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Urinary incontinence in the general population occurs in 7% of non-pregnant women under 39 years old, 17% of those 40 to 59 years old, and 23–32% of those over 60 years old. In athletes the prevalence is higher, especially in high-impact training and gravity sports. Pelvic floor muscles (PFM) have two important roles; they serve as the support for abdominal organs and are crucial for closure of the urethra, vagina and rectum. We present the proper mechanisms of PFM caudal contractions with proper abdominal muscle control to avoid excessive intra-abdominal pressure. Pelvic floor sonography is discussed as the only objective method for pelvic floor examination among sportswomen and a tool which should be used routinely by urophysiotherapists and urogynecologists. A multidisciplinary individualized approach to stress urinary incontinence among athletes is presented including: physiotherapy, diagnostic imaging, use of a pessary, tampons, pharmacologic and surgical treatment. We present guidelines for stress urinary incontinence treatment in sportswomen of different age.

Pregnancy is a physiological condition with reversible hemodynamic, neurohormonal and coagulation changes to the maternal body during this 9‑month period. The occurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) is altogether rare among pregnant women, but necessitates immediate treatment und further work-up. Despite numerous pharmacological and invasive therapeutic modalities for AF in non-pregnant patients, very few options are considered safe enough for the fetus and the mother during pregnancy. Commonly used medications such as beta blockers, calcium channel antagonists, antiarrhythmic drugs and anticoagulation therapy must be carefully individualized according to the week of gestation and possible underlying comorbidities of the mother, thus highlighting the importance of an interdisciplinary evaluation by a cardiologist and a gynecologist. The current review summarizes the existing knowledge and treatment options for AF in pregnancy and suggests a simplified algorithm for this clinical constellation.Die Schwangerschaft ist eine 9‑monatige physiologische Phase, die mit reversiblen hämodynamischen, neurohormonellen und hämostaseologischen Veränderungen des mütterlichen Körpers einhergeht. Vorhofflimmern (VHF) ist zwar insgesamt eine seltene Erkrankung bei schwangeren Frauen, erfordert jedoch eine schnelle Behandlung und weitere Abklärung. Für nichtschwangere Patientinnen stehen zahlreiche medikamentöse und invasive Behandlungsoptionen zur Verfügung; dagegen sind die Möglichkeiten bei schwangeren Frauen hinsichtlich der Sicherheit von Mutter und Fetus stark limitiert. Häufig verwendete Medikamente wie Betablocker, Kalziumkanalblocker, Antiarrhythmika und Antikoagulanzien müssen sehr vorsichtig und individualisiert gegeben werden; zu berücksichtigen sind dabei die aktuelle Schwangerschaftswoche und mögliche Komorbiditäten. Das unterstreicht die Notwendigkeit der interdisziplinären Evaluation durch einen Kardiologen und Gynäkologen. Die vorliegende Übersichtsarbeit fasst den aktuellen Wissensstand und die Behandlungsoptionen bei VHF während der Schwangerschaft zusammen. Des Weiteren wird ein vereinfachter Algorithmus für diese klinische Konstellation präsentiert.

Objectives: There are different diagnostic methods used in women with urinary incontinence symptoms such as: medical history, voiding diary, cough test, pad test, urodynamic testing. None of them is optimal. The aim of this study is to analyze the correlation between urethral funneling visualized during pelvic floor sonography and symptoms of stress urinary incontinence. Material and methods: We have performed a retrospective analysis of 657 complete datasets of patients who attended our urogynecological clinic for diagnostics. Women with wet overactive bladder were excluded from the analysis. Tests used in our clinic included: standardized interview and questionnaire, clinical exam, cough test. Pelvic floor sonography with a transvaginal probe in women with filled bladder was performed to assess the urethral length and the urethral funneling during maximal Valsalva maneuver. Results: In all patients with clinical SUI symptoms and with a positive cough test the urethral funneling length during Valsalva maneuver was > 50% of urethral length (long urethral funneling). In 83.7% of women without SUI the urethral funneling was absent. In the remaining 16.3% funneling was visible but its relative length was less than 50% of urethral length and urine flow was not observed (short urethral funneling). Conclusions: Long urethral funneling (> 50% of urethral length) seems to be a characteristic sign for SUI in women. The presence of urethral funneling shorter than 50% of urethral length (short urethral funneling) is not a SUI symptom — it is probably a sign of asymptomatic funneling of bladder neck.

