Hysterectomy and urinary incontinence: a systematic review

Overactive Bladder Syndrome Following Cesar ean Hysterectomy for Placenta Accreta Spectrum, A Cohort Study

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

The increasing incidence of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) has emerged as a significant concern in obstetrics. This cohort study is aimed at assessing the overactive bladder and other lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in women who underwent cesarean hysterectomy for PAS.

METHODS

Between 2022 and 2023, a total of 84 consecutive patients with pathologically confirmed diagnosis of PAS at our academic hospital, Mashhad, Iran, were enrolled and compared with a control group of 42 women who had cesarean section (CS) without hysterectomy, matched for age, gravidity, and number of prior CSs. Symptoms were evaluated using a questionnaire 6-30 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

The median age of the cohort was 35 years (interquartile range, 31-38). In the cesarean hysterectomy group, cystotomy occurred in 17 (20.2%), ureteral injury in 5 (6.0%), and bladder fistula in 1 (1.2%), whereas none was observed in the cesarean group. In women who underwent cesarean hysterectomy, urinary urgency was the most prevalent symptom (48.8%), with the highest frequency and bother scores. Comparing patients who had cesarean hysterectomy with those in the control group, the urinary frequency was significantly more prevalent (34.5% vs 14.3%; p = 0.02), with higher frequency and bother scores (p = 0.017 and 0.005, respectively). Subgroup analysis within the cesarean hysterectomy group revealed that urinary frequency was significantly more prevalent in women who had placenta accreta with bladder invasion and experienced cystotomy compared to those without urinary tract injuries (p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Approximately half of patients undergoing cesarean hysterectomy for PAS experienced symptoms suggestive of overactive bladder 6-30 months postoperatively.

Hysterectomy is not associated with increased risk of urinary incontinence-a northern Finland birth cohort 1966 study

INTRODUCTION

Hysterectomy has been suggested to increase the risk of urinary incontinence (UI), although evidence is controversial. In our population-based cohort study, we aimed to assess the independent effect of hysterectomy on the risk of de novo UI.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This is a population-based cohort study on the women of the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 (n = 5889). We identified all hysterectomies among the cohort (n = 461) using the national Care Register for Health Care and classified them according to surgical approach into laparoscopic (n = 247), vaginal (n = 107), and abdominal hysterectomies (n = 107). Women without hysterectomy formed the reference group (n = 3495). All women with UI diagnoses and operations were identified in the register, and women with preoperative UI diagnosis (n = 36) were excluded from the analysis to assess de novo UI. Data on potential confounding factors were collected from registers and the cohort questionnaire. Incidences of different UI subtypes and UI operations were compared between the hysterectomy and the reference groups, and further disaggregated by different hysterectomy approaches. Logistic regression models were used to analyze the association between hysterectomy and UI, with adjustments for several UI-related covariates.

RESULTS

We found no significant difference in the incidence of UI diagnoses or the rate of subsequent UI operations between the hysterectomy and the reference groups (24 [5.6%] vs. 166 [4.7%], p = 0.416 and 14 [3.3%] vs. 87 [2.5%], p = 0.323). Hysterectomy was not significantly associated with the risk of any subtype of UI (overall UI: OR 1.20, 95% CI 0.77-1.86; stress UI (SUI): OR 1.51, 95% CI 0.89-2.55; other UI: OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.36-1.74). After adjusting for preoperative pelvic organ prolapse (POP) diagnoses, the risk was decreased (overall UI: OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.32-0.90; other than SUI: OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.17-0.95). Regarding different hysterectomy approaches, the risks of overall UI and SUI were significantly increased in vaginal, but not in laparoscopic or abdominal hysterectomy. However, adjusting for preoperative POP diagnosis abolished these risks.

CONCLUSIONS

Hysterectomy is not an independent risk factor for de novo UI. Instead, underlying POP appears to be a significant risk factor for the incidence of UI after hysterectomy.

Incidence and risk factors of stress urinary incontinence after laparoscopic hysterectomy

OBJECTIVE

To observe the long-term effects of total hysterectomy on urinary function, evaluate the effects of preoperative nutritional status, urinary occult infection, and surgical factors on the induction of postoperative stress urinary incontinence (SUI), and explore the incidence and risk factors of SUI.

STUDY DESIGN

From January 2017 to December 2017, 164 patients with benign non-prolapsing diseases who underwent a laparoscopic total hysterectomy in the First People's Hospital of Taicang were selected as the analysis objects. The International Incontinence Standard Questionnaire for Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (ICIQ-FLUTS) and Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire-short version 20 (PFDI-20) were used for telephone follow-up to subjectively assess the urinary function of patients, collect their medical records, and statistically analyze the number of postoperative SUI cases. Logistic multivariate analysis was used to analyze the influencing factors of postoperative female SUI, presented as adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS

Only 97 out of 164 patients completed the ICIQ-FLUTS and PFDI-20 questionnaires. Among these participants, 28 patients (28.86%) were diagnosed with SUI (study group), while 69 patients (71.13%) were classified as women without SUI (control group). The age, menopause, parity ≥ 2 times, Body mass index (BMI) ≥ 28 kg/m2, neonatal weight ≥ 4000 g, history of chronic cough, preoperative hemoglobin ≤ 100 g/L, preoperative urine bacteria ≥ 100u/L, preoperative uterine volume ≥ 90 cm3, intraoperative blood loss, and operation time of the study group were compared with those of the control group. The differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Further Logistic multivariate analysis showed that menopause, preoperative hemoglobin ≤ 100 g/L, preoperative urine bacteria ≥ 100u/L, uterine volume ≥ 90 cm3, history of chronic cough, BMI ≥ 28 kg/m2 were risk factors for postoperative SUI in patients undergoing hysterectomy (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Hysterectomy for benign non-prolapse diseases has a long-term potential impact on the urinary system of patients, and the risk of postoperative SUI increases. The main risk factors of SUI are parity, menopausal status, obesity, preoperative nutritional status, and occult infection of the urinary system.

Prevalence of LUTS in young female population attending tertiary care centre

OBJECTIVE

To obtain the prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in young female population in tertiary care centre.

METHOD

We conducted a descriptive and analytic study with ques tionnaire based data collection. All subjects were interviewed using conventional method and International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire (ICIQ) Female LUTS form in the urology outpatient department, SMS medical college and hospital, Jaipur (India).

RESULT

Total 1278 patients enrolled in study. Using the well-structured questionnaire using ICIQ-FLUTS form, the prevalence of LUTS was 78.01% while conventional method having only 35.8%. This result revealed that LUTS is a common condition among young Indian female population with vaginal delivery as the common risk factor.

CONCLUSION

Screening for LUTS using a structured questionnaire identified a significantly higher prevalence of LUTS than the conventional method. The ICIQ-FLUTS form is a robust questionnaire that can be recommended for use in epidemiological research as well as routine clinical practice.

Effect of longitudinal-bending elliptical ultrasonic vibration assistance on electrosurgical cutting and hemostasis

Electrosurgical devices are widely used for tissue cutting and hemostasis in minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for their high precision and low trauma. However, tissue adhesion and the resulting thermal injury can cause infection and impede the wound-healing process. This paper proposes a longitudinal-bending elliptical ultrasonic vibration-assisted (EUV-A) electrosurgical cutting system that incorporates an ultrasonic vibration in the direction of the cut by introducing an elliptical motion of the surgical tip. Compared with a solely longitudinal ultrasonic vibration-assisted (UV-A) electrosurgical device, the EUV-A electrode contacts the tissue intermittently, thus allowing for a cooler cut and preventing tissue accumulation. The experimental results reveal that the EUV-A electrode demonstrates better performance than the UV-A electrode for both anti-adhesion and thermal injury through in vitro experiments in porcine samples. The tissue removal mechanism of EUV-A electrosurgical cutting is modeled to investigate its anti-adhesion effect. In addition, lower adhesion, lower temperature, and faster cutting are demonstrated through in vivo experiments in rabbit samples. Results show that the EUV-A electrode causes lower thermal injury, indicative of faster postoperative healing. Finally, efficacy of the hemostatic effect of the EUV-A electrode is demonstrated in vivo for vessels up to 3.5 mm (equivalent to that of electrocautery). The study reveals that the EUV-A electrosurgical cutting system can achieve safe tissue incision and hemostasis.

