Concomitant trocar-guided transvaginal mesh surgery with a midurethral sling in treating advanced pelvic organ prolapse associated with stress or occult stress urinary incontinence

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of concomitant trocar-guided transvaginal mesh (TVM) surgery with a midurethral sling (MUS) for treating women with advanced pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI) or occult SUI (OSUI).Materials and methodsEighty-nine women with advanced POP and SUI or OSUI were retrospectively enrolled. The Total Prolift and Tension-free Vaginal Tape-Obturator Systems were used for trocar-guided TVM surgery and MUS. Patients received regular follow-up at 1 week, and 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively, and then annually thereafter. The endpoints were the success rate for POP, and perioperative and postoperative complications. Functional outcomes were the presence of voiding difficulty, persistent or de novo overactive bladder symptoms, postoperative SUI, and paresthesia.ResultsThe median follow-up period was 35 months (range, 12–50 months). Within the follow-up period, 84 patients (94.4%) were objectively cured, five patients (5.6%) had vaginal apical mesh exposure, 29 individuals (32.6%) had persistent or de novo overactive bladder symptoms, six individuals (22.5%) had de novo SUI (two were found by urodynamics), and nine individuals (10.1%) had voiding difficulties (two were found by urodynamics). In addition, the vaginal hysterectomy group had greater blood loss, longer operation times, and a higher mesh erosion rate compared to the uterine suspension group.ConclusionConcomitant trocar-guided TVM surgery and MUS with the use of total Prolift and Tension-free Vaginal Tape-Obturator offer good efficacy in treating women with advanced POP and SUI or OSUI. The vaginal hysterectomy group had more perioperative complications.     

经阴道网片置入手术的利与弊

随着社会老龄化的日益加重,盆腔器官脱垂(POP)成为中老年妇女的常见疾病.经阴道网片置入(TVM)手术作为一种微创的自然通道手术用于治疗POP,具有解剖复位、功能恢复及疗效持久的优势,近20年来被广泛应用.然而,因网片相关并发症问题其被美国食品药品监督管理局(FDA)警告2次.国际泌尿妇科协会/国际尿控学会(IUGA/...     

Regional Variation and Temporal Trends in Surgery for Pelvic Organ Prolapse in Canada, 2004-2014

ObjectivesWe sought to examine temporal trends in pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgery in Canada.MethodsIn this observational cross-sectional study, we used diagnostic and procedure codes from all hospitalizations and outpatient clinic visits in Canada (excluding Québec) from 2004 to 2014 to identify and analyze data on POP surgery.ResultsThere were 204 301 POP surgery visits from 2004 to 2014, and the rate of POP surgery declined from 19.3 to 16.0 per 10 000 women during this period. The rates of “native tissue reconstructive repair” and “hysterectomy without other procedure” declined from 15.0 to 12.8 per 10 000 women and 2.6 to 1.6 per 10 000 women, respectively. The rate of obliteration increased from 0.1 to 0.3 per 10 000 women (all P values for trend <0.01). Mesh procedures increased from 1.6 per 10 000 women in 2004 to 2.4 per 10 000 women in 2007 and 2008, and then declined to 1.3 per 10 000 women in 2014. Reconstructive mesh surgery using an abdominal open approach declined, while laparoscopic procedures increased over the period examined.ConclusionThe rates of POP surgery declined in Canada between 2004 and 2014. An increase was observed in obliteration procedures and in laparoscopic vaginal suspension and fixation with mesh.     

Differences in cervical cancer screening and follow-up for black and white women in the United States

