Lower urinary tract symptoms in women with pelvic organ prolapse

Introduction and hypothesis  

The objective of this study was to describe lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and urinary incontinence (UI) symptoms in women with prolapse.     

Levator ani defects and the severity of symptoms in women with anterior compartment pelvic organ prolapse

Introduction and hypothesis

The aims of this study were to evaluate the prevalence of levator ani muscle (LAM) avulsions in a selected cohort of patients with primary anterior compartment pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and to assess whether LAM avulsions, as an independent factor, affect the degree of POP symptoms and sexual dysfunction. Additionally, clinical and demographic variables of women with and those without avulsions were compared.

Methods

We carried out a cross-sectional analysis of a prospective cohort study including 197 women scheduled for anterior compartment POP surgery. LAM avulsions were diagnosed on transperineal 4D ultrasound. Preoperative symptom severity and sexual dysfunction were evaluated using validated questionnaires (Pelvic Floor Disability Index [PFDI-20] and Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire-Short Form 12 [PISQ-12]). Linear regression was performed with avulsion as the main independent variable against total PFDI-20 and domain scores, bulge symptoms, and PISQ-12 score. Clinical and demographic variables for women with and without avulsions were compared using independent samples t test, Mann–Whitney U test or Chi-squared test.

Results

The prevalence of LAM avulsions was 50.3%. Avulsions were not associated with symptom severity or sexual dysfunction. “Chronic disease causing pain, fatigue or increased intra-abdominal pressure” was the only independent factor associated with all domains of the PFDI-20. Women with avulsions were younger at presentation, older at their first delivery, had lower BMI, and more often had a history of forceps delivery (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

LAM avulsions were highly prevalent in this preoperative POP cohort. Avulsions were not associated with the severity of POP symptoms or sexual dysfunction. Women with avulsions seem to require fewer additional cofactors for developing POP.

     

Colorectal and anal symptoms in women with urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse

Introduction and hypothesis  

Our aim was to determine the prevalence of colorectal and anal (CRA) symptoms in women with urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse (UI/POP) in a predominantly Latina population.     

Correlation of pelvic organ prolapse quantification system scores with obstetric parameters and lower urinary tract symptoms in primiparae postpartum

This study investigated the correlation between results of the pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POPQ) system at 3 days and at 2 months postpartum with obstetric parameters and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in 125 primiparae with vaginal delivery. The clinical characteristics, prevalence of pregnancy-related LUTS, and POPQ scores were evaluated. Regarding the relationship of obstetric parameters with POPQ scoring, the gh was found positively correlated with the body mass index and vaginal laceration at 2 months postpartum. The POPQ evaluation did not find the LUTS to be significantly related to the prolapse score. The mean scores of points C and D were significantly increased, and gh, pb, and tvl were significantly decreased between the initial and 2-month follow-up scores. Our results revealed that a decrease in vaginal size is the principal change during the first 2 months postpartum and that with the exception of gh, neither the obstetric parameters nor the LUTS were associated with the POPQ scoring system.     

Correlation of pelvic organ prolapse staging with lower urinary tract symptoms, sexual dysfunction, and quality of life

Introduction and hypothesis

To evaluate the relationship between pelvic organ prolapse (POP) staging and clinical findings, lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), sexual dysfunction, and quality of life (QoL) using validated questionnaires.

Methods

Women attending the urogynecology unit with LUTS and/or bulging (n?=?388) were grouped according to the POP quantification (POPQ). LUTS, sexual dysfunction, and QoL were evaluated using the Urinary Distress Inventory-6 (UDI-6),the Overactive Bladder Awareness tool (OAB-V8), the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ-12), and the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-7 (IIQ-7). Data regarding baseline characteristics, clinical findings, and scores of questionnaires were compared among the POP stages using the Kruskal–Wallis test. Pearson’s and Spearman’s correlation analyses were used to evaluate the correlation of POP staging with clinical findings, pelvic floor dysfunction related symptom severity, and QoL.

Results

According to the POPQ, patients were classified as: stage 0 (27.8 %), stage 1 (21.4 %), stage 2 (38.9 %), and stages 3 and 4 (11.8 %). Irritative, stress, obstructive subscale scores of UDI-6 and physical, travel, emotional subscale scores of IIQ-7 were significantly different among POPQ stages. Weak correlations between POPQ staging and irritative, stress, obstructive subscale scores of UDI-6 (r?=?0.198, r?=?0.192, and r?=?0.146 respectively), and physical, travel, social, emotional subscale scores of IIQ-7 (r?=?0.223, r?=?0.154, r?=?120 and r?=?0.171 respectively) were found (p?<?0.05). Clinical findings (Q-tip and stress test positivity, post-void residual volumes) showed moderate to weak correlations with POPQ stages (r?=?0.425, r?=?0.117, r?=?0.163 respectively; p?<?0.05).

