Recurrent Ureterosciatic Herniation Causing Right Obstructive Uropathy

Sciatic hernias are unusual, challenging to diagnose, and can present some treatment dilemmas. Sciatic hernias containing the ureter are even less common. Symptoms are variable from renal fossa pain, mild or severe pelvic pain, neuropathic pain, or dysesthesias. Although stenting alone can be a treatment option for this condition, in cases where symptoms or ureteral obstruction relapse after initial treatment, sciatic hernioplasty must be considered as the definitive treatment. This article presents the case of a female patient who presented with a history of nonspecific abdominal pain and was diagnosed with a right-sided ureterosciatic hernia. This was managed with a ureteral stent for reduction of herniated ureteral content, but after recurrence, laparoscopic sciatic hernioplasty was performed. The patient was pain-free and without obstructive uropathy at the one-year follow-up.

Can apparently transient life events trigger long-term lower urinary tract symptoms?

INTRODUCTION

One-time life events such as neurological injury can result in lifelong lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). However, it is unclear whether an apparently transient life event can also trigger long-term LUTS. This review examines the possibility of an association and hypothesizes the pathogenesis.

METHODS

A pubmed search was conducted using the MeSH words "life change events," "child abuse," or "stress disorders, Posttraumatic", and LUTS. Additional manuscripts were identified by a hand and citation search.

RESULTS

Long-term LUTS was noted following temporally remote childhood sexual abuse, adverse childhood experiences, and stressful experiences in adults. There was evidence for an association of childhood sexual abuse and adverse childhood events with both storage as well as voiding LUTS. There was limited evidence that the number of adverse childhood events might increase the risk and severity of LUTS. There was evidence of an association between post-traumatic stress disorder in adults and LUTS. The finding of mental health disorders in such patients could explain some but not all of the observed association suggesting that other factors might also be important.

CONCLUSIONS

There is an association noted between apparently transient lifetime events and the subsequent reporting of LUTS. The timing of these adverse experiences might be important in determining the propensity for clinical manifestation. There is a need to explore this association, establish causality, and determine the underlying etiopathogenesis.

Prevalence of Pelvic Floor Disorders in Parous Women from the Tibet Autonomous Region: A Cross-Sectional Study

Purpose

Pelvic floor disorder (PFD) seriously affects the everyday life of women. This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors for postpartum PFD in women living in the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR).

Methods

Parous women who attended the outpatient gynaecology clinic at our hospital between June 2022 and August 2022 were screened in this study. The demographic and clinical data of these women were collected. Their pelvic floor functions were evaluated via a pelvic organ prolapse (POP) quantification examination, the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory Questionnaire-20 (PFDI-20) and the Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS).

Results

A total of 201 women were included in this study, of whom 81.09% (163/201) were Tibetan. Twenty-seven women (13.43%) were diagnosed with POP stage ≥2 and 27 women (13.43%) with an OABSS score ≥3. The median PFDI-20 total score was 4.17 (range 0-43.75). Han women (n = 38) in the TAR had much lower PFDI-20 total scores, compared with Tibetan women (n = 163) (p < 0.05). The results of the multiple linear regression models showed that the PFDI-20 scores obtained from women living in the TAR were closely related to parity, history of heavy weight lifting, age, history of instrumental deliveries, ethnicity and number of caesarean sections.

Conclusion

Pelvic floor disorder is common among parous women living in the TAR. Ethnicity, parity, history of heavy weight lifting, age, history of instrumental deliveries and number of caesarean sections are the factors closely related to the PFDI-20 scores.

Impact of overweight and obesity in postmenopausal women

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the association between overweight and obesity in postmenopausal women and different aspects related to health such as quality of life, physical activity, sleep quality and level of physical activity.

METHODS

An observational cross-sectional study was carried out during 2021-2022 in Spain in postmenopausal women. Health-related quality of life was assessed using the 12-item short-form survey (SF-12). The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to determine sleep quality, and the International Physical Activity Validated Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used for physical activity. A multivariate analysis was conducted using binary logistic regression to control the confounding bias.

RESULTS

A total of 395 postmenopausal women participated: 64.6% (n = 255) were overweight or obese. Obesity was associated with higher odds of having a lower quality of life (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.88; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.51-5.49), including alterations in physical role and function, pain and vitality. Postmenopausal women with overweight/obesity had higher odds of cardiovascular problems (aOR = 2.09; 95% CI: 1.04-4.19/aOR = 4.44; 95% CI: 2.12-9.31), and women with obesity were more likely to develop endocrine problems (aOR = 2.29; 95% CI: 1.10-4.75). Finally, women with obesity had higher odds of suffering urinary incontinence (aOR = 2.10; 95% CI: 1.10-4.01) or fecal incontinence (aOR = 2.70; 95% CI: 1.35-5.39), and pelvic pain (aOR = 2.33; 95% CI: 1.18-4.59).

CONCLUSIONS

Obesity in postmenopausal women negatively affects perceived quality of life, sleep quality, physical activity, the development of cardiovascular problems and pelvic floor-related problems.

Noninvasive brain stimulation in the treatment of functional urological and pelvic floor disorders: A scoping review

INTRODUCTION

Functional pelvic floor disorders (PFD) such as bowel and bladder dysfunctions can be challenging to manage with our current therapeutic modalities. Recently, noninvasive brain stimulation has emerged as a novel strategy for noninvasive pelvic floor management. Here, we assessed the current state of research on this topic.

METHODS

A scoping review was conducted with Pubmed, Web of Science, and Embase, in conjunction with clinicaltrials.gov, encompassing all manuscripts published without past time limit up until June 30, 2022.

RESULTS

Of the 880 abstracts identified in a blind selection by two reviewers, 14 publications with an evidence level of 1 or 2 (Oxford scale) were eligible and included in this review. Review articles, case reports (<5 patients), letters, and protocol studies were excluded. PFDs were described as either pelvic pain or lower urinary tracts symptoms (LUTS) with repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) as the most common treatment modality. Despite heterogeneous therapeutic protocols, significant improvements were observed such as reduction in postvoid residual of urine, increased bladder capacity, improved voiding flow paraments, and decreased chronic pelvic, and bladder pain. No appreciable adverse effects were noted. However, low sample populations allowed only provisional conclusions.

