published data. The aim of this study was to document outcome data for various surgical techniques used at our centre for the treatment of recurrent SUI, and to assess the immediate and long-term complications associated with these procedures. METHODS: This retrospective study assessed the outcome of the laparoscopic two-team sling procedure, tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) insertion, and transobturator tape (TOT) insertion in the treatment of recurrent SUI in women. Data collected included patient demographics, urodynamic data, postoperative subjective cure and objective cure (negative cough stress test), and intraoperative and postoperative complications. RESULTS: Forty-six women with recurrent SUI were included in the study: 24 had had laparoscopic two-team sling procedures, 15 had had TVT insertion, and 7 had had TOT insertion. For each procedure, objective cure rates were 91.7%, 73.3%, and 85.7%, respectively, and subjective cure rates were 79.2%, 60%, and 57.1% respectively. In the laparoscopic two-team sling group, one woman developed an infected hematoma and one required surgery for a small bowel obstruction. CONCLUSION: The laparoscopic two-team sling procedure or TVT or TOT insertion may be used in experienced hands for surgical management of patients with recurrent stress urinary incontinence. We found no statistically significant differences in outcomes between the three groups, possibly because of the small sample size. Larger sample size and longer follow-up within prospective randomized trials are warranted to identify any possible differences.

Objectif : Bien que la prise en charge chirurgicale de l'incontinence urinaire à l'effort primaire (IUE) ait été bien étudiée, la prise en charge optimale de l'IUE persistante ou récurrente constitue un défi considérable pour le chirurgien et les données publiées pertinentes sont limitées. Cette étude avait pour but de documenter les données quant aux issues de diverses techniques chirurgicales utilisées dans notre centre pour la prise en charge de l'IUE récurrente, ainsi que d'évaluer les complications immédiates et à long terme étant associées à ces interventions. Méthodes : Cette étude rétrospective a évalué l'issue de l'intervention laparoscopique de fronde à deux équipes, de l'insertion d'une bandelette vaginale sans tension (TVT) et de l'insertion d'une bandelette transobturatrice (TOT) dans la prise en charge de l'IUE récurrente chez des femmes. Parmi les données recueillies, on trouvait les caractéristiques démographiques des patientes, les données urodynamiques, la guérison postopératoire subjective et la guérison objective (test à la toux négatif), ainsi que les complications peropératoires et postopératoires. Résultats : Quarante-six femmes présentant une IUE récurrente ont été admises à l'étude : 24 d'entre elles ont subi une intervention laparoscopique de fronde à deux équipes, 15 ont subi une insertion de TVT et 7 ont subi une insertion de TOT. Les taux de guérison objective ont été de 91,7 %, de 73,3 % et de 85,7 %, respectivement, tandis que les taux de guérison subjective ont été de 79,2 %, de 60 % et de 57,1 %, respectivement. Au sein du groupe « intervention laparoscopique de fronde à deux équipes ¼, une des participantes en est venue à présenter un hématome infecté, tandis qu'une autre a nécessité une chirurgie en raison d'une occlusion de l'intestin grêle. Conclusion : L'intervention laparoscopique de fronde à deux équipes ou l'insertion d'une TVT ou d'une TOT peuvent être utilisées par des praticiens expérimentés pour assurer la prise en charge chirurgicale des patientes qui présentent une incontinence urinaire à l'effort récurrente. Nous n'avons constaté aucune différence significative sur le plan statistique en matière d'issues entre ces trois groupes, et ce, peut-être en raison de la faible envergure de l'échantillon. La tenue d'essais randomisés prospectifs comptant des échantillons de plus grande envergure et des suivis prolongés s'avère justifiée aux fins de l'identification de toute différence possible.

Expression of genes encoding smooth muscle contractile proteins in vaginal tissue of women with and without pelvic organ prolapse.

