Urinary retention is uncommon after colpocleisis with concomitant mid-urethral sling

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of colpocleisis and concomitant mid-urethral sling on voiding function. This is an IRB-approved, retrospective case series of women who underwent a colpocleisis with concomitant synthetic mid-urethral sling for treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) between January 2005 and September 2007. Thirty-eight women with pelvic organ prolapse and SUI symptoms were included. Thirty percent had a post-void residual (PVR) greater than 100 ml preoperatively. PVRs were normal in all but two women after surgery. Median prolapse and urinary subscales of the pelvic floor distress inventory improved significantly after surgery [75 (50–100) vs. 0 (0–38), p < 0.0001 and 44 (8–100) vs. 0 (0–50), p < .0001, respectively]. Colpocleisis with concomitant mid-urethral sling improves urinary symptoms without causing significant urinary retention. This combination may be offered to elderly women with SUI who are undergoing colpocleisis regardless of preoperative PVR.     

Transobturator adjustable tape for severe stress urinary incontinence and stress urinary incontinence with voiding dysfunction

Introduction and hypothesis  

This prospective multicenter study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of an adjustable mid-urethral sling (MUS) using transobturator adjustable tape (TOA) in women with severe stress urinary incontinence or combined stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and voiding dysfunction (VD).     

Clinical and urodynamic outcomes of pubovaginal sling procedure with autologous rectus fascia for stress urinary incontinence

AIM: We report the clinical and urodynamic outcomes of the pubovaginal sling procedure with autologous rectus fascia for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and determined the urodynamic parameters that could predict the occurrence of postoperative voiding difficulty. METHODS: Between 1998 and 2005, a total of 29 consecutive women with SUI underwent pubovaginal sling surgery with autologous rectus fascia. Patients were preoperatively and postoperatively evaluated with regard to symptoms and urodynamic findings including uroflowmetry (UFM), postvoid residual urine volume (PVR), filling cystometry (CMG) and pressure flow study (PFS). RESULTS: Overall SUI was cured in 23 patients (80%) and improved in 3 patients (10%). Three patients (10%) who developed persistent urinary retention or severe voiding difficulty after surgery underwent urethrolysis. Of 17 patients who had urgency before the pubovaginal sling, urgency was cured postoperatively in seven, while de novo urgency appeared in one patient. Maximum flow rate (Qmax) in UFM was significantly decreased (P < 0.05) and PVR was increased (P = 0.08) after surgery. PFS showed a significant increase in detrusor opening pressure and detrusor pressure at Qmax (P < 0.01) after surgery. Eight patients (28%) needed prolonged intermittent self-catheterization. Patients who had PVR >100 mL (P < 0.05) or Qmax < or = 20 mL/s (P = 0.09) in preoperative UFM were more likely to require prolonged intermittent catheterization after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The pubovaginal sling procedure with autologous rectus fascia is an effective treatment for SUI. A comparison of preoperative and postoperative urodynamic parameters indicates an increase in urethral resistance after pubovaginal sling surgery. PVR >100 mL and Qmax < or = 20 mL/s before surgery are risk factors for postoperative voiding difficulty.     

Does Body Mass Index Impact Passing Voiding Trial After Midurethral Sling Procedures for Stress Urinary Incontinence?