CONCLUSION

Noninvasive transcranial neurostimulation for LUTS and pelvic pain is emerging as an effective tool for clinicians to utilize in the future. Further investigation is needed to elucidate the full significance of the indicated outcomes.

Long-Term Outcomes of Transanal Irrigation for Bowel Dysfunction

INTRODUCTION

Transanal irrigation (TAI) improves bowel function and quality of life in patients with neurogenic bowel disease compared to conservative bowel care. Its use has been extended to a range of defecatory disorders. However, data on long-term benefits and compliance are lacking. We aim to evaluate the long-term efficacy of TAI by examining compliance and patient outcomes over a five-year period.

METHODS

This study is a five-year retrospective review of patients practising TAI in a district general hospital. Patient demographics, indications, long-term compliance, adverse events, and patient-reported Qufora bowel symptom bother scores were analysed.

RESULTS

A cohort of 18 patients had a median age of 61 (range 23-91) and were predominantly female (83.5%). The reasons for bowel dysfunction were diverse: low anterior resection syndrome, neurogenic bowel, congenital anorectal malformations, obstructed defecation, and functional disorders. Predominant symptoms were constipation (9), faecal incontinence (7), and mixed (2). Both high-volume (catheter and cone) and low-volume (mini cone) irrigation devices were used. Fourteen patients continued regular irrigation at a median follow-up of 27.7 months (range 5.1-72.3), while four had discontinued at a median follow-up of 4.8 months. The reasons for discontinuation were inadequate rectal evacuation and spontaneous improvement of symptoms. In the compliant group, there was a significant improvement in bowel symptom scores (p=0.003). No major adverse events, such as significant rectal bleeding or perforation, were noted.

CONCLUSION

In this small cohort, TAI was safe and effective for long-term use; however, a fifth of patients discontinued treatment. Further work needs to be done to identify those patients who will benefit from TAI.

Prevalence of pelvic floor disorders in the Eastern Mediterranean region: A meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

High prevalence of risk factors for pelvic floor disorders (PFD) in the Eastern Mediterranean may result in higher rates of prevalence of PFD in comparison to other regions. Despite individual studies, there are no clear statistics on the cumulative prevalence of PFDs in the East Mediterranean region. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of PFDs in the Eastern Mediterranean region.

METHODS

A literature search without language restriction was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane database and Web of Science from 2016 to 01 June 2022. Cross-sectional and cohort studies that reported prevalence of urinary incontinence (UI), constipation, fecal incontinence (FI) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) among women in the Eastern Mediterranean region were included. Study quality was assessed according to the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool. Data were pooled and meta-analysed using a random effects model.

PROSPERO

CRD42021283127 RESULTS: The search yielded 390 articles, from which 12 studies containing 9905 patients were included. Five studies were high quality and seven were low quality. The prevalence of POP (12 studies, 9905 participants), UI (5 studies, 2340 participants), constipation (4 studies, 2045 participants) and FI (1 study, 166 participants) was 39% (95% CI 21-57; I2 99.8%), 48% (95% CI 16-80; I2 99.7%), 39% (CI 17-60; I2 99.1%) and 14% (95% CI 9-20) respectively.

CONCLUSION

In meta-analysis pooling studies of mixed quality, a high prevalence of PFDs was seen in the Eastern Mediterranean region.PROSPERO No.: CRD42021283127.

Evaluation of the Safety and Efficacy of Modified Laparoscopic Suture Rectopexy for Rectal Prolapse

Objectives

There are many surgical options for the treatment of rectal prolapse. To date, the efficacy of mesh-free laparoscopic suture rectopexy remains unclear due to the limited number of reports. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic suture rectopexy.

Methods

This observational cohort study is a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of a continuously maintained database. All patients underwent laparoscopic suture rectopexy for rectal prolapse between April 2012 and March 2018. The primary outcomes measured were recurrence rates and complications of laparoscopic suture rectopexy.

Results

A total of 268 patients (29 male and 239 female) underwent laparoscopic suture rectopexy. Their mean age was 77 (19-95) years, and the mean prolapse length was 6.4 (3.5-20) cm. One patient suffered an intraabdominal abscess. Spondylitis developed in another patient following surgery. The median follow-up period was 45 (12-82) months. A total of 22 patients (8.2%) developed recurrence. The average time to recurrence was 15.6 (1-44) months. Multivariate analysis revealed a significant correlation between recurrence and prolapse length >7.0 cm (OR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.38-1.42, P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Laparoscopic suture rectopexy for complete rectal prolapse is a minimally invasive and safe procedure that may lead to lower recurrence rates.

Obstetric anal sphincter injuries-Maternal, fetal and sociodemographic risk factors: A retrospective register-based study

INTRODUCTION

Obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS) are severe complications to vaginal births with potentially serious long-term consequences and large impact on quality of life. The aim was to determine risk and protective factors for OASIS.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective register-based observational study. A cohort of 988 988 singleton term deliveries 2005-2016 in Sweden were included. Data from the Swedish Medical Birth Registry and Statistics Sweden were extracted to identify cases of OASIS and maternal and fetal characteristics. Modified Poisson Regression analyses were performed to assess risk factors.

RESULTS

The rate of OASIS was 3.5% (n = 34 583). Primiparity (adjusted risk ratio [aRR] 3.13, 95% CI 3.05-3.21), vacuum extraction (aRR 2.79, 95% CI 2.73-2.86), forceps (aRR 4.27, 95% CI 3.86-4.72), and high birthweight (aRR 2.61, 95% CI 2.50-2.72) were associated with a significantly increased risk of OASIS. Increasing maternal age and decreasing maternal height also increased the risk of OASIS. Obesity increased the risk of OASIS (aRR 1.04, 95% CI 1.04-1.08), if fetal birthweight was not adjusted for. Smoking (aRR 0.74, 95% CI 0.70-0.79) and low maternal education (aRR 0.87, 95% CI 0.83-0.92) were associated with a decreased frequency of reported OASIS. Previous cesarean section increased the risk of OASIS (aRR 1.41, 95% CI 1.36-1.47).

CONCLUSIONS

Primiparity, instrumental delivery, and high birthweight significantly increased the risk of OASIS. Obesity, low height, increasing age, and previous cesarean section also increased the risk whereas smoking and low maternal educational level were associated with a lower OASIS rate.