Uterus-preserving surgical management of placenta accreta spectrum disorder: a large retrospective study

BACKGROUND

The two-child policy implemented in China resulted in a surge of high-risk pregnancies among advanced maternal aged women and presented a window of opportunity to identify a large number of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) cases, which often invoke severe blood loss and hysterectomy. We thus had an opportunity to evaluate the surgical outcomes of a unique conservative PAS management strategy for uterus preservation, and the impacts of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in PAS surgical planning.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study, comparing the outcomes of a new uterine artery ligation combined with clover suturing technique (UAL + CST) with the existing conservative surgical approaches in a maternal public hospital with an annual birth of more than 20,000 neonates among all placenta previa cases suspecting of PAS between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2018.

RESULTS

From a total of 89,397 live births, we identified 210 PAS cases from 400 singleton pregnancies with placenta previa. Aside from 2 self-requested natural births (low-lying placenta), all PAS cases had safe cesarean deliveries without any total hysterectomy. Compared with the existing approaches, the evaluated UAL + CST had a significant reduction in intraoperative blood loss (β=-312 ml, P < .001), RBC transfusion (β=-1.08 unit, P = .001), but required more surgery time (β = 16.43 min, P = .01). MRI-measured placenta thickness, when above 50 mm, can increase blood loss (β = 315 ml, P = .01), RBC transfusion (β = 1.28 unit, P = .01), surgery time (β = 48.84 min, P < .001) and hospital stay (β = 2.58 day, P < .001). A majority of percreta patients resumed normal menstrual cycle within 12 months with normal menstrual fluid volume, without abnormal urination or defecation.

CONCLUSIONS

A conservative surgical management approach of UAL + CST for PAS is safe and effective with a low complication rate. MRI might be useful for planning PAS surgery.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ChiCTR2000035202.

Assessment of Quality of Life after Hysterectomy using European Quality of Life Five Dimension Scale (EQ5D)

In several regions throughout the globe, caesarean sections constitute the most common nonobstetric surgery, followed by hysterectomy, which is the surgical excision of the uterus. While it is not the only solution for reproductive organ issues, it is the most effective technique to treat many illnesses over the long term. The uterus is a very critical reproductive organ for all age groups as this is not only essential for giving birth but also for hormonal-related physiology in women's life. The quality of life is impacted by a number of hysterectomy-related effects on females. Physical, psychological, environmental, and social relations are some of these impacts. All EuroQol five-dimensions (EQ5D) subscales significantly improved, as per the research 's findings. Preoperative psychosocial status, perioperative pain, indication of hysterectomy, complications occur during surgery, and mode of hysterectomy postoperative infection had been discovered as determinants of quality of life outcome following hysterectomy. In most of the subjects we noticed small, however, noticable improvements in all component of EQ5D Scale. The strengths of EQ5D questionnaire lie in its simplicity and moreover it is available in several languages.

HPV-infection status and urinary incontinence: a population-based analysis of the NHANES 2005-2016

PURPOSE

Urinary incontinence is a common condition and reduces the quality of life. The purpose of this study was to assess the association between HPV infection and urinary incontinence among adult women in the USA.

METHODS

We examined a cross-sectional study using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey database. Women who had valid HPV DNA vaginal swab test results and answered the questionnaire about urinary incontinence were selected from six consecutive survey cycles (2005-2006 to 2015-2016). The association between HPV status and urinary incontinence was analyzed using weighted logistic regression. Models adjusted for potential variables were established.

RESULTS

In total, 8348 females aged between 20 and 59 years old were enrolled in this study. 47.8% of participants had a history of urinary incontinence and 43.9% of women were HPV DNA positive. After adjusting for all confounders, women with HPV infection were less likely to have urinary incontinence (OR = 0.88, 95%CI 0.78-0.98). Low-risk HPV infection correlated with a lower incidence of incontinence (OR = 0.88, 95%CI 0.77-1.00). For women aged below 40 years, low-risk HPV infection negatively correlated with stress incontinence (20-29ys: OR = 0.67, 95%CI 0.49-0.94; 30-39ys: OR = 0.71, 95%CI 0.54-0.93). However, low-risk HPV infection positively correlated with stress incontinence (OR = 1.40, 95%CI 1.01-1.95) for women 50-59 years old.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed a negative association between HPV infection and urinary incontinence in females. Low-risk HPV correlated with stress urinary incontinence, with the reverse trend for participants of different ages.

Gynecological morbidity and treatment-seeking among older adult (aged 45-59) women in India

BACKGROUND

Women's gynecological health needs are not limited to the reproductive years of their life. Women are at risk of hormonal changes, gynecological malignancies, and various genitourinary conditions as they move toward menopause and beyond. Concerns about older women's sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) continue to be taboo in many countries, of little interest to researchers and professionals in the field of healthcare, and a "blind spot" in discussions about policy as a whole. Despite the widespread agreement, the life course approach to addressing SRHR concerns has received minimal attention. The study estimates the prevalence, assesses the correlates, and treatment-seeking of gynecological morbidity (GM) among older adult women aged 45-59 years (N = 18,547) in India.

METHOD

The analysis was based on the nationally representative Longitudinal Ageing Study (2016-2017) data that adopted a multistage stratified area probability cluster sampling to select respondents. The outcome variables used in this analysis were 'had any GM' and 'sought treatment for any GM.' Women with any morbidity such as per vaginal bleeding, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, uterus prolapses, mood swings/irritability, fibroid/cyst, and dry vagina causing painful intercourse were considered to have any GM. Of the respondents with GM, who sought a doctor's consultation or treatment were considered 'sought treatment for any GM.' Binary logistic regression was conducted to examine the adjusted effect of socioeconomic and demographic predictors of GM and treatment-seeking. Stata (V 16) was used for statistical analyses with a 5% significance level.

RESULTS

Fifteen percent of the women had any GM, and only 41% of them sought treatment. Age, marital status, education, number of pregnancies, hysterectomy, involvement in household decision-making, social group, religion, wealth status, and region were significantly associated with GM. The odds of treatment-seeking were higher among women with 10+ years of schooling (OR 1.66, CI 1.23, 2.23), with hysterectomy (OR 7.36, CI 5.92, 9.14), with five-plus pregnancies (OR 1.25, CI 0.96, 1.64), and those from the richest (OR 1.91, CI 1.40, 2.60) households than their respective counterparts.

CONCLUSION

Many older adult women experience GM, and treatment-seeking is inadequate. The GM prevalence and treatment-seeking vary considerably by socioeconomic and demographic characteristics. Results suggest community-level awareness generation and the inclusion of this otherwise ignored group in programs targeting better health and wellbeing of women.

Evaluation of urinary continence status and its influence on quality of life after gyneco-oncological treatment of female pelvic malignancies at an oncological center

Urinary incontinence (UI) could negatively affect a person's quality of life (QoL). This study investigates the association among gynecological cancers, their treatments, UI, and its effect on the QoL of survivors of gynecological cancer. This cross-sectional questionnaire-based study included 121 cases from 405 patients who had undergone gyneco-oncological therapy. The participants were asked whether they experienced any form of UI and whether it impacted their QoL. The following therapies were used to treat the 12 gynecologic tumor types found in the participants: surgery (n = 116, 95.87%), chemotherapy (CTx) (n = 51, 42.2%), radiotherapy (RTx) (n = 31, 25.6%), and antibody therapy (ABT) (n = 11, 9.1%). No significant association was determined between tumor type and UI. However, body mass index (BMI), radical hysterectomy, vulvar or vaginal surgery, and presence of UI before treatment had significant impacts on the presence of UI. The surgical access routes, CTx, ABT, and hysterectomy had significant impacts on the severity of UI after treatment. Among all patients, 55.4% reported very good QoL. These reports of good QoL by patients could be due to their very good adjustment to the situation, with regard to being diagnosed with and receiving treatment for cancer, or due to the patients considering UI to not be much of an issue. Additionally, 34% of patients reported they had not been informed about the risk of UI before treatment. Informing patients about UI as one of the risks of therapy before initiating the treatment is crucial as patients who had been informed beforehand coped with UI far better than those who were not informed. Hence, the treatment of UI is often successful, so patients should be encouraged to receive urogynecological consultation.

