Complications of mid urethral slings: important outcomes for future clinical trials

Minimally invasive management of retropubic bleeding and hematoma evacuation after a TVT Secur or mini-sling procedure

BACKGROUND

Retropubic hematomas may complicate up to 4.1% of tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) procedures in the surgical treatment of stress urinary incontinence. Symptomatic or expanding hematomas often require intervention, usually accomplished through an abdominal incision.

CASE

A 43-year-old woman underwent transvaginal management of venous bleeding and evacuation of a 1500-mL retropubic hematoma after a TVT Secur or "mini-sling" procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

Significant bleeding can complicate even the least invasive surgical approach to treat stress urinary incontinence. Transvaginal evacuation of a symptomatic retropubic hematoma with instillation of a hemostatic agent may be a safe alternative to laparotomy in a hemodynamically stable patient.

Are the outcomes of transobturator tape procedure for female stress urinary incontinence durable in long-term follow-up?

PURPOSE

To evaluate long-term cure rates and late complication rates after treatment for female stress urinary incontinence (SUI) with transobturator tape (TOT) procedure and to compare the outcomes of 1st year versus 5th year.

METHODS

We analyzed 138 women who underwent TOT procedure for pure SUI and mixed urinary incontinence in two institutions during the time period of June 2005-May 2008 retrospectively. We used two kinds of polypropylene monofilament tapes (Heine Medizinurethral support system, Germany and I-STOPCL Medical, France) for the standard outside-in TOT in similar numbers. All patients were evaluated with pelvic examination including cough stress test and International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form at 3 and 12 months and annually. Our primary outcome measures were rates of objective cure, subjective cure, patient satisfaction and failure for long-term follow-up.

RESULTS

The objective cure, subjective cure and patient satisfaction rates of the 126 women at 1 year were 89.6, 86.5 and 92% respectively. During 5-year follow-up, objective cure rate was stable with 87.3% rate (p = 0.554), whereas subjective cure and patient satisfaction rates were decreased to 65.9 and 73%, respectively (p = 0.001). Complications are reported according to the Clavien-Dindo classification with Gr I 14.3%, Gr II 64.3%, Gr IIIa 7.1% and Gr IIIb 14.3 %.

CONCLUSIONS

TOT procedure is an effective minimal invasive procedure with satisfactory results for female SUI in short term. Although recovery in SUI symptoms was stable during 5-year follow-up, subjective cure and patient satisfaction rates decreased significantly due to urge urinary incontinence symptoms.

Study of inside-out technique of trans-obturator tape for treatment of stress urinary incontinence in women with utero-vaginal prolapse

Background:

Assessment of the success rates and complications of inside-out technique of Trans-Vaginal Tape (Obturator) (TVT-O) for treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in women with utero-vaginal prolapse.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 30 consenting subjects with SUI and utero-vaginal prolapse were subjected to TVT-O surgery. These subjects were closely monitored for complications and success rate of surgery up to 1 year of surgery.

Results:

Urinary tract infection (16.67%) was the most common early post-operative complication. Groin pain (23%) was the most common late post-operative complication while denovo urgency developed in 3 (11.54%) subjects. Majority (88.46%) of subjects had total improvement at 3month follow-up while 100% subjects had total improvement at 12 month follow-up with a “definitely improved quality-of-life.”

Conclusion:

The TVT-O (inside-out) appears to have performed favorably as a safe and effective surgery for SUI associated with utero-vaginal prolapse.

Intraoperative Observation of the Degree and Pattern of Urine Leakage before Adjustment of the Mesh during a Transobturator Tape Procedure

Most intraoperative provocative tests previously reported were performed after mesh adjustment to confirm the absence of urine leakage. Instead, our test was performed before adjustment of the mesh to control the tape tension after observing the pattern of the urine leakage. We studied whether this method had an effect on the success rate of transobturator tape (TOT) procedures. A total of 96 patients were included: 47 patients underwent TOT procedures without intraoperative testing (Group I) and 49 patients underwent TOT procedures with testing (Group II). Bladder filling was performed with at least 300 ml of normal saline during the test. After observing the pattern of the urine leakage before adjustment of the mesh by coughing or manual pressure on the suprapubic area, we controlled the mesh tension. In Group I, which did not undergo the intraoperative test, the Valsalva leak-point pressure, cough leak-point pressure, preoperative and postoperative peak flow velocity (Qmax), and postvoiding residual urine (PVR) were 86.46 cmH₂O, 101.91 cmH₂O, 20.82 ml/s, 22.74 ml/s, 19.77 ml, and 45.98 ml, respectively. Changes in the postoperative and preoperative Qmax and PVR were 1.92 ml/s and 26.21 ml, respectively. In Group II, in which the test was applied, the corresponding results were 85.50 cmH₂O, 100.45 cmH₂O, 25.60 ml/s, 26.90 ml/s, 17.16 ml, and 29.67 ml, respectively. Changes in the postoperative and preoperative Qmax and PVR were 1.3 ml/s and 12.51 ml, respectively. The two groups showed no significant differences in any of the variables. In Group I, the cure and improvement rates were 70.2% and 27.7%, respectively. In Group II, the rates were 91.8% and 8.2%, respectively. Group II had a significantly higher success rate than Group I (p value= 0.011). In the univariable logistic regression analysis, Group II exhibited a higher odds ratio (4.771) than Group I in terms of cure rate, and Group II had a higher success rate than Group I (p value=0.011). In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, Group II exhibited a higher odds ratio (4.700) than Group I in terms of cure rate under calculation of the variables (namely, age, hypertension, preoperative Qmax, and PVR), and the cure rate of Group II was verified to be significantly higher than that of Group I (p value=0.019). We suggest that our test is an effective method to confirm whether adequate tension is being applied to the tape. Our method presents some advantages in that surgeons can control and adjust the tension of the mesh after observing the degree and pattern of the urine leakage.