Prevalence, Knowledge and Awareness of Pelvic Floor Disorder among Pregnant Women in a Tertiary Centre, Malaysia

Pelvic floor disorders are common and of concern, as the majority of maternity healthcare providers seldom discuss this issue with patients compared to other antenatal issues. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence and to assess the knowledge and awareness of pelvic floor disorder (PFD) among pregnant women in a tertiary centre in Malaysia. We also aim to assess the association between women’s risk factors regarding their knowledge and awareness of pelvic floor disorder so that primary prevention strategies can be planned, initiated and implemented in the future. This is a cross-sectional study with a total of four hundred twenty-four pregnant women that were recruited over a 6-month duration from May to November 2017 in a tertiary centre in Malaysia. The Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI-20) was used to evaluate pelvic floor distress symptoms during pregnancy, namely urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse and faecal incontinence. A validated Prolapse and Incontinence Knowledge Questionnaire (PIKQ), which consists of 24 items, was used to assess respondents’ knowledge about urinary incontinence (UI) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP). A total of 450 participants were approached, but 424 participants agreed to participate, showing a response rate of 94.3%. The median age was 31.5 years old, and 33.3% were primiparity. Overall, 46.1% of pregnant women had at least one symptom of pelvic floor disorder during pregnancy. Of these, 62.3% experienced urinary incontinence, 41.1% experienced symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse, and 37.8% experienced symptoms of faecal incontinence. The overall median score of PIKQ was 12.0 (8.0, 17.0). The median score for PIKQ—UI was 7.0 (5.0, 9.0) and the median score for PIKQ—POP was 6.0 (4.0, 8.0). There were 341 (80.4%) pregnant women that had a low level of knowledge in UI, and 191 (45.0%) had a low level of knowledge in POP. Having a tertiary level of education and receiving antenatal specialist care were both associated with better proficiency in both the PIKQ—UI (p < 0.001) and PIKQ—POP (p < 0.001) subscales. Pelvic floor disorder during pregnancy was common. A knowledge of pelvic floor disorder was lacking among pregnant women in this study. Having a tertiary education and receiving antenatal specialist care were both associated with better knowledge proficiency. This study hopefully serves as a basic platform for future educational programs to bridge the knowledge gaps in PFD among pregnant women.

Effect of conservative treatment of pelvic floor dysfunctions in women: An umbrella review

OBJECTIVE

Due to their high worldwide prevalence, pelvic floor dysfunctions (PFD's) are a public health problem. There is high heterogeneity in the types and effectiveness of conservative treatment. The objective was to analyze the scientific evidence on conservative treatment of PFDs in women.

METHODS

Umbrella review, covering MEDLINE (1950-2019), Scopus (1960-2019), Web of Science (1980-2019), and Cochrane Library (2000-2019). Inclusion criterion: review on conservative treatments about pelvic floor disorders in the adult women, in Spanish or English; exclusion criterion: studies about other urological, gynecological, and coloproctological pathologies, among others.

RESULTS

Thirty-two reviews (2000-2019) and 12 meta-analyses were included. 53.1% showed an improvement on urinary incontinence. Pelvic floor muscle training worked on 70.6% of them, followed by electrical stimulation and estrogen (11.7%), and weight loss (5.9%). 6.3% of reviews and meta-analyses fulfilled all items in PRISMA, and 93.7% of them fulfilled more than 60% of the checklist. 60% de los ítems.

CONCLUSIONS

PFMT and weight loss are the most effective treatments for UI, but there is no evidence for other PFDs. The methodological quality of conservative treatments must be improved for a more effective treatment of PFDs in women. Pelvic floor muscle training and weight loss are the most effective treatments for urinary incontinence. Only the 6.3% of the review fulfilled all PRISMA ítems.

Patients' Perceived Satisfaction Through Telephone-Assisted Tele-Consultation During the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic Period: Observational Single-Centre Study at a Tertiary-Referral Colorectal Surgery Department

Introduction: The pandemic produced by SARS-CoV-2 has obliged us to set up the tele-assistance to offer a continuity of care. This implies an innovation, being the degree of satisfaction of patients unknown. Methods: A telephonic survey was conducted with the validated in the Spanish tool Telehealth Usability Questionnaire (Telehealth Usability Questionnaire; rating from 1-7) of all candidate patients assisted consecutively in the Coloproctology Unit. We included demographic variables, education level, job status, diagnosis and consultation type. A descriptive study was done. The relationship between the willingness of consultation model in the future (telemedicine vs traditional) and the categorical variables was analysed through the chi-squared test. Results: A total of 115 patients were included. The average age was 59.9 years, being 60% women. The average score in each of the survey items was higher than 6 in all the questions but 1. 26.1% of the surveyed patients confessed being advocated to tele-assistance in the future. The only factors related to greater willingness to tele-assistance were male gender (37% vs 18.8%; P = .03) and a higher academic preparation level in favour of higher technical studies (35.9%) and university studies (32.4%) opposite to the rest (P = .043). The rest of variables studied, job status, labour regimen, diagnostic group and consultation type did not show any relationship. Conclusions: A vast majority of patients answered favourably to almost all the items of the survey. However, only 26.1% of them would choose a model of tele-assistance without restrictions.

Pelvic Floor Morbidity Following Vaginal Delivery versus Cesarean Delivery: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective: To compare pelvic floor disorders between vaginal delivery (VD) and cesarean delivery (CD). Methods: For this study, a PUBMED database search was used, utilizing a combination of relevant medical subjects’ headings (MeSH) terms, with the following keywords: “Pelvic floor disorders” or “Pelvic floor morbidity” and “Delivery”. Search limits were articles in English or Spanish, about women, published from December 2009 to December 2019. The STATA 16 package was used for meta-analysis and data heterogeneity assessment. Results: Thirteen studies meeting eligibility criteria were identified comprising 1,597,303 participants. Abstract: Pelvic floor morbidity prevalence was Urinary Incontinence (UI) 27.9% (5411 patients in 7 studies with reported cases), Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) 14.2% (6019 patients in 8 studies with reported cases), and Anal Incontinence (AI) 0.4% (1,589,740 patients in 5 studies with reported cases). Our meta-analyses revealed significantly higher rates of all three morbidities and overall morbidity in the VD versus CD group: UI OR = 2.17, 95% CI 1.64–2.87, p for heterogeneity ≤ 0.0001, I² = 84%; POP OR = 3.28, 95% CI 1.91–5.63, p for heterogenicity ≤ 0.043, I² = 63%; AI OR = 1.53, 95% CI 1.32–1.77; p for heterogeneity ≤ 0.291, I² = 20%; and overall morbidity (OR = 2.17, 95% CI 1.64–2.87; p for heterogeneity ≤ 0.0001, I² = 84%). Conclusion: Vaginal delivery is directly related to the appearance of pelvic floor disorders, mainly UI, POP, and AI. The risk of POP should be taken into higher consideration after vaginal delivery and postpartum follow-up should be performed, to identify and/or treat it at the earliest stages.