Conclusions

The correlation of lower urinary tract dysfunction and POP staging was shown to be best represented by UDI-6 and IIQ-7.     

Characteristics associated with pelvic organ prolapse in women with significant levator ani muscle deficiency

Introduction and hypothesis

Age is a factor associated with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse (POP) among women with significant levator ani deficiency.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included patients who were referred for varied pelvic floor disorders, had 3D endovaginal ultrasound as part of their evaluation, and were diagnosed with significant levator ani muscle deficiency defined as a score of 12 or more on 3D endovaginal ultrasound. Patients were categorized as having no pelvic organ prolapse (stages 0 and 1), or symptomatic prolapse (stages 2–4).

Results

Seventy-six women were available for analysis and found to have significant levator ani muscle deficiency, including 51 with symptomatic POP and 25 without POP. Patients with symptomatic POP were older, (mean age 66 (SD?±?11.8) vs 48 (SD?±?17.3) years; p <0.0001), had greater mean minimal levator hiatus (MLH) area (19.7 cm² (SD?±?4.6) vs 17.5 cm² (SD?±?3.5); p?=?0.048), and were more likely to be menopausal (91.3 % vs 54.5 %; p <0.001) compared with those with no POP. In a modified Poisson regression analysis excluding nulliparous women, increasing age (RR?=?2.39, 95 % CI 1.03–5.55) and smoking (RR?=?1.34, 95 % CI 1.08–1.67) remained associated with symptomatic POP after controlling for one another and the MLH area.

Conclusions

Among women with significant levator ani deficiency, older women and smokers had an increased prevalence of symptomatic POP. On average, women without POP, but with significant levator ani deficiency were 18 years younger than women with POP and significant muscle deficiency.

     

Sexual function in women with pelvic organ prolapse compared to women without pelvic organ prolapse

PURPOSE: We compared sexual function in women with pelvic organ prolapse to that in women without prolapse. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We collected sexual function data using a standardized, validated, condition specific questionnaire. The study group consisted of 30 women with pelvic organ prolapse and it was compared with 30 unmatched controls without evidence of prolapse. RESULTS: The 2 groups were similar in age, race, parity and postmenopausal hormone use. Subjects in the study group were more likely to have undergone previous pelvic surgery. Mean total Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Function Questionnaire scores +/- SD were lower in the study group compared with controls (81.4 +/- 7.3 vs 106.4 +/- 15.5, p <0.001). In the study group total questionnaire scores in women with prior pelvic surgery were similar to those in women without prior pelvic surgery (79.3 +/- 14.9 vs 82.9 +/- 10.2, p = 0.61). CONCLUSIONS: Pelvic organ prolapse appears to have a significant negative impact on sexual function.     

Elastolytic activity in women with stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse

AIMS: Weakening of pelvic supportive tissues is thought to be a contributing etiology in female pelvic floor disorders such as stress urinary incontinence and/or pelvic organ prolapse (SUI/POP). Since elastin modulates the mechanical properties of supportive tissues, we examined elastase activity in vaginal tissue from women with pelvic floor dysfunction compared to asymptomatic controls, by comparing overall elastase activity, human neutrophil elastase, cathepsin K, and alpha-1 antitrypsin (a serine protease inhibitor) mRNA and protein levels. METHODS: Full-thickness peri-urethral vaginal wall tissues were collected from age and menstrual-phase matched SUI/POP and control women at the time of pelvic surgery. Elastolytic activity in the homogenized tissue was determined by the generation of amino groups from succinylated elastin. To quantify mRNA levels of each protein, quantitative competitive-PCR and confirmatory Western blot analyses were performed on the samples for human neutrophil elastase, cathepsin K, and alpha-1 antitrypsin. RESULTS: The mean elastolytic activity in vaginal tissues from the SUI/POP group was similar to that in the control group. With respect to the proteolytic enzymes, neither human neutrophil elastase nor cathepsin K differed between the two groups. However, alpha-1 antitrypsin mRNA and protein levels were significantly decreased in tissues from affected women. CONCLUSIONS: A significant decrease in alpha-1 antitrypsin expression was seen in tissues from women with SUI/POP compared to controls. This data suggest that altered elastin metabolism may contribute to the connective tissue alterations observed in pelvic floor dysfunction. Future investigations are warranted to help define the role of elastin turnover in pelvic floor dysfunction.     