Effectiveness of mesh compared with nonmesh sling surgery in Medicare beneficiaries

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effectiveness of mesh compared with nonmesh slings placed in different surgical settings as measured by the frequency of complications within 1 year.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study of Medicare beneficiaries undergoing sling surgery from 2006 to 2008 in hospital outpatient departments and hospital-based ambulatory surgery centers. Slings were identified and categorized according to the use of mesh by Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System codes and temporary "C" Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System codes. Patients were followed for 1 year after each procedure to identify complications. Logistic models were fit to assess relationships among sling type, surgical setting, and various complications.

RESULTS

We identified 6,698 Medicare beneficiaries who underwent mesh sling procedures and 445 Medicare beneficiaries who underwent nonmesh sling procedures. The overall frequency of complications was similar between the two groups at 69.8% and 72.6% in the mesh and nonmesh groups, respectively (P=.22). Infectious complications were the most common complication at 45.4% and 50.1% of the mesh and nonmesh groups, respectively (P=.06). Patients undergoing mesh procedures were less likely than patients undergoing nonmesh procedures to require management for bladder outlet obstruction (13.9% compared with 19.3%, adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.66, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.52-0.85) and were less likely to have a subsequent sling removal and revision or urethrolysis (2.7% compared with 4.7%, adjusted OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.35-0.89).

CONCLUSION

Frequencies of most complications were similar regardless of the use of mesh except for the management of bladder outlet obstruction. These results did not differ based on the surgical setting where the sling procedure was performed.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II.

Management of complications after tension-free midurethral slings

Since their introduction in 1996, tension-free midurethral slings (MUS) have been proven to have long-term efficacy and safety. They are considered the gold standard treatment of female stress urinary incontinence, especially in cases that are associated with urethral hypermobility. However, they are not free of complications and, although rare, some of these complications can be challenging for both patients and physicians. Some complications occur intraoperatively, whereas others appear in the early or late postoperative period. There is less controversy in the diagnosis and treatment of complications such as vaginal extrusion or urinary system erosion, whereas de novo voiding problems are at best not completely understood. Voiding dysfunction after MUS placement may vary in a wide range from urinary frequency or urgency to retention and is usually attributed to the obstructive or irritative effect of the sling. However, present urodynamic criteria for the diagnosis of female infravesical obstruction are not satisfactory, and the best management policy for de novo voiding dysfunction remains controversial. In the majority of cases, the diagnosis of obstruction leading to a urethral release surgery depends on a combination of several clinical findings. The timing of urethral release surgery varies depending on the preferences of the surgeon, and the outcome of this surgery is not always predictable. The purpose of this review was to assess the diagnosis and management of the immediate, short-term, and long-term complications of MUS in light of the current literature in an attempt to determine the best management policy.

Voiding dysfunction in women: How to manage it correctly

INTRODUCTION

Of women aged >40 years, 6% have voiding dysfunction (VD), but the definition for VD in women with respect to detrusor underactivity (DU) and bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) is not yet clear. In this review we address the current literature to define the diagnosis and treatment of VD more accurately.

METHODS

We used the PubMed database (1975-2012) and searched for original English-language studies using the keywords 'female voiding dysfunction', 'detrusor underactivity', 'acontractile detrusor' and 'bladder outlet obstruction and urinary retention in women'. We sought studies including the prevalence, aetiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of female VD.

RESULTS

In all, 20 original studies were identified using the selected search criteria, and another 45 were extracted from the reference lists of the original papers. All studies were selected according to their relevance to the current topic and the most pertinent reports were incorporated into this review.