Early postpartum physical activity and pelvic floor support and symptoms 1 year postpartum

BACKGROUND

Risks of pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence increase after the first vaginal delivery. During the early postpartum period, a time of active regeneration and healing of the pelvic floor, women may be particularly vulnerable to greater pelvic floor loading.

OBJECTIVE

This prospective cohort study aimed to determine whether objectively measured moderate to vigorous physical activity in the early postpartum period predicts pelvic floor support and symptoms 1 year after the first vaginal birth.

STUDY DESIGN

We enrolled nulliparous women in the third trimester, later excluding those who had a cesarean or preterm delivery. Participants wore triaxial wrist accelerometers at 2 to 3 weeks and 5 to 6 weeks postpartum for ≥4 days. Primary outcomes, assessed 1 year postpartum, included (1) pelvic floor support on Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification examination, dichotomized as maximal vaginal descent of <0 cm (better support) vs ≥0 cm (worse support); and (2) pelvic floor symptom burden, considered positive with report of ≥1 bothersome symptom in ≥2 of 6 domains, assessed using the Epidemiology of Prolapse and Incontinence Questionnaire. The primary predictor was average daily moderate to vigorous physical activity. Because we could not eliminate women with pelvic floor changes before pregnancy, we modeled prevalence, rather than risk, ratios for each outcome using modified Poisson regression.

RESULTS

Of 825 participants eligible after delivery, 611 completed accelerometry and 1-year follow-up; 562 completed in-person visits, and 609 completed questionnaires. The mean age was 28.9 years (standard deviation, 5.01). The mean for moderate to vigorous physical activity measured in minutes per day was 57.3 (standard deviation, 25.4) and 68.1 (standard deviation, 28.9) at 2 to 3 weeks and 5 to 6 weeks, respectively. One year postpartum, 53 of 562 participants (9.4%) demonstrated worse vaginal support and 330 of 609 participants (54.2%) met criteria for pelvic floor symptom burden. In addition, 324 (53.1%), 284 (46.6%), 144 (23.6%), and 25 (4.1%) reported secondary outcomes of stress urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, anal incontinence, and constipation, respectively, and 264 (43.4%), 250 (41.0%), and 89 (14.6%) reported no, mild, or moderate to severe urinary incontinence, respectively. The relationship between moderate to vigorous physical activity and outcomes was not linear. On the basis of plots, we grouped quintiles of moderate to vigorous physical activity into 3 categories: first and second quintiles combined, third and fourth quintiles combined, and fifth quintile. In final multivariable models, compared with women in moderate to vigorous physical activity quintiles 3 and 4, those in the lower 2 (prevalence ratio, 0.55; 95% confidence interval, 0.31-1.00) and upper quintile (prevalence ratio, 0.70; 95% confidence interval, 0.35-1.38)) trended toward lower prevalence of worse support. However, we observed the reverse for symptom burden: compared with women in quintiles 3 and 4, those in the lower 2 (prevalence ratio, 1.20; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-1.41) and upper quintile prevalence ratio 1.34 (95% confidence interval, 1.11-1.61) demonstrated higher prevalence of symptom burden. Moderate to vigorous physical activity did not predict any of the secondary outcomes. The presence of a delivery factor with potential to increase risk for levator ani muscle injury did not modify the effect of moderate to vigorous physical activity on outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Except for support, which was worse in women with moderately high levels of activity, early postpartum moderate to vigorous physical activity was either protective or had no effect on other parameters of pelvic floor health. Few women performed substantial vigorous activity, and thus, these results do not apply to women performing strenuous exercise shortly after delivery.

Subspecialty care for peripartum pelvic floor disorders

Obstetrical perineal and anal sphincter lacerations can be associated with considerable sequelae. The diagnosis of short-term bowel, bladder, and healing problems can be delayed if patients are not seen until the traditional postpartum visit at 4 to 6 weeks. Specialized peripartum clinics create a unique opportunity to collaborate with obstetrical specialists to provide early, individualized care for patients experiencing a variety of pelvic floor issues during pregnancy and in the postpartum period. Although implementation of these clinics requires thoughtful planning and partnering with care providers at all levels in the obstetrics care system, many of the necessary resources are available in routine gynecologic practice. Using a multidisciplinary approach with pelvic floor physical therapists, nurses, advanced practice providers, and other specialists is important for the success of this service line and enhances the level of care provided. Overall, these clinics provide a structured means by which pregnant and postpartum women with pelvic floor symptoms can receive specialized counseling and treatment.

Change in prevalence of major levator ani muscle defects from 6 weeks to 1 year postpartum, and maternal and obstetric risk factors: A longitudinal ultrasound study

INTRODUCTION

The present study aimed first to investigate the change in prevalence of major levator ani muscle (LAM) defects, also called avulsions, from 6 weeks to 1 year postpartum, and second to assess maternal and obstetric risk factors for having persistent major LAM defects/avulsions at 1 year postpartum.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This is a secondary analysis of data from a prospective cohort study including 300 nulliparous women at 17-19 weeks of gestation. Major LAM defects were diagnosed at 6 weeks and 1 year postpartum using transperineal ultrasonography. We defined persistent major LAM defects as a defect diagnosed both at 6 weeks and 1 year postpartum. Maternal and obstetric data were obtained from the hospital's electronic birth records. Pelvic floor muscle function was measured vaginally by manometer at 21 weeks of gestation. The main outcome measurement was change in prevalence of major LAM defects. Maternal and obstetric risk factors for having persistent major LAM defect were also assessed.