The efficacy of intravaginal electrical stimulation (IVES) in treating female with urinary incontinence symptom from meta-analysis of nine randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Urinary incontinence (UI) is a common disease in the middle-aged and elderly women, and physical therapy has gradually become the mainstream treatment of UI. We conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of intravaginal electrical stimulation (IVES) in the treatment of UI.

METHODS

From January 2006 to December 2021, we finally selected nine randomized controlled trials (RCTs) including 657 participants from PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases to evaluate the efficacy of IVES in the treatment of female UI. Continuous data were represented by mean difference and 95% CI, while dichotomous data were represented by odds ratio and 95% CI. All the data were analyzed by the Review Manager Version 5.4.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, there were significant improvements in urine pad test (P = 0.01), urinary incontinence frequency (P = 0.04), some indicators in the incontinence quality of life questionnaire and King's health questionnaires, and subjective feeling of cure (P = 0.009) in the IVES group. However, in other indicators reflecting UI, there was no significant difference between the IVES group and the control group. In addition, subgroup analysis showed that IVES and IVES combined with training could significantly reduce the weight of the urine pad, which reflected the improvement of urine leakage.

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis proved that IVES can partially improve the symptoms of female patients with UI compared with the control group. However, it still needs to be further evaluated through more high-quality research in the future.

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction After Hysterectomy: Moving the Investigation Forward

The role of hysterectomy in the development of pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) remains widely disputed. The controversy is fueled by two key factors. The first is conflicting association studies that make it difficult to establish whether a link truly exists. Although many retrospective studies report a correlation between hysterectomy and increased risk of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) or pelvic organ prolapse (POP), prospective studies often fail to replicate these results, leading some to conclude that no association exists. However, most prospective studies do not follow up for a sufficient length of time to account for the long latency of PFD and cannot unilaterally prove the absence of an association. The second source of controversy is the absence of a plausible mechanism to explain how hysterectomy could predispose patients to PFD. In this paper, we investigate autonomic innervation and smooth muscle in the three layers of pelvic floor support and propose a mechanism through which autonomic damage from hysterectomy could predispose patients to PFD. We then identify key research areas needed to evaluate this theory. This report aims to inspire a discussion on how to further the collective understanding of the relationship between hysterectomy and PFD. Clarifying the nature of this connection could have enormous consequences in redefining the risks and benefits of hysterectomy.

A study on sexual functioning and depression in Iranian women following cesarean hysterectomy due to placental abnormality after 3-6 months

This study aims to investigate the prevalence of depression and impaired sexual function following the hysterectomy in Iran. This study was performed as a retrospective cohort study, from August 2017 to August 2018. Fifty-two patients with a cesarean hysterectomy and 52 with cesarean section were considered as the cases and controls, respectively. Depression and sexual function were assessed 3-6 months following the surgery in both cases and controls. Depression was evaluated by using Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) questionnaire-II-Persian. Sexual function was assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). The average BDI in cases was 15.37 ± 7.6 and in controls was 13.06 ± 6.7. Mild to moderate depression was detected 57.3 percent of whom with hysterectomy and 36.5 percent of whom with C/S, the BDI sum score did not differ significantly between cases and controls (p = .096). The FSFI in cases was 20.06 ± 6.96, and controls was 21.7 ± 9.83 without any significant difference (p = .364). The depression had not been significantly different between women who underwent hysterectomy and were not following 3-6 months after surgery. Furthermore, both groups had impaired sexual function after the surgery.

Physical Activity, Diet, and Incident Urinary Incontinence in Postmenopausal Women: Women's Health Initiative Observational Study

BACKGROUND

Physical activity and macronutrient intake, important contributors to energy balance, may be independently associated with female urinary incontinence (UI).

METHODS

We evaluated the association of baseline self-reported physical activity and macronutrient intake, via food-frequency questionnaire, with incident UI subtypes after 3 years among 19,741 post-menopausal women in the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study. Odds ratios (OR) for incident urgency, stress, and mixed UI were calculated using multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

Women who reported total physical activity (MET-hours/week) ≥30 vs <0.1 were 16% less likely to develop urgency UI (OR=0.84; 95% CI 0.70, 1.00) and 34% less likely for mixed UI (OR=0.66; 0.46, 0.95), although linear trends were no longer statistically significant after adjusting for baseline weight and weight change (P-trend=0.15 and 0.16, respectively). The association between physical activity and incident stress UI was less consistent. Higher uncalibrated protein intake was associated with increased odds of incident urgency UI (≥19.4% versus <14.1% of energy intake OR=1.14; 95% CI 0.99, 1.30; P-trend=0.02), while confidence intervals were wide and included 1.0 for calibrated protein intake. Other macronutrients were not associated with urgency UI and macronutrient intake was not associated with incident stress or mixed UI (P-trend>0.05 for all).

CONCLUSIONS

Among post-menopausal women, higher physical activity was associated with lower risk of incident urgency and mixed UI, but not stress UI, independent of baseline weight and weight change. Higher protein intake was associated with increase urgency UI, but no associations were observed between other macronutrient and UI subtypes.

Gynecological cancers and urinary dysfunction: a comparison between endometrial cancer and other gynecological malignancies

The purpose of this paper is to provide a narrative overview of the available literature about voiding dysfunction in women with gynecological cancer before and after surgical, chemo- and radiotherapy treatments. Radical surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy may cause lower urinary tract dysfunction such as stress and urge urinary incontinence, and voiding difficulties. However, nerve-sparing radical hysterectomy may be a valid surgical approach in order to reduce bladder innervation impairment and maintain normal urinary function. Also, newer radiotherapy techniques significantly reduce the number of adverse effects, including bladder dysfunction. Pelvic floor muscle physiotherapy and training with biofeedback and urethral bulking agents represent some additional therapies that can be used in oncologically treated patients with urinary symptoms in order to improve a significant aspect of their quality of life. Considering the important impact on the patients' quality of life, a full urogynecological evaluation should be considered as an important part of oncological treatment and follow-up.

Prevalence and risk factors of urinary incontinence among Iranian women

BACKGROUND

Urinary incontinence is a common condition among women. Although it is not a life-threatening condition, it dramatically influences the quality of life. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of urinary incontinence and its risk factors among Iranian women in Kerman, Iran.

METHODS

This cross-sectional, population-based study was conducted on 3100 Iranian women aged 15-80 years in 2017 in Kerman, Iran. The participants were selected via cluster sampling and were invited to complete the questionnaires. Their demographic information and medical history were assessed, the urinary incontinence questionnaire was completed, and the associated risk factors were also recorded. Quantitative variables are reported as mean ± SD, while qualitative and ranked variables are expressed in percentage. All analyses were conducted in Stata version 12 (Stata Corp.).

RESULTS

The mean age of the participants was 46 years, and the overall prevalence of urinary incontinence was estimated to be 63%. The highest and lowest prevalence rates of urinary incontinence were reported in the elderly and the youth, respectively (79% and 41%, respectively). Age, increase of body mass index (BMI), pregnancy, diabetes, anxiety, and depression were the associated risk factors.

CONCLUSION

We found that the prevalence of urinary incontinence is high in Iran. Therefore, to control this condition and improve women's quality of life, effective plans are needed.

Urinary and fecal incontinence in patients with advanced ovarian cancer treated with CRS + HIPEC

PURPOSE

The objective of this work was to analyze the long-term prevalence of urinary and fecal incontinence and their impact on quality of life in patients with advanced and recurrent ovarian cancer treated with cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS + HIPEC).

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included a series of patients with advanced and recurrent ovarian cancer treated by CRS + HIPEC, with a disease-free period of at least 12 months after the procedure. Urinary incontinence was evaluated using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Short Form (ICIQ-SF), fecal incontinence using the Wexner test and the Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life (FIQL) questionnaire and global quality of life using the Short Form 36 (SF-36) survey.

RESULTS

A total of 64 patients were included in the study, with a median age of 55 years (range 28-78). The urinary incontinence rate was 45% and the fecal incontinence rate was 20%. Up to 14% of the patients presented both types of incontinence. The presence of urinary or fecal incontinence generated a significant negative impact on quality of life in relation to patients without incontinence.