CONCLUSION

Female VD might be related to DU or/and BOO. Voiding and storage symptoms can coexist, making the diagnosis challenging, with the need for a targeted clinical investigation, and further evaluation by imaging and urodynamics. To date there is no universally accepted precise diagnostic criterion to diagnose and quantify DU and BOO in women. For therapy, a complete cure might not be possible for patients with VD, therefore relieving the symptoms and minimising the long-term complications associated with it should be the goal. Treatment options are numerous and must be applied primarily according to the underlying pathophysiology, but also considering disease-specific considerations and the abilities and needs of the individual patient. The treatment options range from behavioural therapy, intermittent (self-)catheterisation, and electrical neuromodulation and neurostimulation, and up to urinary diversion in rare cases.

Patient recall 6 weeks after surgical consent for midurethral sling using mesh

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

We aimed to determine patient recall of specific surgical risks and benefits discussed during consent for midurethral sling (MUS) surgery immediately after consent and at 6 weeks follow-up. Specifically we sought to determine whether or not women recalled specific risks related to the placement of mesh.

METHODS

Surgeons consented patients for MUS in their usual fashion during audio recorded consent sessions. After consent and again at 6 weeks postoperatively, women completed a checklist of risks, benefits, alternatives, and general procedural items covered during consent. In addition, women completed the Decision Regret Scale for Pelvic Floor Disorders (DRS-PFD). Audio files were used to verify specific risks, benefits, alternatives, and procedural items discussed at consent. Recall of specific risks, benefits, and alternatives were correlated with DRS-PFD scores.

RESULTS

Sixty-three women completed checklists immediately post consent and at 6 weeks postoperatively. Six-week recall of benefits, alternatives, and description of the operation did not change. Surgical risk recall as measured by the patient checklist deteriorated from 92 % immediately post consent to 72 % at 6 weeks postoperatively (p < .001). Recall of the risk for mesh erosion declined from 91 to 64 % (p < .001). Recall that mesh was placed during the MUS procedure declined from 98 to 84 % (p = .01). DRS-PFD scores were correlated with poorer surgical risk recall and surgical complications (r = .31, p = .02).

CONCLUSIONS

Recall of MUS surgery risks deteriorated over time. Specifically, women forgot that mesh was placed or might erode. Further investigations into methods and measures of adequate consent that promote recall of long-term surgical risks are needed.

Modified distal urethral polypropylene sling (canal transobturator tape) procedure: efficacy for persistent stress urinary incontinence after a conventional midurethral sling procedure

Purpose

Despite reports of persistent stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in patients after the midurethral sling (MUS) procedure, there is no widely accepted definition or cause of the condition. In many cases, the mesh implanted in the previous MUS procedure has been found to have migrated proximally. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the modified distal urethral polypropylene sling, or canal transobturator tape (TOT), procedure for persistent SUI after a conventional MUS procedure on the assumption that persistent SUI after MUS is due to the location of the sling.

Methods

From January 2008 to April 2012, 31 female patients who underwent the canal TOT procedure presented with incontinence or lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) were included in this study. We identified patients who had been operated on by use of the conventional MUS procedure at other medical facilities, whose Valsalva leak pressure point was less than 120 cm-H₂O by urodynamic study, and who were also diagnosed with persistent SUI. If vaginal or urethral mesh exposure was concomitant with persistent SUI, the mesh was removed completely or in part. Surgical procedures for canal TOT were identical to the original TOT procedures, except in the number and location of the vaginal incisions. Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-Short Form (IIQ-7) and Urogenital Distress Inventory-Short Form (UDI-6) scores were assessed preoperatively and at 3 months postoperatively.

Results

There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. Twenty-eight patients (90.3%) showed improvement in incontinence or other LUTS. Postoperative scores of the IIQ-7 (0.65±0.48) and UDI-6 (3.48±2.28) were significantly improved compared with preoperative scores (1.26±0.58 and 7.52±4.30, respectively; P<0.05).

Conclusions

Improper sling location is one of the major causes of persistent SUI after the conventional MUS procedure. Our results demonstrate that canal TOT may be an alternative method in the treatment of persistent SUI after the conventional MUS procedure.

Corona mortis: anatomical data and clinical considerations

BACKGROUND

Minimally invasive procedures, such as the TVT-Secur™, have been linked to injury to the corona mortis. Injury during the insertion of the TVT-Secur™ happens due to the vessel's position close to the place of the margin (25-30 mm from the symphysis pubis).

AIMS

Systematic description of the aberrant vessel anatomy so as to help gynaecologists determine the risk of peri- and postoperative complications during the TVT-Secur™ and related procedures.

METHODS

In a cadaver study, the lesser pelvis of ten female cadavers with venous or arterial coronae mortis was dissected. The origin, diameter and course of the aberrant vessels, as well as the distance from the symphysis pubis, were documented.