RESULTS

Prevalence of major LAM defects was 19.4% at 6 weeks and 10.4% at 1 year postpartum. No new major LAM defects were diagnosed at 1 year postpartum. Persisting major LAM defects were associated with longer second stage of labor (median 74.5 minutes vs median 48.0 minutes, P = .012) and higher neonatal birthweight (mean difference of 232.3 g, 95% confidence interval [CI] 21.5-443.1). Vacuum delivery was independently associated with persistent major LAM defects, adjusted OR 3.0 (95% CI 1.0-9.0).

CONCLUSIONS

There was a 50% reduction of sonographically diagnosed major LAM defects from 6 weeks to 1 year postpartum. This finding suggests that assessment of the major LAM 6 weeks postpartum may be too early to diagnose defects/avulsions. Long second stage of labor, high neonatal birthweight and vacuum delivery were associated with persistent major LAM defects/avulsions.

Evolution of the human pelvis and obstructed labor: new explanations of an old obstetrical dilemma

Without cesarean delivery, obstructed labor can result in maternal and fetal injuries or even death given a disproportion in size between the fetus and the maternal birth canal. The precise frequency of obstructed labor is difficult to estimate because of the widespread use of cesarean delivery for indications other than proven cephalopelvic disproportion, but it has been estimated that at least 1 million mothers per year are affected by this disorder worldwide. Why is the fit between the fetus and the maternal pelvis so tight? Why did evolution not lead to a greater safety margin, as in other primates? Here we review current research and suggest new hypotheses on the evolution of human childbirth and pelvic morphology. In 1960, Washburn suggested that this obstetrical dilemma arose because the human pelvis is an evolutionary compromise between two functions, bipedal gait and childbirth. However, recent biomechanical and kinematic studies indicate that pelvic width does not considerably affect the efficiency of bipedal gait and thus is unlikely to have constrained the evolution of a wider birth canal. Instead, bipedalism may have primarily constrained the flexibility of the pubic symphysis during pregnancy, which opens much wider in most mammals with large fetuses than in humans. We argue that the birth canal is mainly constrained by the trade-off between 2 pregnancy-related functions: while a narrow pelvis is disadvantageous for childbirth, it offers better support for the weight exerted by the viscera and the large human fetus during the long gestation period. We discuss the implications of this hypothesis for understanding pelvic floor dysfunction. Furthermore, we propose that selection for a narrow pelvis has also acted in males because of the role of pelvic floor musculature in erectile function. Finally, we review the cliff-edge model of obstetric selection to explain why evolution cannot completely eliminate cephalopelvic disproportion. This model also predicts that the regular application of life-saving cesarean delivery has evolutionarily increased rates of cephalopelvic disproportion already. We address how evolutionary models contribute to understanding and decision making in obstetrics and gynecology as well as in devising health care policies.

Concomitant Sacral Neuromodulation and Gynecologic Surgery: A Single-Institution Experience

AIMS

Sacral Neuromodulation (SNM) is a safe and minimally invasive treatment for urinary and fecal pelvic floor disorders (PFDs). With a high prevalence of women reporting multiple PFDs, knowledge regarding concomitant surgery may inform optimal patient care. Our literature search did not identify any published data on this topic, thus we sought to report our experience with concomitant SNM and gynecologic surgery. Our primary objective was to identify the rate of adverse events among cases. Secondarily, we reviewed the anesthetics used to identify potential associations when performing combined surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was retrospective case series of women undergoing SNM at a single academic center from 2012 to 2018. Cases were identified using current procedural terminology codes for SNM and common gynecologic procedures. These electronic medical records were reviewed to identify cases that occurred concomitantly in addition to obtaining demographics, adverse events, type of anesthesia, and overnight hospital stay. Descriptive data analysis was performed with Excel.

RESULTS

Of 200 identified cases of SNM, 15 (7.5%) were concomitantly performed with another procedure. Most concomitant surgeries occurred with insertion of implantable pulse generator. Three minor adverse events occurred: two urinary tract infections and one occurrence of urinary retention. Eight (53%) cases were performed under general anesthesia while seven (46%) received monitored sedation.

CONCLUSIONS

No serious adverse events or anesthesia-related complications were identified in this series. While general anesthesia was used more often, it was in accordance with our standard practice for the gynecologic procedures. This study supports the safety of concomitant gynecologic and SNM surgery.

Characterizing anxiety at the first encounter in women presenting to the clinic: the CAFÉ study

BACKGROUND

Clinically based anxiety questionnaires measure 2 forms of anxiety that are known as state anxiety and trait anxiety. State anxiety is temporary and is sensitive to change; trait anxiety is a generalized propensity to be anxious.

OBJECTIVE

Our study aims to characterize the reasons for anxiety among women about the initial consultation for their pelvic floor disorders to measure change in participant state anxiety after the visit and to correlate improvement in anxiety with visit satisfaction.

STUDY DESIGN

All new patients at our tertiary urogynecology clinic were invited to participate. After giving consent, participants completed pre- and postvisit questionnaires. Providers were blinded to pre- and postvisit questionnaire responses. The previsit questionnaires included the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, and the 6-item short form of the Spielberg State Trait Anxiety Inventory. Participants were also asked to list their previsit anxieties. The postvisit questionnaires comprised of the Spielberg State Trait Anxiety Inventory, patient global impression of improvement of participant anxiety, patient satisfaction, and the participant's perception of whether her anxiety was addressed during the visit. The anxieties listed by participants were then reviewed independently and categorized by 2 of the authors. A separate panel arbitrated when there were disagreements among anxiety categories.