DISCUSSION

Urinary and fecal incontinence is frequent in the follow-up of ovarian cancer patients treated with CRS + HIPEC. Reconsidering the approach to the pelvis without peritoneal metastases in the peritoneum could modify the incidence of these pelvic floor dysfunctions.

[Gender affirmation female to male-metaidoioplasty]

BACKGROUND

Description of an improved technique of metaidoioplasty (clitoris penoid) and presentation of the follow-up of our own patients in comparison to results in the literature.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

To reduce the complication rate of urethral strictures and urethrocutaneous fistula, the technique of metaidoioplasty was modified: After elongation of clitoris by incision of chorda the urethra-including the clitoral hood-was reconstructed by distally, broadly based flap of labia minora. In a retrospective follow-up study over 4 years, 75 patients completed questionnaires to assess complications and satisfaction/quality of life and urinary symptoms (ICIQ-FLUTS questionnaire). The same questionnaires were completed by 25 patients pre- and 3 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

In the retrospective study, urethral strictures were detected in 1.4% of patients and urethrocutaneous fistulas in 9.4% of patients, which could be repaired in all cases. Furthermore, 39.5% of patients did not decide for phalloplasty and were satisfied with the appearance of the clitoris penoid in 85% and with their function in 88%. A small proportion of the patients developed urinary symptoms, which were mainly of minor severity and significantly dependent on age. In the prospective study, postoperative-versus preoperative-symptoms of urinary incontinence, nocturia, and obstructive micturition were slightly elevated, but mainly of minor severity.

CONCLUSIONS

The improved technique of metaidoioplasty using distally broadly based labia-minora flaps resulted in high satisfaction with low urethral complication rates.

Urogynaecological Symptoms among Oncological Survivors and Impact of Oncological Treatment on Pelvic Floor Disorders and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms. A Six-Month Follow-Up Study

It has been widely underlined that both gynaecological malignancies and urogynaecological disorders are often associated with high stress and have a negative impact on the quality of life and psychological well-being of women affected. Knowledge of the pelvic anatomy is crucial in recommending and carrying out the least harmful although successful treatment. Subsequent chemoradiation may also induce or exaggerate troublesome symptoms. The aim of the study was to establish the frequency of urogynaecological symptoms (stress urinary incontinence, urgency, pelvic organ prolapse) and to assess the impact of surgical treatment and additional oncological therapy: pelvic radiation, chemoradiation, chemotherapy, on the prevalence of pelvic floor dysfunctions (PFD) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in patients suffering from gynecological malignancies. The study group consisted of 160 women, diagnosed with gynaecological malignancy, who underwent surgical treatment and additional adjuvant treatment as necessary. To establish the QoL and prevalence of PFD Urinary Distress Inventory-6 (UDI-6), Incontinence Impact Questionnaire 7 (II-Q7), King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ) and the SF-36 Questionnaire were used. Herein, 69 patients reported urinary incontinence (UI) and 67 reported symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse (POP). After the six months follow-up UI was found in 78 patients, 25 patients showed de novo symptoms, 65 patients reported POP and 10 patients demonstrated de novo POP. Our data show that urogynaecological symptoms are not correlated with the type of malignancy, but with the extensiveness of surgery.

Hemorrhoids Are Associated with Urinary Incontinence

Background: Hemorrhoids are a common anal disorder and are more frequent in women than in men. Urinary incontinence (UI) also occurs more frequently in women than in men. Although both diseases share similar risk factors, research on the association between the two diseases is lacking. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between hemorrhoids and UI in adult Korean women. Methods: This study was based on the data of the 2008-2009 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Logistic regression test was performed to determine the relationship between hemorrhoids and UI after adjusting for age, body mass index (BMI), smoking, heavy drinking, physical activity, education level, income, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension. Results: Analysis of the data of 8,139 adult women revealed that the prevalence of hemorrhoids, which were self-reported and diagnosed by a physician, was 17.5% and 7.9%, respectively. Both types of hemorrhoids were more prevalent in older women with spouses, those with a large waist circumference, and those with a high BMI. The prevalence of UI was significantly high in the hemorrhoid group, regardless of whether it was self-reported or diagnosed by a physician. Multiple logistic regression analyses revealed a significant association between the prevalence of UI and hemorrhoids, both of which were found to peak at 19-39 years of age. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that hemorrhoids are significantly correlated with UI in adult Korean women. When treating adult women with hemorrhoids, it is, therefore, necessary to consider other pelvic floor diseases such as UI.

Sentinel lymph node mapping and intraoperative assessment in a prospective, international, multicentre, observational trial of patients with cervical cancer: The SENTIX trial

BACKGROUND

SENTIX (ENGOT-CX2/CEEGOG-CX1) is an international, multicentre, prospective observational trial evaluating sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy without pelvic lymph node dissection in patients with early-stage cervical cancer. We report the final preplanned analysis of the secondary end-points: SLN mapping and outcomes of intraoperative SLN pathology.

METHODS

Forty-seven sites (18 countries) with experience of SLN biopsy participated in SENTIX. We preregistered patients with stage IA1/lymphovascular space invasion-positive to IB2 (4 cm or smaller or 2 cm or smaller for fertility-sparing treatment) cervical cancer without suspicious lymph nodes on imaging before surgery. SLN frozen section assessment and pathological ultrastaging were mandatory. Patients were registered postoperatively if SLN were bilaterally detected in the pelvis, and frozen sections were negative.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02494063).

RESULTS

We analysed data for 395 preregistered patients. Bilateral detection was achieved in 91% (355/395), and it was unaffected by tumour size, tumour stage or body mass index, but it was lower in older patients, in patients who underwent open surgery, and in sites with fewer cases. No SLN were found outside the seven anatomical pelvic regions. Most SLN and positive SLN were localised below the common iliac artery bifurcation. Single positive SLN above the iliac bifurcation were found in 2% of cases. Frozen sections failed to detect 54% of positive lymph nodes (pN1), including 28% of cases with macrometastases and 90% with micrometastases.

INTERPRETATION

SLN biopsy can achieve high bilateral SLN detection in patients with tumours of 4 cm or smaller. At experienced centres, all SLN were found in the pelvis, and most were located below the iliac vessel bifurcation. SLN frozen section assessment is an unreliable tool for intraoperative triage because it only detects about half of N1 cases.

Stress urinary incontinence after transvaginal mesh surgery for anterior and apical prolapse: preoperative risk factors

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Debate persists over whether surgery to correct pelvic organ prolapse (POP) should be combined with midurethral sling (MUS) insertion. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) up to 12 months after transvaginal mesh surgery, with or without MUS, and to identify risk factors for postoperative SUI.

METHODS

This retrospective single-center study included patients who underwent transvaginal mesh surgery with Uphold™ between October 2010 and December 2017. The primary outcome was the prevalence of SUI at 12 months postoperatively. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to identify risks factors for postoperative SUI.

RESULTS

Of the 308 women included, 123 (40%) were continent (no SUI), 108 (35%) had SUI, and 76 (25%) had occult SUI. Forty-nine patients (15.9%) had a concomitant MUS procedure. At 12 months after surgery, 35.9% of patients without concomitant MUS had SUI vs 14.3% with (p = 0.003). Thirty-five patients (29%) developed de novo SUI. Postoperative complications were more common in patients with concomitant MUS (30.6% vs 17%; p = 0.003). The best predictor of postoperative SUI was the presence of preoperative SUI (OR 2.52 (1.25-5.09). Concomitant MUS (p < 0.001), and prior POP surgery (p = 0.034) were protective factors for postoperative SUI.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative SUI is the most important risk factor for postoperative SUI. However, given the higher risk of postoperative complications with concomitant MUS and the acceptable rate of de novo SUI rate without it, two-stage surgery seems preferable for patients with preoperative SUI.

The Onset of Urinary Incontinence in Different Subgroups and its Relation to Menopausal Status: A Hospital-based Study

BACKGROUND/AIM

Numerous risk factors have been reported to influence the development of urinary incontinence (UI). In this study, we took a closer look on the different forms of UI and tried to identify differences in regard to potential risk factors. Of special interest was the onset of UI symptoms and its relation to menopausal status.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a hospital-based analysis of patients who presented with urinary incontinence in the outpatient ward of a tertiary hospital. The diagnosis of urinary incontinence was based on the subjective complaints of patients. Data concerning menopausal status, hormone replacement therapy, prior hysterectomy were assessed.

