Patient characteristics that are associated with continued pessary use versus surgery after 1 year

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to identify patient characteristics in women with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse that is associated with continued pessary use versus surgery after 1 year. STUDY DESIGN: Fifty-nine women with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse who were satisfied with their pessary at 2 months were evaluated prospectively at 1 year. Characteristics of women who continued to use a pessary were compared with women who underwent pelvic reconstructive surgery to identify predictors for continued pessary use versus surgery. RESULTS: Forty-three women (73%) continued pessary use, and 16 women (27%) underwent surgery. Characteristics that were associated with continued pessary use were older age (76 vs 61 years; p <.001) and poor surgical risk (26% vs 0%; P =.03). Characteristics that were associated with surgery were sexual activity (81% vs 26%; P <.001), stress incontinence (44% vs 16%; P =.03), stage III-IV posterior vaginal wall prolapse (44% vs 16%; P =.03), and desire for surgery at the first visit (63% vs 12%; P <.001). Age >or=65 years was the best cut-off value for continued pessary use, with sensitivity of 95% (95% CI, 84%, 99%) and a positive predictive value of 87% (95% CI, 74%, 94%). Logistic regression demonstrated that age >or=65 years ( P <.001), stage III-IV posterior vaginal wall prolapse ( P =.007), and desire for surgery ( P =.04) were independent predictors. CONCLUSION: Age >or=65 years was associated highly with continued pessary use. Desire for surgery and stage III-IV posterior vaginal wall prolapse were associated with discontinued pessary use and pelvic reconstructive surgery.     

Risk factors for pelvic organ prolapse repair after hysterectomy

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the incidence and identify the risk factors for pelvic organ prolapse repair after hysterectomy. METHODS: We conducted a case-control study. We identified 6,214 women who underwent hysterectomy in our gynecology department from 1982 to 2002. Cases (n=114) were women who required pelvic organ prolapse surgery after hysterectomy from January 1982 through December 2005. Controls (n=236) were women randomly selected from the same cohort who did not require pelvic organ surgery during the same period. We performed a univariable and a multivariable analysis among 104 cases and 190 controls to identify the variables associated with prolapse repair after hysterectomy. RESULTS: The incidence of pelvic organ prolapse that required surgical correction after hysterectomy was 1.3 per 1,000 women-years. The risk of prolapse repair was 4.7 times higher in women whose initial hysterectomy was indicated by prolapse and 8.0 times higher if preoperative prolapse grade 2 or more was present. Risk factors included preoperative prolapse grade 2 or more (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 12.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.6-34.7), previous pelvic organ prolapse or urinary incontinence surgery (adjusted OR 7.9, 95% CI 1.3-48.2), history of vaginal delivery (adjusted OR 5.0, 95% CI 1.3-19.7), and sexual activity (adjusted OR 6.2, 95% CI 2.7-14.5). Vaginal hysterectomy was not a risk factor when preoperative prolapse was taken into account (adjusted OR 0.7, 95% CI 0.4-1.1). CONCLUSION: Preoperative pelvic organ prolapse and other factors related to pelvic floor weakness were significantly associated with subsequent pelvic floor repair after hysterectomy. Vaginal hysterectomy was not a risk factor. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.     

Predicting treatment choice for patients with pelvic organ prolapse

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate which clinical factors were predictive of treatment choice for patients with pelvic organ prolapse. METHODS: One hundred fifty-two patients were enrolled in this cross-sectional study to collect clinical data on potential predictors of treatment choice. Continuous parametric, continuous nonparametric (ordinal), and categoric data were compared with chosen management plan (expectant, pessary, surgery) using analysis of variance, the Kruskal-Wallis test, and the chi(2) test for association, respectively. All significant predictors (P <.05) of treatment choice for pelvic organ prolapse identified during univariate analysis were entered into a backward elimination polytomous logistic regression analysis for predicting surgery versus pessary versus expectant management, with surgery as the reference group. RESULTS: The probability of choosing expectant management rather than surgery 1). increases as the preoperative pelvic pain score increases (odds ratio [OR] 1.6; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07, 2.40; P =.024) and 2). decreases as the prolapse severity increases (OR 0.46; 95% CI 0.29, 0.72; P =.001). The probability of choosing pessary rather than surgery 1). increases as age increases (OR 1.1; 95% CI 1.05, 1.16; P <.001), 2). decreases as the prolapse severity increases (OR 0.77; 95% CI 0.60, 0.99; P =.042), and 3). is less if the participant had prior prolapse surgery (OR 0.23; 95% CI 0.07, 0.76; P =.017). CONCLUSION: Age, prior prolapse surgery, preoperative pelvic pain scores, and pelvic organ prolapse severity were independently associated with treatment choices in a predictable way and provide physicians with medical evidence necessary to support a patient's decision.     

National Analysis of Perioperative Morbidity of Vaginal Versus Laparoscopic Hysterectomy at the Time of Uterosacral Ligament Suspension

Study ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to compare the morbidity of vaginal versus laparoscopic hysterectomy when performed with uterosacral ligament suspension.DesignRetrospective propensity-score matched cohort study.SettingAmerican College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database.PatientsWe included all patients who had undergone uterosacral ligament suspension and concurrent total vaginal hysterectomy (TVH-USLS) or total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH-USLS) from 2010 to 2015. We excluded those who underwent laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy, abdominal hysterectomy, other surgical procedures for apical pelvic organ prolapse, or had gynecologic malignancy.InterventionsWe compared 30-day complication rates in patients who underwent TVH-USLS versus TLH-USLS in both the total study population and a propensity score matched cohort.Measurements and Main ResultsThe study population consisted of 3,349 patients who underwent TVH-USLS and 484 who underwent TLH-USLS. Patients who underwent TVH-USLS had a significantly higher composite complication rate (11.4% vs 6.4%, odds ratio [OR] 1.9, 1.3–2.8; p <.01) and a higher serious complication rate (5.6% vs 3.1%, OR 1.8, 1.1–3.1; p = .02), which excluded urinary tract infection and superficial surgical site infection. The propensity score analysis was performed, and patients were matched in a 1:1 ratio between the TVH-USLS group and the TLH-USLS group. In the matched cohort, patients who underwent TVH-USLS had a higher composite complication rate than those who underwent TLH-USLS (10.3% vs 6.4%, OR 1.7, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1–2.7; p = .04), whereas the rate of serious complications did not differ between the groups (4.3% vs 3.1%, OR 1.4, 95% CI, 0.7–2.8; p = .4). On multivariate logistic regression, TVH-USLS remained an independent predictor of composite complications (adjusted OR 1.6, 95% CI, 1.0–2.6; p = .04) but not serious complications (adjusted OR 1.4, 95% CI, 0.7–2.8; p = .3).ConclusionIn this large national cohort, TVH-USLS was associated with a higher composite complication rate than TLH-USLS, largely secondary to an increased rate of urinary tract infection. After matching, the groups had similar rates of serious complications. These data suggest that TLH-USLS should be viewed as a safe alternative to TVH-USLS.     

Peri- and Postoperative Outcomes of Outpatient vs Inpatient Laparoscopic Apical Prolapse Repair

Study ObjectiveTo assess the feasibility of outpatient laparoscopic management of apical pelvic organ prolapse along with indicated vaginal repairs and anti-incontinence procedures.DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingTertiary-care academic center, Boston, MA.PatientsTotal of 112 patients seen in the minimally invasive gynecologic surgery and urogynecology clinics with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse.InterventionsLaparoscopic hysterectomy, sacrocervico- or sacrocolpopexy along with vaginal prolapse and anti-incontinence procedures as indicated from 2013 to 2017 at Brigham & Women's Hospital and Brigham & Women's Faulkner Hospital performed by a minimally invasive gynecologic surgery and urogynecology team.Measurements and Main ResultsOf the 112 patients, 52 were outpatient and 60 were admitted (median stay in admission group = 1 day; range 1–3). Patient baseline characteristics, American Society of Anesthesiologists’ class, and pelvic organ prolapse quantification stage were similar between the outpatient and admitted cohorts. Most patients underwent hysterectomy at the time of the sacropexy (65.4% outpatient vs 73.3% admitted, p = .08). Concomitant apical prolapse repair was more common in the outpatient group (98.1% vs 85%, p = .02). The proportion of outpatient procedures increased from 17% in 2013 to a peak of 70% in 2016. Operating room time was shorter for the outpatient cohort (103.9 minutes vs 115.5 minutes, p = .04), but other perioperative outcomes were similar. There were no intraoperative complications. The numbers of postoperative complications, readmission, and reoperations were low and similar between outpatient and admitted cohorts. No factor was predictive of admission on regression analysis.ConclusionLaparoscopic apical prolapse repair with concomitant vaginal repairs can be performed safely as an outpatient procedure. A unique team approach may foster a shorter, more efficient procedure without compromising short-term outcomes.     

Posterior vaginal wall defects and their relation to measures of pelvic floor neuromuscular function and posterior compartment symptoms

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to describe the pelvic floor neuromuscular function and posterior compartment symptoms in patients with posterior vaginal wall prolapse. STUDY DESIGN: Two hundred twenty-seven women who were referred to a urogynecology and urology clinic were enrolled prospectively. Each patient completed a health history questionnaire and standardized physical examination that specifically graded uterovaginal prolapse according to the pelvic organ prolapse quantification system. RESULTS: Sixty-nine women had a pelvic organ prolapse quantification system point (most dependent portion of the posterior vaginal wall during straining as measured from the hymeneal ring) of < or =-1. Older age, a history of hysterectomy, a genital hiatus of >3 cm (48% vs 24%; P =.002), and perineal descent of > or =2 cm (14% vs 5%; P =.042) were significantly more common in women with posterior vaginal prolapse. When women with posterior prolapse and symptomatic complaints were compared with asymptomatic women with prolapse, a perineal descent of > or =2 cm (21% vs 0%; P =.004) was significantly more common in the symptomatic group. CONCLUSION: Pelvic floor neuromuscular function should be related to posterior vaginal prolapse and symptoms; however, only perineal descent appears associated strongly with both symptoms and prolapse in this population.     

Laparoscopic Uterosacral Ligament Hysteropexy vs Total Vaginal Hysterectomy with Uterosacral Ligament Suspension for Anterior and Apical Prolapse: Surgical Outcome and Patient Satisfaction

Study ObjectiveTo compare anatomic and clinical cure rates as well as patient satisfaction between uterine-preserving laparoscopic uterosacral ligament suspension and total vaginal hysterectomy with uterosacral ligament suspension in women with apical and anterior prolapse.DesignSingle-center clinical comparative retrospective cohort study.SettingA female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery service at a tertiary teaching hospital.PatientsWomen with pelvic organ prolapse who underwent surgical treatment for their condition between July 2010 and December 2015.InterventionsAll women underwent laparoscopic uterosacral ligament suspension or total vaginal hysterectomy with uterosacral ligament suspension for apical and anterior prolapse. Concomitant procedures included anterior and posterior repair, as well as a midurethral sling when indicated.Measurements and Main ResultsPreoperative and postoperative Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) measurements were obtained. The primary outcome was clinical cure rate. Secondary outcomes included anatomic cure rate and outcomes of site-specific POP-Q points Ba, C, and Bp for the whole cohort. Patient satisfaction was measured using the Patient Global Impression of Improvement questionnaire. During the study period, 106 women underwent transvaginal hysterectomy with uterosacral ligament suspension, and 53 women had laparoscopic uterosacral ligament suspension. At a mean follow-up of 14.7 ± 13.23 months for the vaginal group and 17.5 ± 15.84 months for the laparoscopic group (p = .29), there were significant improvements of POP-Q points Ba, C, and Bp (p < .0001 for all comparisons in both groups). The clinical cure rate was 96% in the vaginal group and 98% in the laparoscopic group (p = .50). The anatomic cure rate was 85.4% in the vaginal group and 93.75% in the laparoscopic group (p = .11) Patient satisfaction was high in both groups.ConclusionIn appropriately selected patients, laparoscopic uterosacral ligament suspension is a valid uterus-preserving option for women with anterior and apical prolapse, associated with high anatomic and clinical cure rates and patient satisfaction.     

Type of Pelvic Disease as a Risk Factor for Surgical Site Infectionin Women Undergoing Hysterectomy

Study ObjectiveTo quantify the relationship between type of benign pelvic disease and risk of surgical site infection (SSI) after hysterectomy.DesignRetrospective cohort study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2).SettingHospitals participating in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP).PatientsWomen who underwent hysterectomy from 2006-2015 and recorded in NSQIP database.InterventionNone.Measurements and Main ResultsSSI risk was compared for type of benign pelvic disease, patient characteristics (i.e., age, race, and selected comorbidities) and process of care variables (i.e., admission status, type of hysterectomy, and operative time). SSI occurred in 2.48% of the 125,337 women who underwent hysterectomy. SSI was most frequent in patients with endometriosis and least frequent in those with genital prolapse (3.13% vs 1.39%; p <.0001). Following adjustment for potential confounders, the odds of SSI were higher in women undergoing hysterectomy for endometriosis (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.79; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.43– 2.25), uterine myomas (aOR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.05–1.55), menstrual disorders (aOR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.20–1.78), and pelvic pain (aOR, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.34–2.27) compared with women undergoing hysterectomy for genital prolapse. Other patient factors associated with SSI included age, body mass index, smoking, diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, and American Society of Anesthesiologists classification. Among process-of-care factors, inpatient status, route of hysterectomy, total vs subtotal hysterectomy, and operative time were also associated with SSI.ConclusionIn addition to various patient and process-of-care factors known to be associated with SSI, type of underlying pelvic disease is an independent risk factor for SSI in women undergoing hysterectomy for benign indications.     

Same-Day Discharge after Vaginal Hysterectomy with Pelvic Floor Reconstruction: Pilot Study

Study ObjectiveTo determine the safety and feasibility of same-day discharge (SDD) in patients undergoing vaginal hysterectomy with pelvic floor reconstruction.DesignProspective cohort pilot study.SettingSingle academic medical center.PatientsWomen undergoing vaginal hysterectomy with pelvic floor reconstruction were considered for inclusion in the study.InterventionsSDD or overnight hospitalization after surgery.Measurements and Main ResultsA total cohort of 55 women undergoing vaginal hysterectomy and pelvic floor reconstruction for pelvic organ prolapse and/or urinary incontinence was identified. The control group consisted of 19 women who were planned for overnight hospitalization. The intervention group had 36 women who were planned for SDD. In the intervention group 63.9% of patients (n = 23) were successfully discharged home and 36.1% (n = 13) required an unplanned overnight admission. Reasons for unplanned admission included persistent anesthetic effects (dizziness/nausea/drowsiness, n = 9, 69%), uncontrolled pain (n = 1, 7.7%), fever (n = 1, 7.7%), anemia (n = 2, 15.4%), with return to operating room for hematoma evacuation (n = 1, 7.7%). A voiding trial was passed on the first attempt in 30 patients (54.5%). The percentage of successful voiding trials on the first attempt was 30.8% for patients requiring unplanned admission and 78.9% for patients with planned overnight hospitalization (p = .011). There were no significant differences in the number of emergency department visits (p = .677) or unplanned office visits (p = .193) between the control and intervention groups.ConclusionSDD after vaginal hysterectomy with pelvic floor reconstruction appears to be safe and feasible. Patients who were discharged the same day did not require a higher volume of emergency department or office evaluations.     

Effect of vaginal pessaries on symptoms associated with pelvic organ prolapse

OBJECTIVE: To prospectively evaluate the effects of vaginal pessaries on symptoms associated with pelvic organ prolapse and identify the risk factors for failure. METHODS: All women referred to a specialist urogynecology unit with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse who elected to use a pessary were included in this study. All completed the Sheffield pelvic organ prolapse symptom questionnaire before use and after 4 months of use. The primary outcome measure was change of symptoms from baseline to 4 months. RESULTS: Of 203 consecutive women fitted with a pessary, 153 (75%) successfully retained the pessary at 2 weeks, and 97 completed the questionnaires at 4 months. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that failure to retain the pessary was significantly associated with increasing parity (odds ratio [OR] 1.52, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.14-2.02, P = .004) and hysterectomy (OR 4.57, 95% CI 1.71-12.25, P = .002). In the success group at 4 months (n = 97), a significant improvement in voiding was reported by 39 participants (40%, P = .001), in urinary urgency by 37 (38%, P = .001), in urge urinary incontinence by 28 (29%, P = .015), in bowel evacuation by 27 (28%, P = .045), in fecal urgency by 22 (23%, P = .018), and in urge fecal incontinence by 19 (20%, P = .027), but there was no significant improvement in stress urinary incontinence in 22 participants (23% P = .275). Of the 26 (27%) who were sexually active, 16 (17%, P = .001) reported an increase in frequency of sexual activity, and 11 (11%, P = .041) had improved in sexual satisfaction. CONCLUSION: A vaginal pessary is an effective and simple method of alleviating symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse and associated pelvic floor dysfunction. Failure to retain the pessary is associated with increasing parity and previous hysterectomy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II-3.     

Assessing the Impact of Vaginal Hysterectomy with Vaginal Mesh Attachment on Outcomes and Complications during Minimally Invasive Sacrocolpopexy

Study ObjectiveTo compare mesh complications and failure rates after 1 year in laparoscopic minimally invasive sacrocolpopexy (MISC) with ultralightweight mesh attached vaginally during total vaginal hysterectomy (TVH), laparoscopically if posthysterectomy (PH), or laparoscopically during supracervical hysterectomy.DesignSingle-center retrospective cohort study.SettingTertiary referral center.PatientsWomen with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse who elected for MISC.InterventionsLaparoscopic MISC with ultralightweight mesh attached vaginally during TVH, laparoscopically if PH, or laparoscopically during supracervical hysterectomy. Composite failure was defined as recurrent prolapse symptoms, prolapse past the hymen, or retreatment for prolapse.Measurements and Main ResultsBetween 2010 and 2017, 650 patients met the inclusion criteria with 278 PH, 82 supracervical hysterectomy, and 290 vaginal hysterectomy patients. Median follow-up was similar for all groups (382 days vs 379 vs 345; p = .31). The majority in all groups were white (66.6%), nonsmokers (74.8%), postmenopausal (82.5%), and did not use estrogen (70.3%). Mesh complications did not differ among groups (1.6% PH, 2.5% supracervical hysterectomy, 2.2% vaginal hysterectomy; p >.99). There was no difference in anatomic failure (5% PH, 1.2% supracervical hysterectomy, 2.1% vaginal hysterectomy; p = .07), reoperation for prolapse (1.4% vs 1.2% vs 0.7%; p = .57), or composite failure (9.0% vs 3.7% vs 4.8%; p = .07).ConclusionsTVH with vaginal mesh attachment of ultralightweight mesh had similar adverse events, mesh exposure rates, and failure rates to those of laparoscopic PH sacrocolpopexy or supracervical hysterectomy with laparoscopic mesh attachment.     

Cost of pelvic organ prolapse surgery in the United States

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the annual direct cost to society of pelvic organ prolapse operations in the United States. METHODS: We multiplied the number of pelvic organ prolapse operations identified in the 1997 National Hospital Discharge Survey by national average Medicare reimbursement for physician services and hospitalizations. Although this reimbursement does not estimate the actual cost, it is a proxy for cost, which estimates what society pays for the procedures. RESULTS: In 1997, direct costs of pelvic organ prolapse surgery were 1012 million dollars (95% confidence interval [CI] 775 dollars, 1251 million), including 494 dollars million (49%) for vaginal hysterectomy, 279 million dollars (28%) for cystocele and rectocele repair, and 135 million dollars (13%) for abdominal hysterectomy. Physician services accounted for 29% (298 million dollars) of total costs, and hospitalization accounted for 71% (714 million dollars). Twenty-one percent of pelvic organ prolapse operations included urinary incontinence procedures (218 million dollars). If all operations were reimbursed by non-Medicare sources, the annual estimated cost would increase by 52% to 1543 million dollars. CONCLUSION: The annual direct costs of operations for pelvic organ prolapse are substantial.     

Risk factors for prolapse recurrence after vaginal repair

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine factors that are associated with recurrent prolapse. STUDY DESIGN: Of 389 women who underwent vaginal prolapse and incontinence between June 1996 and May 1999, 176 women had 1-year follow-up evaluations. Recurrent prolapse was analyzed by both pelvic organ prolapse quantification stage and centimeter measurements that were relative to the hymen. Logistic regression was used to determine odds ratios and 95% CI for factors that were associated with recurrent prolapse. RESULTS: One year after surgery, 102 women (58%) had recurrent prolapse (>/=stage II). Seventeen women (10%) had prolapse >/=1 cm beyond the hymen. Age <60 years (odds ratio, 3.2; 95% CI, 1.6-6.4; P = .001) and preoperative pelvic organ prolapse quantification stage III or IV (odds ratio, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.3-5.3; P = .005) were associated with a greater likelihood of recurrent prolapse (>/=stage II) at 1 year. CONCLUSION: Younger women and women with more advanced prolapse are more likely to experience recurrent prolapse after vaginal repair.     

Feasibility and Outcomes of Opportunistic Bilateral Salpingectomy in Patients with Traditional Relative Contraindications to Vaginal Hysterectomy

Study ObjectiveTo compare the feasibility of opportunistic bilateral salpingectomy (OBS) at the time of vaginal hysterectomy (VH) for benign disease in patients with and without relative contraindications (RCs) to the vaginal approach and to evaluate the factors that contribute to the inability to perform OBS.DesignRetrospective chart review.SettingTertiary medical center.PatientsWomen undergoing hysterectomy for benign indications between November 2014 and October 2017 who were consented for either VH with or without removal of tube(s) and/or bilateral salpingectomy.InterventionsRCs to the vaginal approach are defined as lack of prolapse (cervix high, cervix not visualized, cervix tucked underneath pubis, or minimal descent), enlarged uterus (≥250 g or a size of a ≥12-week uterus), nulliparity, obesity (body mass index ≥30 kg/m²), previous cesarean section (CS), known adhesions, and known adnexal pathologic condition.Measurements and Main ResultsA total of 258 patients underwent VH and attempted to undergo OBS within the study period; of these, 112 patients (43.4%) had no RC, and 146 patients (56.6%) had ≥1 RCs. Overall, successful salpingectomy was performed in 86.8% of patients. There was no significant difference in the rate of success in patients without or with ≥1 RCs (84.9% vs 89%, p = .15). Salpingectomy was unsuccessful in 13.2% of patients (n = 34). In a multivariable logistic regression analysis, the odds of unsuccessful OBS were 3.83 times higher in patients without prolapse (confidence interval [CI], 0.99–14.76; p = .051), 2.71 times higher in patients with obesity (CI, 1.23–5.94; p = .013), and 3.07 times higher in patients with previous CS (CI, 1.17–8.08; p = .023) as compared to patients without any relative contraindications. An enlarged uterus was associated with successful salpingectomy (odds ratio, 0.28; 95% CI, 0.08–0.94; p = .039) compared with a normal-sized uterus. When excluding enlarged uterus, patients with 2 to 3 RCs had 11.24 and 6.8 higher odds of an unsuccessful OBS than patients with no (CI, 3.73–33.87; p <.001) and 1 RC (CI, 2.36–19.63; p <.001), respectively. There were no differences in postoperative stay or rates of readmission among patients with or without successful salpingectomy at the time of VH.ConclusionOBS is associated with a high overall rate of success in patients with and without traditional RCs to VH. Lack of prolapse, obesity, and previous CS were associated with failed attempt at salpingectomy. Patients with ≥2 RCs to VH should be counseled about the high likelihood of failed salpingectomy.     

Vesicoureteral Injury during Benign Hysterectomy: Minimally Invasive Laparoscopic Surgery versus Laparotomy

Study ObjectiveThe findings of previous studies have been inconsistent as to whether benign hysterectomy via minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery increases the risk of vesicoureteral injury when compared with laparotomy. The objectives of our study were to (1) examine the rate of vesicoureteral injury on benign hysterectomy by the surgical approach and (2) compare the risk of vesicoureteral injury specifically between minimally invasive laparoscopic and abdominal hysterectomy on a populational level.DesignRetrospective population-based observational study.SettingThe National Inpatient Sample.PatientsA total of 501 110 women who had undergone hysterectomy for benign gynecologic disease between January 2012 and September 2015 were included as follows: total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH, n = 284 365 [56.7%]), total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH, n = 60 410 [12.1%]), abdominal supracervical hysterectomy (Abd-SCH, n = 55 655 [11.1%]), laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH, n = 45 620 [9.1%]), total vaginal hysterectomy (TVH, n = 34 865 [7.0%]), and laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy (LSC-SCH, n = 20 195 [4.0%]).InterventionsA comprehensive risk assessment for vesicoureteral injury by hysterectomy mode was performed, adjusting for patient demographics and gynecologic disease types. Propensity score inverse probability of treatment weighing was used to compare (1) TLH versus TAH and (2) LSC-SCH versus Abd-SCH with generalized estimating equations. In a sensitivity analysis, gynecologic disease−specific injury risk and vaginal route−specific injury risk (LAVH vs TVH) were assessed.Measurements and Main ResultsVesicoureteral injury was reported in 1045 (0.21%) women overall. LAVH (0.28%) had the highest bladder injury rate, whereas LSC-SCH had the lowest (0.10%) (p <.001). TLH (0.13%) had the highest ureteral injury rate, whereas TAH had the lowest (0.04%) (p <.001). In propensity score inverse probability of treatment weighing models, compared with TAH, TLH was associated with an increased risk of ureteral injury (odds ratio [OR] 3.95, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.03−7.67, p <.001) but not bladder injury (OR 1.04, 95% CI 0.57−1.90, p = .897). Risk of ureteral injury was particularly high when TLH was performed for endometriosis (OR 6.15, 95% CI 1.18−31.9, p = .031) or for uterine myoma (OR 4.15, 95% CI 2.13−8.11, p <.001). In contrast, for supracervical or vaginal hysterectomy, minimally invasive laparoscopic approaches were not associated with an increased risk of vesicoureteral injury (LSC-SCH vs Abd-SCH: OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.19−1.98, p = .419; LAVH vs TVH: OR 1.21, 95% CI 0.63−2.33, p = .564).ConclusionThe risk of vesicoureteral injury on benign hysterectomy is low overall regardless of hysterotomy modalities but varies widely with the surgical approach. Compared with TAH, TLH may be associated with an increased risk of ureteral injury.     