RESULTS

Fifty primarily white (66%) women with a median age of 53 years (interquartile range, 41-66) completed the study. The visit diagnoses included stress urinary incontinence (54%), urge urinary incontinence (46%), myofascial pain (28%), pelvic organ prolapse (20%), and recurrent urinary tract infection (12%). Less than one-quarter of participants (22%) had a history of anxiety diagnosis. The average previsit Spielberg State Trait Anxiety Inventory score was 42.9 (standard deviation, 11.98) which decreased by an average of 12.60 points in the postvisit (95% confidence interval, -16.56 to -8.64; P<.001). Postvisit decreased anxiety was associated with improvements in the patient global impression of improvement anxiety (P<.001) and participants' perception that their anxiety symptoms had been addressed completely (P=.045). The most reported causes for consultation related anxiety were lack of knowledge of diagnosis and ramifications, personal or social issues, and fear of the physical examination. Participants reported that improvements in anxiety were related to patient education and reassurance, medical staff appreciation, and acceptable treatment plan. Participants who reported complete satisfaction demonstrated a greater decrease in the postvisit Spielberg State Trait Anxiety Inventory scores compared with the participants who did not report complete satisfaction (P=.045). Changes in the Spielberg State Trait Anxiety Inventory score were not associated with the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (P=.35) or Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 scores (P=.78).

CONCLUSION

Women with the highest satisfaction after their initial urogynecology visit also demonstrated the largest decreases in anxiety after the visit. Changes in anxiety scores were not correlated with the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory or with measures of generalized anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7). Recognizing and addressing patient anxiety may help physicians better treat their patients and improve overall patient satisfaction.

Vitamin D Status in Women with Pelvic Floor Disorders: A Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies

The current evidence regarding the association between vitamin D status and pelvic floor disorder (PFD) are inconclusive. This meta-analysis was aimed to summarize existing data demonstrating the association between Vitamin D status and PFD using published observational studies. All national and international databases including Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus were searched up until January 30, 2018, and related published studies retrieved for meta-analysis. The effect sizes of Vitamin D status were presented as standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI), using random-effect models and inverse variance method. The Cochran Q statistic and I² tests were used to evaluate the heterogeneity across included studies. Seven studies with 3219 women were included our meta-analysis. There was heterogeneity existing among included studies (I² = 96.4%, P < 0.001), so a random-effect model was used. The findings of this meta-analysis revealed that the mean serum Vitamin D levels in women with PFD were significantly lower than healthy women (SMD −0.60; 95% CI, −1.06, −0.13; P = 0.01). This meta-analysis demonstrates lower levels of serum Vitamin D in women with PFD rather than healthy women. Additional prospective studies regarding the association between Vitamin D status and PFD are required to confirm our findings.

Association between pelvic floor muscle trauma and contraction in parous women from a general population

OBJECTIVE

To study possible associations between pelvic floor muscle contraction, levator ani muscle (LAM) trauma and/or pelvic organ prolapse (POP) ≥ Stage 2 in parous women recruited from a general population.

METHODS

This was a secondary analysis of data from a cross-sectional study of 608 parous women from a general population examined using the POP quantification system (POP-Q) and three-dimensional/four-dimensional transperineal ultrasound for identification of LAM macrotrauma (avulsion) and microtrauma (distension of levator hiatal area > 75^th percentile on Valsalva maneuver). Muscle contraction was assessed using the modified Oxford scale (MOS), perineometry and ultrasound measurement of proportional change of anteroposterior hiatal diameter and levator hiatal area at rest and on pelvic floor muscle contraction. The Mann-Whitney U-test was used to study associations between pelvic floor muscle contraction, LAM trauma and POP.

RESULTS

Women with macrotrauma (n = 113) had significantly weaker median pelvic floor muscle contraction, as measured using MOS and perineometry, than did women with an intact LAM (n = 493) (contraction strength was 1.5 (range, 0.0-5.0) vs 3.5 (range, 0.0-5.0) on MOS, and vaginal squeeze pressure was 15.0 (range, 0.0-78.0) cmH₂ O vs 28.0 (range, 0.0-129.0) cmH₂ O on perineometry; P < 0.001). This was also demonstrated by ultrasound measurement, with a proportional change in hiatal area of 19.9% (range, 4.1-48.0%) vs 34.0% (range, 0.0-64.0%) (P < 0.001) and proportional change in anteroposterior diameter of 16.2% (range, -5.7 to 42.6%) vs 26.0% (range, -3.4 to 49.4%) (P < 0.001). No statistically significant difference between women with (n = 65), and those without (n = 378), microtrauma was found after excluding women with macrotrauma. Women with POP had weaker muscle contraction than those without; in those with POP-Q ≥ 2 (n = 275) compared with those with POP-Q < 2 (n = 333), muscle contraction strength was 3.0 (range, 0.0-5.0) vs 3.5 (range, 0.0-5.0) on MOS, vaginal squeeze pressure was 21.0 (range, 0.0-98.0) cmH₂ O vs 28.0 (range, 3.0-129.0) cmH₂ O on perineometry, proportional change in hiatal area was 29.6% (range, 0.0-60.9%) vs 33.8% (range, 0.0-64.4%) and proportional change in anteroposterior diameter was 22.8% (range, -5.7 to 49.4%) vs 25.7% (range, -3.4 to 49.4%) (P < 0.001 for all).

CONCLUSIONS

LAM macrotrauma was associated with weaker pelvic floor muscle contraction measured using palpation, perineometry and ultrasound. Women with POP had weaker contraction than did women without POP. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Clinical and manometric characteristics of women with paradoxical puborectalis syndrome

Background

A subset of patients with functional defecation disorders have predominance of the puborectalis muscle (PRM) on three-dimensional high definition anorectal manometry (HDARM), known as paradoxical puborectalis syndrome (PPS). The aim of this study was to assess clinical and manometric differences between patients with and without PPS.

Methods

A total of 227 women with functional defecation disorders undergoing HDARM between December 2012 and October 2016 at a single center were included in this study. All completed the Rome III constipation module and Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory 20 (PFDI-20).

Results

Eighty-seven out of 227 women had a 3D pressure topographic profile consistent with PPS. They had higher mean PDFI-20 scores for straining and incomplete evacuation symptoms than those without PPS. In addition, they demonstrated higher mean resting anal pressure, a more negative mean anorectal pressure differential, and a greater proportion with prolonged balloon expulsion test. These findings were more pronounced in a subgroup of 58 PPS patients with a distinct pattern of both posterior and posterolateral wall indentation.

Conclusion

Among female patients with functional defecation disorders, those with PPS demonstrated clinical and manometric differences compared to those without PPS. These differences may be driven by predominant posterolateral wall indentation in a subgroup of PPS patients.

Predicting risk of pelvic floor disorders 12 and 20 years after delivery

BACKGROUND

Little progress has been made in the prevention of pelvic floor disorders, despite their significant health and economic impact. The identification of women who are at risk remains a key element in targeting prevention and planning health resource allocation strategies. Although events around the time of childbirth are recognized clinically as important predictors, it is difficult to counsel women and to intervene around the time of childbirth because of an inability to convey a patient's risk accurately in the presence of multiple risk factors and the long time lapse, which is often decades, between obstetric events and the onset of pelvic floor disorders later in life. Prediction models and scoring systems have been used in other areas of medicine to identify patients who are at risk for chronic diseases. Models have been developed for use before delivery that predict short-term risk of pelvic floor disorders after childbirth, but no models that predict long-term risk exist.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to use variables that are known before and during childbirth to develop and validate prognostic models that will estimate the risks of these disorders 12 and 20 years after delivery.

STUDY DESIGN

Obstetric variables were collected from 2 cohorts: (1) women who gave birth in the United Kingdom and New Zealand (n=3763) and (2) women from the Swedish Medical Birth Register (n=4991). Pelvic floor disorders were self-reported 12 years after childbirth in the United Kingdom/New Zealand cohort and 20 years after childbirth in the Swedish Register. The cohorts were split so that data during the first half of the cohort's time period were used to fit prediction models, and validation was performed from the second half (temporal validation). Because there is currently no consensus on how to best define pelvic floor disorders from a patient's perspective, we chose to fit the data for each model using multiple outcome definitions for prolapse, urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, ≥1 pelvic floor disorder, and ≥2 pelvic floor disorders. Model accuracy was measured in the following manner: (1) by ranking an individual's risk among all subjects in the cohort (discrimination) with the use of a concordance index and (2) by observing whether the predicted probability was too high or low (calibration) at a range of predicted probabilities with the use of visual plots.

RESULTS

Models were able to discriminate between women who experienced bothersome symptoms or received treatment at 12 and 20 years, respectively, for pelvic organ prolapse (concordance indices, 0.570, 0.627), urinary incontinence (concordance indices, 0.653, 0.689), fecal incontinence (concordance indices, 0.618, 0.676), ≥1 pelvic floor disorders (concordance indices, 0.639, 0.675), and ≥2 pelvic floor disorders (concordance indices, 0.635, 0.619). Route of delivery and family history of each pelvic floor disorder were strong predictors in most models. Urinary incontinence before and during the index pregnancy was a strong predictor for the development of all pelvic floor disorders in most models 12 years after delivery. The 12- and 20-year bothersome symptoms or treatment for prolapse models were accurate when predictions were provided for risk from 0% to approximately 15%. The 12- and 20-year primiparous model began to over predict when risk rates reached 20%. When we predicted bothersome symptoms or treatment for urinary incontinence, the 12-year models were accurate when predictions ranged from approximately 5-60%; the 20-year primiparous models were accurate from 5% and 80%. For bothersome symptoms or treatment for fecal incontinence, the 12- and 20-year models were accurate from 1-15% risk and began to over predict at rates at >15% and 20%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Models may provide an opportunity before birth to identify women who are at low risk of the development of pelvic floor disorders and may provide institute prevention strategies such as pelvic floor muscle training, weight control, or elective cesarean section for women who are at higher risk. Models are provided at http://riskcalc.org/UR_CHOICE/.

Role of Vitamin D in urogenital health of geriatric participants

INTRODUCTION

Role of Vitamin D is very well known for the functioning of many body organs. However, its role in the postmenopausal women in relation to various genitourinary disorders has been recognized recently. The main objective of this study was to evaluate role of Vitamin D in vaginal health, prolapse, bladder and bowel function, and bacterial vaginosis (BV).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a randomized controlled study in which 200 geriatric female patients of 65-78 years of age divided into two groups comprising study and control group with 100 participants in each. Detailed obstetrical, gynecological, and clinical history was elicited. Detailed examination regarding the prolapse, urinary and bowel functions, and bacterial infections was done followed by follow-up of 3 and 6 months each. Chi-square and independent t-test used for data analysis.

RESULTS

Mean modified vaginal health index (MVHI) among patients with pelvic floor diseases was statistically significant with P = 0.0472. There was a visible increasing trend in Vitamin D deficiency with increase in time since menopause (P = 0.1193). Patients with pelvic floor disease had mean Vitamin D statistically significant with P = 0.0462. With increase in Vitamin D levels, MVHI was found to be better. The association of mean Vitamin D levels among patients with urinary incontinence as compared to controls was significant with P = 0.0460. Association of mean Vitamin D levels in patients with fecal incontinence and BV as compared to controls was not statistically significant with P = 0.6304 and 0.79, respectively. Low Vitamin D levels were associated with high mean parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels statistically significant with P = 0.034. MVHI was found to increase significantly with Vitamin D supplementation at 3 and 6 months' follow-up. There was increase in Vitamin D and calcium levels and fall in serum PTH levels at 3 and 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Vitamin D levels were associated with a decreased risk of pelvic floor disorders, improved MVHI in women in geriatric age group.

Urinary incontinence in nulliparous women aged 25-64 years: a national survey

BACKGROUND

A systematic survey of pelvic floor disorders in nulliparous women has not been presented previously.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of urinary incontinence parameters in a large cohort of nonpregnant, nulliparous women, and thereby construct a reference group for comparisons with parous women.

STUDY DESIGN

This postal and World Wide Web-based questionnaire survey was conducted in 2014. The study population was identified from the Total Population Register in Sweden and comprised women who had not given birth and were aged 25-64 years. Four independent age-stratified, random samples comprising 20,000 women were obtained from the total number of eligible nullipara (n = 625,810). A 40-item questionnaire about pelvic floor symptoms, its severity, and its consequences were used. Age-dependent differences for various aspects of urinary incontinence were analyzed with the youngest group (25-34 years) serving as reference. Crude and body mass index-adjusted prevalence and its 95% confidence limits were calculated for each 10-year category.