AIMS: We hypothesize that the expression of genes encoding vaginal smooth muscle (SM) contractile proteins is altered in patients with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and is influenced by age and menopausal status. We aim to analyze the expression of SM-myosin heavy chain (MHY11), caldesmon (CALD1), SM gamma-actin (ACTG2), and tropomyosin (TPM1), in premenopausal and postmenopausal women with advanced POP and asymptomatic controls. METHODS: During total hysterectomy we collected anterior vaginal wall biopsy samples from 55 women, 37 premenopausal (23 patients and 14 controls), and 18 postmenopausal women (13 patients and 5 controls). Total mRNA from the tissues was quantified by real-time RT-PCR. RESULTS: MHY11 gene expression was down-regulated in premenopausal POP patients compared to premenopausal controls (fivefold, P = 0.002). In the postmenopausal groups, we observed a sixfold increase in the CALD1 gene expression in POP patients compared to asymptomatic controls (P = 0.03). The gene expression of CALD1, ACTG2, and TPM1 was significantly down-regulated in vaginal tissue of healthy women after menopause (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Dysregulation of the vaginal SM content in POP patients involves alteration of different cellular pathways according to age and menopausal status.

Obstetric anal sphincter injuries: a survey of clinical practice among Canadian obstetricians.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the current practice, experience, and confidence of Canadian obstetricians in the management of obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS) and to explore the need for national practice guidelines on this topic. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional, Internet-based survey between December 2010 and March 2011. The survey was initially tested among a sample population and then distributed electronically to 665 Canadian obstetricians. Data were analyzed descriptively. The main outcome measures were the self-reported confidence and experience of Canadian obstetricians in OASIS management and the frequency of performing specific OASIS management steps. RESULTS: The survey response rate was 28.7%. The majority of the respondents (95%) reported confidence in performing OASIS repairs. In the event of a perineal laceration, 47.9% of respondents routinely performed a rectal examination. Most OASIS repairs were performed in the delivery room (89.4%) under local anaesthesia (60.6%) when regional anaesthesia was not already present. If lacerated, the internal anal sphincter was repaired separately by 63.4% of respondents, and intraoperative antibiotics were ordered by 51.1% of respondents. Most (92%) reported the absence of a local protocol to guide OASIS repair. CONCLUSION: The confidence of Canadian obstetricians who participated in this survey in performing OASIS repairs was high. However, their experience in performing repairs and their use of management steps varied. The need for national guidelines and an increase in awareness is suggested.

Expression of Bone Morphogenetic Protein-1 in vaginal tissue of women with severe pelvic organ prolapse.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the differential gene and protein expression of Bone Morphogenetic Protein-1 in vaginal tissue of women with advanced pelvic organ prolapse and controls. STUDY DESIGN: We sampled the anterior vaginal wall of 39 premenopausal (23 patients and 16 controls), and 18 postmenopausal women (13 patients and 5 controls) during hysterectomy. Total mRNAs and proteins were quantified by real-time RT-PCR and immunoblotting. RESULTS: Bone Morphogenetic Protein-1 gene expression was decreased in pre- and postmenopausal pelvic organ prolapse patients compared with asymptomatic women (P = .01). The expression of 130 kDa, 92.5 kDa, and 82.5 kDa isoforms of Bone Morphogenetic Protein-1 were down-regulated in postmenopausal patients (P = .01), whereas the 130 kDa isoform expression was up-regulated in premenopausal patients (P = .009), when compared with respective controls. CONCLUSION: The Bone Morphogenetic Protein-1 expression in human vagina was altered in patients with severe pelvic organ prolapse and influenced by menopausal status. Dysregulation of Bone Morphogenetic Protein-1 may contribute for a deficient vaginal connective tissue and support.

A review of the concordance of diagnoses made after multi-channel urodynamics and video urodynamics in women with urinary incontinence.

OBJECTIVE: Symptoms of urinary incontinence often do not correlate well with the diagnosis provided by urodynamic investigations. Video urodynamics has been described as the "gold standard" investigation for patients with lower urinary tract symptoms. The aim of our study was to determine the concordance of diagnoses made on multi-channel and video urodynamics in women presenting with urinary incontinence to a tertiary care urogynaecology unit. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of 38 women who had video urodynamics and a multi-channel study completed within a one-year period. All patients had a complete history and pelvic floor assessment. The investigators completing each study were blinded to the clinical diagnoses, the physical findings, and the other urodynamics diagnoses. International Continence Society standards were followed for completion of all urodynamics investigations. Multi-channel studies were completed with the patient lying supine and video studies were performed with the patient sitting on a commode. The level of agreement of the diagnoses was calculated using a kappa (kappa) statistic with 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: The median age of subjects was 61 years (range 14-79), with a median duration of lower urinary tract symptoms of 6.0 years (range 0.5-41). Patients had had a median of two previous bladder surgeries (range 0-5). The level of concordance of the two diagnoses gave a kappa of 0.16 (95% CI 0.06-0.26). CONCLUSIONS: There was poor concordance between the diagnoses made on multi-channel and video urodynamics when the two tests were performed on the same patient. Prospective studies are required to evaluate the reproducibility of diagnoses made on cystometry.

Assessment of patient satisfaction with postoperative pain management after ambulatory gynaecologic laparoscopy.

OBJECTIVE: To determine patient satisfaction with postoperative pain control after ambulatory gynaecologic laparoscopic surgery. METHODS: A prospective cohort study in a major tertiary care centre was performed to assess patient satisfaction with postoperative analgesia on the day of surgery and on postoperative days one and two. Data were collected either by telephone or mail-in questionnaire on each postoperative day. Each patient rated her level of satisfaction according to a 5-point scale at the end of each postoperative day as an average for that day. The final outcome was recorded as either satisfied, with all days classified as "very satisfied" or "perfectly satisfied," or unsatisfied, if any single day was rated as "not satisfied at all," "only slightly satisfied," or "somewhat or partly satisfied." RESULTS: Forty-nine patients completed the questionnaire. Surgical procedures included tubal ligation with cautery (20), ovarian cystectomy (5), oophorectomy (2), diagnostic laparoscopy (14), and Burch procedure (8). Sixty percent of patients (30/49) were classified as satisfied with their level of postoperative analgesia. CONCLUSION: Only 60% of patients undergoing gynaecologic laparoscopy as day surgery were satisfied with postoperative pain control. This is suboptimal, particularly in light of the ongoing trend towards more complex procedures being performed as day surgery via minimally invasive techniques.

Randomized trial of oxybutynin extended versus immediate release for women aged 65 and older with overactive bladder: lessons learned from conducting a trial.

OBJECTIVE: This trial was designed to investigate the effectiveness of extended release versus immediate release oxybutynin in reducing symptoms of overactive bladder in a community-dwelling female population over the age of 65. METHODS: This was a prospective randomized 12-week, open-label study. The primary outcome was number of micturitions per 24 hours, 12 weeks after treatment. The a priori sample size estimate was 60 patients per group. RESULTS: Of the 318 women approached, only 72 women (23%) were enrolled over 34 months (33 in the immediate release group, and 39 in the extended release group). The study was stopped prematurely because of recruitment difficulties and an interim analysis revealing the need for a much larger sample than had been estimated to show a significant difference between treatments. After 12 weeks of treatment, there was no difference between the oxybutynin extended release and immediate release groups in the number of micturitions per 24 hours or in other outcomes. CONCLUSION: This study did not demonstrate differences between oxybutynin extended release and immediate release and in reducing symptoms of overactive bladder or quality of life, possibly because the study did not reach the necessary sample size. The difficulty in recruiting subjects for the trial likely resulted from the onerous study requirements (4 study visits required over 12 weeks) and the downtown location of the study centres: these factors would cause particular difficulties for women over age 65 with overactive bladder, for whom travelling may be a problem. Evidence is needed to guide prescribing for older patients, but designing research to obtain adequate sample sizes is difficult. Studies in older subjects should ensure that a much larger budget is allocated for recruitment than would be allocated for studies in younger subjects, that meticulous attention is paid to issues of transport and access, and that support is provided for subjects who agree to take part research.

Effect of childhood dysfunctional voiding on urinary incontinence in adult women.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a history of childhood dysfunctional voiding is associated with urinary incontinence in adulthood. METHODS: Using a case-control study, we surveyed patients presenting with or without urinary incontinence. Cases were patients referred to a tertiary urogynecology clinic, and controls were patients referred to a general gynecology clinic. Patients completed a validated childhood questionnaire about dysfunctional voiding. A total score of 6 or more in girls is indicative of dysfunctional voiding, a condition characterized by urgency, frequency, constipation, urinary or fecal incontinence, and/or urinary tract infections. Using an alpha of 0.05, a power of 80%, and a baseline prevalence of dysfunctional voiding of 8%, we determined that 170 patients were needed to show a 3-fold difference between groups. RESULTS: Cases (n = 84) and controls (n = 86) had similar baseline characteristics except for body mass index and incidence of previous pelvic surgery. Although the total dysfunctional voiding score was higher in cases than controls (7.3 versus 5.0, respectively; P = .001), the difference in the number (%) of patients with history of childhood dysfunctional voiding between the 2 groups was not significant (47 [56%] versus 36 [42%], respectively; odds ratio 1.76, 95% confidence interval 0.96-3.24; P = .07). When all patients from both groups were combined, there was a higher prevalence of a history of childhood dysfunctional voiding in women with or without current urinary frequency (P = .004), urgency (P = .03), stress incontinence (P = .01), and urge incontinence (P = .009). CONCLUSION: Women with adult lower urinary tract symptoms may have a higher prevalence of history of childhood dysfunctional voiding. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II-2.

Pharmacological treatment of women awaiting surgery for stress urinary incontinence.

OBJECTIVE: Duloxetine, a serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, has been effective in the treatment of mild and moderate stress urinary incontinence. The aim of this trial was to assess its efficacy for women with severe stress urinary incontinence. METHODS: One hundred nine women, aged 33-75 years, enrolled into this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Subjects had to have a predominant symptom of stress urinary incontinence with an incontinence episode frequency 14 per week or more, pure urodynamic stress urinary incontinence, and continence surgery already scheduled. Women were randomized to placebo (n = 54) or duloxetine 80 mg/d (n = 55) for 4 weeks, escalated to 120 mg/d for 4 weeks. Assessment variables included incontinence episode frequency, continence pad use, the Incontinence Quality of Life (I-QOL) questionnaire, and the Willingness to Consider Surgery rating. A responder was defined as a subject with an incontinence episode frequency reduction of 50% or more. RESULTS: There were significant improvements with duloxetine compared with placebo in incontinence episode frequency (-60% versus -27%, P <.001), I-QOL score (+10.6 versus +2.4, P =.003), and pad use (-34.5% versus -4.8%, P =.008). At the conclusion of the 8-week study, 10/49 (20%) duloxetine-treated women were no longer interested in surgery, compared with 0/45 placebo-treated women (P =.001). Duloxetine-treated subjects were significantly more likely to be classified as responders (relative risk 4.68, 95% confidence interval 2.27-9.66). The number of subjects-needed-to-treat to gain an additional incontinence episode frequency responder with duloxetine was 2.02. All duloxetine responses were observed within 2 weeks. Side effects and discontinuations because of side effects were significantly more common with duloxetine. CONCLUSION: The data support duloxetine's efficacy in women with severe stress urinary incontinence and suggest that some women responding to duloxetine may reconsider their willingness to undergo surgery.

What is the available evidence for hormone replacement therapy in women with stress urinary incontinence?

OBJECTIVE: To examine the evidence for the effectiveness of estrogen replacement therapy, with or without progesterone, for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in hypoestrogenic women. METHODS: MEDLINE, DARE, CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and EMBASE databases were searched for studies, in all languages, that used estrogen therapy, with or without progesterone, in hypoestrogenic women with SUI. The following key words were used in the search: estrogen, hormone replacement therapy, female urinary incontinence, stress urinary incontinence, and urodynamic stress incontinence. Studies that did not specify a subgroup with SUI among women with mixed incontinence were excluded. RESULTS: Of the papers included in this evaluation, 14 were non-randomized studies of estrogen treatment with or without progesterone; 6 were randomized trials of estrogen alone, combined with other treatments; 4 were placebo-controlled randomized trials, 2 of which were with progesterone; and 2 were meta-analyses. A symptomatic or clinical improvement was detected only in nonrandomized studies; randomized trials did not suggest a benefit of estrogen therapy, with or without progesterone, among postmenopausal women with SUI. CONCLUSIONS: Further research, ideally randomized placebo-controlled trials, is required to determine the risks and benefits of estrogen treatment alone in the management of SUI in postmenopausal women.

Utilization of preoperative urodynamic studies by Canadian gynaecologists.

OBJECTIVES: (1) To determine the proportion of Canadian gynaecologists who have urodynamic studies (UDS) readily available; (2) to assess the preoperative UDS utilization patterns of Canadian gynaecologists in various clinical scenarios of stress urinary incontinence (SUI). METHODS: A mail survey was sent to all 1266 obstetrician/gynaecologist members of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC), as part of an international survey with the U.K., U.S.A., New Zealand, and Australia. Survey questions included geographic availability of UDS and specific types of urodynamics testing available. Utilization of urodynamics prior to anti-incontinence surgery was assessed in four clinical scenarios: (A) a history of uncomplicated primary stress urinary incontinence, (B) a history of mixed stress and urgency incontinence, (C) stress incontinence with a history of straining to void, and (D) recurrent stress incontinence. RESULTS: Of the 1266 surveys mailed, 230 (18%) were returned. Forty-four of the respondents did not manage incontinent women. Of the 186 respondents who did, 27% reported a special interest or additional postgraduate training in urogynaecology, and 73% were general gynaecologists. UDS were available in the same centre or city to 79% of respondents. For uncomplicated primary stress incontinence, 47% would always obtain preoperative UDS, 42% would not, and 11% would only if UDS were readily available. For the total group of respondents, in scenario A 47% would always obtain preoperative UDS, 42% would not, and 11% would only if UDS were readily available. Among general gynaecologists, in scenario A, if UDS were available in their city or centre of practice, 54% would always obtain preoperative UDS, as compared to 5% by general gynaecologists who did not have UDS available in their city or centre of practice. CONCLUSION: The data collected in this survey are compromised because of the low response rate. However, most (79%) of the respondents who manage women with urinary incontinence had access to urodynamics in the same centre or city. The utilization of urodynamics prior to surgical treatment of uncomplicated primary pure stress incontinence varies depending on the availability of such testing. An uncomplicated history of primary SUI and decreased availability of testing were two factors seen to have an effect of decreasing utilization of preoperative UDS. Hospital management did not always comply with SOGC guidelines for preoperative testing for SUI. Updating and dissemination of these guidelines is necessary to ensure "best" practice and highest quality of care for all women with SUI in Canada.

Voiding patterns and urodynamics after a tension-free vaginal tape procedure.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate changes in urodynamic parameters, therapeutic success, and complication rates after a tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) procedure in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). METHODS: Sixty-three women who underwent a TVT procedure for SUI, between June 1999 and December 2001 at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto, Ontario, were prospectively followed. Pre- and postoperative clinical data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney, chi-square, paired t-test, and Wilcoxon signed ranks tests. RESULTS: The range of follow-up was 6 weeks to 3 years. Short-term voiding dysfunction occurred in 49% of the women but was completely resolved in all women by the 12-week follow-up. For the 45 women who completed their follow-up at 6 months or 1 year after TVT, the success rate was 85%. Provocative urodynamics at 1-year follow-up compared to preoperative data showed a decrease in maximum flow rate (P < 0.001), and increase in post-void residual urine volume (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: TVT is associated with a good short-term success rate at 6 months and 1 year. A low long-term complication rate and morbidity may be expected, but significant temporary voiding dysfunction, higher than previously reported, was observed.

Overactive bladder: the importance of tailoring treatment to the individual patient.

INTRODUCTION: Overactive bladder (OAB) is a prevalent and persistent condition that is often under-diagnosed and under-treated, and which frequently requires tailored treatment for successful management. METHODS: This consensus opinion-based review summarizes the discussions of a group of experts in the field of OAB that were assembled to evaluate the importance of correct diagnosis and appropriate pharmacotherapy in patients with OAB. RESULTS: A thorough diagnostic process is crucial for allowing exclusion of underlying medical issues and differentiation from genitourinary conditions other than OAB. In addition, selecting the most appropriate pharmacotherapy needs to be carefully considered in the context of each patient with OAB. In general, patients with OAB tend to be older with various comorbidities and often receiving multiple concomitant medications. Treatment decisions should take into consideration the differing potential for antimuscarinic medications to alter cognitive and cardiovascular functions, both of which may be compromised in this patient population. CONCLUSION: Tailoring treatment to individual patients by comprehensive patient assessment may lead to more effective management of patients with OAB, especially those receiving polypharmacy for comorbidities.

Pelvic organ prolapse: demographics and future growth prospects.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) is the hidden epidemic. Demographic studies have shown that women over the age of eighty are the fastest growing population segment in the United States and Canada. Over the next thirty years the rate of women who will seek treatment for POP will double. Risks for the development of POP have been categorized into factors that predispose, incite, promote, and decompensate. Connective tissue disorders may play a role in the pathogenesis which may involve a reduction in total collagen content secondary to increased collagenolytic activity. Eventually clinicians may be able to identify women who may be genetically predetermined to develop POP. The role of adjuvant materials in performing reconstructive pelvic surgery may improve success rates, but evidence based medicine and randomized controlled trials are currently lacking.

Incontinence-specific quality of life measures used in trials of treatments for female urinary incontinence: a systematic review.

This systematic review examined the use of incontinence-specific quality of life (QOL) measures in clinical trials of female incontinence treatments, and systematically evaluated their quality using a standard checklist. Of 61 trials included in the review, 58 (95.1%) used an incontinence-specific QOL measure. The most commonly used were IIQ (19 papers), I-QoL (12 papers) and UDI (9 papers). Eleven papers (18.0%) used measures which were not referenced or were developed specifically for the study. The eight QOL measures identified had good clinical face validity and measurement properties. We advise researchers to evaluate carefully the needs of their specific study, and select the QOL measure that is most appropriate in terms of validity, utility and relevance, and discourage the development of new measures. Until better evidence is available on the validity and comparability of measures, we recommend that researchers consider using IIQ or I-QOL with or without UDI in trials of incontinence treatments.

Tension-free vaginal tape: do patients who fail to follow-up have the same results as those who do?

AIMS: To compare success and complication rates of the Tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) between patients with good versus poor follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective cohort study of 108 women undergoing a TVT procedure was conducted. Patients were seen postoperatively at 6 weeks, 3, 6, 12 months, and yearly thereafter. Patients were categorized as poor follow-up if this schedule was not adhered to. Those who were lost to follow-up at or after their 6-week visit were considered as having failed the procedure. RESULTS: Seventy-nine (73%) patients had good follow-up. Of the remaining 29 patients with poor follow-up, 12 (11%) could not be reached and 17 (16%) were contacted by phone. Reasons given for poor follow-up were: busy or live far from hospital (11), health problems (4), and dissatisfied from surgery (2). Perioperative complication rates were similar between the two groups (P = 0.16). When patients with complete loss to follow-up were analyzed as failures, subjective and objective cure rates were significantly higher in patients with good as opposed to poor follow-up: 92 and 95% versus 72 and 69%, respectively, (P = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with poor follow-up probably have lower cure rates after TVT. It is important to follow postoperative patients closely. When reporting success rates, one has to account for all cases to produce realistic results.

Persistent vesicovaginal fistula associated with endometriosis.

Vesicovaginal fistula with endometriosis is an extremely rare scenario. A case of a 50-year-old woman with persistent vesicovaginal fistula associated with endometriosis is described.

Urogynecology experience in Canada's obstetrics and gynecology residency programs.

This study aimed to evaluate the exposure of obstetrics and gynecology residents to urogynecologic training and to compare this to the program directors' expectations. A cross-sectional questionnaire study was performed surveying the 60 final-year residents and their program directors at all 16 Canadian residency programs. Questions covered areas of knowledge and skills in basic and advanced urogynecology. Thirty-two (53%) residents and nine (56%) program directors responded. Twenty-six (81%) residents had a formal urogynecology rotation with training in incontinence, prolapse, pessary-fitting, and urodynamics. Residents performed a median of: 50 vaginal hysterectomies, 30 anterior repairs, 30 posterior repairs, 35 retropubic urethropexies, and 15 cystoscopies. All other procedures had a median of 6 or less. Responses of residents and program directors correlated well. Although residents in Canada have adequate exposure to simple urogynecologic procedures, they perform few complex cases. Such procedures should be performed by physicians with additional urogynecology fellowship training.

Tension-free vaginal tape, Burch, and slings: are there predictors for early postoperative voiding dysfunction?

This study compared the incidence, duration, and predictors of early postoperative voiding dysfunction (VD) after three continence operations. Charts of women undergoing tension-free vaginal tape (TVT), Burch, or suburethral sling were reviewed. Early postoperative VD was defined as urinary retention or postvoid residual (PVR) >200 ml at discharge. Analysis of variance, Chi-square, and non-parametric tests were used. Sixty-three TVT, 42 Burch and 33 slings were identified. Incidence of VD with TVT, sling, and Burch was 50, 24, and 15%, respectively ( P<0.001), and the mean number of days of postoperative catheter use was 9, 21, and 5 days, respectively ( P=0.04). Patients with VD, compared with those with normal voiding, had smaller preoperative PVR (50 vs. 75 ml, P=0.005), longer catheterization (29 vs. 3 days, P<0.001), and more urinary tract infections (43 vs. 15%, P<0.001). Early postoperative VD is an underreported but frequent postoperative complication which is difficult to predict.