Introduction Obesity is one of the well-documented risk factors of pelvic floor disorders (PFDs). The PFDs include urinary and fecal incontinence (UI, FI) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Surgery-induced weight loss improves different kinds of incontinence as well as POP symptoms. However, there is a lack of evidence how bariatric surgery influences pelvic floor anatomy and function in women without previous PFDs and whether it may be concerned as PFD prophylaxis tool. Materials and Methods The present analysis is a prospective, non-randomized case-control study from January 2014 to September 2017. Participants underwent pelvic floor ultrasound examination with bladder neck position estimation at rest, during levator ani tension, and at Valsalva maneuver before surgery and 12–18 months after. Pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POPQ) > 2 stage and PFD complaints were the exclusion criteria. Results Fifty-nine patients underwent bariatric surgery (57 sleeve gastrectomy and 2 gastric bypass). Mean BMI decreased from 43.8 ± 5.9 to 29 ± 4.6 kg/m2 after surgery (p

Objectives To ascertain whether a phenomenon of sling migration exists after suburethral sling placement, whether this might be responsible for suboptimal sling location and persistent incontinence, and whether a link exists between sling dislocation or migration and risk factors, such as obesity or age. Methods The present prospective cohort study was carried out in a group of 244 patients who underwent retropubic sling implantation. Sling location was determined by means of pelvic floor ultrasound, and calculated relative to the individual patient's urethral length measured before the procedure. The sling location was visualized on 1 day, and 1 and 6 months post-surgery. Overweight/obese and elderly patients were analyzed separately to assess the possible influence of those factors on sling location. Results The mean urethral length in the studied cohort was 28.76 ± 3.67 mm. The mean tape position 1 day post-surgery was 66.18 ± 8.43% of the urethral length, and it did not change 1 and 6 months post-surgery in the whole group. Similar results were obtained in elderly and overweight/obese patients. Conclusions Suboptimal sling location appears to result from incorrect surgical technique, and should be diagnosed and treated early after the primary surgery. Sling location does not change after mid-term follow up.

Objectives: The aim of the study was the evaluation of repeatability and reproducibility of chosen urethral neck mobility measurements obtained during introital pelvic floor sonography performed with a 2D transvaginal probe. Material and methods: In order to assess the repeatability and reproducibility, independent measurements on the ultra­sound image were taken by two specialists on 92 female patients at rest and at strain (Valsalva maneuver). 2D ultrasound examination was performed introitally with a transvaginal probe (PFS-TV). The location of the urethral internal orifice was defined with coordinates of two points. Point CI marks the urethral anterior edge visualized on ultrasound as closer to the pubic symphysis. Point CII marks the posterior edge visualized more peripherally from pubic symphysis. Results: Repeatability and reproducibility measurements of point CI location and mobility were good and very good (0.6710–0.9961), while of point CII — were medium, good and very good (0.5738–0.9944). Point CI was clearly visible in all cases. It was not possible to accurately mark point CII in 4.3–17.4% of cases. Conclusions: The possibility to visualize point CI in every single case with very good and good repeatability and reproduc­ibility of measurements of this point’s location and mobility allows the usage of CI point as a universal reference point for evaluation of bladder neck mobility and position during PFS-TV in the clinical practice and for research purposes.

Aktuelle Behandlungskonzepte bei BelastungsinkontinenzZusammenfassung. Eine Belastungsinkontinenz sollte immer zuerst konservativ behandelt werden. Schon eine Gewichtsreduktion, Hormonpräparate, Physiotherapie, Beckenbodentraining und/oder die Anwendung von Pessaren können zum Erfolg führen. Nach Ausschöpfen dieser Therapien werden heute Inkontinenzoperationen mit meist sehr guten Heilungschancen (ca. 80–90 %) angeboten. Der operative Goldstandard ist die suburethrale Schlingeneinlage. Die Pelvic-Floor-Sonografie liefert dazu sehr wichtige Hinweise zur Wahl der Operationstechnik und zur Behebung von Komplikationen. Ferner bildet die intra- oder paraurethrale Injektion von Bulking Agents eine vielversprechende, wenig invasive operative Alternative. In diesem Artikel werden Behandlungskonzepte, prä-, intra- und postoperative Untersuchungen, Wahl der Operationsmethode, operationstechnische Details für den Operationserfolg sowie Vorbeugung und Behandlung von Komplikationen diskutiert.