RESULTS

Arterial coronae mortis were found in eight hemipelvises. All vessels originated from the ipsilateral inferior epigastric artery and all crossed over the superior pubic rami. Average distance from the symphysis pubis was 52.4 mm. Average vessel diameter was 3 mm. Venous coronae mortis were identified in ten hemipelvises. Eight drained into the external iliac and four into the inferior epigastric artery. Nine vessels crossed over the superior pubic rami. Average distance from the symphysis pubis was 46.7 mm. Average vessel diameter was 3.13 mm.

CONCLUSION

Although individual variation makes direct contact with the vessel possible, in most cases there is a window of eight millimetres at least between the margin of the TVT-Secur™ and most aberrant veins. Possible aberrant arteries seem to lie even further.

Surgical management of female SUI: is there a gold standard?

Many surgical options exist for women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). The traditional gold standards of Burch retropubic colposuspension and pubovaginal slings are still appropriate treatment options for some patients, but randomized controlled trials have demonstrated that synthetic midurethral slings are just as effective as these traditional procedures but with less associated morbidity. Thus, midurethral slings--inserted via a retropubic or transobturator approach--have become the new gold standard first-line surgical treatment for women with uncomplicated SUI. Retropubic midurethral slings are associated with slightly higher success rates than transobturator slings, but at the cost of more postoperative complications. Pubovaginal slings remain an effective option for women with SUI who have failed other procedures, have had mesh complications, or who require concomitant urethral surgery. Single-incision slings have a number of benefits, including decreased operative times and early return to regular activities, but they are yet to be shown to be as effective as midurethral slings. Both retropubic and transobturator midurethral slings are effective for patients with mixed urinary incontinence, but the overall cure rate is lower than for patients with pure SUI. Based on the literature a new gold standard first-line surgical treatment for women with SUI is the synthetic midurethral sling inserted through a retropubic or transobturator approach [corrected].

Anatomic relationships of single-incision midurethral slings

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to evaluate the anatomic relationships of anchor points of single-incision midurethral slings with 2 common placement trajectories.

STUDY DESIGN

In 30 female pelvic halves, a probe was introduced through a suburethral tunnel following 45° and 90° angle trajectories. The corresponding anchor points were tagged. Distances to the obturator canal, accessory obturator vessels, dorsal vein of clitoris, and external iliac vein were recorded.

RESULTS

Both suburethral tunnel trajectories and their respective anchor points remained caudad to the obturator internus muscle in 100% of dissections. The closest distance between either anchor point to the obturator canal was 1.6 cm. The closest distance from the 45° and 90° anchor points to the accessory obturator vessels was 1.6 and 1.5 cm, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The anchor points of single-incision midurethral slings are in close proximity to vascular structures that could be injured with inadvertent entry into the retropubic space.

Transobturator vaginal tape for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence in elderly women without concomitant pelvic organ prolapse: is it effective and safe?

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the transobturator approach (TVT-O) for the surgical management of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in older women.

STUDY DESIGN

Between 2007 and 2010, all consecutive women with SUI undergoing an isolated TVT-O procedure were prospectively enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into two groups by age: older women (≥ 70 years old) were included in group 1, while younger women (< 70 years old) in group 2. Intra- and post-operative outcomes were compared between the groups.

RESULTS

During the study period 181 women met the inclusion criteria and were included for final analysis. Among these women, 60 (33.1%) and 121 (66.9%) were included in groups 1 and 2 respectively. After a median follow-up of 26 (IQR 15-41) months for the younger and 25 (IQR 18-40) months for older patients (p>0.99), no differences were observed between the two groups in terms of cure rate (92.5% vs. 88.3%; p=0.40). No differences were observed in terms of voiding dysfunction, vaginal erosion and persistent groin pain, or in terms of onset of de novo overactive bladder (9.0% vs. 13.3%; p=0.44).

CONCLUSIONS

TVT-O appears to be a safe and effective procedure for the management of stress urinary incontinence also in elderly population.

Transobturator suburethral tape in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence: efficacy and quality of life after 5 year follow up

OBJECTIVES

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a highly prevalent dysfunction in middle-aged and elderly women. One recent technique places a sub-urethral tape passed through the transobturator foramen. Efficacy and quality of life were assessed after five years of treatment with the transobturator technique in women suffering SUI. This evaluation followed a previous control at the first year post-intervention.

STUDY DESIGN

Sixty-three women were assessed five years after operation with the transobturator technique. Additionally, twenty-nine women of these women had undergone pelvic floor reconstruction due to different forms of genital prolapse. Quality of life (QoL) was assessed by the Urogenital Distress Inventory-6 (UDI-6) and the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-7 (IIQ-7) tests.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Subjective and objective cure or improvement, complications, and changes in QoL.

RESULTS

Fifty women (79%) remained cured, as assessed by the cough test. Eighteen women (28%) reported urine leakage during physical activity. These objective and subjective data were worse than those reported at the one-year follow-up. De novo urge urinary incontinence was reported by 11 women or 17%. Nine of these women had undergone additional pelvic floor surgery. The QoL tests confirmed that cure or improvement was achieved in 78% (49) (UDI-6) and 79% (50) (IIQ-7) of the women.

