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We present the case of a patient with pyelonephritis secondary to urinary tract obstruction caused by uterine prolapse. An 80-year-old woman with uterine prolapse (pelvic organ prolapse stage 4) was treated with a pessary at an outside hospital due to her high perioperative risk. However, the pessary prolapsed. The patient developed pyelonephritis with hydronephrosis. A pessary was inserted to resolve the blockage of the urinary tract, antibiotic treatment was initiated, and the patient's condition improved. A total vaginal hysterectomy was ultimately performed. Challenges remain in the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse stage 4 for which a pessary cannot be used.

BACKGROUND: Although hysteropexy has been used to preserve the uterus during uterine prolapse surgery for a long time, there is a scarcity of data that describe the nationwide patterns of use of this surgical procedure. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the national-level use and characteristics of hysteropexy at the time of laparoscopic apical suspension surgery for uterine prolapse in the United States. STUDY DESIGN: This cross-sectional study used data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project's Nationwide Ambulatory Surgery Sample. The study population included 55,608 patients with a diagnosis of uterine prolapse who underwent laparoscopic apical suspension surgery from 2016 to 2019. Patients who had a hysterectomy were assigned to the hysterectomy group, and those who did not have a hysterectomy were assigned to the hysteropexy group. The main outcome was clinical characteristics associated with hysteropexy, assessed using a multivariable binary logistic regression model. A classification tree was further constructed to assess the use pattern of hysteropexy during laparoscopic apical suspension procedures. The secondary outcome was surgical morbidity, including urinary tract injury, intestinal injury, vascular injury, and hemorrhage. RESULTS: A hysteropexy was performed in 6500 (11.7%) patients. In a multivariable analysis, characteristics associated with increased use of a hysteropexy included (1) patient factors, such as older age, Medicare coverage, private insurance, self-pay, and medical comorbidity; (2) pelvic floor dysfunction factor of complete uterine prolapse; and (3) hospital factors, including medium bed capacity center and location in the Southern United States (all P

During pregnancy, pelvic organ prolapse is uncommon and is associated with adverse outcomes such as vaginal infection, cervical ulceration, and preterm delivery. Treatment includes conservative and surgical management during pregnancy. A 32-year-old woman presented with a history of vaginal delivery eight months earlier reported the sensation of a vaginal mass lasting seven months. On physical examination, we noted pelvic organ prolapse and 19-week pregnancy. We treated her conservatively with a Gellhorn pessary and antenatal corticosteroid for fetal lung maturation at 32 weeks due to a high risk of preterm delivery. The pregnancy proceeded with no obstetric complications and vaginal delivery at term of a healthy neonate. Conservative management for patients with pelvic organ prolapse during pregnancy using a pessary is the best option to improve maternal symptomatology and minimize gestational risk; there is no contraindication for vaginal delivery, and cesarean section is reserved for obstetric indications.

Background: We report on childbirth trauma resulting in a rare stretching and prolapsing of the anterior lip of the cervix beyond the vaginal introitus, and describe the management. Case Presentation: A 17-year-old primigravida who had normal antenatal care delivered a live normal male baby weighing 3600 g at 39 weeks of gestation. The patient sustained a birth trauma resulting in the anterior lip of the cervix becoming stretched and prolapsing outside the vagina. There was an associated uterovaginal prolapse (Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification System grade 2). The prolapse of the cervix recurred after the initial repositioning of the cervix into the vagina. Subsequently, a vaginal ring pessary was applied to reduce the uterus and cervix. The most distal part of the prolapsed cervix was necrotic, remained outside the vagina despite the application of the ring pessary, and was excised. The use of the ring pessary was discontinued at 6 weeks postpartum, the cervix healed without obvious defect, and there was no prolapse at 3-month follow-up. Conclusion: A stretched cervix that prolapses beyond the vaginal introitus and uterovaginal prolapse are rare complications of childbirth that may be amenable to treatment with a ring pessary and to surgical excision of non-viable cervical tissue.