Zusammenfassung. Zusammenfassung: Eine Belastungsinkontinenz sollte immer zuerst konservativ behandelt werden. Schon eine Gewichtsreduktion, Hormonpräparate, Physiotherapie, Beckenbodentraining und/oder die Anwendung von Pessaren können zum Erfolg führen. Nach Ausschöpfen dieser Therapien werden heute Inkontinenzoperationen mit meist sehr guten Heilungschancen (ca. 80–90 %) angeboten. Der operative Goldstandard ist die suburethrale Schlingeneinlage. Die Pelvic-Floor-Sonografie liefert dazu sehr wichtige Hinweise zur Wahl der Operationstechnik und zur Behebung von Komplikationen. Ferner bildet die intra- oder paraurethrale Injektion von Bulking Agents eine vielversprechende, wenig invasive operative Alternative. In diesem Artikel werden Behandlungskonzepte, prä-, intra- und postoperative Untersuchungen, Wahl der Operationsmethode, operationstechnische Details für den Operationserfolg sowie Vorbeugung und Behandlung von Komplikationen diskutiert.

Introduction: Implants used to treat patients with urogynecological conditions are well visible in US examination. The position of the suburethral tape (sling) is determined in relation to the urethra or the pubic symphysis. Aim of the study: The study was aimed at assessing the accuracy of measurements determining suburethral tape location obtained in pelvic US examination performed with a transvaginal probe. Material and methods: The analysis covered the results of sonographic measurements obtained according to a standardized technique in women referred for urogynecological diagnostics. Data from a total of 68 patients were used to analyse the repeatability and reproducibility of results obtained on the same day. Results: The intraclass correlation coefficient for the repeatability and reproducibility of the sonographic measurements of suburethral tape location obtained with a transvaginal probe ranged from 0.6665 to 0.9911. The analysis of the measurements confirmed their consistency to be excellent or good. Conclusions: Excellent and good repeatability and reproducibility of the measurements of the suburethral tape location obtained in a pelvic ultrasound performed with a transvaginal probe confirm the test’s validity and usefulness for clinical and academic purposes.

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is treated using intravaginal laser therapy. We wanted to find out how incontinence severity at baseline and the number of laser interventions affect success rate, and whether the effect of laser therapy was obvious 6 months and 2 years after the last laser intervention. Fifty-nine women, 32 with SUI I, 16 with SUI II, and 11 with SUI III were treated using an erbium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Er:YAG) laser following the IncontiLase® protocol. Therapy included five laser sessions with a 1-month interval between sessions. Objective (1-h pad test) and subjective data (International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form [ICIQ-UI SF], Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire [PISQ-12]) were assessed at baseline, after two and four laser sessions and 6 months and 2 years after the fifth laser session. Objective cure/improve rates for mild SUI I were 69%, 78%, 91%, and 78% after two, four, and five laser sessions at the 6-month and 2-year follow-ups. Subjective cure rates (ICIQ-UI SF) were 53%, 69%, 72%, and 66%, and sexual function (PISQ-12) also improved. For SUI II, objective cure/improve rates were 31%, 63%, 69%, and 50%. Subjective cure rate was 13% at the 2-year follow-up. For SUI III, only one patient had an objective improvement after two and four laser sessions. Intravaginal laser therapy led to cure/improvement for SUI I and SUI II, but not for severe SUI III. Outcome was better after four to five laser sessions than after two laser sessions. Follow-up data 6 months and 2 years after laser intervention showed sustainability of the treatment.

Though the association between overactive bladder (OAB) and depression was noticed years ago, the pharmaceutical market does not offer one universal drug that would cure both conditions at the same time. The main goal of our present experiments was to determine whether a 14-day administration of solifenacin (0.03 mg/kg/day), mirabegron (1 mg/kg/day), or duloxetine (1 mg/kg/day) would reverse detrusor overactivity and depression-like signs in female Wistar rats subjected to corticosterone treatment. Surgical procedures, cystometric studies, biochemical analyses, and the forced swim test were performed according to published literature. After 14 days of exposure to corticosterone (20 mg/kg/day, subcutaneously), the tested animals presented symptoms of depression, detrusor overactivity, inflammation, and disturbances in neurotrophic factors. The obtained results demonstrated that solifenacin and mirabegron act mainly via peripheral pathways in OAB, whereas the central pathways are responsible for the effects of duloxetine. 72 h after discontinuation of duloxetine treatment, positive changes in the corticosterone-induced depression, detrusor overactivity, and inflammation were observed. Duloxetine seems to have a potential to become a new treatment option for patients with OAB co-existing with depression.

UNLABELLED There has been a rise in the use of sonographic urethrocystography in patients with a full bladder. So far, no publications have been made on the analysis of repeatability and reproducibility of the measurements performed during this procedure. AIM An assessment of repeatability and reproducibility of urethral length measurements during sonographic urethrocystography in females with a full bladder in the introital approach, using real-time two-dimensional transvaginal ultrasound. MATERIAL AND METHODS The ultrasound was performed in accordance with a standardized technique in female patients with a full bladder containing 200-300 mL of liquid. A total of 92 patients were included in the analysis. RESULTS The Intraclass Correlation Coefficient for repeatability and reproducibility of urethral length measurements in sonographic urethrocystography ranged between 0.9217 and 0.9873 (p = 0.0000). The analysis of ultrasound urethral length measurements taken by two different physicians at an interval of several months confirmed their very high compatibility (ICC = 0.81, p = 0.000). CONCLUSIONS Very good repeatability and reproducibility of urethral length findings during sonographic urethrocystography performed in accordance with the presented technique support the possible use of this type of examination in both clinical practice and research.

The sling procedures are the gold standard for SUI treatment. They are highly effective but not free from complications. The most common adverse effect for the surgery with the implant insertion is: overactive bladder occurring de novo after the surgery, voiding dysfunctions, urine retention, and unsatisfactory treatment outcome. The most important question that arises after 20 years of sling procedures is how to manage the complications and what can be offered to complicated patients. The above review summarises the ultrasound findings in complicated cases and shows the scheme of management of the clinical problems concerning the tape location in suburethral region.

Aims To determine cohort urethral length, identify epidemiological factors influencing the parameter and to establish the percentage of cases with clinically relevant outsized urethras. Methods Prospective cohort study conducted in two tertiary clinical centers between 2013 and 2017. Nine hundred and twenty seven consecutive adult, Caucasian females attending outpatients' clinics were included. The urethral length has been measured in pelvic floor ultrasound examination. The exclusion criteria were inadequate bladder filling ( 400 mL), previous history of pelvic floor surgery, and no consent. Results Urethral length varied from 19 to 45 mm. The distribution of the examined parameter was normal. Obese patients had significantly longer urethras as compared to non-obese subjects. Number of vaginal deliveries was connected with shorter urethral length. The limitations of the study are: analysis only of Caucasian patients and subjects without previous pelvic floor surgeries. Conclusions Differences in urethral length in the female population were demonstrated. Thirty percent of patients have atypical urethras that may be a risk factor for sling surgery failure. We therefore postulate introduction of urethral measurement before the procedure.

Aim: Despite a wide array of vaginal tapes to treat stress urinary incontinence (SUI), evidence suggesting that both patient characteristics and tape positioning influence outcomes, and differing tape insertion pathways (retropubic vs. transobturator), it remains unclear if the same incision location is effective for all tapes. The aim of the study was to compare outcomes using two different surgical incision locations when inserting a transobturator vaginal tape (TOT) to treat SUI. Methods: We compared patient characteristics, tape positioning, and surgical outcomes in 123 women undergoing a TOT procedure who were randomly assigned to have the surgical incision begin at 1/3 of the sonographically-measured urethral length (similar to the traditional retropubic approach) or 1/2 of the urethral length. Results: It was feasible to place the tape according to intention in 99.2% of the study cohort. The overall cure rate was higher when the incision site began at 1/2 the urethral length (83.6%) than 1/3 (62.9%) (P ¼0.01). In the subgroup analyses, only patients with normal urethral mobility had significantly different cure rates (85.7% vs. 55.2%, P ¼0.02). No significant differences in cure rates were observed between the other mobility categories of the study groups— hypermobility was consistently associated with high cure rates and hypomobility with low cure rates. Conclusions: When surgically treating SUI with a TOT, incision at the mid-urethra using the 1/2 rule is recommended as it leads to better outcomes for most patients, particularly those with normal urethral mobility. Neurourol. Urodynam. # 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Background This is the first report of a newly identified cause of recurrent stress urinary incontinence (SUI) after midurethral tape insertion. Patients and methods This article reports a series of cases with primary or secondary tape failure including clinical presentation and findings, the results of pelvic floor (PF) ultrasound, and the (surgical) correction of malpositioned vaginal tapes. Results A vaginal tape for treating SUI must be accurately placed under the mid-third of the urethra and at a distance of 3-5 mm from the urethra. Alignment parallel to the urethra in the urethrovaginal septum is also essential for adequate function. A tethered tape refers to the adhesion of a tape edge to the anterior vaginal wall either during primary wound closure or due to secondary ingrowths and is typically associated with recurrent SUI during activities or changes in posture. Less common is SUI through an increase in pressure from cranially, which occurs when coughing or laughing. "Vaginal polyps" may point to imminent vaginal erosion of the tape. In the sagittal plane, the PF examination will identify an oblique orientation of the tape at rest, an abnormal closeness of the tape to the transducer, and changes in tape shape upon manipulation of the vaginal probe. Once the diagnosis has been established, a tethered tape is easy to correct by realignment or tightening to accomplish correct positioning parallel to the urethra. This measure restores tape function and continence. Conclusion Primary or secondary failure of a tension-free vaginal tape may be caused by a tethered tape. This complication can be diagnosed on the basis of characteristic findings at PF ultrasound. In most women, the tape position can be corrected and there is no need for tape removal.

Aims: Thisstudyassessedtheeffectivenessofultrasoundindeterminingtapedistancetourethraandtheimpactofearly tape mobilization on outcomes in women with postoperative voiding dysfunction resulting from a too tightly positioned tension-free vaginal tape (TVT). Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted with women experiencing voiding dysfunction caused by too tightly positioned tapes. Ultrasound was used to identify the cause of the dysfunction and measure the distance between tape and longitudinal smooth muscle layer (LSM) of the urethra. If the tape was too closetotheLSM( 100 ml,itwasmobilizedunderlocal/analgosedationshortlyafter the initial TVT procedure. Results: Seventy-one postoperative TVT mobilization procedures were conducted on 61 women, which was 4.1% (61/1501) of all suburethral tape procedures performed. Early tape mobilization restored normal micturition in 59 (96.7%) of the women at the time of discharge. Significant differences were found in residual volumes (P< 0.001)andtape-LSMdistances(P

Mid urethral sling is the standard in SUI treatment. Nevertheless, the risk of reoperation reaches 9%. There is no consensus as to the best treatment option for complications. A question is raised: what is the optimal way to achieve the best result in patients after primary failure? The aim of the study was to evaluate the outcomes of repeat MUS surgery in patients after excision of the sling with recurrent SUI. We compared its effectiveness with uncomplicated cases treated with TVT. 27 patients who underwent the repeated MUS and 50 consecutive patients after primary TVT were enrolled in the study. After 6 months, we have found that 24 (88.46%) patients from repeat sling group and 48 (96%) patients after primary sling were dry (1-hour pad test, 2 g or less). The difference between groups was not significant. We showed statistically significant improvement of quality of life in both groups. In conclusion, we showed that repeated sling after MUS excision is almost as effective as primary MUS. We postulate that sling excision and repeated MUS may be the best option for persistent SUI and/or complications after MUS procedures. Further multicenter observations are ongoing as to provide results on bigger group of cases.

AIMS Intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD) is a known risk factor for therapy failure after tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) insertion. The purpose of this study was to investigate if the severity of ISD alone or other factors such as urethral mobility and tape localization influence outcomes. METHODS One hundred and nine women with urodynamically determined ISD, a TVT insertion, and a 6-month follow-up visit were included. Urethral length, mobility, and tape localization were evaluated by pelvic floor sonography. Patients were classified into three urethral mobility groups (hypomobile, normomobile, hypermobile). Surgical outcome was assessed by a combination of objective and subjective criteria. RESULTS Therapeutic success rate after TVT insertion was 81.6%. The severity of ISD did not associate with therapy failure. But urethral mobility (P

Objectives To evaluate whether the sling position is associated with particular types of complications in patients undergoing suburethral sling placement for stress urinary incontinence. Methods Data from 100 women diagnosed at the Evangelical Hospital Hagen-Haspe with complications after suburethral sling insertion were analyzed. All patients underwent pelvic floor ultrasound to assess: urethral length, sling location in relation to the urethral length (%) and the sling distance to the longitudinal smooth muscle complex of the urethra (the sling–longitudinal smooth muscle distance). Results The shortest median sling–longitudinal smooth muscle distance was observed in patients with recurrent urinary tract infections, urinary retention and overactive bladder: 0.9, 1.1 and 1.75 mm, respectively (P < 0.05). In women with persistent stress urinary incontinence and sling erosion, the sling–longitudinal smooth muscle distance was 3.6 and 4.6 mm, respectively (P < 0.05). Persistent stress urinary incontinence was connected with the position of the sling in relation to the bladder neck – in these patients, the sling was closer to the bladder neck. Conclusions Sling location plays a pivotal role in the occurrence of certain complications. The sling position in the proximal part of the urethra or between the middle and proximal urethra appears to be connected with a high rate of unsuccessful stress urinary incontinence treatment. A sling–longitudinal smooth muscle distance below 2 mm is often connected with sling complications, such as overactive bladder, urinary retention and recurrent urinary tract infections.

Objectives The tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) insertion technique generally does not take into account individual urethral length. In this study we investigated whether preoperative sonographic measurement of individual urethral length allows for reliable TVT positioning under the midurethra, which is a critical segment for the continence mechanism. Methods Urethral length was measured by preoperative introital ultrasonography in 102 consecutive female patients with stress urinary incontinence. TVT procedures were performed as recommended by the manufacturer. The suburethral incisions were initiated at one-third of the sonographically measured urethral length. TVT position and tape–urethra distance were followed up 6 months postoperatively. Results At 6-month examination of the 102 study participants, 93.1% were cured and 6.9% showed improved continence. TVTs were found in the target range of 50–70% of the urethral length in 88.2% of the cohort. Women with the TVT in the 50–70% urethral length range and a 3–5-mm tape–longitudinal smooth muscle distance had a greater likelihood of being cured without complications (P < 0.001). Conclusions Preoperative sonographic measurement of urethral length, combined with the one-third rule, may aid in reliable midurethral TVT positioning. Copyright © 2012 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Erratum to: Int Urogynecol J (pp 795—800, issue 192_21_7) DOI10.1007/s00192-010-1119-z The color figures appeared correctly online, but were mistakenly printed in black and white. They are reproduced in color here. Fig. 1 Outcome 48 months after TVT insertion according to tape position relative to the urethra and tape distance from the urethra. The optimal tape position, which was found to be at 50–80% of the urethral length with a tape–urethra ... Fig. 2 Changes in tape shape in Groups I–III (tape functionality) by baseline tape position at 48-month follow-up. The groups are explained in the “Patients and methods” section Fig. 3 Patients were assigned to the groups based on tape functionality at the 6-month postoperative follow-up. The figure shows cure and complication rates by group at 48 months

Approximately one-third of the female population has been estimated to suffer from stress urinary incontinence. Surgical management of this disorder has been an area of ongoing innovation since the beginning of the 20th century. Better understanding of the underlying patomechanisms resulted in the invention of suburethral sling, that proved to be very effective in terms of the cure rates. The introduction of sling techniques also caused a considerable reduction of the rates of intra- and postoperative complications of incontinence treatment. Unfortunately modern anti-incontinence surgery continues to be associated with a high risk of both, perioperative morbidity and long-term adverse outcomes, even with the recently introduced single-incision techniques. The article focuses on intra- and postoperative complications of sling techniques in anti-incontinence surgery. Both, common and rare adverse outcomes are widely discussed.

A rare but challenging complication of midurethral tape procedures is perforation of the tape through the bladder wall. We saw three patients in whom unrecognized bladder perforation during TVT-Secur™ procedures occurred. It took an average follow-up time of 11 months before the bladder perforations were identified by introital ultrasound. Complete excision of the mesh was achieved endoscopically (TURP resectoscope) and/or by traditional vaginal tape removal techniques. Following tape removal, there has been no recurrence of urinary tract infections, and the irritative voiding symptoms have resolved in all three cases. Bladder perforation after mini-sling procedures can be managed using a combined transurethral/vaginal approach. This technique is minimally invasive, safe, and successful. Careful introital ultrasound should be performed in patients presenting with new lower urinary tract symptoms after sling surgery to avoid delays in diagnosing bladder perforation.

We report a case of a 59-year-old woman who suffered for 3 years with vaginal discharge and severe lower abdominal pain. The patient underwent numerous clinical examinations and a wide array of complex medical procedures without receiving a conclusive diagnosis. Although a diverse amount of tests and exams had been carried out, no abnormalities were detected until introital ultrasound (GE Voluson 730 Expert, vaginal probe 5-9-MHz, beam angle of 160°) identified two tiny abscesses with sinus tract at the vaginal sulci. The infected tape (TOT) was surgically removed and the patient healed uneventfully.

Introduction and hypothesis This study evaluates the relevance of the tape position and change in shape (tape functionality) under in vivo conditions for mid-term outcome. Methods Changes in the sonographic tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) position relative to the percentage urethral length and the tape–urethra distance were determined after 6 and 48 months in 41 women with stress urinary incontinence. Results At 48 months, 76% (31/41) of women were cured, 17% (7/41) were improved, and 7% (3/41) were failures. Disturbed bladder voiding was present in 12% (5/41), de novo urge incontinence in 7% (3/41). The median TVT position was at 63% of urethral length. Median tape–urethra distance was 2.7 mm, ranging from 2.9 mm in continent patients without complications to 1.1 mm in those with obstructive complications. Patients with postoperative urine loss had a median distance of 3.9 mm. The tape was stretched at rest and C-shaped during straining in 15 of 41 women (37%) at 48 months (all continent). Patients with this tape functionality at 6 months were also cured at 48 months in 86% of cases (19/22), and only 14% (3/22) showed recurrent incontinence. Conclusions Mid-term data suggest an optimal outcome if the tape is positioned at least 2 mm from the urethra at the junction of the middle and distal thirds. Patients with optimal tape functionality at 6 months are likely to show mid-term therapeutic success.

Aim: To investigate tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) position and shape using ultrasound (US) and correlate the findings to outcome. Material and Methods: The results of TVT surgery were investigated in 72 women with urodynamic stress urinary incontinence. The main outcome parameters were US tape position in relation to the urethra and dynamic changes in TVT shape at rest and during straining. Results: Sixty-two patients (86%) were continent, 6 (8%) significantly improved, and the operation failed in four cases (6%). The median tape position was at 66% of the urethral length measured by US. The median tape-urethra-lumen distance was 3.8 mm at rest. Tape placement in the upper or lower quarter of the urethra was associated with a higher failure rate. Tapes positioned less than 3 mm from the urethra significantly increased postoperative complications (P < 0.0001). The tape was flat at rest and curved during straining in 44 (61%) patients; 98% (43/44) of these women were continent after surgery. An unchanged tape shape was associated with a poorer outcome (P ! 0.00038). Patients with a flat tape at rest and during straining failed in 25% and patients with a permanent curved shape in 10%. Conclusions: TVT position relative to the patient’s urethra seems to play a role in treatment outcome. Outcome was best in patients with dynamic change in tape shape during straining and location of the tape at the junction between the lower and middle urethra and at least 3 mm from the urethral lumen. Neurourol. Urodynam. ! 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Introduction and hypothesis Controversy continues over the effectiveness of sling incision, which is the most common operative approach to treating complications following suburethral sling insertion. This retrospective analysis assessed the indications for sling incision and patient outcomes regarding resolution of complications and stress urinary incontinence. Methods A review was conducted of the medical records of women who underwent sling incision between 2003 and 2010. Data such as surgical indications, ultrasound findings and medical outcomes were extracted from 198 records, and descriptive and inferential statistical methods of analysis were used. Results In the 198 patients eligible for study inclusion, the primary reasons for sling incision were overactive bladder (68 %), voiding dysfunction (61 %), and recurrent urinary tract infections (53 %). Additional complications included dyspareunia (18 %), chronic pelvic pain (17 %), and sling exposure (15 %). Sling incision led to immediate postoperative cure of voiding dysfunction in 97 % of patients. Cure rates for overactive bladder and dyspareunia were 60 % and 94 % respectively. Chronic pelvic pain was resolved in 82 % of cases and all cases of sling exposure were cured. Eighty-five (61 %) of the 140 patients who were continent before sling incision developed recurrent stress urinary incontinence (SUI) postoperatively. Conclusions These findings indicate that sling incision can be highly successful in improving voiding dysfunction and dyspareunia, and moderately successful in curing overactive bladder and chronic pain. However, SUI may recur in more than 60 % of the patients undergoing sling incision. Consequently, patients being considered for a sling incision procedure should be informed about this possible complication.