OBJECTIVE:: To test the hypothesis that body mass index (BMI) is a factor associated with passing a voiding trial after midurethral sling procedures for stress urinary incontinence (SUI). STUDY DESIGN:: The medical records of 136 consecutive patients who underwent placement of either tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) or transobturator tape (TOT) for SUI during a 1-year period (September 1, 2007 to August 31, 2008) were retrospectively reviewed. Variables assessed were BMI, age, and passing or failing a postoperative urinary voiding trial. Patients with concomitant pelvic organ prolapse surgeries were not included in this analysis. RESULTS:: Sixty-seven patients underwent TVT, whereas 69 had TOT procedures. In the TVT group, 30 patients (42%) were unable to void immediately postoperatively compared with 11 patients (16%) in the TOT group (P = 0.0003). The mean (SD) age and BMI of patients who failed or passed voiding trials was 58.6 (12.0) years and 28.0 (4.9) kg/m or 53.5 (12.3) years and 29.8 (5.7) kg/m, respectively. Of 38 patients who did not pass a voiding trial on the day of the procedure, 31 (82%) passed on postoperative day 1, and all patients had passed a voiding trial by postoperative day 11. The mean (SD) BMI for 7 patients who did not pass voiding trial by postoperative day 1 was 28.3 (5.2) kg/m. CONCLUSIONS:: Women with higher BMIs were more likely to pass voiding trials after midurethral sling procedures. Patients who had TOT placement had greater success passing a postprocedure voiding trial than did patients who had TVT placement.     

Porcine small intestinal submucosa as a percutaneous mid-urethral sling: 2-year results

OBJECTIVE: To report the 2-year follow-up results on patients treated with a novel minimally invasive outpatient procedure for placing a mid-urethral sling, using porcine small intestinal submucosa (SIS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-four women with urodynamic evidence of stress urinary incontinence (SUI, 19) or of SUI with a positive cough test (15) were treated. A curved ligature carrier was used to create a tract between bilateral suprapubic stab incisions and a 2-cm mid-urethral vaginal incision. A suture secured to each end of the SIS sling was placed through the eyelet of the ligature carrier. Extraction was used to position the sling at the mid-urethra, providing a backboard of support that was remodelled with ingrowth of the patient's autologous tissue. RESULTS: SUI was reportedly cured in 27 of the 34 women (79%) at the 2-year follow-up; three (9%) of those with no complete resolution were pleased with their results, because the improvement allowed them to wear an average one or fewer pads per day. One patient developed de novo urge incontinence. Three patients (9%) developed suprapubic inflammation at 10, 21 and 45 days after surgery; all resolved, but one had a recurrence of SUI. No prolonged retention, erosion or other complications were noted. CONCLUSIONS: Early results with the percutaneous mid-urethral placement of SIS are promising and potentially comparable with those after using synthetic minimally invasive slings.     

子宫内膜异位症不孕患者不同体重指数对IVF-ET妊娠结局的影响

目的分析子宫内膜异位症(EMS)不孕患者不同体重指数(BMI)对IVF/ICSI-ET妊娠结局的影响。方法回顾性分析2013年7月至2018年5月于武汉大学人民医院生殖中心行IVF/ICSI-ET助孕的427例EMS患者的临床资料,按照不同BMI(亚洲标准)分为4组:偏瘦组(60例,BMI<18.5 kg/m2)、正常体重组(289例,18.5 kg/m2≤BMI<24 kg/m2)、超重组(66例,24 kg/m2≤BMI<28 kg/m2)及肥胖组(12例,BMI≥28 kg/m2),比较各组患者的妊娠结局。并按照EMS分期分为Ⅰ~Ⅱ期亚组和Ⅲ~Ⅳ期亚组,比较不同BMI组中各亚组的妊娠结局。结果各组患者一般资料比较显示,偏瘦组的Ⅲ~Ⅳ期EMS比例最高,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01)。超重组的基础FSH、LH水平显著低于偏瘦组、正常体重组(P<0.05)。肥胖组的Gn用量显著高于其他3组(P<0.05)。正常体重组的获卵数显著高于偏瘦组和肥胖组(P均<0.05);肥胖组的2PN率显著高于其它3组(P均<0.05);肥胖组的卵裂率显著低于正常体重组、超重组(P均<0.05)。各组受精率、优胚率、鲜胚移植周期率等指标比较均无显著性差异(P均>0.05)。正常体重组中Ⅰ~Ⅱ期亚组的继续妊娠率、活产率显著高于偏瘦组和超重组中的Ⅰ~Ⅱ期亚组(P均<0.05)。偏瘦组中Ⅲ~Ⅳ期亚组的临床妊娠率显著低于超重组中的Ⅲ~Ⅳ期亚组(P<0.05),继续妊娠率、活产率比较则无显著性差异(P>0.05)。结论正常BMI的Ⅰ~Ⅱ期EMS患者IVF/ICSI-ET妊娠结局中继续妊娠率和活产率显著高于偏瘦、超重和肥胖组,正常BMI可能有助于改善Ⅰ~Ⅱ期EMS患者的助孕结局。     