CONCLUSIONS

The transobturator tape procedure resulted in acceptable rates of efficacy after five years. Moreover, QoL tests showed cure or improvement in almost four of five women. Nonetheless, women should be informed of the risk of de novo urinary urgency incontinence and the progressive loss of efficacy with time.

Ajust single incision transobturator sling procedure for stress urinary incontinence: results after 1-year follow-up

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Data on the Ajust, a new single-incision sling procedure for female stress urinary incontinence (SUI) management, remain scarce and limited to a 1-year follow-up. Our goal was to assess the efficacy of this procedure after a 1-year follow-up.

METHODS

This prospective evaluation involved 95 consecutive patients implanted with Ajust at a single centre. All patients had SUI on urodynamics due to urethral hypermobility, 33 % had preoperative overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms and none had detrusor overactivity. Ninety-two patients were treated on an outpatient basis, and 3 patients had general anaesthesia. Postoperative assessment was conducted at 1, 6, 12 months, and yearly thereafter. The main outcome measure was pad usage. Secondary parameters were self-reported SUI episodes, OAB symptoms, data of clinical examination, satisfaction using the Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I) scale, postoperative pain, and adverse events.

RESULTS

After a mean follow-up of 21 ± 6 months (12-32), 76 out of 95 patients used no pads or one dry security pad, showing a success rate of 80 %. Seventy-nine out of 95 patients had no more SUI-related leakage. Only 6 patients experienced late recurrence of SUI after 6 months' follow-up. Perioperative complications included 1 case of vaginal hematoma, 1 case of acute urinary retention, 2 cases of urinary tract infection, all managed conservatively. Half of the patients had no pain after day 1, free of medications. Late complications were vaginal erosion in 1 case, and pain during exertion in 2 cases.

CONCLUSIONS

The Ajust single incision transobturator sling is a safe and effective procedure, with durable results after 1 year.

Revisions of mid urethral slings can be accomplished in the office

PURPOSE

Mid urethral slings occasionally require revision for obstructive voiding symptoms or vaginal extrusion. Our approach has been to offer revision in office or resection done under local anesthesia when the patient is agreeable and deemed an appropriate candidate. The results and complications of these procedures are presented.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the charts of patients from January 2003 to October 2010 to determine the subset with mid urethral sling insertion who subsequently underwent revision in the office or operating room, as identified through the Northwestern Medical Enterprise Data Warehouse. The CPT code for female sling insertion (57288) or revision/removal (57287) was used.

RESULTS

A total of 41 revisions were performed in 28 of the 118 patients (23.7%) who underwent synthetic sling insertion. Reasons for adjustment were an intravesical sling (1 operating room case), extruded vaginal mesh (7 operating room and 19 office) and obstructive voiding symptoms (7 operating room and 7 office). Obstructive voiding symptoms in 6 of 7 operating room and 6 of 7 office patients improved immediately after sling release. There were no complications in either group but 3 office patients required repeat revision in the operating room due to inability to tolerate the procedure in 2 and to nonrelief of symptoms in 1. A total of 13 operating room adjustments were made according to surgeon preference while 2 patients elected the operating room, although adjustment in office was offered.

CONCLUSIONS

Sling adjustment due to vaginal mesh extrusion or obstructive voiding symptoms can be successfully performed in the office with good result. When greater adjustment is needed, the operating room may be preferable. Surgeons should make these decisions based on their comfort level and patient preference.

TVT-Secur (Hammock) versus TVT-Obturator: a randomized trial of suburethral sling operative procedures

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to compare TVT-Secur (TVT-S) and TVT-Obturator (TVT-O) suburethral slings for treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

METHODS

This was a single-center, nonblinded, randomized trial of women with SUI who were randomized to TVT-S or TVT-O from May 2007 to April 2009. The primary outcome, SUI on cough stress test (CST), and quality-of-life and symptom questionnaires (Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory [PFDI-20] and Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire [PFIQ-7]) were assessed at 12 weeks and 1 year.

RESULTS

Forty-three women were randomized to TVT-S and 44 to TVT-O. There were no differences in median baseline PFDI-20 and PFIQ-7. Twenty-two (52.4%) of 42 participants randomized to TVT-S had a positive CST result at evaluation after 12 weeks or 1 year, whereas 4 (9.1%) of the 44 in the TVT-O group had a positive CST result. The intent-to-treat analysis showed that the risk of a positive CST result was 6 times higher after TVT-S than TVT-O (risk ratio, 6.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.3-16.0). Among women not lost to follow-up, the risk ratio for a positive CST result after TVT-S compared with TVT-O was 17.9 (95% CI, 2.5-128.0) at 12 weeks and 3.5 (95% CI, 1.1-11.0) at 1 year. Both TVT-S and TVT-O resulted in improved quality of life and symptoms at 12 weeks. There was no difference between the groups for PFDI-20 (P = 0.40) or PFIQ-7 (P = 0.43). A similar pattern was seen at 1 year (P = 0.85 and P = 0.36).