A comparison of women with primary and recurrent pelvic prolapse

Objective: Our purpose was to identify clinically relevant differences in women with primary and recurrent pelvic organ prolapse. Study Design: Consecutive women undergoing reconstructive surgery completed a urogynecologic history and physical examination and underwent either multichannel urodynamic testing or pelvic floor fluoroscopy, or both. Two groups were compared: primary (no prior surgery for pelvic organ prolapse) and recurrent. Results: One hundred eighty-one consecutive women were studied—103 with primary and 78 with recurrent prolapse. The groups were similar with respect to age, race, weight, vaginal parity, prolapse stage, urodynamic diagnosis, extent of visceral malposition, and common urinary, anorectal, and sexual symptoms. Clinically relevant differences were found, with the recurrent group having shorter vaginal lengths (P = .0005), being more likely to have had a hysterectomy for a nonprolapse indication (P = .00018) and to be receiving hormone replacement therapy (P = .00003). Conclusion: The women with primary and recurrent pelvic organ prolapse in this population were remarkably similar in many quantifiable parameters measured. The clinical differences may be related to previous surgery for pelvic organ prolapse. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1999;180:1415-8.)     

Is Hysterectomy Necessary for Laparoscopic Pelvic Floor Repair? A Prospective Study

Study ObjectiveTo evaluate whether the addition of hysterectomy to laparoscopic pelvic floor repair has any impact on the short-term (perioperative) or long-term (prolapse outcome) effects of the surgery.DesignA controlled prospective trial (Canadian Task Force classification II–1).SettingPrivate and public hospitals affiliated with a single institution.PatientsA total of 64 patients with uterovaginal prolapse pelvic organ prolapse quantification system stage 2 to 4 had consent for laparoscopic pelvic floor repair from January 2005 through January 2006 (32 patients in each treatment arm). Patients self-selected to undergo hysterectomy in addition to their surgery.InterventionsPatients were divided into group A (laparoscopic pelvic floor repair with hysterectomy) or group B (laparoscopic pelvic floor repair alone). All patients had laparoscopic pelvic floor repair in at least 1 compartment, whereas 52 patients had global pelvic floor prolapse requiring multicompartment repair. Burch colposuspension and/or additional vaginal procedures were performed at the discretion of the surgeon in each case.Measurements and Main ResultsSymptoms of prolapse and pelvic organ prolapse quantification system assessments were collected preoperatively, perioperatively, and at 6 weeks, 12 months, and 24 months postoperatively. Validated mental and physical health questionnaires (Short-Form Health Survey) were also completed at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 months. No demographic differences occurred between the groups. Time of surgery was greater in group A (+35 minutes), as was estimated blood loss and inpatient stay, although the latter 2 results had no clinically significant impact. No difference between groups was detected in the rate of de novo postoperative symptoms. At 12 months, 4 (12.9%) patients in group A had recurrent prolapse as did 6 (21.4%) patients in group B. At 24 months these figures were 6 (22.2%) and 6 (21.4%), respectively. These differences were not statistically significant (p = .500 at 12 months and .746 at 24 months). In the group not having hysterectomy, 4 (14.3%) of 28 patients had cervical elongation or level-1 prolapse by the 12-month assessment.ConclusionThe addition of total laparoscopic hysterectomy to laparoscopic pelvic floor repair adds approximately 35 minutes to surgical time with no difference in the rate of perioperative or postoperative complications or prolapse outcome. Leaving the uterus in situ, however, is associated with a risk of cervical elongation potentially requiring further surgery. Laparoscopic pelvic floor repair is successful in 80% of patients at 2 years.     

Does pelvic organ prolapse reduction affect abdominal leak point pressures?

OBJECTIVE: To determine if pelvic organ prolapse reduction decreases cystometric leak point pressure. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective review was performed of women with pelvic organ prolapse points Aa, Ba or C > or = -1 cm that leaked with and without vaginal support (barrier testing) during multichannel urodynamic investigation (N=44). An analysis of the mean and difference between leak point pressure (LPP) (vesicle pressure) with and without prolapse reduction was used to determine significance. RESULTS: Among 460 possible study subjects, 15% (71/460) leaked only with and 4% (17/460) only without prolapse reduction. Among the 44 women who leaked both with and without prolapse reduction, prolapse reduction was associated with a mean decrease in LPP of 16.1 cm H2O (95% CI 7.4-24.7, p = 0.0005). CONCLUSION: Reduction of pelvic organ prolapse is associated with a mean decrease in LPP of 16.1 cm H2O.