四种中段尿道吊带术治疗女性压力性尿失禁的比较

目的比较4种中段尿道吊带术治疗女性压力性尿失禁（stress urinary incontinence,SUI）的疗效。方法回顾分析80例行中段尿道吊带术的女性SUI患者的临床资料,其中改良Stamey法14例、In-fast法12例、TVT法42例及TVT-O法12例。结果组间比较,手术时间有显著性差异（P〈0.05）,其中TVT-O组时间最短,为（18.8±4.3）min,改良Stamey组时间最长,达（52.1±5.4）min。80例患者随访3~100个月,70例（87.5%）治愈,尿失禁症状完全消失;7例（8.75%）改善;3例（3.75%）失败。改良Stamey组、In-fast组、TVT组及TVT-O组治愈率分别为78.6%、75.0%、92.9%及91.7%,无统计学差异（P〉0.05）。改良Stamey组2例患者术后出现排尿困难,经多次下压式尿道扩张无效而剪断悬吊线;In-fast吊带组1例患者因阴道吊带外露而拆除,TVT组及TVT-O组术后各有1例患者出现排尿困难,经下压式尿道扩张后解除梗阻。结论4种尿道吊带术疗效相似,均为治疗女性压力性尿失禁安全、有效的方法;其中TVT-O因操作简单手术时间最短。     

The effects of obesity on orthopaedic foot and ankle pathology

BACKGROUND: It is believed that obese individuals may have an increased number of foot and ankle problems. The World Health Organization recommends a standard classification of adult overweight and obesity using the following body mass index (BMI) calculations: a BMI of 25.0 to 29.9 kg per m(2) is defined as overweight; a BMI of 30.0 kg per m(2) or more is defined as obesity. The purpose of this paper was to report a survey of 1411 patients in an orthopaedic foot and ankle practice and compare the incidence of orthopaedic foot and ankle complaints with the BMI. METHOD: One thousand four hundred and eleven adults, including 887(62.4%) women and 535(37.6%) men, were evaluated in this study. The BMI was calculated for each subject using the standards of the World Health Organization. The subjects were divided into two groups: normal and overweight. The normal weight subjects had a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 (n = 684; 48.1%) and the overweight or obese group had a BMI greater than or equal to 25 (n = 738; 51.9%). RESULTS: In this study, being overweight or obese significantly increased the chances of having tendinitis in general. If the subjects were overweight or obese, there was an increased likelihood, although not significant, of plantar fasciitis and osteoarthritis. If the individuals were of normal weight, there was an increased likelihood of hallux valgus. CONCLUSIONS: Tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, and osteoarthritis usually are secondary to overuse and increased stress on the soft tissues and joints, which may be directly related to increased weight on these structures.     