CONCLUSIONS

The TVT-S seems to have a higher risk of positive postoperative CST result; however, the procedures result in similar improvements in quality of life and symptoms.

Occult incontinence as predictor for postoperative stress urinary incontinence following pelvic organ prolapse surgery

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Recommending prophylactic anti-incontinence procedures to continent women undergoing surgery for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is controversial. We hypothesized that testing for occult incontinence before surgery using four different tests and three defined test combinations would identify individual women at risk for postoperative stress urinary incontinence (POSUI). The diagnostic accuracy of these tests and test combinations were evaluated.

METHODS

We tested 137 women before and after surgery. Fisher's exact test was used when evaluating associations between test results and outcomes. The validity of each test and test combinations was calculated.

RESULTS

We found a statistically significant association between occult incontinence and POSUI in two tests and all test combinations. However, all tests and test combinations displayed poor performance when predicting at individual levels.

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirms a positive association between occult incontinence and POSUI. Occult incontinence does not, however, adequately identify individual women in need of prophylactic anti-incontinence surgery when undergoing POP repair.

Selective management of the urethra at time of pelvic organ prolapse repair: an assessment of postoperative incontinence and patient satisfaction

PURPOSE

Management of the urethra in women without stress urinary incontinence during pelvic organ prolapse repair can be approached selectively or with a prophylactic suburethral sling. We report on patient satisfaction and outcomes in patients who underwent selective urethral management during pelvic organ prolapse repair.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients undergoing repair of advanced apical and/or anterior compartment pelvic organ prolapse underwent prolapse reduction to screen for stress urinary incontinence. Patients with clinical, occult and urodynamic stress urinary incontinence underwent a sling procedure. Those without stress urinary incontinence did not undergo sling surgery. Patients completed responses to the UDI-6 (Urogenital Distress Inventory, PGI-I (Patient Global Impression of Improvement) and MESA (Medical, Epidemiological, and Social Aspects of Aging). Cost analysis of selective urethral management was completed.

RESULTS

A total of 42 patients met the study inclusion criteria and 30 completed responses to all questionnaires. Patients were separated into prolapse repair only (14) and prolapse repair with sling (16) groups. In the prolapse repair only group 1 patient required a subsequent sling. Mean UDI-6, MESA urge and MESA stress scores were 3.71, 1.29 and 3.14 in the prolapse repair only group, and 2.31 (p=0.219), 2.69 (p=0.244) and 3.00 (p=0.918) in the prolapse repair with sling group, respectively. The PGI-I revealed no statistical difference between the groups. A total cost savings of $55,804 was achieved using selective urethral management.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients undergoing prolapse repair only have continence and satisfaction outcomes that appear equivalent to those who underwent concomitant prolapse repair and sling. The decision to perform a concomitant sling at the time of prolapse repair should be tailored to the patient.

Mesh complications in female pelvic floor reconstructive surgery and their management: A systematic review

We reviewed the incidence, predisposing factors, presentation and management of complications related to the use of synthetic mesh in the management of stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse repair. Immediate complications, such as bleeding, hematoma, injury to adjacent organs during placement of mesh and complication of voiding dysfunction are not discussed in this review, since they are primarily related to technique. A PubMed search of related articles published in English was done from April 2008 to March 2011. Key words used were urinary incontinence, mesh, complications, midurethral sling, anterior prolapse, anterior vaginal repair, pelvic organ prolapse, transvaginal mesh, vault prolapse, midurethral slings, female stress urinary incontinence, mesh erosion, vaginal mesh complications, and posterior vaginal wall prolapse. Since there were very few articles dealing with the management of mesh-related complications in the period covered in the search we extended the search from January 2005 onwards. Articles were selected to fit the scope of the topic. In addition, landmark publications and Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) data (FDA website) were included on the present topic. A total of 170 articles were identified. The use of synthetic mesh in sub-urethral sling procedures is now considered the standard for the surgical management of stress urinary incontinence. Synthetic mesh is being increasingly used in the management of pelvic organ prolapse. While the incidence of extrusion and erosion with mid-urethral sling is low, the extrusion rate in prolapse repair is somewhat higher and the use in posterior compartment remains controversial. When used through the abdominal approach the extrusion and erosion rates are lower. The management of mesh complication is an individualized approach. The choice of the technique should be based on the type of mesh complication, location of the extrusion and/or erosion, its magnitude, severity and potential recurrence of pelvic floor defect.

Overactive bladder symptoms and voiding dysfunction in neurologically normal women

AIMS

To understand mechanisms underlying overactive bladder (OAB) and voiding dysfunction (VD) in neurologically normal women.