ObjectiveTo study differences in screening adherence and follow-up after an abnormal Pap test in Non-Hispanic Black (Black) and Non-Hispanic White (White) women.MethodsAn observational cohort study using 2010 National Health Interview Survey cancer module to examine HPV knowledge, screening behavior, and follow-up to abnormal Pap test in Black and White women 18 years of age or older without a hysterectomy. We fit logistic regression models to examine associations between race and primary outcome variables including: HPV awareness, Pap test in the last three years, provider recommended Pap test, received Pap test results, had an abnormal Pap test, recommended follow-up, and adhered to the recommendation for follow-up.ResultsAnalyzing data for 7509 women, Black women had lower odds ratios [OR] for: 1) HPV awareness (71% vs 83%; OR = 0.42; 95% CI = 0.36–0.49); 2) reporting Pap screening was recommended (59% vs 64%; OR = 0.76; 95% CI = 0.66–0.88), and 3) acknowledging receipt of Pap results (92% vs 94%; OR = 0.64; 95% CI = 0.49–0.83). Group differences persisted after covariates adjustment. In adjusted models, Black women had higher odds of reporting recent Pap screening (84% vs 77%; OR = 1.7; 95% CI = 1.42–2.03), but reported lower odds of receiving a follow-up recommendation subsequent to abnormal test (78% vs 87%; OR = 0.54; 95% CI = 0.31–0.95).ConclusionBlack women reported higher cervical cancer screening adherence but lower rates of being informed of an abnormal Pap test and contacted for follow-up treatment. We recommend a multilevel approach to deliver culturally appropriate education and communication for patients, physicians, clinicians in training, and clinic level ancillary staff.     

The efficacy and complications of using transvaginal mesh to treat pelvic organ prolapse in Taiwan: A 10-year review

Transvaginal mesh (TVM) insertion for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is significantly associated with lower failure rates, although its use remains controversial due to the potential risk of mesh-related complications. In this review, we collected the published literature regarding the use of TVM to treat POP in an attempt to assess both the efficacy and complications related to TVM usage in Taiwan.We searched 25 English language articles using PubMed related to TVM in Taiwan from 2010 to 2019. The present article focuses on the efficacy and complications of TVM and analyzes the data.There were 25 studies on TVM selected for this review. Regarding their success rate, 21 out of the 22 studies (95.5%) had more than a 90% objective success rate. Twenty studies (90.9%) had less than 10% major complications of TVM. Twenty out of the 25 studies (80.0%) had 5% or less mesh exposure. For self-cut TVM and the later single-incision TVM, both the complication rates and exposure rates decreased. The rate of de novo dyspareunia ranged from 2.6% to 14.3%, and the incidence decreased yearly from 2011 to 2019.This review showed both the high treatment efficacy and low complication rate of TVM usage for the short-term treatment of POP in Taiwan. However, a longer-term study is needed to draw a conclusion regarding the safety of this treatment.     

Mesh Exposure After Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Pelvic Floor Surgery: A Prospective Cohort Study

Study Objective

To prospectively evaluate the mesh exposure rate after robot-assisted laparoscopic pelvic floor surgery for the treatment of female pelvic organ prolapse (POP) in a large cohort.

A comparative study of laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy and total vaginal mesh procedure using lightweight polypropylene meshes for prolapse repair

ObjectiveUse of vaginal meshes for treatment of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) remains controversial. A trend toward abdominal approaches and the development of new meshes has been noted. We compared the 1-year results of two different approaches using new lightweight meshes.Materials and methodsSixty-nine (95.8%) of 72 women with POP Stage ≥ 2, who underwent laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (LSC) (n = 39) or a total vaginal mesh (TVM) procedure (n = 30) using lightweight polypropylene meshes, were studied. Baseline and follow-up assessments included a pelvic examination and a composite condition-specific questionnaire. A detailed comparison of 1-year outcomes was made. Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical methods.ResultsCompared to the TVM group, the LSC group was characterized by a younger age (53.7 years vs. 64.1 years, p < 0.001) and a longer operating time (264 minutes vs. 177.6 minutes, p < 0.001). Objective anatomic success (POP Stage ≤ 1) rates were similar between groups after statistical adjustment, i.e., 84.6% (33/39) and 86.7% (26/30) after LSC and TVM (p = 0.94), respectively. However, the dominant recurrence sites were different with anterior (n = 6) most frequent after LSC and apical (n = 4) most frequent after TVM. Reoperations were needed for the four (13.3%) apical recurrences in the TVM group. No serious complications were noted. We found “cystocele as the dominant prolapse” (p = 0.016; odds ratio = 6.94) and “suspension of prolapsed (POP Stage ≥ 2) uterus” (p = 0.025; odds ratio = 7.00) significantly affected recurrence after LSC and TVM, respectively.ConclusionPOP repair by LSC or TVM using the new lightweight polypropylene meshes seems to be safe and has comparable outcomes, but limitations may vary.     

