Surgical outcomes in patients aged 70 years and older following uterosacral ligament suspension: a comparative study.

PURPOSE: The number of elderly patients bothered by pelvic organ prolapse symptoms is growing rapidly. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between age and surgical outcomes in women undergoing uterosacral ligament suspension for treatment of apical prolapse. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study including women who underwent uterosacral ligament suspension between 2010 and 2020. The cohort was divided into two groups: (1) Patients 70 years or older; (2) Patients under the age of 70. Outcome measures included clinical, anatomical, and composite outcomes as well as patient satisfaction. RESULTS: A total of 271 patients were included in the final analysis. Of them 209 patients were under age 70 and 62 patients 70 years or older. Mean age was 59 ± 6 vs. 73 ± 3 for the young and elderly age groups, respectively. Clinical success was high for both groups, reaching 94% vs. 89% for elderly and young patients, respectively (p = 0.34). Anatomical and composite outcome success were higher in the young age group (76% vs. 56%, p < 0.01 and 70% vs. 54%, p = 0.02, respectively); however, following multivariate analysis these differences were no longer statistically significant. Following multivariate logistic regression analysis for the dependent parameter of anatomical success, increased pre-operative genital hiatus and vaginal surgical route were associated with anatomical failure while performing a concomitant posterior colporrhaphy increased likelihood for anatomical success. CONCLUSION: Women over the age of 70 undergoing uterosacral ligament suspension for treatment of apical prolapse have comparable outcomes to younger patients.

Artificial rupture of membranes as a mode for induction of labor in women with a previous cesarean section- a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Induction of labor in women with a previous cesarean section (CS) is associated with increased rates of uterine rupture and failed attempt for vaginal delivery. Prostaglandins use is contraindicated in this population, limiting available options for cervical ripening. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of artificial rupture of membranes (AROM) as a mode of Induction of labor (IOL) in women with a previous cesarean section. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study conducted in a single tertiary care center between January 2015 and October 2020. Women with one previous cesarean section and a current singleton term pregnancy requiring IOL, with an unfavorable cervix, were included. The primary outcome was a successful vaginal delivery (VBAC); secondary outcomes were rates of chorioamnionitis, uterine rupture and low Apgar score (< 7). RESULTS: Of the 665 women who met the inclusion criteria, 492 (74%) did not receive subsequent oxytocin and 173 (26%) did. There were significant differences in the baseline characteristics between these two groups, including maternal age, cervical dilation at presentation, parity, and a history of a previous VBAC. Among women who were induced solely by AROM the rate of a successful TOLAC was higher (81.3% vs 73.9%), total time of IOL was shorter (mean 8.7 h vs.16.1 h) and the risk of chorioamnionitis was lower (7.3% vs 18.4%). When subdividing the women who received oxytocin into early (< 12 h after AROM) vs late (> 12 h after AROM) administration, there were no significant changes in the rates of successful VBAC or of chorioamnionitis. CONCLUSION: AROM as a single mode of IOL in women with a previous CS is a safe and efficient practice with high rates of successful VBAC. When spontaneous labor does not develop, there is no advantage to delay the administration of oxytocin.