Neonatal or infantile uterine prolapse is a quite rare condition and is usually managed with conservative treatment. There is no standard surgical treatment for infantile uterine prolapse, and to the best of our knowledge, only 2 out of 30 patients suffering from it have been reported to undergo surgical repair in English literature since 1961. We here report the first successful case of laparoscopic repair for uterine prolapse in an infant. The patient was a 2-month old girl who had sacral myelomeningocele and Chiari type 2 malformation. She had undergone closure of myelomeningocele and ventriculoperitoneal shunting within 6 weeks after birth. At 7 weeks of age, the rectum and the uterus prolapsed, and the prolapse gradually deteriorated. Conservative treatments including repeated digital reduction, use of ointment and glycerin enema, and placement of a Foley catheter into the vagina were not effective. At the age of 100 days, she underwent laparoscopic hysteropexy and rectopexy. Three ports were placed on the umbilicus and the bilateral abdomen, and the bilateral mesovaria were sutured to the anterior abdominal wall to improve the visualization of the pelvis. The rectum and the uterine body were directly sutured to the sacral promontory with 2 non-absorbable braided sutures each, not using mesh prosthesis. The postoperative course was uneventful and neither uterine nor rectal prolapse has recurred for 2.5 years. We plan to follow up the patient for a long period since the long-term prognosis is not known.

Mimosa pudica was found useful in cases of uterine prolapse with bleeding, consistent with my experience of working with the condition for more than 45 years, and treating hundreds of such cases of uterine prolapse. Hysterectomy has been avoided up to this date, and is not now expected to be recommended.

Study Objective: To describe the results of mesh exposure and prolapse recurrence of transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) for sacrocolpopexy after more than 24 months of postoperative follow-up., Design: A retrospective cohort study., Setting: A university hospital., Patients: Women with uterine prolapse who underwent vNOTES sacrocolpopexy with an ultralightweight polypropylene mesh between May 2018 and March 2020., Interventions: vNOTES sacrocolpopexy., Measurements and Main Results: Of 57 women, 55 women (96.5%) were included in the final analysis. The mean follow-up duration was 35.5 ± 7.6 (24-46) months. The total incidence of mesh exposure was 3 of 55 (5.5%). The total incidence of prolapse recurrence was 3 of 55 (5.5%). The changes in the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification System scores, including Aa, Ba, C, Ap, Bp, and total vaginal length values, showed significant improvement after surgery (p <.05 for all)., Conclusion: The study demonstrates that vNOTES sacrocolpopexy appears to be an effective option with low risks of mesh exposure and prolapse recurrence. Studies including more patients and longer follow-up periods should be performed before a clear conclusion can be reached., (Copyright © 2022 AAGL. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To provide a stepwise guide to performing vNOTES hysterectomy, adnexectomy, and vault suspension, using 2 access platform methods., Design: Narrated surgical video based on 2 cases of vNOTES for abnormal uterine bleeding and endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia., Setting: A single tertiary-care academic center., Interventions: Step-by-step walk-through is shown to demonstrate the successful completion of a hysterectomy, adnexectomy, and vault suspension. Use of a traditional glove platform and that of an advanced access system, the GelPOINT Access System (Applied Medical), are illustrated. The surgical steps are summarized as follows: (1) colpotomy and abdominal entry, (2) transection of the uterosacral ligaments, (3) placement of an access platform, (4) upper abdominal survey, (5) transection of the uterine and cornual pedicles, (6) identification of the ureters, (7) bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, (8) uterosacral ligament suspension, (9) cystoscopy, and (10) vaginal vault closure and tying of the suspension sutures., Conclusion: This video demonstrates the steps to safely reproduce a vNOTES hysterectomy, adnexectomy, and uterosacral ligament suspension with 2 access techniques. vNOTES offers scar-free surgery, improved access to high pedicles and surgical fields, and a favorable recovery profile, making it an attractive surgical route in appropriate candidates., (Copyright © 2022 AAGL. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Study Objective: To compare the Trendelenburg angle used in laparoscopic uterovaginal apical prolapse repairs with the angles used in vaginal and robotic uterovaginal apical prolapse repairs., Design: Prospective, multicenter cohort study from May 2015 to December 2016., Setting: Two academic teaching hospitals., Patients: Sixty patients who underwent vaginal high uterosacral ligament suspension, laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy, or robotic sacrocolpopexy performed by 6 surgeons board-certified in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery., Interventions: Measurement of Trendelenburg angle and time spent in Trendelenburg during surgery., Measurements and Main Results: Twenty patients were enrolled in each procedure group. The median maximum angle of Trendelenburg was significantly greater in the laparoscopic group (22° [20-25]) than in the vaginal group (15° [6-19]; p <.001) and the robotic group (19° [16-21]; p = .02). The participants in the laparoscopic group spent significantly more time overall in Trendelenburg (176 minutes [143-221]) than those in the robotic group (150 minutes [127-161]; p = .01) and those in the vaginal group (120 minutes [86-128]; p <.001). The participants in the laparoscopic and robotic groups spent similar amounts of time in maximum Trendelenburg (116 minutes [52-164] and 117 minutes [61-134], respectively; p = .56), whereas the participants in the vaginal group spent significantly less time in maximum Trendelenburg (10 minutes [7-38]) than those in the laparoscopic group (p <.001). The total median operative time was highest for the laparoscopic approach (211 minutes [173-270]), followed by the robotic approach (181 minutes [165-201]) and the vaginal approach (162 minutes [128-186]; p = .008)., Conclusion: The median maximum angle of Trendelenburg was highest in laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy-followed by robotic sacrocolpopexy-and lowest in vaginal high uterosacral ligament suspension. Patients who underwent robotic sacrocolpopexy spent less time in Trendelenburg than those who underwent the laparoscopic approach. Prolonged, steep Trendelenburg is often not required for any of the 3 surgical procedures, but a vaginal approach should be considered for those at high risk of complications from Trendelenburg position., (Copyright © 2021 AAGL. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: The incidence of post-hysterectomy vault prolapse following native tissue repair has been reported to be as high as 43%. The optimal way to maintain vault support is unknown. Our aim was to evaluate the long-term efficacy of modified McCall culdoplasty during vaginal hysterectomy for symptomatic uterine prolapse in preventing the recurrence of vaginal vault prolapse., Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review involving 490 patients who underwent vaginal hysterectomy with modified McCall culdoplasty, with or without a concomitant stress incontinence procedure, between January 2008 and December 2018 at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto. Data analyzed included patient demographics, preoperative prolapse staging, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and postoperative subjective and objective success rates., Results: A total of 490 patients underwent vaginal hysterectomy with modified McCall culdoplasty. The mean follow-up period was 2.8 years. The objective success rate of vault support was 97.1%, and the subjective success rate was 94.1%. The total rate of reoperation for recurrence of vault prolapse was 1.0%. The objective cystocele recurrence rate was 8.6%, and 2.4% of these cases required reoperation. The objective rectocele recurrence rate was 4.7%, with 1.2% requiring reoperation. Unilateral ureteric kinking requiring intraoperative release of the McCall suture was recorded for 2.9% of patients. Overall, there was significant improvement in urinary, bowel, and prolapse symptoms post procedure., Conclusion: This cohort of patients who underwent modified McCall culdoplasty had low rates of vault prolapse recurrence and prolapse symptoms. The modified McCall culdoplasty technique practised at our institution is safe and effective in preventing post-hysterectomy vault prolapse., (Copyright © 2021. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Background: Vaginal hysterectomy with suture apical suspension is commonly performed for uterovaginal prolapse. Sacrospinous hysteropexy with graft (vaginal mesh hysteropexy) is an alternative, although in 2019 the Food and Drug Administration removed this mesh product from the United States market., Objective: Our objective was to compare the efficacy and adverse events of these 2 procedures., Study Design: At 9 clinical sites in the United States National Institutes of Health and National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Pelvic Floor Disorders Network, 183 postmenopausal women requesting vaginal surgery for symptomatic uterovaginal prolapse were enrolled in a multisite randomized superiority clinical trial, comparing a sacrospinous hysteropexy with graft (hysteropexy) with a vaginal hysterectomy with uterosacral ligament suspension (hysterectomy). Participants consented to remain masked to treatment assignment for the study duration. Study visits were conducted at 6-month intervals through 60 months. The primary treatment failure composite outcome (retreatment of prolapse, prolapse beyond the hymen, or prolapse symptoms) was evaluated with survival modeling. Secondary outcomes included complications or adverse events, individual anatomic measures of the pelvic organ prolapse quantification examination, and presence, severity, and impact and bother of prolapse, urinary, bowel, and pain symptoms as measured by validated questionnaires. The 3-year published results suggested better primary outcomes with sacrospinous hysteropexy with graft, but the differences were not statistically significant (P=.06). This study reports the 5-year outcomes., Results: A total of 183 women with a mean age of 66 years were randomized between April 2013 and February 2015; 93 were randomized to hysteropexy and 90 were randomized to hysterectomy. Notably, 175 were included in the trial, and 156 (89%) completed the 5-year follow-up. The primary outcome showed fewer failures for hysteropexy than hysterectomy through 5 years (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.58; 95% confidence interval, 0.36-0.94; P=.03), with failure rates of 37% vs 54%, respectively, resulting in a difference of -18% (95% confidence interval, -33% to -3%) at 5 years. With the exception of the Urogenital Distress Inventory, no group differences were demonstrated in patient-reported pelvic floor symptoms, prolapse symptoms, bowel function symptoms, general quality of life, body image, or pelvic pain. At their last visit through 5 years, 70% of participants (129 of 183) reported they remained masked to their treatment with no difference in masking between groups. Adverse events for hysteropexy vs hysterectomy included mesh exposure (8% vs 0%), granulation tissue after 12 weeks (1% vs 12%), and suture exposure after 12 weeks (3% vs 21%), respectively., Conclusion: Among women with symptomatic uterovaginal prolapse undergoing vaginal surgery, sacrospinous hysteropexy with graft resulted in a lower composite failure rate than vaginal hysterectomy through 5 years. There were no meaningful differences in patient-reported outcomes between groups. Our results suggest that this vaginal mesh hysteropexy procedure should be made available to patients., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Study Objective: To evaluate suture complication rates and surgical outcomes according to the nonabsorbable suture materials used in vaginal uterosacral ligament suspension (USLS) surgery. Multifilament polyester (polyethylene terephthalate [PET]) and monofilament polypropylene (PP) sutures were compared., Design: Retrospective cohort study., Setting: Single teaching hospital., Patients: Total of 229 patients who underwent transvaginal USLS and completed a 1-year follow-up., Interventions: Use of PET and PP sutures for transvaginal USLS procedures., Measurements and Main Results: PP sutures were used in 149 patients, and PET sutures were used in 80 patients. The suture-related complication rates, including granulation tissue and suture erosion at the vaginal apex, were significantly higher in the PET suture group than in the PP suture group (46.3% vs 20.1%, p <.01). However, there was no significant difference in the rates of surgical failure (defined as the presence of vaginal bulging symptoms, apical descent ≥ half of the total vaginal length, anterior or posterior vaginal wall descent beyond the hymen, or retreatment for prolapse) between the 2 groups (p = .84)., Conclusion: Compared with the use of multifilament PET sutures, the use of monofilament PP sutures in transvaginal USLS may reduce suture-related complications without increasing surgical failure rates., (Copyright © 2020 AAGL. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To compare success and complication rates of apical suspension procedures for the surgical management of symptomatic uterine or vaginal vault prolapse., Target Population: Women with symptomatic uterine or vaginal vault prolapse seeking surgical correction., Options: Interventions included abdominal apical reconstructive repairs (sacrocolpopexy, sacrohysteropexy, or uterosacral hysteropexy) via open, laparoscopic, or robotic approaches; vaginal apical reconstructive repairs (vault suspensions or hysteropexy, sacrospinous, uterosacral, iliococcygeus, McCall's, or Manchester types); and vaginal obliterative procedures (with or without uterus in situ). Individual procedures or broad categories of procedures were compared: (1) vaginal versus abdominal routes for reconstruction, (2) abdominal procedures for reconstruction, (3) vaginal procedures for reconstruction, (4) hysterectomy and suspension versus hysteropexy for reconstruction, and (5) reconstructive versus obliterative options., Outcomes: The Urogynaecology Committee selected outcomes of interest: objective failure (obtained via validated pelvic organ prolapse [POP] quantification systems and defined as overall objective failure as well as failure rate by compartment); subjective failure (recurrence of bulge symptoms determined subjectively, with or without use of a validated questionnaire); reoperation for POP recurrence; complications of postoperative lower urinary tract symptoms (de novo or postoperative stress urinary incontinence; reoperation for persistent, recurrent, or de novo stress urinary incontinence; urge urinary incontinence; and voiding dysfunction); perioperatively recognized urinary tract injury (bladder or ureter); other complications (mesh exposure, defined as mesh being visible and exposed in the vagina, and non-sexual pelvic pain); and sexual function (de novo dyspareunia and sexual function score according to a validated questionnaire)., Benefits, Harms, and Costs: This guideline will benefit patients seeking surgical correction of apical POP by improving counselling on surgical treatment options and possible outcomes. It will also benefit surgical providers by improving their knowledge of various surgical approaches. Data presented could be used to develop frameworks and tools for shared decision-making., Evidence: We searched Medline, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and Embase from 2002 to 2019. The search included multiple terms for apical POP surgical procedures, approaches, and complications. We excluded POP repairs using transvaginal mesh and studies that compared procedures without apical suspension. We included randomized controlled trials and prospective or retrospective comparative studies. We limited language of publication to English and French and accessibility to full text. A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed., Validation Methods: The authors rated the quality of evidence and strength of recommendations using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. See online Appendix A (Tables A1 for definitions and A2 for interpretations of strong and weak recommendations)., Intended Users: Gynaecologists, urologists, urogynaecologists, and other health care providers who assess, counsel, and care for women with POP., Summary Statements: All statements refer to correction of apical vaginal prolapse in the short and medium term (up to 5 years), except when otherwise specified., (Copyright © 2021. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Study Objective: Recently, there has been a paradigm shift toward uterine conservation during the surgical management of pelvic organ prolapse (POP), specifically uterine prolapse. There are few reports on transvaginal uterosacral ligament hysteropexy (TULH). This study aimed to describe our surgical technique and outcomes., Design: Retrospective review and description of surgical technique. Anatomic outcome has been reported using the POP quantification system. Complications were segregated. A comparison of parametric continuous variables was performed using paired t test. Categoric variables were evaluated using the Pearson χ 2 test and the Fisher exact test. A p-value <.05 was considered significant., Setting: Teaching hospital., Patients: Forty patients who underwent TULH from 2009 to 2017., Interventions: TULH., Measurements and Main Results: A total of 40 patients met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 56.1% had preoperative stage 3 prolapse. The median operative time was 116 minutes. The mean estimated blood loss was 158.5 mL. Transient ureteral obstruction occurred in 2 patients. The mean follow-up time was 17.2 months, and all patients had significant improvement of prolapse (p <.001). There was also an improvement in urinary incontinence and bladder storage symptoms (p <.001). None of the patients were reoperated on for recurrent POP., Conclusion: TULH is an effective uterus-preserving surgical alternative for the treatment of uterovaginal prolapse and provides good apical support. It is also associated with a low short-term recurrence and incidence of reoperation. TULH is a viable option for suitable patients with uterovaginal prolapse who desire uterine conservation., (Copyright © 2020 AAGL. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Congenital pelvic anomalies include disorders of both the urinary and reproductive tracts. These disorders often coexist due to the overlapping embryological development of both systems. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a useful tool for characterization of the reproductive tract and can play an important role in the preoperative evaluation of patients with known bladder exstrophy. Accurate delineation of reproductive tract anomalies is critical as it can influence the surgical approach and can have implications for fertility. Here, we present a case of a 50-year-old female with uterine didelphys and congenital bladder exstrophy, which is an uncommon association. Our case is unique as the MR appearance of bladder exstrophy with concurrent uterine didelphys has not been reported. Additionally, this represents the first reported example of congenital herniation of both horns of the didelphys uterus through the mons pubis in the setting of bladder exstrophy., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest None., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Without cesarean delivery, obstructed labor can result in maternal and fetal injuries or even death given a disproportion in size between the fetus and the maternal birth canal. The precise frequency of obstructed labor is difficult to estimate because of the widespread use of cesarean delivery for indications other than proven cephalopelvic disproportion, but it has been estimated that at least 1 million mothers per year are affected by this disorder worldwide. Why is the fit between the fetus and the maternal pelvis so tight? Why did evolution not lead to a greater safety margin, as in other primates? Here we review current research and suggest new hypotheses on the evolution of human childbirth and pelvic morphology. In 1960, Washburn suggested that this obstetrical dilemma arose because the human pelvis is an evolutionary compromise between two functions, bipedal gait and childbirth. However, recent biomechanical and kinematic studies indicate that pelvic width does not considerably affect the efficiency of bipedal gait and thus is unlikely to have constrained the evolution of a wider birth canal. Instead, bipedalism may have primarily constrained the flexibility of the pubic symphysis during pregnancy, which opens much wider in most mammals with large fetuses than in humans. We argue that the birth canal is mainly constrained by the trade-off between 2 pregnancy-related functions: while a narrow pelvis is disadvantageous for childbirth, it offers better support for the weight exerted by the viscera and the large human fetus during the long gestation period. We discuss the implications of this hypothesis for understanding pelvic floor dysfunction. Furthermore, we propose that selection for a narrow pelvis has also acted in males because of the role of pelvic floor musculature in erectile function. Finally, we review the cliff-edge model of obstetric selection to explain why evolution cannot completely eliminate cephalopelvic disproportion. This model also predicts that the regular application of life-saving cesarean delivery has evolutionarily increased rates of cephalopelvic disproportion already. We address how evolutionary models contribute to understanding and decision making in obstetrics and gynecology as well as in devising health care policies., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Study Objective: To demonstrate helpful tips and tricks for the successful use of transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) for performing sacrocolpopexy and salpingo-oophorectomy surgery. Minimally invasive approaches for treating pelvic organ prolapse via sacrocolpopexy have traditionally included laparoscopy either with or without robotic assistance. Transvaginal NOTES is a novel minimally invasive approach that both avoids abdominal incisions and provides improved visualization; however, it can be technically challenging., Design: Stepwise demonstration with narrated video footage (Canadian Task Force classification III)., Setting: An academic tertiary care hospital in Guangdong, China., Patient: A 61-year-old gravida 3, para 3 woman with 3 spontaneous vaginal deliveries and stage III uterine prolapse, stage III cystocele, and stage III rectocele. The preoperative vaginal length was 6 cm., Intervention: After performing vaginal hysterectomy, we show the usefulness of NOTES for salpingo-oophorectomy. We also demonstrate useful techniques for transvaginal NOTES sacrocolpopexy including hydrodissection, division of the Y mesh, anchoring of the anterior mesh before reducing prolapse, retroperitoneal tunneling, and hand suturing of the mesh and vaginal cuff., Measurements and Main Results: The procedure was successfully performed in approximately 190 minutes. The postoperative vaginal length was 5 cm. Postoperative pelvic organ prolapse quantification was stage 0., Conclusion: The transvaginal NOTES approach is feasible and efficient for sacrocolpopexy and salpingo-oophorectomy; additionally, it is a reasonable option for patients who desire a minimally invasive approach with excellent cosmetic results. Surgical techniques that aid in effectively performing transvaginal NOTES sacrocolpopexy include the use of hydrodissection, Y mesh division, anterior mesh anchoring before reducing prolapse, retroperitoneal tunneling, and hand suturing. Using the techniques presented here, we were able to insert the port only 1 time, which improves the efficiency and safety of this surgery., (Copyright © 2018 American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Study Objective: To demonstrate laparoscopic sacrohysteropexy for a case of uterine prolapse in a 12 weeks, 3 days pregnant woman. To our knowledge this is the first case of laparoscopic sacrohysteropexy performed at 12 weeks of gestation to be reported in literature., Design: A step-by-step explanation of the surgical procedure (Canadian Task Force classification III)., Setting: Maltepe University Hospital., Patient: A 37-year-old pregnant woman., Intervention: Laparoscopic sacrohysteropexy. Institutional Review Board ruled that approval was not required for this study., Measurements and Main Results: Uterine prolapse is very rare condition, manifesting in an estimated 10 000 to 15 000 pregnancies [1]. The management plan must be individualized, and the obstetrician should aware of possible complications, such as preterm labor, high incidence of abortion, cervical ulceration, and cervical dystocia. In general, bedrest, good genital hygiene, and pessary use is recommended. Alternatively, in cases where conservative solutions have failed, laparoscopic surgery in the pregnant patient may be considered. To date, only 1 case of laparoscopic promontohysteropexy at 10th weeks of gestation was reported by Pirtea et al [2]. A 37-year-old woman, at 12 weeks and 3 days of gestation, with stage III pelvic organ prolapse was referred to our clinic. Conservative management with pessary failed. The patient underwent laparoscopic sacrohysteropexy after written informed consent form was obtained. In exploration, uterine manipulation was difficult because of softness and large size of the uterus. First, the sigmoid colon was suspended at the abdominal wall to gain an adequate surgical field. The promontorium was dissected and the parietal peritoneum incised on the right pelvic side wall after ureter visualization. A polypropylene mesh was fixed to the cervix at the level of the uterosacral ligaments. The other edge of the mesh was fixed at the level of the promontory using the Uplift device (Neomedic International, Barcelona, Spain). Then, the peritoneum was sutured to cover the mesh. The patient was discharged 2 days after surgery. At the examination the pelvic floor was detected to be normal. The patient delivered a healthy baby weighing 3030 g by cesarean section at 38 weeks of gestation. The position of the mesh was controlled during surgery. There was no peritoneal fold detected on the cervical part of mesh; however, no adhesion was observed., Conclusion: Laparoscopic sacrohysteropexy may be an alternative and safe approach, if conservative treatment fails, for pelvic organ prolapse during pregnancy., (Copyright © 2018 American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Study Objective: To demonstrate a simplified technique of performing laparoscopic sacrohysteropexy for uterine prolapse., Design: A technical video demonstrating a simplified method of laparoscopic sacrohysteropexy (Canadian Task force classification level III)., Setting: The benign gynecology department at a university hospital., Interventions: A 38-year old woman with grade 3 uterine descent presented requesting surgical management for symptomatic prolapse., Conclusion: Laparoscopic sacrohysteropexy is becoming an increasingly popular alternative to hysterectomy to treat uterine prolapse in women. We present a novel approach of performing laparoscopic sacrohysteropexy that differs from previously described methods [1,2]; it is shorter, simpler, and reduces possible complications. Key differences include the mesh type, site of attachment, and dissection of the peritoneum while creating the possibility of future vaginal delivery after pregnancy. Our simplified technique uses a polyvinylidene fluoride mesh woven with a square weave secured to the posterior aspect of the cervix under a layer of visceral peritoneum. Because there is no longitudinal give of the mesh, unlike polypropylene meshes with a diamond weave, a wrap method [2] is not required. No dissection of the broad ligament and bladder is needed, eliminating the risk of bladder perforation and anterior mesh erosion with fewer adhesions and simplifying hysterectomy if required in the future. We also uniquely "tunnel" the peritoneum, reducing the size of defect for suture closure, and reperitonize the mesh. Previous methods restrict cervical dilatation and require women to have cesarean sections. The method described in the video allows women to deliver vaginally and, in the event of late miscarriage, avoid the need for hysterotomy. We have performed 25 cases with 1 mild cystocoele recurrence requiring no surgery, 1 reoperation for posterior compartment repair, and 1 case of cervical elongation requiring Manchester repair. No cases of recurrent uterine prolapse have occurred., (Crown Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Study Objective: To present a case of uterine prolapse in a pregnant patient at 10 weeks of gestation who was successfully treated by laparoscopic promontohysteropexy. To our knowledge, this is the first case of laparoscopic promontopexy during pregnancy to be reported in the literature., Design: Step-by-step description of the surgery using videos (Canadian Task Force classification 3)., Setting: Uterine prolapse is a rare condition in young patients and is extremely rare in pregnant women. The reported incidence of uterine prolapse during pregnancy is 1/10,000 to 15,000 deliveries [1]. To date, only a few cases of prolapse during pregnancy have reported in the literature, most of which were treated with pessary insertion. A case involving laparoscopic surgery for uterine prolapse during pregnancy was reported by Matsumoto et al 1999 [2], but the authors did not perform the promontohysteropexy technique., Intervention: A 27-year-old patient with uterine prolapse at 10 weeks of gestation was referred to our clinic for severe pelvic pain. Conservative treatment with pessary insertion was attempted but failed. Consequently, the patient was scheduled for laparoscopic promontohysteropexy. The surgery was made difficult by the increased size and softness of the uterus. To create an adequate surgical field, the sigmoid colon and right adnexa were suspended at the abdominal wall. The peritoneum above the promontorium was incised, and the longitudinal ligament was dissected. The paravesical spaces were opened, and the vesicovaginal space was dissected. A polypropylene mesh in the shape of an inverted "T" was introduced. The small arm was sutured to the anterior vaginal wall, and the posterior arms were passed through the posterior leaves of the broad ligament and fixed to the cervix at the level of the uterosacral ligaments. Both posterior arms were fixed at the level of the promontory using the Protack device (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN). The mesh was completely covered with peritoneum. The patient was discharged 3 days after surgery, with no pain and with normal pelvic floor status. The pregnancy proceeded uneventfully, and she delivered a 3500-g healthy baby by scheduled cesarean section at 39 weeks of gestation. During surgery, the position of the mesh around the uterus was assessed. The mesh was completely covered with peritoneum, and there were no adhesions due to mesh insertion. At 6 months after delivery, pelvic floor status was reassessed and found to be normal. Written informed consent for reporting this case was obtained from the patient before the procedure. The procedure was performed in accordance with the ethical standards laid down in the 1964 Declaration of Helsinki and its later amendments. The Institutional Review Board and Ethical Committee of Victor Babeş University of Medicine and Pharmacy ruled that approval was not required for this study., Conclusion: Laparoscopic promontohysteropxy can be performed during pregnancy if conservative treatment, such as pessary insertion, fails to restore the normal pelvic floor status., (Copyright © 2017 AAGL. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of parity on mechanical behavior of the vagina and to correlate these findings with alterations in collagen structure., Study Design: Mechanical properties of 5 nulliparous and 6 parous rhesus macaques were derived from uniaxial tensile tests. Collagen ratios and alignment were quantified by quantitative fluorescent microscopy and picrosirius red staining. Outcomes were compared by the Student t test or Mann Whitney U test (P < .05) and Spearman's rho for correlation coefficients., Results: Mechanical properties were inferior in a parous vs nulliparous vagina with decreased tangent modulus (P = .03), tensile strength (P < .001), and strain energy density (P = .006). Although no difference in collagen ratios (P = .26) were observed, collagen alignment decreased with parity (P = .06). Worsening pelvic organ support negatively correlated with decreasing collagen alignment (r(2) = -0.66) and mechanical properties (r(2) = -0.67)., Conclusion: Vaginal parity is associated with inferior tissue mechanics and loss of collagen alignment. Such behavior likely predisposes to the development of pelvic organ prolapse., (Published by Mosby, Inc.)

Mimosa pudica was found useful in cases of uterine prolapse with bleeding, consistent with my experience of working with the condition for more than 45 years, and treating hundreds of such cases of uterine prolapse. Hysterectomy has been avoided up to this date, and is not now expected to be recommended.

Objective: We have analyzed the prevalence and patterns of constipation in women with urinary symptoms and/or genital prolapse., Study Design: Seven hundred and eighty-six consecutive urogynecologic patients underwent a questionnaire and structured clinical assessment. Comparison between constipated and nonconstipated women was made. Fisher exact test, Wilcoxon rank sum test, and logistic regression were used for statistical analysis (P < .05 for significance)., Results: Thirty-two percent of women were constipated (172 difficult stool passage, 13 reduced stool frequency, 64 both). A genital prolapse > or = 2 degree Half Way System (HWS) was present in 44% of women. A posterior colpocele was more frequent in constipated women (35% vs 19%; P < .0001), resulting in a risk factor for constipation (OR 2.31; 95% CI 1.63-3.27). By contrast, higher degrees of anterior colpocele appeared to protect against constipation (OR 0.80; 95% CI 0.66-0.96). No differences in prevalence of constipation were observed for urinary symptoms or urodynamic diagnosis., Conclusion: Bowel dysfunction correlates exclusively with posterior aspects of the pelvic floor support.

During the last 10 Years, the cesarean section (CS) rate was increased despite of the recommendations of the World Health Organization to keep it below 10-15%. The purpose of this review of the literature was to demonstrate how the concept of CS rate limitation has become obsolete. The increase in the CS rate is mainly justified by the decrease in maternal mortality and morbidity following elective CS: surgery-related risks have decreased and the confusion that was made between the risks of vaginal delivery and those of trial of labor has to be clarified to show that maternal mortality and morbidity are not increased by elective CS. However, instrumental delivery and CS during labor remain two situations at high risks both for the mother and her fetus. There is also an association between the increase in the CS rate and the decrease in perinatal mortality and morbidity, but this effect would only become clinically significant after a dramatic increase in the CS rate: this is the preventile principle of "marginal death". Numerous articles have been published reporting on the effects of vaginal delivery for the pelvic floor: urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and especially fecal incontinence. All these publications concluded that CS has a protective effect. The rising duty to provide information to patients in high risk obstetrical situations such as a history of CS also contributes to the overall increase in CS rate mainly through the elective CS rate. Indeed, when faced with the alternative choices of potentially severe complications either for themselves or their child, women are likely to choose what appears to be the safest mode of delivery for their child and thus to opt for a CS. Finally, widespread delivery of information to the patients about trial of labor itself and the risks of vaginal delivery is the first step towards a "principle of preference", which consists in giving an important place to the patient's choice in the decision-making process, and thus to recognize her right to ask for an elective CS.

The controversy over elective cesarean versus vaginal birth with regard to pelvic floor trauma has left many caregivers and patients confused. With the growing evidence to support the development of fecal incontinence as a result of childbirth, we believe that it is imperative to reevaluate modern obstetric practices both for the patient's benefit and for our medical-legal protection. Our attention and energy need to be focused on good informed consent regarding these risks along with improved postpartum surveillance for injury.