METHODS

Review of MEDLINE from (1982) to (2011) using defined search terms, and manual analysis. Only articles published in English were included.

RESULTS

One in five women report moderate to severe lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Whilst VD is more common in men, women report a higher rate of storage symptoms or post-micturition symptoms. Post-void residual (PVR) volume measurements are vital in the assessment of women with LUTS and patients with VD without stress incontinence (SUI) are likely to have an elevated PVR (82%). Bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) also causes VD in women and can be alleviated by surgery or alpha-blocker therapy, although OAB symptoms typically remain. Surgical repair for SUI can result in temporary VD in the minority of patients, highlighting the complex interplay that is emerging in the urethral bladder functioning complex in women.

CONCLUSIONS

Women with impaired bladder emptying present with a wide range of LUTS, and PVR measurement is essential for diagnosis. OAB and VD can clearly coexist and accurate diagnosis of underlying pathophysiology is required. Recommendations for clinical practice and research are provided including: investigation of VD in women with OAB; evaluation of PVR values to determine appropriate therapy and identification of BOO. There is clearly a need for further research into the impact of alpha-blockers in women with VD as well as an evaluation of PVR changes in women with OAB before and after antimuscarinic therapy.

Defining female voiding dysfunction: ICI-RS 2011

Whilst symptoms of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) and post micturition symptoms are more commonly reported in men a significant number of women may also complain of voiding dysfunction. However, despite the recent advances in the standardisation of terminology of lower urinary tract dysfunction there remains a lack of consensus regarding a precise diagnosis and definition of voiding abnormalities in women. In addition voiding symptoms may co-exist with storage symptoms as well as those associated with urinary incontinence. Consequently many patients present with a spectrum of different urinary symptoms, related to both storage and voiding, which may be multifactorial in origin or be related to one another. The purpose of this paper is to review the current literature in order to accurately define and classify female voiding dysfunction including causes and aetiology. In addition to reviewing the investigation and management of those women with voiding dysfunction recommendations are proposed for management in clinical practice as well as suggestions for future research.

A Comparison of the Clinical Efficacy of the Transobturator Adjustable Tape (TOA) and Transobturator Tape (TOT) for Treating Female Stress Urinary Incontinence with Intrinsic Sphincter Deficiency: Short-term Results

PURPOSE

The transobturator adjustable tape (TOA) allows adjustment of tension after surgical intervention, thus permitting correction of postoperative incontinence or obstruction. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of TOA versus transobturator tape (TOT) for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence with intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients underwent TOA (n=33 with ISD) or TOT (n=47 with ISD) insertion by one experienced surgeon. The patients were considered to have ISD on the basis of a Valsalva leak point pressure <60 cmH(2)O or a maximum urethral closure pressure <20 cmH(2)O. The preoperative evaluation included history taking, physical examination, voiding diary, stress and 1-hour pad tests, and a comprehensive urodynamic examination. Postoperative evaluation included a stress test, 1-hour pad test, questionnaire, and uroflowmetry with postvoid residuals.

RESULTS

After 6 months of follow-up, the rate of cure (TOA, 75.6% vs. TOT, 72.3%) was similar between the two groups. The rate of satisfaction was not significantly higher in the TOA group than in the TOT group (84.8% vs. 78.7%; p=0.05). Four patients in the TOA group (12.1%) needed a reduction in tension because of urinary obstruction (flow <10 ml/sec and/or residual urine >50 ml). The tension of the mesh was tightened in 5 patients (15.2%) because of the persistence of a certain degree of incontinence. The residual urine volume at postoperative 7 days was significantly lower in the TOA group than in the TOT group (19.5 ml vs. 41 ml; p=0.016, repeated-measures analysis of variance test).

CONCLUSIONS

The TOA allows postoperative readjustment of the suburethral sling pressure for a number of days after surgical intervention, which allows for the achievement of good short-term results. These data suggest that better lower obstructive voiding symptoms than those achieved with the traditional nonadjustable mesh can be obtained with the TOA.

Management of urogenital trauma: state of the art

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The field of urogenital trauma is undergoing constant improvement mainly due to better diagnostic tools, a shift toward standardized treatments and better trauma care. The purpose of this review is to summarize the most relevant studies published within the last 3 years on the subject.

RECENT FINDINGS

Computerized tomography grading of renal trauma is an excellent predictor of the need for surgery and the final renal outcome in these patients, as most patients can be treated conservatively. Computerized tomography cystography has become the standard for the diagnosis of bladder rupture in which the indications for surgical intervention may be changing. The most common urethral trauma is posterior urethral injury due to pelvic fracture. The best results in adults and children are achieved by urethroplasty.

SUMMARY

The diagnosis and treatment of genitourinary trauma is still evolving. The long-term sequels of these injuries may best be treated by urologists expert in urogenital reconstruction. In the future, tissue engineering may have an important place in the treatment of these patients.