阴道植入网片与自体组织修补的临床效果比较

文章对近年来发表的经阴道植入网片（transvaginal mesh,TVM）与经阴道自体组织修补（vaginal native tissue repair,VNTR）治疗盆腔器官脱垂（pelvic organ prolapsed,POP）的文献结果进行了比较。结果显示：（1）两组围手术期及短期并发症以Clavien-Dindo外科并发症严重程度分级系统进行评价,提示网片短期严重并发症并不常见,TVM与VNTR一样安全。（2）两组在近中期主客观效果、复发率、网片重量及对性功能影响方面比较,除一项研究外,多数研究结果表明TVM组患者术后脱垂感知率、前壁脱垂复发率和再次手术率方面都要低于VNTR组,虽然网片独特并发症增加了再次手术率,但两组总体再次手术率无显著差异。轻质网片并发症少于重质网片。两组在性交痛发生率比较也无显著差异。（3）两组术后长期疗效比较,TVM组在阴道前壁和多腔室脱垂治疗方面主客观效果及满意度方面优于VNTR组,且减少了解剖学上的复发率。研究结果显示TVM是治疗POP的一种安全有效术式。适应证选择恰当和训练有素的医生可进一步降低TVM的并发症。     

阴道植入网片与自体组织修补的临床效果比较

文章对近年来发表的经阴道植入网片（transvaginal mesh,TVM）与经阴道自体组织修补（vaginal native tissue repair,VNTR）治疗盆腔器官脱垂（pelvic organ prolapsed,POP）的文献结果进行了比较。结果显示：（1）两组围手术期及短期并发症以Clavien-Dindo外科并发症严重程度分级系统进行评价,提示网片短期严重并发症并不常见,TVM与VNTR一样安全。（2）两组在近中期主客观效果、复发率、网片重量及对性功能影响方面比较,除一项研究外,多数研究结果表明TVM组患者术后脱垂感知率、前壁脱垂复发率和再次手术率方面都要低于VNTR组,虽然网片独特并发症增加了再次手术率,但两组总体再次手术率无显著差异。轻质网片并发症少于重质网片。两组在性交痛发生率比较也无显著差异。（3）两组术后长期疗效比较,TVM组在阴道前壁和多腔室脱垂治疗方面主客观效果及满意度方面优于VNTR组,且减少了解剖学上的复发率。研究结果显示TVM是治疗POP的一种安全有效术式。适应证选择恰当和训练有素的医生可进一步降低TVM的并发症。     

Faut-il conserver l’utérus lors de la cure de prolapsus ? Réflexions à partir des résultats anatomo-pathologiques

ObjectivesTo evaluate the rate of pre-cancerous and cancerous endometrial lesions in hysterectomy during vaginal reconstructive pelvic surgery.Patients and methodsIn this retrospective and continuous study, a vaginal procedure including reconstructive pelvic surgery with vaginal mesh, hysterectomy and adnexectomy was performed in 152 patients between April 2001 and January 2006. An ultrasonography evaluation was done before surgery. A histopathological analysis of uterus, ovaries and tubes was also performed.ResultsIn the analysis of 136 cases, precancerous and cancerous lesions have been diagnosed while ultrasonography or cervical smear were normal: 2 (1.4%) endocervical dysplasia, 1 (0.7%) cervical epidermoid carcinoma, 10 (7.35%) endometrial complex non-atypical hyperplasia, 7 (5.1%) endometrial atypical hyperplasia and 2 (1.4%) endometrioid endometrial carcinoma. There was not any cancerous lesions in tubes or ovaries. At 10 months, mesh exposure was low at 2.9% (four cases).Discussion and conclusionThe important rate of cancerous and precancerous lesions raise the question of hysterectomy or hysteroscopy and endometrial biopsy in case of uterine preservation during a vaginal reconstructive pelvic surgery.     

Changes in Female Sexual Function following Anterior with and without Posterior Vaginal Mesh Surgery for the Treatment of Pelvic Organ Prolapse

IntroductionComparison of female sexual function following anterior and total transvaginal mesh (TVM) surgery has never been reported.AimTo compare the sexual function after anterior and total TVM repair for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse (POP).Main Outcome MeasuresThe short forms of Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI‐6) and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ‐7), and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI).MethodsOne hundred and sixty‐five women with symptomatic POP stages II to IV defined by the POP quantification (POP‐Q) staging system underwent TVM procedures at our hospitals. Seventy women were included because they were sexually active and had complete follow‐up. All subjects were divided into the anterior group (anterior TVM; N = 39) and total group (anterior and posterior TVM; N = 31). Preoperative and postoperative assessments included pelvic examination using the POP‐Q system, urodynamic study, and a personal interview to evaluate urinary and sexual symptoms with the short forms of UDI‐6 and IIQ‐7, and the FSFI.ResultsThere was no difference between the two groups as for age, parity, diabetes, hypertension, concomitant procedures, and success rates for TVM and mid‐urethral sling in this study (P > 0.05). Regarding the POP‐Q analysis, there was a significant improvement at points Aa, Ba, C, Ap, and Bp (P < 0.05) in both groups except for total vaginal length (P > 0.05). The preoperative scores of UDI‐6 and IIQ‐7 were significantly higher in the total group (P < 0.01), and the UDI‐6 and IIQ‐7 scores showed significant decreases in both groups postoperatively (P < 0.01). After TVM surgery, the score of the dyspareunia domain worsened significantly in both groups (P < 0.05), and the deteriorated lubrication domain was noted only in the total group (P = 0.042).ConclusionsTVM procedure creates an effective anatomical restoration of POP, but individual domains of FSFI may worsen. Compared with the anterior group, women of the total group had worse quality of life in term of urinary symptoms preoperatively, and experienced a greater sexual impairment on lubrication following surgery. Long C‐Y, Juan Y‐S, Wu M‐P, Liu C‐M, Chiang P‐H, and Tsai E‐M. Changes in female sexual function following anterior with and without posterior vaginal mesh surgery for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse. J Sex Med 2012;9:2167–2174.     

Risk factors of surgical failure following transvaginal mesh repair for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse

Objective

To identify the factors associated with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) recurrence after transvaginal mesh (TVM) repair.

Study design

One hundred and thirteen women with symptomatic POP stage II to IV were scheduled for TVM procedures. All subjects underwent urinalyses and pelvic examination using the POP quantification (POP-Q) staging system before and after surgery.

Results

Seven (6.2%) of 113 women reported POP recurrence after a mean follow-up time of 30 months. We performed a univariate analysis of patients’ characteristics to identify the predictors of surgical failure after TVM. There was no difference between two groups as to body mass index, POP stage, mesh type, and preoperative urinary symptoms and urodynamic parameters (P > 0.05). However, we found that uterine prolapse (P = 0.016) and surgical experience (P = 0.043) were two significant predictors of surgical failure. Multivariate logistic regression showed similar results.

Conclusion

Advanced uterine prolapse and lack of surgical experience were two significant predictors of failure following TVM. POP recurrence after mesh repair appears to be unlikely beyond the learning curve.     

Prevalence and Predictors of Low Sexual Desire,Sexually Related Personal Distress,and Hypoactive Sexual Desire Dysfunction in a Community-Based Sample of Midlife Women

BackgroundLow desire is the most common sexual problem in women at midlife. Prevalence data are limited by lack of validated instruments or exclusion of un-partnered or sexually inactive women.AimTo document the prevalence of and factors associated with low desire, sexually related personal distress, and hypoactive sexual desire dysfunction (HSDD) using validated instruments.MethodsCross-sectional, nationally representative, community-based sample of 2,020 Australian women 40 to 65 years old.OutcomesLow desire was defined as a score no higher than 5.0 on the desire domain of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI); sexually related personal distress was defined as a score of at least 11.0 on the Female Sexual Distress Scale–Revised; and HSDD was defined as a combination of these scores. The Menopause Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire was used to document menopausal vasomotor symptoms. The Beck Depression Inventory–II was used to identify moderate to severe depressive symptoms (score ≥ 20).ResultsThe prevalence of low desire was 69.3% (95% CI = 67.3–71.3), that of sexually related personal distress was 40.5% (95% CI = 38.4–42.6), and that of HSDD was 32.2% (95% CI = 30.1–34.2). Of women who were not partnered or sexually active, 32.4% (95% CI = 24.4–40.2) reported sexually related personal distress. Factors associated with HSDD in an adjusted logistic regression model included being partnered (odds ratio [OR] = 3.30, 95% CI = 2.46–4.41), consuming alcohol (OR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.16–1.89), vaginal dryness (OR = 2.08, 95% CI = 1.66–2.61), pain during or after intercourse (OR = 1.63, 95% CI = 1.27–2.09), moderate to severe depressive symptoms (OR = 2.69, 95% CI 1.99–3.64), and use of psychotropic medication (OR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.10–1.83). Vasomotor symptoms were not associated with low desire, sexually related personal distress, or HSDD.Clinical ImplicationsGiven the high prevalence, clinicians should screen midlife women for HSDD.Strengths and LimitationsStrengths include the large size and representative nature of the sample and the use of validated tools. Limitations include the requirement to complete a written questionnaire in English. Questions within the FSFI limit the applicability of FSFI total scores, but not desire domain scores, in recently sexually inactive women, women without a partner, and women who do not engage in penetrative intercourse.ConclusionsLow desire, sexually related personal distress, and HSDD are common in women at midlife, including women who are un-partnered or sexually inactive. Some factors associated with HSDD, such as psychotropic medication use and vaginal dryness, are modifiable or can be treated with safe and effective therapies.Worsley R, Bell RJ, Gartoulla P, Davis SR. Prevalence and Predictors of Low Sexual Desire, Sexually Related Personal Distress, and Hypoactive Sexual Desire Dysfunction in a Community-Based Sample of Midlife Women. J Sex Med 2017;14:675–686.     

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.     

Comparison of the changes in sexual function of premenopausal and postmenopausal women following transvaginal mesh surgery

IntroductionThe effect of transvaginal mesh (TVM) surgery on sexual function between premenopausal and postmenopausal women remains controversial.AimTo compare the changes in sexual function of premenopausal and postmenopausal women following TVM repair.MethodsOne hundred and fifty‐two consecutive women with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse (POP) stages II to IV were referred for TVM procedures at our hospitals. Sixty‐eight women were included because they were sexually active and had complete follow‐up. All subjects were divided into the premenopausal (N = 36) and postmenopausal (N = 32) groups. Preoperative and postoperative assessments included pelvic examination using the POP quantification (POP‐Q) system and a personal interview with the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI‐6), and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ‐7).Main Outcome MeasuresThe FSFI, UDI‐6, and IIQ‐7 questionnaires.ResultsThe mean age, rates of hypertension, and previous hysterectomy were significantly higher in the postmenopausal group (P < 0.05) compared with the premenopausal group. As for the POP‐Q analysis, there was a significant improvement at points Aa, Ba, C, Ap, and Bp (P < 0.001) in both groups except for total vaginal length (P > 0.05). Similarly, the UDI‐6 and IIQ‐7 scores significantly decreased postoperatively (P < 0.01). After POP surgery, the score of the dyspareunia domain decreased significantly in the premenopausal group (P < 0.01) but was not the case for the postmenopausal group (P > 0.05). There were no significant changes in other domains and total scores in both groups (P > 0.05). However, higher rates of worsening dyspareunia and total scores were noted in the premenopausal group (P = 0.03 vs. 0.033).ConclusionTVM procedure is effective for the anatomical restoration of POP. However, individual domain of FSFI such as dyspareunia may worsen in the premenopausal women. Additionally, our results revealed that over one third of premenopausal women could have a worsening sexuality domain postoperatively, with significantly higher rate of deteriorated dyspareunia and total FSFI scores than postmenopausal women. Long C‐Y, Hsu C‐S, Wu M‐P, Lo T‐S, Liu C‐M, and Tsai E‐M. Comparison of the changes in sexual function of premenopausal and postmenopausal women following transvaginal mesh surgery. J Sex Med 2011;8:2009–2016.     

Perceived Sexual Difficulties and Sexual Counseling in Men and Women Across Heart Diagnoses: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study

BackgroundIschemic heart disease and heart failure often lead to sexual difficulties in men, but little is known about the sexual difficulties in women and patients with other heart diagnoses or the level of information patients receive about the risk of sexual difficulties.AimTo investigate perceived sexual difficulties and associated factors in a mixed population of men and women newly diagnosed with heart disease and provide insight into sexual counseling and information given by health care professionals.MethodsThis article reports on a cross-sectional, questionnaire study sent to a randomly selected sample of men and women newly diagnosed with heart failure, ischemic heart disease, atrial fibrillation, or heart valve surgery. Eligible patients were identified by diagnosis using the Danish National Patient Register, which contains all diagnoses.OutcomesSexual difficulties were self-reported using single-item questions, and factors associated with sexual difficulties were collected from the survey and national registers.ResultsThe study population consisted of 1,549 men and 807 women (35–98 years old) with heart failure (n = 243), ischemic heart disease (n = 1,036), heart valve surgery (n = 375), and atrial fibrillation (n = 702). Sexual difficulties were reported by 55% of men and 29% of women. In a multiple regression analysis, difficulties in men were associated with being older (≥75 years old; odds ratio [OR] = 1.97, 95% CI = 1.13–3.43), having heart failure (OR = 2.07, 95% CI = 1.16–3.71), diabetes (OR = 1.80, 95% CI = 1.15–2.82), hypertension (OR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.06–1.93), receiving β-blockers (OR = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.02–1.86), or having anxiety (OR = 2.25, 95% CI = 1.34–3.80) or depression (OR = 2.74, 95% CI = 1.38–5.43). In women, difficulties were significantly associated with anxiety (OR = 3.00, 95% CI = 1.51–5.95). A total of 48.6% of men and 58.8% of women did not feel informed about sexuality, and 18.1% of men and 10.3% of women were offered sexual counseling.Clinical ImplicationsHeart disease increases the risk of sexual difficulties and there is a need for improved information and counseling about sex and relationships for patients.Strengths and LimitationsThis large nationwide survey of men and women combined a survey with administrative data from national registries. However, this study used non-validated single-item questions to assess sexual difficulties without addressing sexual distress.ConclusionMore than half the men and one fourth the women across common heart diagnoses had sexual difficulties. No difference was found among diagnoses, except heart failure in men. Despite guidelines recommending sexual counseling, sexual difficulties were not met by sufficient information and counseling.Rundblad L, Zwisler AD, Johansen PP, et al. Perceived Sexual Difficulties and Sexual Counseling in Men and Women Across Heart Diagnoses: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study. J Sex Med 2017;14:785–796.     

Risk of mesh extrusion and other mesh-related complications after laparoscopic sacral colpopexy with or without concurrent laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy: experience of 402 patients

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To estimate the incidence of mesh-related complications including mesh erosion/extrusion rates in patients undergoing laparoscopic sacral colpopexy, with or without concurrent hysterectomy, using macroporous soft polypropylene mesh. DESIGN: Historical cohort study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING: Private urogynecology clinic. PATIENTS: A total of 446 consecutive patients with uterovaginal or vaginal vault prolapse underwent laparoscopic sacral colpopexy with use of macroporous soft polypropylene mesh from January 2003 through January 2007. In all, 402 consecutive patients met enrollment criteria. Two groups of patients were identified: (1) those receiving concurrent hysterectomy (n = 130); and (2) those with a history of hysterectomy (n = 272). INTERVENTIONS: Patients were treated with laparoscopic sacral colpopexy with use of macroporous soft polypropylene mesh in conjunction with other laparoscopic and/or vaginal procedures. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Data were collected in the form of chart reviews and patient questionnaires. Comparisons were made between groups 1 and 2. Patient demographics, history, mesh erosion/extrusion rates, and mesh-related complications were analyzed. Length of follow-up was 1 to 54 months with a median follow-up time of 12 months. No statistically significant differences existed between 2 groups in rates of mesh erosion/extrusion or other mesh-related complications. Overall vaginal mesh erosion/extrusion rate was 1.2% (95% CI 0.5%-2.7%) with an associated mesh revision rate of 1.2% (95% CI 0.5%-2.7%). Patients with concurrent hysterectomy had an erosion/extrusion rate of 2.3% (3/130) as compared with 0.7% (2/272) in patients with a history of hysterectomy, p = .18. No cases of mesh erosion through organs and tissues other than vaginal mucosa were observed. Cuff abscess occurred in 1 patient with concurrent hysterectomy, with an overall infection rate of 0.3% (95% CI 0.01%-1.2%). One more patient developed an inflammatory reaction to the mesh. Excision of exposed mesh was performed in all 5 patients with mesh extrusion. Vaginal approach to excision was uniformly used. Laparoscopic removal of the entire mesh took place in 4 patients with persistent pelvic pain, in 1 patient with cuff abscess, and in one patient with a questionable mesh reaction. An estimated 975 to 17 000 patients were required in each group to achieve power to detect a statistically significant difference in rate of mesh-related complications in this study. CONCLUSION: Risk of mesh extrusion or other mesh-related complications after laparoscopic sacral colpopexy using soft macroporous Y-shaped polypropylene mesh is about 1% in our study. No significant increase in risk of mesh-related complications was observed in patients receiving concurrent hysterectomy when compared with patients who had a previous hysterectomy. The sample size of almost 2000 patients was needed to detect a statistically significant difference in rate of mesh-extrusion in this study.     

The association between placental histopathology and autism spectrum disorder

IntroductionResearch suggests that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has its origins in utero. This study examines the association between evidence of placental histopathology and ASD.MethodsAdministrative claims data and medical records data were used to identify ASD cases (N = 55) and matched controls (N = 199) born at New York Methodist Hospital between 2007 and 2014 and subsequently seen in affiliated pediatrics clinics. Placentas from all births during this time period were reviewed as part of routine care. Data were analyzed using conditional logistic regression to account for the matched (gender, gestational age, and birth weight) design.ResultsAcute placental inflammation, regardless of type was associated with an increased risk of ASD (odds ratio [OR] = 3.14, 95% CI = 1.39, 6.95). Chronic uteroplacental vasculitis (OR = 7.13; 95% CI = 1.17, 43.38), the fetal inflammatory response in the chorionic plate vessels (OR = 5.12; 95% CI = 2.02, 12.96), and maternal vascular malperfusion pathology (OR = 12.29; 95% CI = 1.37, 110.69) were associated with an increased risk of ASD. Placental villous edema was associated with a decreased risk of ASD (OR = 0.05; 95% CI = 0.0005, 0.42). In subanalyses among male placentas acute inflammation overall, fetal inflammatory response in the chorionic plate vessels, and maternal vascular malperfusion pathology remained significantly associated with an increased risk of ASD whereas placental villous edema remained associated with a decreased risk of ASD.DiscussionHistologic evidence of placental inflammation and maternal vascular malperfusion pathology are associated with ASD.     

Outcome and efficacy of a transobturator polypropylene mesh kit in the treatment of anterior pelvic organ prolapse

ObjectiveTo report the efficacy and complications of anterior pelvic organ prolapse (POP) repair with mesh placed through the transobturator route (Perigee system; AMS, Minnetonka, MN, USA).MethodsIn total, 198 women with anterior POP grade II or higher according to the POP Quantification (POP-Q) system were treated with the Perigee procedure. The primary outcome was defined as anterior POP grade I or lower at 12 months’ follow-up. The secondary outcomes included the incidences of perioperative, mesh-related, short-term, and long-term postoperative complications.ResultsThe cure rate was 92.9% overall and 90.6% among women who had previously undergone a hysterectomy or a traditional anterior colporrhaphy. The mean POP-Q Aa and Ba values were significantly improved after the procedure (Aa 2.2 cm [0.0 to 3.0 cm] versus ? 2.1 cm [? 3.0 to ? 1.2 cm]; Ba ? 2.5 cm [? 1.0 to 4.2 cm] versus ? 2.2 cm [? 5.5 to ? 1.0 cm]; P < 0.001). Vaginal or bladder erosions were observed in 3 patients. Other short- and long-term complications were infrequent and not statistically significant.ConclusionThe Perigee procedure is effective in the treatment of anterior POP and does not have serious complications even among women with previous hysterectomy or traditional anterior colporrhaphy.