Childhood body mass index and perioperative complications

BACKGROUND: Our aim was to describe the incidence of quality assurance events between overweight/obese and normal weight children. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of the quality assurance database of the Mott Children's Hospital, University of Michigan for the period January 2000 to December 2004. Using directly measured height and weight, we computed the body mass index (BMI) in 6094 children. Overweight and obesity were defined using age and gender-specific cut off according to the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS)/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (2000) growth charts. Frequency of quality assurance events were compared between normal weight, overweight, and obese children. RESULTS: There were 3359 males (55.1%) and 2735 females (44.9%). The mean age for the entire population was 11.9 +/- 5.2 while the mean BMI was 21.6 +/- 6.7 kg x m(-2). The overall prevalence of overweight and obesity was 31.6%. Obesity was more prevalent in boys than girls (P = 0.016). Preoperative diagnoses of hypertension, type II diabetes, and bronchial asthma were more common in overweight and obese than normal weight children (P = 0.0001 for hypertension, P = 0.001 for diabetes and P = 0.014 for bronchial asthma). Difficult airway, upper airway obstruction in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) and PACU stay longer than 3 h and need for two or more antiemetics were more common in overweight and obese than normal weight children (P = 0.001). There was no significant difference in the incidence of unplanned hospital admission following an outpatient surgical procedure between normal weight and overweight/obese children. DISCUSSION: Studies on perioperative aspects of childhood overweight and obesity are rare. Our report shows a high prevalence of overweight and obesity in this cohort of pediatric surgical patients. Certain perioperative morbidities are more common in overweight and obese than in normal weight children. There is a need for prospective studies of the impact of childhood overweight and obesity on anesthesia and surgical outcome.     

The distribution of different surgical types for female stress urinary incontinence among patients’ age,surgeons’ specialties and hospital accreditations in Taiwan: a descriptive 10-year nationwide study

This study aims to identify the changing trends of different surgical types for female stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and the distribution amongst various providers’ characteristics. A total of 17,532 women who had undergone surgery for SUI during 1996–2005 were identified from the National Health Insurance Research Database for analysis. Retropubic urethropexy (RPU) was the most common surgical type (43%), followed by tension-free mid-urethral sling (MUS; 24%), and traditional pubovaginal sling (15%). MUS had an annual growth rate of 20.5%, whilst traditional pubovaginal sling was reduced by 11.3% annually after 2002. RPU was the most common procedure by both gynecologists and urologists. Gynecologists performed more Kelly plications, whereas urologists performed more traditional pubovaginal sling. MUS was more commonly performed in medical centers than in regional and local hospitals. There has been a notable growth and changing trend in various surgical types for female SUI in Taiwan.     

Effect of detrusor function on the therapeutic outcome of a suburethral sling procedure using a polypropylene sling for stress urinary incontinence in women

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of detrusor function on the therapeutic outcome of a suburethral sling procedure in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 192 women with SUI who had undergone a suburethral sling procedure were enrolled. According to the baseline urodynamic results, patients' bladder functions were classified as follows: (i) normal detrusor function; (ii) detrusor overactivity; and (iii) detrusor underactivity or acontractile detrusor. Surgical results, urodynamic parameters and patient satisfaction were compared among these three groups. RESULTS: Overall, 106 patients had normal detrusor function, 36 had detrusor overactivity and 50 had detrusor underactivity or an acontractile detrusor. A continent outcome was achieved in 135 women (70.3%), urge incontinence in 23 (12%), minimal SUI in 32 (16.7%) and moderate SUI in two (1%). Persistent urge incontinence was noted in 13 women (36%) with detrusor overactivity, and recurrent SUI occurred in 18 women (36%) with detrusor underactivity or an acontractile detrusor. No significant change in urodynamic parameters between baseline and after treatment was found in any of the patient groups. The satisfaction rate was 98.1% in patients with normal detrusor function, 82% in patients with detrusor underactivity or an acontractile detrusor and 75% in patients with detrusor overactivity (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Compared to women with normal detrusor function, those with preoperative detrusor overactivity and those with detrusor underactivity or an acontractile detrusor experienced an unfavorable therapeutic outcome of the suburethral sling procedure in terms of urge incontinence and recurrent SUI after surgery.     

Experience with a bone anchor sling for treating female stress urinary incontinence: outcome at 30 months

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical and video-urodynamic outcome in women with by stress urinary incontinence (SUI) treated with a bone-anchored pubovaginal sling. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 70 women with SUI (as evaluated by a clinical examination, a voiding questionnaire, a short pad-test and video-urodynamics) who had a bone-anchor sling procedure, with or without cystocele repair, from January 1999 to December 2001; they were re-evaluated after a long-term follow-up (mean 30 months). RESULTS: The long-term outcome showed a success rate of > 95%; the clinical and video-urodynamic findings showed good functional and anatomical results, and an improvement in voiding performance in most patients. There was a low incidence of complications during and after surgery (2.8%). CONCLUSIONS: This approach gives, in highly selected patients, a high success rate and low incidence of complications. The technique is easy to learn and the costs to the financing bodies and public healthcare are low, making it a candidate for an alternative procedure to the standard techniques for SUI.     

The surgical results of the pubovaginal sling procedure using polypropylene mesh for stress urinary incontinence

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the surgical results after a pubovaginal sling procedure using polypropylene mesh in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty-four women with different types of SUI underwent a pubovaginal sling procedure, using polypropylene mesh. The sling was placed at the level of the proximal half of the urethra and tied with adequate tension, but not obstructing the bladder outlet. A video-urodynamic study and transrectal ultrasonography were undertaken before and after surgery. The surgical results were assessed and the urodynamic changes compared at different stages. RESULTS: At a median follow-up of 24 months, 52 patients (81%) were completely continent, 10 (16%) had an improvement but with mild SUI, and two had persistent SUI requiring a second sling procedure. The treatment result was considered satisfactory by 55 patients (86%). The video-urodynamic study showed no significant change in voiding pressure, cystometric capacity and residual urine volume after surgery. The bladder neck opening time was increased at 7 days and the maximum flow rate increased at 3 months after surgery. Transrectal ultrasonography showed that all the polypropylene mesh slings were located beneath the bladder neck and proximal urethra, with no notable granuloma formation around the sling. CONCLUSION: The pubovaginal sling procedure is effective in treating female SUI, using polypropylene mesh as the sling material. The video-urodynamic results showed that a pubovaginal sling of polypropylene mesh causes no bladder outlet obstruction when the correct surgical technique is used.     

Cadaveric fascia lata pubovaginal slings: early results on safety,efficacy and patient satisfaction

OBJECTIVE: To prospectively evaluate and quantify the efficacy of cadaveric fascia lata (CFL) as an allograft material in pubovaginal sling placement to treat stress urinary incontinence (SUI). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-one women with SUI (25 type II and six type III; mean age 63 years, range 40-75) had a CFL pubovaginal sling placed transvaginally. The operative time, blood loss, surgical complications and mean hospital stay were all documented. Before and at 4 months and 1 year after surgery each patient completed a 3-day voiding diary and validated voiding questionnaires (functional inquiry into voiding habits, Urogenital Distress Inventory and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire, including visual analogue scales). RESULTS: The mean (range) operative time was 71 (50-120) min, blood loss 78.7 (20-250) mL and hospital stay 1.2 (1-2) days; there were no surgical complications. Over the mean follow-up of 13.5 months, complete resolution of SUI was reported by 29 (93%) patients. Overactive bladder symptoms were present in 23 (74%) patients before surgery, 21 (68%) at 4 months and two (6%) at 1 year; 80% of patients with low (< 15 cmH2O) voiding pressures before surgery required self-catheterization afterward, as did 36% at 4 months, but only one (3%) at 1 year. Twenty-four (77%) patients needed to adopt specific postures to facilitate voiding. After surgery there was a significant reduction in daytime frequency, leakage episodes and pad use (P < 0.05). The severity of leak and storage symptoms was also significantly less (P < 0.002), whilst the severity of obstructive symptoms remained unchanged. Mean subjective levels of improvement were 69% at 4 months and 85% at 1 year, with corresponding objective satisfaction levels of 61% and 69%, respectively. At 1 year, approximately 80% of the patients said they would undergo the procedure again and/or recommend it to a friend. CONCLUSION: Placing a pubovaginal sling of CFL allograft is a highly effective, safe surgical approach for resolving SUI, with a short operative time and rapid recovery. Storage symptoms are significantly improved, and subjective improvement and satisfaction rates are high.     

Three-year results from a randomised trial of a retropubic mid-urethral sling versus the Miniarc single incision sling for stress urinary incontinence

Introduction and hypothesis

There are limited long-term efficacy data on single-incision slings. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the success rate of a single-incision sling versus a retropubic mid-urethral sling for cure of SUI at 3 years’ follow-up, in order to assess whether there is a deterioration in efficacy over time. The secondary aims were to assess re-operation rates for each procedure and to evaluate any differences in disease-specific quality of life.

Methods

This study was a 3-year questionnaire-based follow-up of a randomised controlled trial of the Miniarc single-incision sling versus the Advantage retropubic mid-urethral sling. Patients were considered failures if they documented stress incontinence on the symptom domain of the King’s Health questionnaire (KHQ) or had undergone repeat surgery for stress incontinence.

Results

Follow-up was available from 35 out of 38 women in the single-incision sling group (92.1 %) and from 26 out of 33 in the retropubic mid-urethral sling group (79.0 %). The overall 3-year failure rate was 20 out of 38 (52.6 %) in the single-incision sling group and 3 out of 33 (9.0 %) in the retropubic mid-urethral sling group (odds ratio 10.0, 95 % confidence interval 2.6–38.4). In the single-incision sling group, the failure rate increased from 40.5 % at 6 months to 52.6 % at 3 years with corresponding figures of 3 to 9 % in the retropubic mid-urethral sling group.

Conclusions

In this study, there was a significantly higher 3-year failure rate for the single-incision sling versus the retropubic mid-urethral sling. Both procedures had reduced efficacy over time.     

Weight gain in patients after therapy for hyperthyroidism.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of obesity following therapy for hyperthyroidism and to assess the contributing factors associated with an undesirable weight gain. DESIGN: A retrospective analysis was undertaken of clinical records for 160 hyperthyroid patients attending an endocrine clinic in Bloemfontein (1994-2001). RESULTS: Of the 160 patients, 143 had Graves' disease and 17 patients had multinodular goitre. Most of our patients (N = 147) were treated with radioiodine, 10 patients with carbimazole and 3 patients had thyroidectomy. The median weight gain 6 months after therapy was 5.0 kg, after 12 months 9.0 kg, and after 24 months 12 kg, whereafter body mass stabilised. Before therapy 27.5% of patients had a body mass index (BMI) of < 22 kg/m2, 29.4% were overweight (BMI > 25 kg/m2) and 19.3% were obese (BMI > 30 kg/m2). Two years after treatment only 8.7% of patients had a BMI of < 22 kg/m2, 27.5% had a BMI > 25 kg/m2, and 51.3% had become obese. The main factors associated with weight gain 24 months after therapy were poor control of thyroid function on replacement therapy, diagnosis of Graves' disease and need for thyroxine replacement. CONCLUSION: This study has shown a large increase (32%) in the prevalence of obesity following treatment for hyperthyroidism. The main weight gain was during the first 2 years after therapy. The main factors contributing to excessive weight gain were need for replacement therapy and poor control of thyroid function.     

Obesity and stress urinary incontinence in women: compromised continence mechanism or excess bladder pressure during cough?

Introduction and hypothesis

We compared two hypotheses as to why obesity is associated with stress urinary incontinence (SUI): (1) obesity increases demand on the continence system (e.g. higher cough pressure) and (2) obesity compromises urethral function and urethrovaginal support.

Methods

A secondary analysis was performed using data from a case–control study of SUI in women. Measurements of urethrovaginal support (POP-Q point Aa, urethral axis), urethral function (maximal urethral closure pressure, MUCP), and measures of continence system demand (intravesical pressures at rest and during maximal cough) were analyzed. Cases and controls were divided into three body mass index (BMI) groups: normal (18.5–24.9 kg/m²); overweight (25.0–29.9 kg/m²); and obese (≥30 kg/m²). Logistic regression models where created to investigate variables related to SUI for each BMI group. Structural equation modeling was used to test the direct and indirect relationships among BMI, SUI, maximal cough pressure, MUCP, and POP-Q point Aa.