De novo pudendal neuropathy after TOT-O surgery for stress urinary incontinence

Complications from needle placement and exit during a TOT procedure exist and must be considered when placing the needle through the area of the obturator fossa.

Background and Objectives:

Five cases of pelvic nerve complications after transobturator tape (TOT) inside-out surgical procedures for stress urinary incontinence are presented.

Methods:

We conducted a chart review of patients with complications referred to our practice.

Results:

Five patients with nerve complications after TOT inside-out procedures were investigated. Pudendal neuropathy and interstitial cystitis were seen in this series of patients with several patients having myofascial pain in the lower abdominal area.

Conclusions:

Although not commonly reported, complications from needle placement and from the area of needle exit in a TOT procedure can exist, and the surgeon must be careful when placing the needle through the area of the obturator fossa.

Gynecologic management of neuropathic pain

Obstetrician/gynecologists often are the initial management clinicians for pelvic neuropathic pain. Although treatment may require comprehensive team management and consultation with other specialists, there are a few critical and basic steps that can be performed during an office visit that offer the opportunity to improve quality of life significantly in this patient population. A key first step is a thorough clinical examination to map the pain site physically and to identify potentially involved nerves. Only limited evidence exists about how best to manage neuropathic pain; generally, a combination of surgical, manipulative, or pharmacologic methods should be considered. Experimental methods to characterize more precisely the nature of the nerve dysfunction exist to diagnose and treat neuropathic pain; however, additional scientific evidence is needed to recommend these options unanimously. In the meantime, an approach that was adopted from guidelines of the International Association for the Study of Pain has been tailored for gynecologic pain.

Managing complications of slings

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

As newer materials and less invasive techniques emerge, treatment of stress urinary incontinence has increased over time. This shift has implications for the types of complications seen in contemporary practice compared to those even a few years ago. This review details prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of complications of sling surgery for stress urinary incontinence.

RECENT FINDINGS

Proper diagnosis and evaluation of stress urinary incontinence remains paramount in preventing surgical complications. Intraoperative complications, primarily bleeding and urinary tract injury vary depending on surgeon experience, operative technique and approach as well as prompt recognition of the injury. Postoperative complications include but are not limited to voiding dysfunction, urinary retention, vaginal extrusion and urinary tract erosion, thigh pain, and sexual dysfunction. Treatment relies on appropriate identification of the complication and may involve conservative and/or eventual surgical measures.

SUMMARY

As surgical treatment of stress incontinence evolves, thorough understanding of sling surgery and its attendant complications remain critical for the practicing physician.

Surgical management of stress urinary incontinence in women: safety, effectiveness and cost-utility of trans-obturator tape (TOT) versus tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) five years after a randomized surgical trial

BACKGROUND

We recently completed a randomized clinical trial of two minimally invasive surgical procedures for stress urinary incontinence, the retropubic tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) versus the trans-obturator tape (TOT) procedure. At one year postoperatively, we were concerned to find that a significant number of women had tape that was palpable when a vaginal examination was undertaken. Because the risk factors for adverse outcomes of tape surgery are not clearly understood, we are unable to say whether palpable tapes will lead to vaginal erosions or whether they merge into vaginal tissue. We do not know whether patients go on to have further adverse consequences of surgery, leading to additional cost to patients and healthcare system. Our current study is a 5 year follow-up of the women who took part in our original trial.

METHODS/DESIGN

All 199 women who participated in our original trial will be contacted and invited to take part in the follow-up study. Consenting women will attend a clinic visit where they will have a physical examination to identify vaginal erosion or other serious adverse outcomes of surgery, undertake a standardized pad test for urinary incontinence, and complete several health-related quality of life questionnaires (15D, UDI-6, IIQ-7). Analyses will compare the outcomes for women in the TOT versus TVT groups. The cost-effectiveness of TOT versus TVT over the 5 years after surgery, will be assessed with the use of disease-specific health service administrative data and an objective health outcome measure. A cost-utility analysis may also be undertaken, based on economic modeling, data from the clinical trial and inputs obtained from published literature.

DISCUSSION

This study is needed now, because TOT and TVT are among the most frequently conducted surgical procedures for stress urinary incontinence in Canada. Because stress urinary incontinence is so common, the impact of selecting an approach that causes more adverse events, or is less effective, will have a significant impact on individual quality of life, and societal and health care costs.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00234754. Registered October 2005.

Transobturator tapes are preferable over transvaginal tapes for the management of female stress urinary incontinence: For

Tension-free midurethral slings have proven to have low morbidity and high success rates in the management of female stress urinary incontinence. Among midurethal slings, the transobtuator tapes has comparable success and satisfaction rates as the transvaginal tapes but with reduced risk of intra-operative bladder injury, shorter operating time and quicker return to activities. Thus, the transobturator tapes may be recommended as the primary choice for the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence.