Trans-labial or introital ultrasounds for midurethral slings

Stress urinary incontinence is common in adult women. The use of introital or trans-labial ultrasound can help the surgeon (urologist or gynecologist) to better assess the type of incontinence the patient presents in order to guide him in the management of the patient. Often, surgical treatment with a mid-urethral sling (MSU) placement can be chosen in case of failure of non-invasive therapies (such as local estrogen or physical therapy) and if the clinical examination shows an urethral hypermobility. The use of ultrasound can help in this choice. Although rare, complications of MSU can sometimes cause disabling symptoms and be difficult to diagnose. Introital or trans-labial ltrasound can help diagnose them. The objective of this work was to describe the realization of ultrasound of stress urinary incontinence before or after the placement of a MSU, in order to make their realization easier for young surgeons which can use them in current practice.

[Mirror survey of patients with urge urinary incontinence and healthcare professionals]

BACKGROUND

This survey assessed how much of a taboo surrounds urge or mixed urinary incontinence (UI), through questions to affected patients and healthcare professionals using online questionnaires, with the objective to contrast the patients' perceptions with that of the doctors.

METHODS

This quantitative study was preceded by a qualitative phase carried out with general practitioners, specialists, and UI patients. Following these phases, questionnaires were made available on the internet. They covered questions pertaining to perceptions of UI, degree of embarrassment and its consequences, patient-doctor relationship, and treatments.

RESULTS

Overall, 310 UI patients of male or female gender participated in the study, as did 101 general practitioners, 50 urologists, and 30 gynecologists. The analysis revealed that 60% of patients felt embarrassment about UI, the condition representing for them a taboo topic similar to cancer. This taboo was shown to be seen further enhanced by doctors. UI was associated with a loss of self-esteem (51%) and restriction to daily life (44%). The patients' answers revealed that UI was only brought up by doctors in 6% of cases, whereas the patient was the first to bring it up in 55%, primarily with their general practitioner (80%). Thus, in 4 out of 10 cases, the issue was not addressed; 49% of patients stated they did not discuss their condition with their partner and 33% did not discuss it with anybody.

CONCLUSION

UI is still a major taboo and we have a long way to go to change attitudes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3.

[Use of botulinum toxin A in pelvic floor dysfunctions in the elderly: A review]

INTRODUCTION

The present article is the final report of a multi-disciplinary meeting supported by the GRAPPPA (group for research applied to pelvic floor dysfunctions in the elderly). The objective was to conduct a comprehensive review on the role of botulinum toxin A (BonTA) in the treatment of pelvic floor dysfunctions in the elderly.

METHODS

The present article, written as a comprehensive review of the literature, combines data issued from the scientific literature with expert's opinions. Review of the literature was performed using the online bibliographic database MedLine (National Library of Medicine). Regarding intra-detrusor BonTA injections, only articles focusing on elderly patients (>65 yo) were included. Regarding other localizations, given the limited number of data, all articles reporting outcomes of BonTA were included, regardless of studies population age. In case of missing or insufficient data, expert's opinions were formulated.

RESULTS

Although, available data are lacking in this specific population, it appears that BonTA could be used in the non-fraily elderly patients to treat overactive bladder or even neurogenic detrusor overactivity, with a success rate comparable to younger population at 3 months (88.9% vs. 91.2%), 6 months (49.4% vs. 52.1%) and 12 months (23.1% vs. 22.3%), as well as a significant decrease in number of voids per day (11.4 vs. 5.29 P<0.001) and in the number of pads per day (4.0 vs. 1.3, P<0.01). Furthermore, BonTA is likely to be offered in the future as a treatment of fecal incontinence and obstructed defecation syndrome symptoms. Concerning bladder outlet obstruction/voiding dysfunction symptoms, intra-urethral sphincter BonTA should not be recommended.

CONCLUSION

BonTA injections are of interest in the management of various pelvic floor dysfunctions in the elderly, and its various applications should be better evaluated in this specific population in order to further determine its safety and efficacy.

[Antibiotic prophylaxis in urodynamics: Clinical practice guidelines using a formal consensus method]

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this work was to issue clinical practice guidelines on antibiotic prophylaxis in urodynamics (urodynamic studies, UDS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Clinical practice guidelines were provided using a formal consensus method. Guidelines proposals were drew up by a multidisciplinary experts group (pilot group = steering group), then rated by a panel of 12 experts (rating group) using a formal consensus method, and then peer reviewed by a reviewing/reading group of experts (different from the rating group).

RESULTS

Urine (bacterial) culture with antimicrobial susceptibility testing is recommended for all patients before UDS (strong agreement). In patients with no neurologic disease, the risk factors for tract urinary infection (UTI) after UDS are age > 70 years, recurrent UTI, and post-void residual volume > 100ml. In patients with neurologic disease, the risk factors for UTI after UDS are recurrent UTI, vesicoureteral reflux, and intermicturition pressure > 40cmH₂O. If the urine culture is negative before UDS and there is no risk factor for UTI, antibiotic prophylaxis is not recommended (Strong agreement). If the urine culture is negative before UDS, but there are one or more risk factors for UTI, antibiotic prophylaxis is optional. If antibiotic prophylaxis is initiated, a single oral dose (3g) of fosfomycin-tromethamine two hours before UDS is recommended (Strong agreement). If there is bacterial colonization on UCB before UDS, antibiotic therapy is optional (Undecided). If prescribed, it should be adapted to the antimicrobial susceptibility of the identified bacterium or bacteria, started the day before and stopped after UDS (except for fosfomycin-tromethamine: a single dose the day before UDS is necessary and sufficient) (Strong agreement). In the event of UTI before UDS, the UTI should be treated and UDS postponed (Strong agreement). The proposed recommendations should not be changed for patients with a hip or knee replacement (Strong agreement). No antibiotic prophylaxis of bacterial endocarditis is necessary, including in high-risk patients with valvular heart disease (Strong agreement).

CONCLUSION

These new guidelines should help to harmonize clinical practice and limit exposure to antibiotics.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4.

[Could we perform vaginal mesh surgery for treatment of pelvic organ prolapse in elderly women?]

INTRODUCTION

Prevalence of pelvic organ prolapse will increase with the aging of the population. Concerning the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse, transvaginal route is often preferred for elderly women. However few data are available concerning transvaginal mesh surgery in this population. The aim of this study was to compare efficiency and complications of transvaginal mesh surgery between women aged over 75 and younger women.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A monocentric, retrospective study included all women who underwent anterior sacrospinous suspension with mesh for treatment of pelvic organ prolapse. The primary endpoint was anatomical success at the last follow-up, defined by a pelvic organ prolapse stage 0 or 1 of POP-Q classification. The secondary endpoints were rate of complications and urinary, colorectal and sexual functional results.

RESULTS

We included 329 patients, 69 were under 75 years old and 260 were aged over 75. The median of follow-up was 12 months (IQR: 6). The rate of anatomical success was significantly higher in patients aged over 75: 92% versus 85% in younger patients (P=0.02). However this difference was no more significant in multivariate analysis after inclusion of confusions factors (P=0.82). The rate of perioperative complications was low and similar in the 2 groups even in multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION

Utero-vaginal suspension using bilateral vaginal anterior sacrospinous fixation with mesh seems to achieve at least similar results between women aged more than 75 years and younger women. There is no excess risk of complications in elderly women.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4.

[Prevalence and initial management of overactive bladder in France: A cross-sectional study]

AIMS

To determine the prevalence of overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome in France and gather data about initial patient trajectories in the healthcare system.

METHODS

A dedicated questionnaire (41 questions) has been sent to a 12,000 sample of people representative of the global population. The following data were investigated: social and demographic features, medical history, Urinary Symptom Profile questionnaire, bother, history of symptoms, care seeking and treatments received. Patient were considered having OAB in case if presenting at least two episodes of urgency per week, or being under treatment of OAB. OAB prevalence was the main outcome, and associated factors were characterized by univariate and multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

Based on 8842 available questionnaires, the global prevalence of OAB was estimated to be 14.4%. Prevalence was significantly higher in women, older age groups, as well as obesity, irritable bowel syndrome, urinary tract infections, enuresia, constipation, anxiety/depression, neurological diseases, sleep apnea syndrome, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes and hypertension. Only 34.6% of patients with OAB had visited a health practitioner for this problem. General practitioners were most frequently implicated in patient primary care and evaluation. Seventy-two percent of patients with OAB had had additional investigations (mostly a urine culture) and only 6% of patients had to complete a bladder diary. The most frequent treatment option was oral antimuscarinics. Physical therapy and rehabilitation have been prescribed in 26% of cases, as well as dietary advice.

CONCLUSIONS

OAB is a frequent syndrome. Its prevalence increases with age, and OAB frequently concern elderly frail people with many other associated diseases.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3.

[Idiopathic overactive bladder and BOTOX(®): Literature review]

AIM

Systematically review literature on the efficacy and tolerability of botulinum toxin A (onabotulinumtoxineA, BOTOX(®), Allergan, CA, USA) in refractory idiopathic overactive bladder (iOAB) METHODS: Pubmed search on the efficacy, toxicity and adverse events of onabotulinumtoxinA in clinical trials only with level 1 and 2 evidence.

RESULTS

Eleven controlled randomised trials have been selected, of which 3 phase III trials. The studies published data of 1008 patients with refractory iOAB treated with onabotulinumtoxineA. In the phase II and III trials, doses from 50 U to 300 U have been evaluated; more than half of the patients (n = 676) with 100 U. In the 2 main phase III trials, onabotulinumtoxinA has demonstrated to be more efficient compared to placebo on continence, symptoms and quality of live (QoL). Urodynamic results, reported in the phase II trials, demonstrated higher changes compared to placebo only from dose 100 U on, although not always significant. Adverse events (urinary retention, dysuria, urinary tract infection) were easily treated and did not influence patient's QoL.

CONCLUSION

Intradetrusor injections of onabotulinumtoxinA (BOTOX(®)), a minimally-invasive procedure, seem to be efficient and well tolerated in the treatment of refractory iOAB.

[Evaluation of urine postvoid residuals in post-partum period: a prospective and descriptive clinical study]

INTRODUCTION

Few studies have evaluated urine postvoid residuals (PVRs) and their risk factors during the post-partum (PP) period. The aim of this prospective study was to screen postvoid residuals in a cohort of patients in PP, and to identify the risk factors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

For three months, patients in PP were given an evaluation of their PVR (ultrasounds method) after a spontaneous urination. Clinical data as regards delivery were collected.

RESULTS

One hundred and sixty-eight patients were included. Among them, 61% had a urine volume at the first urination over 500 mL, and 52% presented with a pathological PVR (PVR over 150 mL for a urine volume over 150 mL). The median PVR was 153.50 mL. The median volume of the first spontaneous urination was 400 mL. Among patients with a pathological PVR, the total duration of the labor and the duration of its second phase were significantly longer (P=0.003 and P<0.05, respectively), and the volume of the first urination was higher. Indwelling catheterization during the delivery decreased the volume of the first spontaneous urination (volume over 500 mL in 28% vs 72% of patients, P=0.017) but was not associated with a decreased PVR in non-pathological deliveries. Instrumental deliveries were associated with higher PVRs than caesarean or physiological deliveries (244 mL, 180 mL et 156 mL; P=0.033). A bacteriuria was not significantly associated with PVR (54% vs 49%, P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

We were able to identify risk factors for PVR in the PP, such as the duration of labor, instrumental delivery and elevated volume of the first urination after delivery.

[Intra-detrusor injection of botulinum toxin for female refractory idiopathic overactive bladder syndrome]

INTRODUCTION

Botulinum toxin-A detrusor injections are now approved for use (extension of marketing authorization) in the management of refractory idiopathic overactive bladder. The goal of the current study was to study the value and efficacy of this therapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A literature review was performed on Medline, Embase and Cochrane databases, using the following keywords: botulinum toxin; overactive bladder syndrome; urinary incontinence; detrusor injection.

RESULTS

The recommended first step dose is 50 units of BOTOX(©) (dose selected for tolerance assessment). However, the cure rates for urge incontinence are greater with 100 units. Before proposing an injection, it is recommended to ensure the feasibility and acceptability of self-catheterisation by the patient, because of the risk of urinary retention (6%). The administration of BOTOX(©) comprises an intra-detrusor injection using a cystoscope, performed under local anesthesia. Clinical improvement is generally observed in the first two weeks after the injection. Patients should be considered for reinjection when the clinical effect of the previous injection has diminished, approximately 6-9 months after the first injection. An injection of 100 units may be considered when the clinical benefit of the 50-unit injection is not satisfactory concerning incontinence symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Botulinum toxin detrusor injections may be offered to women who develop refractory OAB.

[Surgical site infections in vaginal prolapse surgery]

INTRODUCTION

Vaginal prolapse surgery is at high risk of surgical site infections (SSI) because it's a "clean-contaminated surgery" and it's frequently associated with implantation of meshes.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the rate of SSI and associated risk factors in vaginal prolapse surgery with mesh support.

METHODS

In a retrospective unicenter study, two groups of patients were operated by vaginal route for a pelvic floor reconstructive surgery with mesh support. Colporraphy was made by classic surgical sutures non-coated (Monosyn(®) 3/0, B-Braun) in the first group, and surgical sutures coated with triclosan in the second group. We collected risk factors of SSIs using the procedure of the CCLIN and analyzed the occurrence of SSIs with a statistical comparative univariate analysis.

RESULTS

Study included 78 patients in the first group and 72 in the second group. SSIs total rate was 2.6 % (4 of 150), as part of 3 in the group with surgical sutures non-coated and one in the group with surgical sutures coated with triclosan (P=0.62).

CONCLUSION

In our study, SSIs rate in vaginal prolapse surgery was twice higher than classic gynecologic surgery. As the interest of using a surgical suture coated with triclosan to reduce SSI has not been demonstrated statistically, we can't recommend it.

Total transvaginal mesh (TVM) technique for treatment of pelvic organ prolapse: a 5-year prospective follow-up study

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

To evaluate clinical effectiveness and complication rates at 5 years following the total Trans Vaginal Mesh (TVM) technique to treat pelvic organ prolapse.

METHODS

Prospective, observational, multi-centre study in patients with prolapse of stage II or higher.

RESULTS

Of the 90 women enrolled in the study, 82 (91%) were available for the 5-year follow-up period. At the 5-year endpoint, success, defined as no surgical prolapse reintervention and leading edge <-1 (International Continence Society [ICS] criteria) or above the level of the hymen, was 79% and 87% respectively. A composite criterion of success defined as: leading edge above the hymen (<0) and no bulge symptoms and no reintervention for prolapse was met by 90%, 88% and 84% at the 1-, 3-, and 5-year endpoints respectively. Quality of life improvement was sustained over the 5 years. Over the 5-year follow-up period, a total of only 4 patients (5%) required re-intervention for prolapse, while a total of 14 patients (16%) experienced mesh exposure for which 8 resections needed to be performed. Seven exposures were still ongoing at the 5-year endpoint, all asymptomatic. Only 33 out of 61 (54%) sexually active patients at baseline remained so at 5 years. De novo dyspareunia was reported by 10%, but no new cases at the 5-year endpoint. One patient reported de novo unprovoked mild pelvic pain at 5 years, 5 reported pains during pelvic examination only.

CONCLUSIONS

Five-year results indicated that TVM provided a stable anatomical repair. Improvements in QOL and associated improvements in prolapse-specific symptoms were sustained. Minimal new morbidity emerged between the 1- and 5-year follow-up.

Voiding difficulties after vaginal mesh cystocele repair: does the perivesical dissection matter?

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Our purpose was to verify whether extensive dissection toward the sacrospinous ligament (SSL) needed for mesh fixation during anterior compartment repair increases the risk of postoperative voiding difficulties.

METHODS

A total of 124 patients after anterior compartment mesh repair without simultaneous suburethral sling placement operated on in the period 2005-2012 were enrolled in this retrospective observational study. Patients with previous anti-incontinence surgery with normal urodynamics were not excluded; 30 patients with incomplete data, severe perioperative complications, and urinary retention before and after the surgery were excluded. Urinary retention was defined as post-void residual over 150 ml more than 48 h after permanent catheter removal. The rate of urinary retention after anterior compartment repair by mesh anchored to the SSL from an anterior approach (SSLS group) was compared to that following transobturator mesh repair often combined with SSL fixation from the posterior approach (TOT group).

RESULTS

Of the 94 patients considered for statistical analysis, 62 were from the SLSS group and 32 from the TOT group. The groups were comparable in age (mean 65.5 vs 66.3), body mass index (24.8 vs 25.9), and parity (2.4 vs 2.9). Patients from the SSLS group had higher rates of prior vaginal reconstructive (27 vs 19 %) and anti-incontinence surgery (26 vs 19 %). Postoperative urinary retention was statistically significantly more frequent in the SSLS group compared to the TOT group [(17 (27 %) vs 2 (6.25 %), odds ratio 5.7, 95 % confidence interval 1.2-26.3, p = 0.027]. Hospital discharge with self-catheterization was statistically insignificantly more frequent in the SSLS group [8 % (5) vs 3 % (1)].

CONCLUSIONS

Extensive dissection needed for SSL suspension from an anterior approach may lead to more frequent postoperative voiding difficulties. This phenomenon could be explained by more considerable injury to pelvic splanchnic nerves during the dissection. A large prospective study is needed for validation of our results.

[Utero-vaginal suspension using a bilateral vaginal anterior sacrospinous fixation with mesh. Preliminary results]

OBJECTIVE

To assess anatomical and functional preliminary results, and safety of a new surgical approach for a combined treatment of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) of anterior and medium compartments, using a mesh attached through the sacrospinous ligaments with the UpHold(®) system (Boston Scientific) and the Capio(®).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A longitudinal case series of 59 consecutive patients operated between October 2009 and January 2012, by five senior surgeons in a single tertiary unit.

RESULTS

Mean age was 66.9 years. Ten patients (17%) had previous pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgery. There was no intraoperative complication. Mean follow-up was 12 months. Anatomical success for both anterior and apical compartments, i.e. Ba and C/D point<1, was 93% (52/56). Anatomical results shown correction of cystocele with a mean Ba point from+0.79 cm (range -3 to +8) to -2.35 cm (range -3 to 0), correction of uterine/vaul prolapse with a mean C/D point from+0.14 cm (range -6 to+8) to -7.29 cm (range -9 to -1), and correction of rectocele with a mean Bp point from -0.68 cm (range -3 to 7) to -2.77 cm (range -3 to -1). Two patients required further surgery for mesh exposure (3.5%). One patient had a unilateral pudendal neuropathic pain postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

In the current series, utero-vaginal suspension using a bilateral vaginal anterior sacrospinous fixation with mesh was associated with good anatomical success rates. Prospective, comparative and long-term data are needed.

[Management of neurogenic bladder patients in France: a survey carried out by the French-speaking neurourology study group (GENULF)]

OBJECTIVE

To design and run a survey aiming at investigating urologists' and physiatrists' clinical practices in France when managing neurogenic bladder patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Three thousand one hundred and eighty questionnaires were sent to the members of four French societies involved in treating neurogenic bladder dysfunction. Questions were focused on consultations, clinical follow-up and patient management.

RESULTS

Two hundred and seventy-four urologists and 109 physiatrists completed the questionnaire. The frequency of systematic follow-up differed between urologists (6 months) and physiatrists (12 months). Upper urinary tract imaging and systematic urodynamic follow-up were usually performed yearly. The latter was carried out by 56% urologists and 83% physiatrists. Urinary retention was essentially treated by intermittent catheterization. Less than 15% of urologists and physiatrists were treating bacteriuria. Symptomatic urinary infections were treated for 11 to 12 days (men) and for 8 to 9 days (women). To treat their patients, both specialists used self-catheterization education and botulinum toxin A injections.

CONCLUSION

Our survey showed differences in approach between urologists and physiatrists in the management of patients with neurogenic bladder dysfunction. Their clinical practice was most of the time in line with national and international guidelines.

[Functional results following transobturator and retropubic mid-urethral sling]

OBJECTIVE

To compare functional results following retropubic and transobturator mid-urethral sling procedures.

METHODS

Multicenter randomized controlled trial. Power calculation was based on the rate of bladder injury. The current study concerns an analysis of secondary judgment criteria.

RESULTS

One hundred and forty-nine patients were randomly allocated to either TVT (n=75) or TVT-O (n=74). Among them, 132 women completed a 24-month follow-up. There was no significant difference between the two groups, concerning urodynamics data (excluding uroflowmetry) at 12 months follow-up, functional and sexual results at 6, 12 and 24 months follow-up. Concerning sexual results, an improvement in visual analogue scale scores was observed in both groups at 24 months follow-up with no difference between the two groups: median score increased from 70 (IQR: 50-80) pre-operatively to 90 (IQR: 70-100) at 24 months follow-up (P=0,0004) in TVT-O group and from 70 (IQR: 50-80) to 85 (IQR: 70-100) (P=0,0009) in TVT group.

CONCLUSION

TVT and TVT-O procedures are both associated with an increase in quality of life with no significant differences in functional results at 2 years follow-up.

Transvaginal mesh repair of anterior and posterior vaginal wall prolapse: a clinical and ultrasonographic study

OBJECTIVES

To investigate whether ultrasonography coupled with clinical examination can help in understanding the mechanism of recurrence after transvaginal mesh repair of anterior and posterior vaginal wall prolapse.

METHODS

Ninety-one patients who had undergone surgery for anterior and/or posterior vaginal wall prolapse with the Prolift system had a clinical examination and introital/endovaginal two-dimensional ultrasonography a minimum of 1 year later. The retraction of anterior and posterior meshes was estimated relative to the original length of the mesh by transvaginal palpation. Patients with no, moderate (< 50%) or severe (> or = 50%) mesh retraction were compared. Anterior recurrence of prolapse was defined according to the International Continence Society by a Ba value > or = -1 and posterior recurrence by a Bp value > or = -1 (where Ba represents the most distal position of the anterior vaginal wall and Bp the most distal position of the posterior vaginal wall). On ultrasonography, two distances were measured in the midsagittal plane: Distance 1, from the distal margin of the anterior mesh to the bladder neck, and Distance 2, from the distal margin of the posterior mesh to the rectoanal junction.

RESULTS

Seventy-five anterior and 62 posterior meshes were studied at a mean follow-up of 17.9 months. Patients with anterior recurrence presented significantly more often with severe anterior mesh retraction compared with patients without anterior recurrence (5/8 vs. 2/67, P < 0.001) and also had an increased Distance 1 (P < 0.001). Patients with posterior recurrence presented significantly more often with severe posterior mesh retraction compared with patients without posterior recurrence (3/4 vs. 3/58, P < 0.01) and also had an increased Distance 2 (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Recurrence of prolapse after transvaginal mesh repair appears to be associated with severe mesh retraction and loss of mesh support on the distal part of the vaginal walls.

[How to manage multicompartment pelvic organe prolapse?]

Repair of pelvic organ prolapse by vaginal route may use native tissues or meshes, which have been in extensive use over the last decades. Traditional surgery, and particularly sacrospinous fixation, has been proven to be effective with long term follow-up with well-known specific risks that could be avoided by skilled surgeons on condition that he observes basic vaginal surgery rules. This surgery is still recommended as first choice in patients over 70 years old with high-grade prolapse. Nevertheless recurrence rate after high-grade cystocele repair using native tissues as been reported between 30 and 50% depending on the technique used. Mesh repair and particularly the use of mesh kits is a valid option in case of prolapse with cystocele behind the hymen, specifically in case of paravaginal defect. Meshes use is licit in patients with prolapse recurrence as well. In contrast, spread use of transvaginal meshes in young patients with grade 3 or 4 prolapse whom tissues have a poor quality, has to be considered very carefully because of the lack of knowledge about long term results and sexual outcome.

[Sexual outcome after pelvic organ prolapse surgery]

Sexual well-being is an important parameter of women's health and quality of live. Sexual disorders may occur in women with pelvic organ prolapse and/or stress urinary incontinence and also after pelvic reconstructive surgery. Sexual dysfunction after POP or SUI surgery has been poorly documented but new condition specific questionnaires have been developed to help us to better evaluate such consequences. This paper reports updated data and highlights more specifically consequences of surgery with mesh reinforcement which is, currently, an important issue particularly when performing by vaginal approach.

[Sexual outcome after pelvic reconstructive surgery]

Sexual well-being is an important parameter of women's health and quality of live. Sexual disorders may occur in women with pelvic organ prolapse and/or stress urinary incontinence and also after pelvic reconstructive surgery. Sexual dysfunction after POP or SUI surgery has been poorly documented but new condition specific questionnaires have been developed to help us to better evaluate such consequences. This paper reports available data and highlights more specifically consequences of surgery with mesh reinforcement which is, currently, an important issue particularly when performing by vaginal approach.

[What about transvaginal mesh repair of pelvic organ prolapse? Review of the literature since the HAS (French Health Authorities) report]

The French Health Authorities' (HAS) report of November 2006 concluded that the use of mesh at the time of transvaginal repair of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) should be limited to clinical research. This review intends to analyse and comment the recent data on this topic. A review on PubMed, on a personal database and actualisation until May 2008 has been performed choosing French or English language series concerning prolapse surgery with mesh disposed by the vaginal route. It includes six randomised controlled trials comparing transvaginal repair of POP with or without mesh: four about cystocele, one about rectocele and one about apical prolapse. Both surgical techniques and recurrence criteria are poorly standardised. The four randomised trials focusing on cystocele repair support the anatomical superiority of techniques using mesh, with similar functional results with or without mesh reinforcement. In the other indications, the results remain unclear or controversial. According to the randomised trials, the complications rate, except mesh exposure, is similar with and without mesh. However there are some specific complications when using mesh, such as mesh infection, mesh exposure or shrinkage and visceral extrusion. We recommend using vaginal reinforcement mesh with specific care in selected patients and we suggest some guidelines to be proposed for consensus at concerned French scientific societies.

Urethral erosion after suburethral synthetic slings: risk factors, diagnosis, and functional outcome after surgical management

Urethral erosion (UE) is an uncommon but potentially severe complication after suburethral synthetic slings. We aimed to identify the risk factors and diagnostic modalities of UE and also functional outcome after UE surgical management. We retrospectively analyzed eight cases of UE managed in our department between 1997 and 2007. The main presumptive risk factors of UE were excessive sling tensioning (six of eight) and postoperative urethral dilation (four of eight). The most frequent symptoms included voiding difficulties (five of eight), storage symptoms (three of eight), pain (three of eight), and recurrent stress incontinence (three of eight). UE diagnosis was accessible to introital ultrasound (five of five) and confirmed by urethroscopy (eight of eight). Surgical management was performed in seven cases and included transvaginal sling removal with urethral repair (two of seven), endoscopic transurethral sling resection (four of seven), and combined approach (one of seven). All the approaches provided good functional outcomes. Transurethral endoscopy is a mini-invasive treatment of UE and should be tried first in selected cases.

[The prosthetic kits in the prolapse surgery: is it a gadget?]

OBJECTIVE

To search if the prosthetic kits bring an interest, other that financier.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

Authors have counted 5 firms presenting the varied kits. The Prolift kit with synthetic pre- cut mesh made of polypropylene, standardized needle, cannulas and protective devices of recovery of mesh arms in 3 versions, anterior, posterior and total. Perigee and Apogee systems in a synthetic version (IntePro) and a biological version (InteXen ++LP) matched of specific needles for the different obturator passages and infra coccygeus. The Avaulta kit declines in a biosynthetic version and a hybrid version with a specific needle for its anterior kit and an other for its posterior kit. The Biomesh Soft system presents a polypropylène mesh posed on a multi pattern sheet to carve following dots with a share of 3 needles according to the type of arm passage ended by a recuperator thread. The Nazca POP Repair System, in its anterior version claims to be able to correct in the same time a urinary incontinence by pre-pubic arms. The polypropylene mesh is perforated and is had with the help a needle for its anterior and posterior kit. Authors have been interested in the research of studies on prosthesis with and without kit.

RESULTS

The Prolift kit contains the alone prosthesis having been evaluated without (TVM) and with kit. Authors remind results of two studies, understanding 684 cases without kit and 110 cases with kit. The rate of early per and postoperative complications has been decreased half, the rate of mesh exposure decreased from 11,3 to 4,7%. Studies on Perigee and Apogee IntePro kits, whose meshe and the procedure are similar to the Prolift seem to obtain from results equal. The Biological version has not made the object of study. For the Avauta kit, alone the mesh in plate not pre-cut has been well studied as for its tolerance for the biosynthetic version. Nothing on the hybrid version. No study is found for the Biomesh Soft kit and Nazca POP repair system.