Morphologic study on levator ani muscle in patients with pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence

The objective of this study was to determine the morphologic changes of the levator ani muscle of patients with pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence. Histological and histochemical analyses of the biopsy specimens of the levator ani muscle obtained from patients with stress urinary incontinence (SUI), pelvic organ prolapse (POP), and a control group were performed. The striated muscle-positive biopsy rate was 26.7% in the SUI group, 15.8% in the POP group, whereas it was 100% in the control group. The diameters of types I and II fibers decreased significantly with age and menopausal time in the control group. Splitting or fragmentation of fibers with red granules, which are called ragged-red fibers, were found in the SUI group. The diameters of levator ani muscle fibers in the control group were significantly larger than those in the SUI group (p=0.034<0.05). The degenerative change in histology and decrease in relative number of levator ani muscle might be associated with women suffering from SUI.     

Depressive symptoms in women seeking surgery for pelvic organ prolapse

Introduction and hypothesis  

To compare depressive symptoms in women with and without prolapse and evaluate impact on quality of life.     

Transurethral resection in women with lower urinary tract symptoms

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the preliminary safety, efficacy and complications of transurethral resection (TUR) in the management of women with lower urinary tract symptoms. METHODS: One hundred and eight women (mean age, 57.6 years) with moderate to severe lower urinary tract symptoms underwent TUR between September 1998 and December 2002. At preoperative baseline, 6 months and 24 months postoperatively, all patients underwent clinical evaluations including the standardized American Urological Association symptom score, peak urine flow, postvoid residual urine volume and quality-of-life assessments. Operative time, catheter time, hospital stay and incidence of side-effects were also recorded. RESULTS: The total mean operative time was 19.25 +/- 6.70 min. The mean catheter time was 26.2 +/- 12.8 h and the mean hospital stay was 2.08 +/- 0.84 days. No patient needed a blood transfusion or experienced hyponatremia. The total storage and voiding symptom scores and quality of life score had improved significantly 6 months after the surgical procedure (P < 0.01). There were little changes in peak flow rate and residual urine volume. Complications of the procedure included urinary tract infections (n = 4) and stress incontinence (n = 3). Two patients later underwent bladder neck suspension procedure. CONCLUSIONS: In this preliminary study, there was significant clinical improvement maintained at all follow-up intervals and the results were not comparable to TUR of the prostate in men with clinical benign prostatic hyperplasia. The risks associated with TUR in women, especially of stress incontinence, are significant. A multicenter clinical trial is currently underway to determine the long-term efficacy and safety of TUR in women.     

Short-term natural history in women with symptoms indicative of pelvic organ prolapse

Introduction and hypothesis  

Information about the natural history of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is scarce.     

Surgical strategies for women with pelvic organ prolapse and urinary stress incontinence

Introduction and hypothesis  

This study aims to compare the result of an incontinence procedure performed at the time of prolapse repair or 3 months later in women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI).     

Correlation of bladder base elevation with pelvic floor hypertonicity in women with lower urinary tract symptoms

AIMS: To determine whether the bladder base elevation as revealed by cystogram under fluoroscopy is associated with pelvic floor hypertonicity or bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) in women. METHODS: Sixty-two women who were referred to our videourodynamic laboratory for assessment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) were included in this retrospective analysis. Thirty-one of these women with bladder base elevation-revealed by cystogram under fluoroscopy during videourodynamic study-served as the experimental group, and another group of 31 women without bladder base elevation served as control. None of the patients had neuropathy, previous pelvic surgery or chronic urinary retention. The clinical symptoms, urodynamic diagnosis, and parameters were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The mean voiding pressure (Pdet.Qmax) and postvoid residual (PVR) were significantly greater, and maximum flow rate (Qmax) and voided volume were significantly lower in the bladder base elevation group. When a Pdet.Qmax of >or=35 cmH2O combined with a Qmax of 相似文献   

Levator ani muscle in women with genitourinary prolapse: Indirect assessment by muscle histopathology

The objective of this study was to assess the state of innervation in levator ani muscle sites using muscle histopathology. Asymptomatic women and patients with genitourinary prolapse were included. Histopathologic analysis allows indirect assessment of a muscle's innervation. Therefore, levator ani muscle was collected in a standardized fashion during abdominal surgery and frozen in the operating room using isopentane slush cooled by liquid nitrogen. Serial sections of levator ani muscle in cross-section were studied with standard histochemical and immunohistochemical techniques. The staining patterns from these histochemical techniques allowed quantitative determination of the ratios of fiber types I, IIA, and IIB and their fiber diameters. Objective assessment of fiber type grouping was performed. The distribution of both fiber type percentage and diameter were non-parametric. Therefore, the Mann-Whitney U-test was used to analyze the data for statistical differences between the means for these variables. There was no statistical difference in levator ani muscle fiber type percentage and diameter in patients with prolapse and/or urinary incontinence when compared to asymptomatic women. Levator ani muscles have a higher proportion of slow fibers (66%) than found in other human female muscle (48%). There was no evidence for denervation/reinnervation in any of the biopsy specimens. In this study, levator ani muscle biopsies from incontinent and/or prolapse patients were neither denervated nor reinnervated. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.