RESULTS

The mean age was 53.8 years in the SUI group, 62.7 years in the MUI group and 66.1 years in the UUI group, respectively (p<0.001). The proportion of patients with UUI was higher in the postmenopausal group, whereas the proportion of SUI was higher in the premenopausal group (p<0.001). The mean age in which complaints occurred was significantly lower in the SUI group (45.4 years) compared to the MUI (51.0 years) and UUI groups (54.7 years) (p<0.001). There was no correlation between menopausal status and onset of urinary incontinence (p=0.143).

CONCLUSION

Additional anamnestic information help further characterize the different types of urinary incontinence that can lead to an optimization of treatment options. Younger age and premenopausal status were accompanied by milder forms of UI while menopausal status itself had no influence on the onset of UI symptoms indicating that age-related changes may lead to different types of incontinence.

Urinary Incontinence in Women

Urinary incontinence (UI) is common among women and contributes to decreased quality of life. Several effective treatment options are available for the most common types of UI (stress, urge, and mixed), including lifestyle and behavioral therapy, drug therapy, and minimally invasive procedures. Most women improve with treatment, and UI is not an inevitable part of aging. To maximize the opportunity for successful treatment, it is critical to align the treatment approach with patient goals and expectations for care, including an assessment of patient-driven priorities regarding potential adverse effects, costs, and expected benefit of different treatment approaches.

Risk factors and prevalence of urinary incontinence in mid-life Singaporean women: the Integrated Women's Health Program

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

The objective was to identify the prevalence and risk factors for urinary incontinence (UI) in healthy midlife Singaporean women.

METHODS

Healthy women, aged 45-69 years, were assessed for UI and sociodemographic characteristics, including ethnicity, menopausal status, parity, and body mass index (BMI). UI subtypes corresponding to stress (SUI) alone, urge (UUI) alone, mixed (MUI), and leakage (drops only) incontinence were classified using the Urinary Distress Inventory 6 (UDI-6). Risk factors were examined using Chi-squared tests, followed by sequential multivariate logistic regression to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aOR and 95% confidence intervals).

RESULTS

A total of 1,119 women (mean age 56.2 ± 5.2) completed the UDI-6. 52.3% reported any UI; MUI and SUI were the most common, each affecting 20% of women. Post-menopausal women had a lower risk (aOR 0.5 [0.3-0.9]) of SUI, but a higher risk (aOR 4.4 [1.0-19.9]) of UUI compared with premenopausal women. Higher education was negatively associated (aOR 0.3 [0.2-0.7]) with UUI, but positively associated with MUI (aOR 2.3 [1.3-4.0]). Parity (1-2 children) increased the risk of SUI (aOR 1.8 [1.0-3.1]), but reduced the risk of UUI (aOR 0.4 [0.2-0.9]). Obesity was associated with increased risk for MUI (aOR 2.2 [1.4-3.4]) and leakage (aOR 2.0 [1.0-4.1]). Malays and Indians had a higher risk of MUI, having (aOR 2.1 (1.2-3.7) and 1.7 (1.1-2.7) respectively compared with Chinese, a difference mediated by higher BMI.

CONCLUSION

Urinary incontinence is a major morbidity prevalent in healthy midlife Asian women. Post-menopausal status, education level, parity, BMI (and its link with ethnicity) are independent risk factors in this population, and should be incorporated into counseling and targeted interventions.

Laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy versus endometrial ablation for women with heavy menstrual bleeding (HEALTH): a parallel-group, open-label, randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Heavy menstrual bleeding affects 25% of women in the UK, many of whom require surgery to treat it. Hysterectomy is effective but has more complications than endometrial ablation, which is less invasive but ultimately leads to hysterectomy in 20% of women. We compared laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy with endometrial ablation in women seeking surgical treatment for heavy menstrual bleeding.

METHODS

In this parallel-group, multicentre, open-label, randomised controlled trial in 31 hospitals in the UK, women younger than 50 years who were referred to a gynaecologist for surgical treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding and who were eligible for endometrial ablation were randomly allocated (1:1) to either laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy or second generation endometrial ablation. Women were randomly assigned by either an interactive voice response telephone system or an internet-based application with a minimisation algorithm based on centre and age group (<40 years vs ≥40 years). Laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy involves laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery to remove the upper part of the uterus (the body) containing the endometrium. Endometrial ablation aims to treat heavy menstrual bleeding by destroying the endometrium, which is responsible for heavy periods. The co-primary clinical outcomes were patient satisfaction and condition-specific quality of life, measured with the menorrhagia multi-attribute quality of life scale (MMAS), assessed at 15 months after randomisation. Our analysis was based on the intention-to-treat principle. The trial was registered with the ISRCTN registry, number ISRCTN49013893.

FINDINGS

Between May 21, 2014, and March 28, 2017, we enrolled and randomly assigned 660 women (330 in each group). 616 (93%) of 660 women were operated on within the study period, 588 (95%) of whom received the allocated procedure and 28 (5%) of whom had an alternative surgery. At 15 months after randomisation, more women allocated to laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy were satisfied with their operation compared with those in the endometrial ablation group (270 [97%] of 278 women vs 244 [87%] of 280 women; adjusted percentage difference 9·8, 95% CI 5·1-14·5; adjusted odds ratio [OR] 2·53, 95% CI 1·83-3·48; p<0·0001). Women randomly assigned to laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy were also more likely to have the best possible MMAS score of 100 than women assigned to endometrial ablation (180 [69%] of 262 women vs 146 [54%] of 268 women; adjusted percentage difference 13·3, 95% CI 3·8-22·8; adjusted OR 1·87, 95% CI 1·31-2·67; p=0·00058). 14 (5%) of 309 women in the laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy group and 11 (4%) of 307 women in the endometrial ablation group had at least one serious adverse event (adjusted OR 1·30, 95% CI 0·56-3·02; p=0·54).

INTERPRETATION

Laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy is superior to endometrial ablation in terms of clinical effectiveness and has a similar proportion of complications, but takes longer to perform and is associated with a longer recovery.

FUNDING

UK National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment Programme.

Patient-reported pelvic floor symptoms 5 years after hysterectomy with or without prolapse surgery

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of hysterectomy with or without concomitant prolapse surgery on subject-reported pelvic floor disorders (PFD) with a 5-year follow-up.

STUDY DESIGN

This prospective longitudinal study was carried out in two Finnish central hospitals among 286 women who had undergone hysterectomy for benign reasons. The presence of urinary incontinence, urinary frequency, feeling of vaginal bulging, constipation and anal incontinence was evaluated at baseline, 1 and 5 years postoperatively. Analysis was performed on 256 (895%) patients who answered at least one of the follow-up questionnaires.

RESULTS

Hysterectomy with concomitant native tissue prolapse surgery significantly reduced urinary incontinence, urinary frequency, constipation and the feeling of vaginal bulging, and the results were maintained over the following five years. Plain hysterectomy reduced urinary frequency and the feeling of vaginal bulging but did not relieve urinary incontinence. Hysterectomy had no effect on anal incontinence. The total subsequent prolapse and/or incontinence operation rate was 2,7%, and was higher among patients who underwent hysterectomy for pelvic organ prolapse.

CONCLUSIONS

During a 5-years follow-up a hysterectomy alone or with native tissue prolapse surgery did not worsen pelvic floor disorders.

Pelvic floor functional outcomes after total abdominal vs total laparoscopic hysterectomy for endometrial cancer

BACKGROUND

Pelvic floor functioning is an important concern for women requiring a hysterectomy for endometrial cancer. The incidence of pelvic floor symptoms has not been reported in women who have undergone a hysterectomy for early-stage endometrial cancer.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to evaluate pelvic floor function in women who have had surgical treatment for early-stage endometrial cancer as part of the multinational Laparoscopic Approach to Cancer of the Endometrium trial and to compare patients' outcomes who had total abdominal vs total laparoscopic hysterectomy.