DISCUSSION

The cost of these kits, varying 1 to 4, is to take in consideration and to put in scale with the returned service. Alone TVM/Prolift allows to advance in a reply. The utilization of needles, presents in all the kits, but especially devices facilitating the passage and the recovery of prosthesis arms, presents solely in the Prolift kit, reduce the utilization of valves and the risk of tear tissues during their job. The improvement of techniques by elements of the kit make that the surgical procedure become mini invasive.

CONCLUSION

The full kits allow a best security of procedures, facilitate the surgical gesture and limit complications. It is necessary to remain vigilant in the evaluation of these new materials "ready to wear" and to require pre clinic and clinic studies before their distribution.

Transvaginal repair of genital prolapse: preliminary results of a new tension-free vaginal mesh (Prolift technique)--a case series multicentric study

Our goal was to report the preliminary results of a transvaginal mesh repair of genital prolapse using the Prolift system. This retrospective multicentric study includes 110 patients. All patients had a stage 3 (at the hymen) or stage 4 (beyond the hymen) prolapse. Total mesh was used in 59 patients (53.6%), an isolated anterior mesh in 22 patients (20%) and an isolated posterior mesh in 29 patients (26.4%). We report one bladder injury sutured at surgery and two haematomas requiring secondary surgical management. At 3 months, 106 patients were available for follow-up. Mesh exposure occurred in five patients (4.7%), two of them requiring a surgical management. Granuloma without exposure occurred in three patients (2.8%). Failure rate (recurrent prolapse even asymptomatic or low grade symptomatic prolapse) was 4.7%. According to the perioperative and immediate post-operative results, Prolift repair seems to be a safe technique to correct pelvic organ prolapse. Anatomical and functional results must be assessed with a long-term follow-up to confirm the effectiveness and safety of the procedure.

Long-term results of tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) for the treatment of female urinary stress incontinence

OBJECTIVES

Prospective evaluation of outcome and complications over a 5-year period post-treatment of urinary stress incontinence by TVT, and comparison of our results with the reference studies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

About 94 patients were treated for urinary stress incontinence only by one TVT procedure (single surgical procedure), between April 1997 and December 1998; 68% of patients presented pure urinary stress incontinence and 32% mixed incontinence. We found also a 25.5% rate of sphincter deficiency (UCP < 20 cm H(2)O) in this cohort. Patients were evaluated after 5 years: 52 complete evaluations (clinical, flow measurement with measurement of post-mictional residue, 24h PAD-test, quality of life questionnaire), 30 complete telephone interviews, 12 lost to follow-up (2 patients deceased).

RESULTS

About 87% of the patients had a 5-year follow-up. The success rate was 79.2% overall (84.5% for the pure urinary stress incontinence and 67% for the mixed incontinence cases), and 72.2% for the cases of associated sphincter deficiency. We had only a 13% rate of patients lost to follow-up. More than half of the urinary urgency cases were treated successfully, however with a less satisfactory outcome in cases of bladder instability. The urodynamic exploration appeared to reveal that TVT caused dysuria: 52% of patients had a maximum flowrate below 15 ml/s, but the quality of life was improved, with a 95% rate of satisfaction without functional problems. We observed no late complications such as vaginal erosion or rejection of the prolene; the de novo syndrome was rare, with 8.5% of urinary frequency, 6% of urinary urgency and only 5.7% of invalidating dysuria. We saw no cases of pelvic floor disease after TVT treatment.

DISCUSSION

Our casuistry results are comparable with the reference studies by Scandinavian authors, Rezapour and Ulmsten, confirming the long-term success of the TVT procedure. Concerning the apparently elevated rates of post-TVT dysuria found by urodynamic exploration, a distinction has to be drawn between post-TVT urinary problems (frequent but oligosymptomatic), and true, severe dysuria (rare). However, "dysuria" in the broad sense did not affect the patients' quality of life, and is a reminder of the absolute necessity of meticulous compliance with the correct surgical techniques.

CONCLUSION

Treatment of urinary incontinence by TVT is a reliable, mini-invasive, reproducible technique, almost suitable for outpatients, with no serious complications; it is inexpensive and very successful, including in complicated cases such as sphincter deficiency. All the recent data confirms, with this 5-year follow-up, that the TVT procedure is comparable to the previously gold standard, the Burch colposuspension.