Results

The study included 108 continent controls and 103 women with SUI. MUCP was the factor most strongly associated with SUI in all BMI groups. Maximal cough pressure was significantly associated with SUI in obese women (OR 3.191, 95% CI 1.326, 7.683; p?<?0.01), but not in normal weight or overweight women. Path model analysis showed a significant relationship between BMI and SUI through maximal cough pressure (indirect effect, p?=?0.038), but not through MUCP (indirect effect, p?=?0.243) or POP-Q point Aa (indirect effect, p?=?0.410).

Conclusions

Our results support the first hypothesis that obesity is associated with SUI because of increased intravesical pressure, which therefore increases demand on the continence mechanism.

     

Posttransplant overweight and obesity: myth or reality?

Posttransplant body mass index (BMI) increase in kidney transplant recipients is an underestimated issue, predisposing to morbidity linked with development of polymetabolic syndrome. AIM: The aim of the study was to assess the incidence of overweight and obesity among endstage renal disease patients before and after kidney transplantation. MATERIAL: Four hundred eighteen kidney graft recipients were enrolled in the study which lasted a mean of 56 months. Inhabitants of Lower Silesia (n = 3855) were used as controls. Overweight was defined as BMI between 25 and 30 kg/m(2) and obesity as >30 kg/m(2). METHODS: Mean BMI calculated in 418 patients, both pretransplant and after a 4.5-year observation period was compared with results of the Lower Silesian population. RESULTS: Mean pretransplant BMI in men (n = 242) and women (n = 189) was lower than in controls: men pretransplant BMI 24.3 kg/m(2) versus 25.7 kg/m(2) in the normal population; women, pretransplant BMI 23.17 kg/m(2) versus 25.2 kg/m(2) in the control group respectively. Mean total pretransplant BMI values increased from 23.82 to 25.9 kg/m(2) at last checkup ("last BMI"). A lesser posttransplant BMI increase was noted in men (7%) compared with women (9.6%). Before transplant, overweight or obesity occurred in 38% (n = 157), after a 4.5-year observation period, 65% (n = 232). CONCLUSIONS: Our observations documented that obesity is a widespread issue in kidney graft recipients, affecting two thirds of the population. It should be the target of preventive measures and nonpharmacologic therapeutic interventions.     

Long-term efficacy of a vaginal sling procedure in a rat model of stress urinary incontinence

PURPOSE: We examined the long-term efficacy of a newly created vaginal sling procedure for the restoration of leak point pressure (LPP) in a rat model of stress urinary incontinence (SUI). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 20 female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 groups, namely normal control, SUI plus vaginal sling, SUI plus sham sling and SUI only. SUI was created in the latter 3 groups by bilateral pudendal nerve transection (PNT). In the sling procedure a 2 x 0.3 cm strip of polypropylene mesh was placed at the mid urethral level. Animals in the SUI plus sham sling group underwent vaginal dissection only. After 5 weeks LPP was measured 4 or 5 times in each rat and the mean was determined. The Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon rank sum tests were used to evaluate whether levels of measurements differed across and between groups. RESULTS: Mean LPP +/- SD in control rats was 48.8 +/- 10.2 cm H2O. PNT decreased LPP to 23.5 +/- 7.4 cm H2O. Sling placement improved LPP at 5 weeks to 35.5 +/- 2.3 cm H2O, whereas LPP in the sham sling group was 29.1 +/- 4.9 cm H2O. LPP recovery in the sling group was significantly above levels for PNT (p = 0.037). LPP in the sling group did not differ statistically from that in the control group (p = 0.11). CONCLUSIONS: The newly created vaginal sling model restores the LPP in the rat model of SUI in the long term (5 weeks). This model could be used to address research questions related to the sling procedure.