Caldesmon expression is decreased in women with anterior vaginal wall prolapse: a pilot study

Introduction and hypothesis  The purpose of this study is to compare vaginal caldesmon expression in women with and without anterior vaginal wall prolapse. Methods  Vaginal tissues were sampled in women with (n = 11) or without (n = 11) vaginal wall prolapse. Caldesmon messenger RNA (mRNA) expression was assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Immunohistochemistry and digital image analysis were used to determine caldesmon protein expression in the histologic sections. Results  There were no significant differences in demographic data between the two groups. Caldesmon mRNA expression was significantly decreased in the vaginal tissue from women with anterior vaginal wall prolapse compared to women without prolapse [(caldesmon mean ± SD mRNA expression in relative units) 0.03 ± 0.03 vs 0.17 ± 0.17, P = 0.02]. The fractional area of nonvascular caldesmon staining in the vagina of women with anterior vaginal wall prolapse was significantly decreased compared to women without prolapse [mean ± SD (0.09 ± 0.04 vs 0.16 ± 0.09, P = 0.03)]. Conclusions  Vaginal caldesmon expression is significantly decreased in women with anterior vaginal wall prolapse compared to normal subjects.     

SIS graft for anterior vaginal wall prolapse repair—a case-controlled study

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect on quality of life and prolapse severity of traditional anterior repair compared to anterior repair with a small intestine submucosa (SIS) graft. This report was designed as a case-control study. The sample of this study consisted of 14 women who underwent traditional anterior repair and 14 women who underwent anterior repair with SIS graft (SG) at a London teaching hospital. All women were assessed preoperatively and at 6 and 24 months postoperatively using a validated prolapse quality of life questionnaire and pelvic organ quantification system (POP-Q). Quality-of-life outcomes included the following: (1) General health perception, (2) Prolapse impact, (3) Role limitations, (4) Physical limitations, (5) Social limitations, (6) Personal relationships, (7) Emotions, (8) Sleep/Energy, and (9) Severity measures. The pelvic organ quantification measurement measured nine specific points relating to the anterior and posterior wall of the vagina, vaginal apex, genital hiatus (GH) and perineal body (PB). At 6-month follow-up, the SG repair group showed significant improvement in all quality-of-life parameters measured. In comparison to traditional repair, it was significantly better in improving role limitations, physical limitations and emotions. Both operations significantly improved prolapse quality-of-life severity measures. SG repair improved all POP-Q measurements significantly, except total vaginal length (TVL), whereas traditional repair improved some measurements (AA, midline point of anterior vaginal wall 3 cm proximal to the external urethral meatus; BA, most distal dependant position of the anterior vaginal wall from the vaginal vault or anterior fornix to AA; C, most distal/dependant edge of cervix or vault; AP, point on midline posterior vaginal wall 3 cm proximal to hymenal ring; BP, most distal/dependant point on the posterior vaginal wall from vault or posterior fornix to AP) but not others (location of posterior fornix (D), TVL, GH and PB). At 2-year follow-up, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of quality-of-life outcomes or prolapse severity measurements. Surgery for vaginal prolapse results in marked improvement in quality of life and prolapse severity. The greater improvement seen initially in the SG anterior group was not seen at 2-year follow-up.     

Adjuvant materials in anterior vaginal wall prolapse surgery: a systematic review of effectiveness and complications

The objective of this study is to assess the objective recurrence and complications of adjuvant materials in the treatment of anterior vaginal wall prolapse. The inclusion criteria were randomised controlled trials (RCTs) using adjuvant materials versus standard surgery for anterior vaginal wall prolapse. The main outcome measures were objective recurrence and complications. Ten RCTs (1,087 patients) were included in the systematic review. Meta-analysis showed a lower risk of objective recurrence after 1 year in the patients having an anterior repair with a biological adjuvant material (odds ratio 0.56; 95% confidence interval 0.34–0.92) and absorbable synthetic adjuvant material (odds ratio 0.44; 95% confidence interval 0.21–0.89). The evidence for the use of biological adjuvant materials in anterior vaginal wall prolapse surgery shows trends towards reduction of objective recurrence at 12 months.     