STUDY DESIGN

A multinational, phase III, randomized noninferiority trial compared disease-free survival of patients who had total abdominal hysterectomy vs total laparoscopic hysterectomy. This substudy analyzes the results from a self-administered validated questionnaire on pelvic floor symptoms (Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory) administered preoperatively, and at follow-up visits 6, 18, 30, 42, and 54 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

Overall, 381 patients with endometrial cancer were included in the analysis (total abdominal hysterectomy, n = 195; total laparoscopic hysterectomy, n = 186). At 6 months postsurgery both groups experienced an improvement in Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory scores compared to presurgical pelvic floor well-being (total abdominal hysterectomy: mean change -11.17; 95% confidence interval, -17.11 to -5.24; total laparoscopic hysterectomy: mean change -10.25; 95% confidence interval, -16.31 to -4.19). The magnitude of change from baseline in pelvic floor symptoms did not differ between both treatment groups up to 54 months postsurgery.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that pelvic floor function in terms of urinary, bowel, and prolapse symptoms are unlikely to deteriorate following abdominal or laparoscopic hysterectomy and are reassuring for women undergoing hysterectomy for early-stage endometrial cancer.

Predictors of hysterectomy among married women 15-49 years in India

BACKGROUND

In India, community based studies and media reports indicate a surge in the number of young women undergoing hysterectomy in the past few years. This has led to suspicion on the misuse of procedure, and intense debates on its potential ill health-effects on young women. However, there are no population-based studies that provide insights into hysterectomy prevalence and its determinants at the national level.

DATA AND METHODS

This study used data from India's District Level Household Survey that involved a sample of 3, 16,361 married women in the age group of 15-49 years spread across 21 States and Union Territories of India. Bivariate and multivariate regression analysis was performed to estimate hysterectomy prevalence and identify its predictors.

RESULTS

The study estimated hysterectomy prevalence of 17 per 1000 ever married women. The number of women undergoing hysterectomy ranged from 2 to 63/1000 across different states. A little more than one-third of women who had undergone hysterectomy were under the age of 40 years. The proportion of women below 40 years of age who had had hysterectomy was much higher in southern states of Andhra Pradesh (42%) and Telangana (47%). The likelihood of hysterectomy was higher among women belonging to households with health insurance (OR: 1.88, CI: 1.77-2.00) and women who were sterilized (OR 1.55; CI 1.45-1.67) than uninsured and unsterilized women, and lower among women with education level of matriculation and above (OR 0.47; CI 0.42-0.50) than those with no and/or low education.

CONCLUSIONS

A sizable proportion of young women undergoing hysterectomy in India may have severe ill-health effects on their physical, reproductive and socio-psycho health. As women with low or no education are also more prone to hysterectomy, providing more information and education to them on the possible after-effects of hysterectomy and alternative options will enable them to make more informed choices.

Risk Factors in Acquired Faecal Incontinence

Acquired faecal incontinence arising in the non-elderly population is a common and often devastating condition. We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis in 629 patients (475 female) referred to a tertiary centre, to determine the relative importance of individual risk factors in the development of faecal incontinence, as demonstrated by abnormal results on physiological testing. Potential risk factors were identified in all but 6% of patients (7 female, 32 male). In women, the principal risk factor was childbirth (91%), and in most cases at least one vaginal delivery had met with complications such as perineal injury or the need for forceps delivery. Of the males, half had undergone anal surgery and this was the only identified risk factor in 59%. In many instances, assignment of cause was hampered by a long interval between the supposed precipitating event and the development of symptoms. Abnormalities of anorectal physiology were identified in 76% of males and 96% of females (in whom they were more commonly multiple). These findings add to evidence that occult damage to the continence mechanism, especially through vaginal delivery and anal surgery, can result in subsequent faecal incontinence, sometimes after an interval of many years.

Relationship between hysterectomy and severity of female stress urinary incontinence

Background

Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) is one of the most reported health dilemmas of women suffering from lower urinary tract symptoms.

Aim

To determine the relation between hysterectomy and severity of female SUI using Valsalva Leak Point Pressure (VLPP).

Methods

This case-control study was conducted at a public urology clinic in Tehran in 2015. The study population was all female with SUI complaints who visited the clinic during 2015. We compared Valsalva leak point pressure in two groups of female SUI patients with and without hysterectomy history. The inclusion criteria were: not taking any alpha-blocker or anti-cholinergic medicines two weeks prior to the urodynamic test as well as no history of pelvic surgery or cesarean delivery in their lifetime. All qualified patients were invited to participate in the study randomly, and among them, 120 qualified patients agreed to participate by filling out the informed consent form. Data was gathered through direct interview, and double checked by patients’ medical records. All the study variables including age, BMI, delivery number, hysterectomy and UTI history were entered and analyzed by estimating ordered logistic regression and by using Stata14.1 software.

Results

The mean of VLPP was 70.17 cmH₂O in the group with hysterectomy history, and 94.55 cmH₂O in those without hysterectomy history. The difference of VLPP pressure between the two studied groups were significant (p<0.05), even after control of confounding variables. Also, the odds of severe SUI among hysterectomy group patients was 6.3 times more than no hysterectomy (OR=6.32, p<0.001).

Conclusions

Our study confirms significant relation between hysterectomy and SUI severity measured by Valsalva leak point pressure. Hysterectomy patients are more likely to suffer from more severe grades of SUI.

Incidence and Risk Factors of De novo Stress Urinary Incontinence after Pelvic Floor Reconstruction: A Nested Case-control Study

Background:

Some patients with pelvic organ prolapse may suffer from lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), especially stress urinary incontinence (SUI) named de novo SUI after pelvic floor reconstruction. This study aimed to investigate the incidence and risk factors of de novo SUI.

Methods:

This is a nested case-control study of 533 patients who underwent pelvic floor reconstruction due to pelvic organ prolapse (POP) at the Department of Gynecology in Peking University People's Hospital from January 2011 to March 2013. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 401 patients were enrolled in the study with the follow-up rate of 74.8% (101 patients lost to follow-up). There were 75 patients with de novo SUI postoperatively. According to the ratio of 1:3, we ensured the number of control group (n = 225). The preoperative urinary dynamics, POP-quantification scores, and LUTS were compared between the two groups by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses to investigate the risk factors of de novo SUI.

Results:

The incidence of de novo SUI was 25% (75/300). Univariate analysis showed that the ratio of lower urinary tract obstruction (LUTO) before surgery in de novo SUI group was significantly higher than the control group (odds ratio [OR] = 2.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.1–4.0], P = 0.022). The interaction test of LUTO and other factors displayed that Aa value was an interaction factor. With the increasing score of Aa, the incidence of de novo SUI become higher (OR = 2.1, 95% CI [1.0–3.7], P = 0.045). After multivariable adjustment, multiple regression analysis showed that LUTO was independently associated with a greater risk of de novo SUI after pelvic floor surgery (OR = 2.3, 95% CI [1.2–4.6], P = 0.013).

Conclusions:

Preoperative LUTO in patients with POP is a high-risk factor of de novo SUI, and high score of Aa-point is related to the occurrence of de novo SUI, which might be due to the outlet obstruction caused by bladder prolapse.

Patient-reported lower urinary tract symptoms after hysterectomy or hysteroscopy: a study from the Swedish Quality Register for Gynecological Surgery

Introduction and hypothesis

Hysterectomy is sometimes considered the cause of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). We hypothesized that hysterectomy for abnormal uterine bleeding and/or symptoms of fibroids is more likely to cause LUTS than a hysteroscopic procedure for the same indications.

Methods

Two groups of women were compared: one group comprised 3,618 women who had had a hysterectomy due to abnormal uterine bleeding or symptoms of fibroids and the other group comprised 238 women who had had hysteroscopic treatment for the same indications. The main outcome measures were occurrence of LUTS before and 1 year after the surgical intervention. The frequencies of LUTS before and after surgery were compared between the groups. Binary logistic regression was used to model the odds of having postoperative urinary leakage and urgency while controlling for uterine size, surgical procedure and preoperative LUTS.

Results

There were no statistically significant differences between women after hysterectomy and after hysteroscopy in the frequencies of LUTS before or after surgery, when uterine size was comparable. However, there was a difference in the rates of de novo urinary incontinence between women with hysterectomy and women with hysteroscopy (7.6%, 95% CI 6.3–9.0, and 3.2%, 95% CI 1.6–6.5, respectively). Of the women with a large uterus, 58.6% (95% CI 51.5–65.5) reported relief of urinary incontinence and 85.5% (95% CI 82.3–88.4) reported relief of urinary urgency postoperatively.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that it is important to individualize preoperative information in women prior to hysterectomy since the outcome concerning LUTS depends on preoperative symptoms and uterine size.

Factors influencing the incidence and remission of urinary incontinence after hysterectomy

BACKGROUND

Studies on the influence of body mass index, smoking, and mode of delivery on the occurrence of urinary incontinence after hysterectomy are required to provide women with information about how these factors influence continence after a hysterectomy.

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to assess the impact of lifestyle factors such as body mass index, smoking, and delivery mode (vaginal/cesarean) on the incidence and remission of urinary incontinence after hysterectomy.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a cohort study based on pre-, per-, and postoperative (1 year) data retrieved from the Swedish National Register for Gynecological Surgery on 16,182 hysterectomies performed because of a benign indication between 2006 and 2013. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify independent risk factors for de novo urinary incontinence and postoperative remission of urinary incontinence, presented as adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS

De novo urinary incontinence was reported by 8.5%, remission of urinary incontinence by 13.3%, and residual urinary incontinence by 16.1% after the hysterectomy. A body mass index ≥30 kg/m² (odds ratio, 1.63, 95% confidence interval, 1.37-1.94), having undergone a vaginal delivery (odds ratio, 1.40, 95% confidence interval, 1.14-1.86), the presence of daily urge without incontinence prior to surgery (odds ratio, 1.77, 95% confidence interval, 1.47-2.13), and a uterine weight <500 g (odds ratio, 2.46, 95% confidence interval, 1.96-3.09) were associated with an increased risk of de novo urinary incontinence. A uterine weight >300 g (odds ratio, 1.98, 95% confidence interval, 1.69-2.33), body mass index <25 kg/m² (odds ratio, 1.22, 95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.47), prolapse (odds ratio, 2.25, 95% confidence interval, 1.60-3.18), or fibroids (odds ratio, 1.33, 95% confidence interval, 1.09-1.62) as indication for surgery and the absence of daily urge without incontinence preoperatively (odds ratio, 1.51, 95% confidence interval, 1.29-1.76) were associated with an increased remission of urinary incontinence. Vaginal compared with abdominal hysterectomy was associated with a decreased remission of urinary incontinence (odds ratio, 0.70, 95% confidence interval, 0.57-0.87). There was no effect of age or smoking or a difference between total and subtotal hysterectomy with regard to de novo urinary incontinence or remission of urinary incontinence after the hysterectomy. Residual urinary incontinence and de novo urinary incontinence significantly reduced satisfaction with surgery 1 year postoperatively compared with women without urinary incontinence.

CONCLUSION

Vaginal delivery, obesity, and daily urge symptoms without incontinence prior to surgery increased de novo urinary incontinence and had a negative influence on the rate of remission of urinary incontinence after hysterectomy, which in turn influenced patients' satisfaction with surgery.

Impaired contraction and decreased detrusor innervation in a female rat model of pelvic neuropraxia

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Bilateral pelvic nerve injury (BPNI) is a model of post-radical hysterectomy neuropraxia, a common sequela. This study assessed the time course of changes to detrusor autonomic innervation, smooth muscle (SM) content and cholinergic-mediated contraction post-BPNI.

METHODS

Female Sprague-Dawley rats underwent BPNI or sham surgery and were evaluated 3, 7, 14, and 30 days post-BPNI (n = 8/group). Electrical field-stimulated (EFS) and carbachol-induced contractions were measured. Gene expression was assessed by qPCR for muscarinic receptor types 2 (M2) and 3 (M3), collagen type 1α1 and 3α1, and SM actin. Western blots measured M2 and M3 protein expression. Bladder sections were stained with Masson's trichrome for SM content and immunofluorescence staining for nerve terminals expressing vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS).

RESULTS

Bilateral pelvic nerve injury caused larger bladders with less SM content and increased collagen type 1α1 and 3α1 gene expression. At early time points, cholinergic-mediated contraction increased, whereas EFS-mediated contraction decreased and returned to baseline by 30 days. Protein and gene expression of M3 was decreased 3 and 7 days post-BPNI, whereas M2 was unchanged. TH nerve terminals surrounding the detrusor decreased in all BPNI groups, whereas VAChT and nNOS terminals decreased 14 and 30 days post-BPNI.

CONCLUSIONS

Bilateral pelvic nerve injury increased bladder size, impaired contractility, and decreased SM and autonomic innervation. Therapeutic strategies preventing nerve injury-mediated decline in neuronal input and SM content may prevent the development of a neurogenic bladder and improve quality of life after invasive pelvic surgery.

Incidence and determinants of hysterectomy in a low-income setting in Gujarat, India

Hysterectomy is a leading reason for use of health insurance amongst low-income women in India, but there are limited population-level data available to inform policy. This paper reports on the findings of a mixed-methods study to estimate incidence and identify predictors of hysterectomy in a low-income setting in Gujarat, India. The estimated incidence of hysterectomy, 20.7/1000 woman- years (95% CI: 14.0, 30.8), was considerably higher than reported from other countries, at a relatively low mean age of 36 years. There was strong evidence that among women of reproductive age, those with lower income and at least two children underwent hysterectomy at higher rates. Nearly two-thirds of women undergoing hysterectomy utilized private hospitals, while the remainder used government or other non-profit facilities. Qualitative research suggested that weak sexual and reproductive health services, a widespread perception that the post-reproductive uterus is dispensable and lack of knowledge of side effects have resulted in the normalization of hysterectomy. Hysterectomy appears to be promoted as a first or second-line treatment for menstrual and gynaecological disorders that are actually amenable to less invasive procedures. Most women sought at least two medical opinions prior to hysterectomy, but both public and private providers lacked equipment, skills and motivation to offer alternatives. Profit and training benefits also appeared to play a role in some providers’ behaviour. Although women with insecure employment underwent the procedure knowing the financial and physical implications of undergoing a major surgery, the future health and work security afforded by hysterectomy appeared to them to outweigh risks. Findings suggest that sterilization may be associated with an increased risk of hysterectomy, potentially through biological or attitudinal links. Health policy interventions require improved access to sexual and reproductive health services and health education, along with surveillance and medical audits to promote high-quality choices for women through the life cycle.

Hysterectomy and Bilateral Salpingo-Oophorectomy: Variations by History of Military Service and Birth Cohort

INTRODUCTION

Little is known about hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO), which are associated with both health risks and benefits, among women Veterans.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

To compare the prevalence of hysterectomy with or without BSO, and early hysterectomy, between postmenopausal Veterans and non-Veterans.

DESIGN AND METHODS

We used baseline data from the Women's Health Initiative Clinical Trial and Observational Study. Multinomial logistic regression models examined differences in the prevalence of hysterectomy (neither hysterectomy nor BSO, hysterectomy without BSO, and hysterectomy with BSO) between Veterans and non-Veterans. Generalized linear models were used to determine whether early hysterectomy (before age 40) differed between Veterans and non-Veterans. Analyses were stratified by birth cohort (<65, ≥65 years at enrollment).

RESULTS

The unadjusted prevalence of hysterectomy without BSO was similar among Veterans and non-Veterans in both birth cohorts (<65: 22% vs 21%; ≥65: 22% vs 21%). The unadjusted prevalence of hysterectomy with BSO was equivalent among Veterans and non-Veterans in the >65 cohort (21%), but higher among Veterans in the <65 cohort (22% vs 19%). In adjusted analyses, although no differences were observed in the >65 cohort, Veterans in the <65 cohort had higher odds of hysterectomy without BSO (odds ratio [OR] 1.18, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03, 1.36) and with BSO (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.10, 1.45), as well as elevated risk of early hysterectomy (relative risk 1.32, 95% CI 1.19, 1.47), compared with non-Veterans.

IMPLICATIONS

Aging women Veterans may have higher prevalence of hysterectomy and BSO than non-Veterans. This information contributes to understanding the health needs and risks of women Veterans and can inform clinical practice and policy for this population.

Pragmatic prevention, permanent solution: Women's experiences with hysterectomy in rural India

Hysterectomy appears to be on the rise amongst low-income, rural women in India as routine treatment for gynaecological ailments. This paper explores the individual, household, socio-economic and health system factors that influenced women's decisions to undergo hysterectomy in rural Gujarat, with a focus on women's perspectives. Interviews were conducted with 35 rural, low-income women who had undergone hysterectomy, local gynaecologists and other key informants, alongside observation of daily life and health-related activities. Inductive, open coding was conducted within a framework analysis to identify thematic influences on the decision to undergo hysterectomy. Women underwent hysterectomy at an average age of 36, as treatment for typically severe gynaecological ailments. I argue that women, faced with embedded social inequality in the form of gender biases, lack of labour security and a maternal-centric health system, demonstrated pragmatic agency in their decision to remove the uterus. When they experienced gynaecological ailments, most sought two to three opinions and negotiated financial and logistical concerns. The health system offered few non-invasive services for non-maternal health issues. Moreover, women and health care providers believed there is limited utility of the uterus beyond childbearing. Women's responsibilities as caretakers, workers and producers drove them to seek permanent solutions that would secure their long-term work and health security. Thus, hysterectomy emerged as a normalised treatment for gynaecological ailments, particularly for low-income women with limited resources or awareness of potential side effects. In this setting, hysterectomy reflects the power structures and social inequalities in which women negotiated medical treatment--and the need to reverse a culture of permanent solutions for low-income women.

Potential of minimally invasive procedures in the treatment of uterine fibroids: a focus on magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound therapy

Minimally invasive treatment options are an important part of the uterine fibroid-treatment arsenal, especially among younger patients and in those who plan future pregnancies. This article provides an overview of the currently available minimally invasive therapy options, with a special emphasis on a completely noninvasive option: magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS). In this review, we describe the background of MRgFUS, the patient-selection criteria for MRgFUS, and how the procedure is performed. We summarize the published clinical trial results, and review the literature on pregnancy post-MRgFUS and on the cost-effectiveness of MRgFUS.

Laparoscopic hysterectomy in large uteri: Experience from a tertiary care hospital in Bangladesh

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study was to examine the safety and feasibility of laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy for uteri weighing more than 500 g as compared to uteri weighing less than 500 g in benign gynecological diseases.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study. Patients were admitted through the outpatient department. They were divided into two groups: uterine weight ≥500 g (group 1) and uterine weight >500 g (group 2). There were no exclusion criteria based on the size, number, or location of leiomyomas. The patient characteristics for the two groups were compared in terms of demographic and socioeconomic details, operating time, amount of blood loss, requirement of blood transfusion, need for analgesia, and length of hospital stay.

RESULTS

The characteristics age and BMI were well balanced between the two groups. Uterine weight was 267.2 ± 97.6 g in group 1 and 740.0 ± 371.4 g in group 2 (P < 0.001). Length of operation and amount of blood loss were greater in group 2 than in group 1 (operation: 89.1 ± 26.7 vs 73.3 ± 24.6 min, P < 0.01; blood loss: 570.5 ± 503.6 vs 262.5 ± 270.0 mL, P < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference in hospital stay or incidence of operative complications between the two groups. No patients were switched from laparoscopy to laparotomy during operation. The rate of blood transfusion was lower in group1 than in group 2 (4.9% vs 32.6%; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that despite the increased operating time and blood loss, laparoscopy should be considered instead of laparotomy in cases of large uteri. Laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy can be performed safely for a large uterus.

Coital incontinence: what can we learn from urodynamic assessment?

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the association of coital incontinence (CI) with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and to understand the pathophysiology of CI.

METHODS

A database of all women who underwent urodynamic testing in a tertiary referral center in the United Kingdom, from January 1991 to December 2009, was retrospectively analyzed. All women reporting CI were included in the study. Urodynamic testing and interpretation of results were performed in accordance with the recommendations of the International Continence Society.

RESULTS

The prevalence of CI in women with LUTS undergoing urodynamics was 11.8%, and they were significantly younger (mean age = 45.3 years; P <.001) than the rest of the group (mean age = 53.4 years). Obesity (body mass index >30 kg/m(2)) and parity were significantly associated with CI (P <.001). Women reporting CI significantly smoked cigarettes and used antidepressants (P <.001). There were fewer postmenopausal women (P <.001) with CI, and previous hysterectomy had a negative association with CI (P = .005). The majority of women had overactive bladder symptoms and stress urinary incontinence (P <.001). CI was significantly associated with urodynamic stress incontinence (UDSI; odds ratio = 2.35) and detrusor overactivity (DO; odds ratio = 1.22) but not DO incontinence (P <.001). Parity, overactive bladder symptoms, and UDSI reached statistical significance when analysis was performed for age-matched controls.

CONCLUSION

CI is not uncommon in women with LUTS, and they present earlier than women with LUTS and no CI. CI is significantly associated with risk factors like parity, obesity, cigarette smoking, and antidepressant usage. CI is multifactorial and associated with UDSI and DO but not DO incontinence.

Conventional versus nerve-sparing radical surgery for cervical cancer: a meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Although nerve-sparing radical surgery (NSRS) is an emerging technique for reducing surgery-related dysfunctions, its efficacy is controversial in patients with cervical cancer. Thus, we performed a meta-analysis to compare clinical outcomes, and urinary, anorectal, and sexual dysfunctions between conventional radical surgery (CRS) and NSRS.

METHODS

After searching PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library, two randomized controlled trials, seven prospective and eleven retrospective cohort studies were included with 2,253 patients from January 2000 to February 2014. We performed crude analyses and then conducted subgroup analyses according to study design, quality of study, surgical approach, radicality, and adjustment for potential confounding factors.

RESULTS

Crude analyses showed decreases in blood loss, hospital stay, frequency of intraoperative complications, length of the resected vagina, duration of postoperative catheterization (DPC), urinary frequency, and abnormal sensation in NSRS, whereas there were no significant differences in other clinical parameters and dysfunctions between CRS and NSRS. In subgroup analyses, operative time was longer (standardized difference in means, 0.948; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.642 to 1.253), while intraoperative complications were less common (odds ratio, 0.147; 95% CI, 0.035 to 0.621) in NSRS. Furthermore, subgroup analyses showed that DPC was shorter, urinary incontinence or frequency, and constipation were less frequent in NSRS without adverse effects on survival and sexual functions.

CONCLUSION

NSRS may not affect prognosis and sexual dysfunctions in patients with cervical cancer, whereas it may decrease intraoperative complications, and urinary and anorectal dysfunctions despite long operative time and short length of the resected vagina when compared with CRS.

Quality of life and pelvic floor dysfunction symptoms after hysterectomy with or without pelvic organ prolapse

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effect of hysterectomy with or without pelvic organ prolapse (POP) on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and pelvic floor disorders.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective clinical study at two central hospitals in Finland. During one year 322 women underwent elective hysterectomy for benign conditions with or without vaginal wall repair. The study population was divided in two groups, patients with and without POP. The HRQoL questionnaires RAND-36 and 15D, and questionnaires assessing urinary and bowel dysfunction symptoms were obtained preoperatively and 12 months postoperatively. POP was defined as the descent of apical, anterior or posterior compartment of vaginal wall grade ≥2 in the Baden-Walker classification at any site. Main outcome measures were HRQoL, improvement of symptoms and de novo symptoms.

RESULTS

At baseline the mean 15D score of all patients was lower than that of the age-standardized population sample (p<0.001). At one year postoperatively, the mean 15D score of the patients had improved (p=0.001), this resulting mainly on dimensions of excretion (voiding and defecation), usual activities, discomfort and symptom, distress, vitality and sexual activity. HRQoL improved especially in patients with POP. They reported improvement of symptoms in urinary incontinence, urinary frequency, constipation and sense of bulging but surgery had no effect on anal incontinence. Patients without POP reported improvement in pain dimension, urinary frequency and feeling of bulging. Urinary incontinence was the most common (15.4% and 13.8%) de novo symptom in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Hysterectomy with or without concomitant pelvic organ prolapse surgery improves health-related quality of life and reduces pelvic floor symptoms in one-year follow-up.