RESULTS

The response rate was 52% and the number of study participants was 9197. Urinary incontinence increased >5-fold from 9.7% in the youngest women with a body mass index <25 kg/m² to 48.4% among the oldest women with a body mass index ≥35 kg/m². The prevalence of bothersome urinary incontinence almost tripled from 2.8-7.9% among all nulliparas. The proportion with bothersome urinary incontinence among incontinent women increased from 24.4% in the youngest age group to 32.3% in the age group 55-64 years. Nocturia ≥2/night increased 4-fold to 17.0% and leakage ≥1/wk increased 3-fold to 12.8% among the oldest women. Mixed urinary incontinence increased from 22.9-40.9% among the oldest 0-para with incontinence, whereas stress urinary incontinence decreased inversely from 43.6-33.0%. In the total cohort surgical treatment for urinary incontinence occurred in 3 per thousand.

CONCLUSION

Almost every aspect of urinary incontinence was present in nulliparous women of all ages and prevalence increased with advancing age between 25-64 years. This must be taken into account when using nullipara as a control group in comparisons with parous women to estimate the effect of pregnancy and childbirth.

Physical activity and the pelvic floor

Pelvic floor disorders are common, with 1 in 4 US women reporting moderate to severe symptoms of urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, or fecal incontinence. Given the high societal burden of these disorders, identifying potentially modifiable risk factors is crucial. Physical activity is one such potentially modifiable risk factor; the large number of girls and women participating in sport and strenuous training regimens increases the need to understand associated risks and benefits of these exposures. The aim of this review was to summarize studies reporting the association between physical activity and pelvic floor disorders. Most studies are cross-sectional and most include small numbers of participants. The primary findings of this review include that urinary incontinence during exercise is common and is more prevalent in women during high-impact sports. Mild to moderate physical activity, such as brisk walking, decreases both the odds of having and the risk of developing urinary incontinence. In older women, mild to moderate activity also decreases the odds of having fecal incontinence; however, young women participating in high-intensity activity are more likely to report anal incontinence than less active women. Scant data suggest that in middle-aged women, lifetime physical activity increases the odds of stress urinary incontinence slightly and does not increase the odds of pelvic organ prolapse. Women undergoing surgery for pelvic organ prolapse are more likely to report a history of heavy work than controls; however, women recruited from the community with pelvic organ prolapse on examination report similar lifetime levels of strenuous activity as women without this examination finding. Data are insufficient to determine whether strenuous activity while young predisposes to pelvic floor disorders later in life. The existing literature suggests that most physical activity does not harm the pelvic floor and does provide numerous health benefits for women. However, future research is needed to fill the many gaps in our knowledge. Prospective studies are needed in all populations, including potentially vulnerable women, such as those with high genetic risk, levator ani muscle injury, or asymptomatic pelvic organ prolapse, and on women during potentially vulnerable life periods, such as the early postpartum or postoperative periods.

Lifetime physical activity and female stress urinary incontinence

OBJECTIVE

We sought to estimate whether moderate/severe stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in middle-aged women is associated with overall lifetime physical activity (including leisure, household, outdoor, and occupational), as well as lifetime leisure (recreational), lifetime strenuous, and strenuous activity during the teen years.

STUDY DESIGN

Recruitment for this case-control study was conducted in primary-care-level family medicine and gynecology clinics. A total of 1538 enrolled women ages 39-65 years underwent a Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification examination to assess vaginal support. Based on Incontinence Severity Index scores, cases had moderate/severe and controls had no/mild SUI. We excluded 349 with vaginal descent at/below the hymen (pelvic organ prolapse), 194 who did not return questionnaires, and 110 with insufficient activity data for analysis. In all, 213 cases were frequency matched 1:1 by age group to controls. Physical activity was measured using the Lifetime Physical Activity Questionnaire, in which women recall activity from menarche to present. We created separate multivariable logistic regression models for activity measures.

RESULTS

SUI odds increased slightly with overall lifetime activity (odds ratio [OR], 1.20 per 70 additional metabolic equivalent of task-h/wk; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02-1.41), and were not associated with lifetime strenuous activity (OR, 1.11; 95% CI, 0.99-1.25). In quintile analysis of lifetime leisure activity, which demonstrated a nonlinear pattern, all quintiles incurred about half the odds of SUI compared to reference (second quintile; P = .009). Greater strenuous activity in teen years modestly increased SUI odds (OR, 1.37 per 7 additional h/wk; 95% CI, 1.09-1.71); OR, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.15-2.66 in sensitivity analysis adjusting for measurement error. The predicted probability of SUI rose linearly in women exceeding 7.5 hours of strenuous activity/wk during teen years. Teen strenuous activity had a similar effect on SUI odds when adjusted for subsequent strenuous activity during ages 21-65 years.

CONCLUSION

In middle-aged women, a slight increased odds of SUI was noted only after substantially increased overall lifetime physical activity. Increased lifetime leisure activity decreased and lifetime strenuous activity appeared unrelated to SUI odds. Greater strenuous activity during teen years modestly increased SUI odds.

Bacterial uropathogens and antibiotic susceptibility of positive urine cultures in women with pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence

AIMS

The aims of the study are to describe the speciation and resistance patterns of positive urinary cultures in women with pelvic floor disorders (PFDs) and those undergoing pelvic reconstructive surgery.

METHODS

Urine cultures with a colony count of >10(5) CFU and <3 isolated uropathogens at a tertiary care Urogynecology practice over a 5-year period for patients with anterior wall dominant pelvic organ prolapse (POP) or urinary incontinence (UI) were identified. Speciation and culture sensitivity data were described for each group and compared to a control group who did not currently have a PFD and who had not undergone pelvic surgery within a year of their positive culture. Additionally, early post-operative UTIs (≤6 weeks) and late post-operative UTIs (>6 weeks but ≤1 year) were compared.

RESULTS

1,306 positive urine cultures over the 5-year period with 51 different species of uropathogens were identified. The percentage of Escherichia coli identified was not significantly different between groups: POP 57.1%, Stress UI 58.4%, Urge UI 54.3%, non-operative controls 54.3%. Cultures obtained from patients on prophylactic antibiotics were significantly less likely to have E. coli (adjusted OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.22, 0.89, P < 0.0216). Non-E. coli cultures were more common in the early post-operative period compared to the late post-operative cultures (69% vs. 41%, adjusted OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.22, 0.48, P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with PFDs who develop UTIs have rates of non-E. coli over 40% of the time. Treatment based on culture and antibiotic sensitivity data should be considered.