Surgical management of anterior vaginal wall prolapse: an evidencebased literature review

The aim of this review is to summarize the available literature on surgical management of anterior vaginal wall prolapse. A Medline search from 1966 to 2004 and a hand-search of conference proceedings of the International Continence Society and International Urogynecological Association from 2001 to 2004 were performed. The success rates for the anterior colporrhaphy vary widely between 37 and 100%. Augmentation with absorbable mesh (polyglactin) significantly increases the success rate for anterior vaginal wall prolapse. Abdominal sacrocolpopexy combined with paravaginal repair significantly reduced the risk for further cystocele surgery compared to anterior colporrhaphy and sacrospinous colpopexy. The abdominal and vaginal paravaginal repair have success rates between 76 and 100%, however, no randomized trials have been performed. There is currently no evidence to recommend the routine use of any graft in primary repairs, and possible improved anatomical out-comes have to be tempered againstcomplications including mesh erosions, infections and dyspareunia.     

Comparative histological analysis of anterior vaginal wall in women with pelvic organ prolapse or control subjects. A pilot study

The purpose of this study was to compare smooth muscle content of anterior vaginal wall in women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and control subjects. Specimens were taken in the midline from the apex of anterior vaginal cuff from eleven women with POP and eight control subjects operated for hysterectomy without prolapse. Masson’s trichrome stain was used to determine the distribution of collagen in the extracellular matrix of the vaginal muscularis and to quantify the collagen in area of interest. Slides of alpha smooth muscle actin were detected using antibodies. Morphometric analysis was used to compare and to quantify the smooth muscle content of the vaginal muscularis. Fractional area of nonvascular vaginal smooth muscle of women with POP was significantly decreased in comparison to control subjects (41.9 vs 61.9%, p = 0.005). Fractional area of connective tissue was significantly increased (56.8 vs 35%, p = 0.004). Fractional area of blood vessels was similar (2.2 vs 3.4%, p = 0.20).     

Anterior vaginal wall length and degree of anterior compartment prolapse seen on dynamic MRI

The objective of the study was to determine the relationship between midsagittal vaginal wall geometric parameters and the degree of anterior vaginal prolapse. We have previously presented data indicating that about half of anterior wall descent can be explained by the degree of apical descent present (Summers et al., Am J Obstet Gynecol, 194:1438–1443, 2006). This led us to examine whether other midsagittal vaginal geometric parameters are associated with anterior wall descent. Magnetic resonance (MR) scans of 145 women from the prior study were suitable for analysis after eight were excluded because of inadequate visibility of the anterior vaginal wall. Subjects had been selected from a study of pelvic organ prolapse that included women with and without prolapse. All patients underwent supine dynamic MR scans in the midsagittal plane. Anterior vaginal wall length, location of distal vaginal wall point, and the area under the midsagittal profile of the anterior vaginal wall were measured during maximal Valsalva. A linear regression model was used to examine how much of the variance in cystocele size could be explained by these vaginal parameters. When both apical descent and vaginal length were considered in the linear regression model, 77% (R ² = 0.77, p < 0.001) of the variation in anterior wall descent was explained. Distal vaginal point and a measure anterior wall shape, the area under the profile of the anterior vaginal wall, added little to the model. Increasing vaginal length was positively correlated with greater degrees of anterior vaginal prolapse during maximal Valsalva (R ² = 0.30, p < 0.01) determining 30% of the variation in anterior wall decent. Greater degrees of anterior vaginal prolapse are associated with a longer vaginal wall. Linear regression modeling suggests that 77% of anterior wall descent can be explained by apical descent and midsagittal anterior vaginal wall length.     

Anterior vaginal wall prolapse and voiding dysfunction in urogynecology patients

We investigated whether women with and without anterior vaginal wall prolapse have voiding differences. Women (n = 109) who presented to a urogynecology practice were categorized into two groups based on anterior vaginal wall prolapse: stages 0 and 1 and stages 2, 3, and 4. Women with prolapse were older than the women without prolapse but the groups were otherwise similar demographically. There was a higher rate of activity-related urine loss and use of wetness protection amongst women without prolapse. There was no significant difference for urgency symptoms or urge incontinence. Urodynamic testing found no significant differences for maximal flow rate or maximal urethral closing pressures. Postvoid residual volume and detrusor overactivity were not different but approached significance. Anterior vaginal wall prolapse of stage 2 or greater was not associated with urge incontinence or voiding function in this population. Women without prolapse were more likely to report stress incontinence. This was an unfunded study. Presented as a poster at SGS, Tucson, AZ, USA, April 2006.     

Dyspareunia and chronic pelvic pain after polypropylene mesh augmentation for transvaginal repair of anterior vaginal wall prolapse

Synthetic mesh augmentations for pelvic floor reconstructive surgeries are increasing in usage and popularity. Many studies are focusing on the anatomical success rates of transvaginal anterior compartment repairs with synthetic mesh, with minimal attention on its postoperative complications. We present a case report on a 59-year-old postmenopausal woman who underwent an anterior repair with 6×4-cm polypropylene mesh. Postoperatively, she developed severe dyspareunia and debilitating chronic pelvic pain. The patient failed conservative medical therapy and now requests complete removal of the synthetic mesh. No financial support or corporate sponsorship was obtained for this project.     

Midline anterior repair alone vs anterior repair plus vaginal paravaginal repair: a comparison of anatomic and quality of life outcomes

Our aim was to study the anatomic recurrence rates and quality of life outcomes of patients who had undergone either anterior colporrhaphy (AC) or anterior colporrhaphy and vaginal paravaginal repair (AC + VPVR) as part of surgery for pelvic organ prolapse. Chart reviews were used to identify anatomic prolapse recurrence. Phone interviews assessed quality of life outcomes [Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI) and the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ)] outcomes. There was a trend towards longer time to anatomic recurrence (any compartment ≥grade 2) in the AC group compared with the AC + VPVR group (median 24 vs 13 months, p=0.069). If only patients who had undergone previous surgery were compared, time to anatomic recurrence appeared significantly longer in the AC group (median 41 vs 12 months, p=0.022). There were 55% of women in the AC group and 46% of women in the AC + VPVR group who reported significant bladder or bulge symptoms based on responses to the phone-administered UDI and IIQ (p=0.89). Our retrospective study did not suggest that adding VPVR was superior in terms of anatomic or quality of life outcomes. Prospective assessment of the role of VPVR in the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse is needed.     

Pessary reduction and postoperative cure of retention in women with anterior vaginal wall prolapse

This study aimed to determine whether preoperative pessary reduction of anterior vaginal wall prolapse in patients with elevated postvoid residual (PVR) volumes relieves urinary retention, and if reconstructive pelvic surgery in these patients cures urinary retention. The records of all women with symptomatic anterior vaginal wall and urinary retention (PVR 100 cc) who underwent evaluation and surgical repair of the anterior vaginal wall at our institution between 1996 and 1999 were retrospectively reviewed. All patients underwent a detailed urogynecologic and urodynamic evaluation and had a pessary trial prior to surgery. Cure of urinary retention was defined as PVR <100 cc at 3 months postoperatively. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values for pessary reduction testing were calculated. Twenty-four patients met the inclusion criteria. Two patients (8%) had stage 2, eleven (46%) stage 3, and eleven (46%) stage 4 anterior vaginal wall prolapse. Preoperatively, the use of pessary was associated with relief of urinary retention in 75% patients. In predicting postoperative cure of urinary retention, pessary testing had a sensitivity of 89%, specificity of 80%, positive predictive value of 94%, and negative predictive value of 67%. Nineteen of 24 patients had a PVR <100 cc postoperatively, indicating a 79% cure rate for urinary retention. In women with symptomatic anterior vaginal wall prolapse and urinary retention, use of a pessary is associated with relief of retention in the majority of patients. Furthermore, pessary reduction testing has good sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value for postoperative voiding function. Editorial Comment: The authors attempt to address an interesting question, whether preoperative reduction of anterior vaginal wall prolapse with a pessary is predictive of improved bladder emptying following surgical correction of the prolapse. In their small retrospective study they found that a successful pessary test of cure was predictive of resolution of urinary retention following surgery with a positive predictive value of 94%. Interestingly, neither the type of pessary nor the type of surgery seemed to influence these results. In addition, the authors noted a higher rate of continued urinary retention in patients who had undergone a sling for correction of their urinary incontinence. This study supports the use of a pessary test of cure for urinary retention in the face of anterior vaginal wall prolapse prior to surgical correction of such prolapse     

Elastin expression and elastic fibre width in the anterior vaginal wall of postmenopausal women with and without prolapse

OBJECTIVES: To compare elastin expression and elastic fibre width in the anterior vaginal wall of postmenopausal women with and with no bladder prolapse. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Full-thickness specimens were obtained from the upper lateral anterior vaginal wall of women having a large cystocele repaired (stage III or IV; prolapse group, 33) and the same location in patients with no prolapse having radical cystectomy (control group, 10). The percentage of elastin-positive tissue and elastic fibre width were measured by immunohistochemistry on 6 microm thick tissue sections from 10 random field readings per sample using image analysis software. The examiner was unaware of sample identity and the patients' clinical history. RESULTS: The age was comparable between the control and prolapse groups (median 70.5 years), and the parity, vaginal deliveries, hormone replacement use, cigarette smokers and body mass index were no different between the groups. Immunohistochemical staining and morphometric analysis indicated that elastin expression in the prolapse group was 10.6%, vs 14.4% in the control group (P = 0.049). The median width of elastic fibres was 0.9 microm in the prolapse and 1.8 microm in the control groups (P < 0.001). Elastin expression and elastic fibre width appeared to be stable with increasing age in the prolapse group. CONCLUSIONS: In this case-control study investigating elastin changes in postmenopausal women with prolapse, the elastin expression and fibre width were significantly lower in the vaginal wall of patients with a large cystocele than in controls of a similar age.     

Tension-free vaginal mesh repair for anterior vaginal wall prolapse

OBJECTIVES: We determined the efficacy of the use of a tension free prolene mesh to correct a grade III anterior vaginal wall prolapse recurrence. METHODS: Twelve women (mean age 65.6 years) with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) (4 type II and 1 type III) and bladder prolapse entered the study. After vaginal incision a pretailored polypropylene mesh was fixed to its four angles by absorbable sutures to the urethropelvic ligaments and pubocervical fascia anteriorly and to the cardinal ligaments and pubocervical fascia posteriorly. When present, a posterior descensus was corrected during the same procedure. SUI was treated with the tension-free vaginal tape procedure (TVT) through a separate vaginal incision over the mid-urethra. RESULTS: All patients were available for postoperative pelvic examination at 3-month intervals, for a mean follow-up of 20.5 months (range 15-32). Nine patients were considered cured (no cystocele recurrence) while in 3 patients a grade 1 asymptomatic cystocele was present postoperatively (asymptomatic). No significant postoperative pain was reported by the patients. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms that in patients with moderate cystocele a tension-free mesh to support bladder base and neck effectively treats the cystocele. It is particularly recommended in the treatment of previous failure with traditional techniques and when the quality of suspending tissue is poor or defective. A long-term study on a large number of patients is still warranted to confirm and validate its clinical use.     

阴道前后壁修补术联合阴式子宫全切术治疗中重度子宫脱垂的疗效

目的探究阴道前后壁修补术联合阴式子宫全切术治疗中重度子宫脱垂的疗效及其对性功能的影响。 方法选择芜湖市第五人民医院妇产科自2014年8月至2018年8月收治的中重度子宫脱垂患者60例,随机分为观察组与对照组,每组各30例。观察组行阴式全子宫切除术加阴道前后壁修补术治疗,对照组行单纯阴道前后壁修补术治疗,对比2组围手术期临床指标、术后并发症发生率及复发情况,采用盆腔器官脱垂/尿失禁性功能问卷（PISQ-12）对比2组术前、术后随访6个月的性功能变化情况。 结果观察组平均手术时间、肛门排气时间、住院天数明显短于对照组,观察组术中出血量少于对照组,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）;观察组术后并发症发生率与对照组差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）;观察组的治愈率为90.00%,好转率为10.00%,高于对照组的80.00%、3.33%,观察组无复发者,对照组复发率为16.67%,差异均有统计学意义（P<0.05）;术后随访6个月后观察组PISQ-12评分为（35.12±3.37）分,低于对照组（38.83±5.62）分,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。 结论阴式全子宫切除术联合阴道前后壁修补术治疗中重度子宫脱垂的临床效果较理想,与单纯阴式子宫切除术相比可显著缩短手术时间较短,减少术中出血,提高手术疗效,降低术后复发率,但在改善术后性功能方面并不具有优势。     

Concomitant apical suspensory procedures in women with anterior vaginal wall prolapse in the United States in 2011

Introduction

Although the surgical restoration of apical support has been shown to decrease reoperation rates, it is unclear whether this has been incorporated into current practice. The aims of this study were to determine the rate of concomitant apical suspensory procedures in women with anterior vaginal wall prolapse undergoing surgical repair in 2011 and to identify associated factors.

Methods

This cross-sectional study queried the Nationwide Inpatient Sample for women with a primary diagnosis of cystocele who underwent prolapse repair in 2011. The study cohort was analyzed for demographics, concomitant procedures, and hospital characteristics. The rate of apical suspensory procedures was determined. Factors potentially associated with receiving concomitant apical suspensory procedure were evaluated using univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression.

Results

A total of 2,900 women in the database had a primary diagnosis of cystocele and underwent surgical prolapse repair in 2011. 925 (31.9 %) subjects underwent a concomitant apical suspensory procedure. The mean age in the study cohort was 61.9?±?12.8 years. Hysterectomies were performed in 11.1 % of subjects. 61.1 % were performed vaginally, 26.5 % laparoscopically, and 12.5 % abdominally. On multivariate analysis, age greater than 50 years, Caucasian race, concomitant hysterectomy, and an urban teaching hospital setting were independently associated with receiving concomitant apical suspensory procedure in 2011.

Conclusions

Despite evidence that the restoration of apical support is important for optimal anterior support, the overall rate of concomitant apical suspensory procedures is low. Several factors may play a role in whether or not women receive an apical suspensory procedure. This study highlights opportunities to improve the quality of surgical care provided to women with anterior vaginal prolapse.

     

Vaginal smooth muscle cell apoptosis is increased in women with pelvic organ prolapse

To compare the smooth muscle content and apoptosis of the vagina in women with and without anterior vaginal wall prolapse. Vaginal tissues were sampled in women with (n = 6) or without (n = 6) anterior vaginal wall prolapse undergoing hysterectomy. Smooth muscle of the vagina was studied by immunohistochemistry. Digital image analysis was used to determine the fractional area of smooth muscle in the histologic cross-sections. Apoptosis was assessed by TUNEL assay. The fractional area of non-vascular smooth muscle in the vagina of women with anterior vaginal wall prolapse was significantly decreased compared to women without prolapse (0.36 ± 0.12 vs. 0.16 ± 0.12 P = 0.021) and the apoptotic index was significantly higher compared to women without prolapse (0.04 ± 0.01 vs. 0.02 ± 0.03, P = 0.041). The fraction of smooth muscle in the vagina is significantly decreased and the rate of apoptosis is higher in women with anterior vaginal wall prolapse compared to women without prolapse.     

Urethral closure function in women with prolapse

In 19 patients with different types of severe descensus, all without clinical evidence of stress incontinence, urethral stress pressure profiles and stress tests were done before and after repositioning of the prolapse. In 13 of the 19 patients, continence was artificial, because during repositioning they showed leakage of urine; however, 6 of the patients remained continent. The pressure transmission ratios decreased in different parts of the urethra in all the patients when repositioning with a gynecological speculum was done. The drop was most significant in those patients who lost urine after repositioning, showing poor urethral function. In women with genito-urinary prolapse, a test of urethral function is essential, even if there is no clinical evidence of incontinence after removal of the descensus. In cases of severe stress incontinence under this condition, a procedure for bladder neck stabilization should be added to routine prolapse surgery.     

Urodynamic effects of reducing devices in women with genital prolapse

Urodynamics have been recommended in women with urogenital prolapse because of the high prevalence of occult urinary incontinence. Various studies using a variety of devices recommend that the prolapsed organs be reduced prior to urodynamics, yet it is unknown whether urodynamic data can be varied by reducing devices. This study was undertaken to ascertain this in women with genital prolapse. The prospective study included 32 patients with vaginal or uterine prolapse to the introitus or beyond. Age, parity, menopausal status, hormone replacement and prior surgeries were all noted. Patients were evaluated using a ring pessary, a Smith Hodge pessary with and without a suburethral bolster, and a Graves's speculum secured by tape and subsequently toed by hand. The variance of the five reducing devices was not significant with respect to functional urethral length (P>0.8) or maximum urethral closure pressure (P>0.8). The results support the assumption that various devices used for prolapse reduction yield similar clinical effects.     

Symptom resolution and sexual function after anterior vaginal wall repair with or without polypropylene mesh

To evaluate whether symptom resolution and sexual function is better after reinforcement with polypropylene mesh than with traditional anterior repair. Ninety-seven patients were randomized to anterior colporrhaphy and 105 to an operation with mesh. Participants were evaluated up to 24 months by physical examination, standard questions, and questionnaire. The overall symptom rate did not differ between the groups, but a sensation of vaginal bulge was reported less frequently in the mesh group, the figures being 17 versus 5 (p = 0.003). The recurrence rate for the no-mesh group was 41% and for the mesh group 11% (p < 0.001). The dyspareunia score was statistically significantly lower in the mesh group (p = 0.015). The mesh exposure rate was 8%. Sensation of vaginal bulge was relieved more efficiently by the mesh technique without causing dyspareunia. Clinical trial registration available at , identifier NCT00420225.     

阴式子宫切除术联合阴道前后壁修补术对子宫脱垂合并阴道壁膨出患者术后疼痛及复发的影响

目的探讨阴式子宫切除术联合阴道前后壁修补术对子宫脱垂合并阴道壁膨出患者术后疼痛及复发的影响。 方法选取2017年1月到2019年1月,安徽省马鞍山市中心医院收治的90例子宫脱垂合并阴道壁膨出患者。采用随机数字表法将其分为对照组和观察组。对照组45例采用单纯阴道前后壁修补术进行治疗,观察组45例采用阴式子宫切除术联合阴道前后壁修补术进行治疗,2组术后随访1年。比较2组治疗后的临床疗效及手术前后视觉模拟评分（VAS）;统计2组围手术期手术相关指标及并发症发生率和随访1年的复发率。采用SPSS 21.0统计软件进行数据分析。 结果观察组总有效率为93.33%,显著高于对照组的71.11%,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。与手术前相比,术后3～7 d,2组VAS评分均呈逐渐降低趋势,且术后3、7 d观察组显著低于对照组,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。与对照组相比,观察组术中出血量明显较少,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）;观察组的住院时间、肛门排气时间、手术时间等明显较短,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。观察组并发症发生率、随访1年复发率分别为6.67%、2.22%,显著低于对照组的26.67%、24.44%,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。 结论阴式子宫切除术联合阴道前后壁修补术治疗子宫脱垂合并阴道壁膨出,可显著改善患者围手术期相关指标的情况,减轻患者术后疼痛,并能降低患者并发症发生率及术后复发率,临床疗效显著。