Search

Background: It is well established that female physicians in Canada are reimbursed at lower rates than their male counterparts. To explore if a similar discrepancy exists in reimbursement for care provided to female and male patients, we addressed this question: Do Canadian provincial health insurers reimburse physicians at lower rates for surgical care provided to female patients than for similar care provided to male patients? Methods: Using a modified Delphi process, we generated a list of procedures performed on female patients, which we paired with equivalent procedures performed on male patients. We then collected data from provincial fee schedules for comparison. Results: In 8 out of 11 Canadian provinces and territories studied, we found that surgeons were reimbursed at significantly lower rates (28.1% [standard deviation 11.1%]) for procedures performed on female patients than for similar procedures performed on male patients. Conclusion: The lower reimbursement of the surgical care of female patients than for similar care provided to male patients represents double discrimination against both female physicians and their female patients, as female providers predominate in obstetrics and gynecology. We hope our analysis will catalyze recognition and meaningful change to address this systematic inequity, which both disadvantages female physicians and threatens the quality of care for Canadian women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Vaginal surgery has a superior outcome profile compared with other surgical routes, yet skills are declining because of low case volumes. Graduating residents' confidence and preparedness for vaginal surgery has plummeted in the past decade. The objective of the present study was to investigate whether procedure‐specific simulation skills, vs usual training, result in improved operative competence. Material and methods: We completed a randomized controlled trial of didactic and procedural training via low fidelity vaginal surgery models for anterior repair, posterior repair (PR), vaginal hysterectomy (VH), recruiting novice gynecology residents at three academic centers. We evaluated performance via global rating scale (GRS) in the real operating room and for corresponding procedures by attending surgeon blinded to group. Prespecified secondary outcomes included procedural steps knowledge, overall performance, satisfaction, self‐confidence and intraoperative parameters. A priori sample size estimated 50 residents (20% absolute difference in GRS score, 25% SD, 80% power, alpha 0.05). Clinicaltrials.gov: Registration no. NCT05887570. Results: We randomized 83 residents to intervention or control and 55 completed the trial (2011–23). Baseline characteristics were similar, except for more fourth‐year control residents. After adjustment of confounders (age, level, baseline knowledge), GRS scores showed significant differences overall (mean difference 8.2; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.2–16.1; p = 0.044) and for VH (mean difference 12.0; 95% CI: 1.8–22.3; p = 0.02). The intervention group had significantly higher procedural steps knowledge and self‐confidence for VH and/or PR (p < 0.05, adjusted analysis). Estimated blood loss, operative time and complications were similar between groups. Conclusions: Compared to usual training, procedure‐specific didactic and low fidelity simulation modules for vaginal surgery resulted in significant improvements in operative performance and several other skill parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The difficulty, however, is what the patient is told and understands when they are consenting to have a I new i procedure, and this is usually information the surgeon gives to the patient. Patient-centered innovation, like person-centered health care, ensures that stakeholders and patients are equal partners in planning, developing, and monitoring innovation to make sure that it meets their needs while balancing efficacy and safety. Although a patient cannot be involved when a surgeon develops an innovative approach to a surgical dilemma, the use of that approach in a future patient should include the future patient(s). Both organizations have developed websites dedicated to patients with pelvic floor disorders, and IUGA's website includes patient resources available in 19 different languages. [Extracted from the article]

Discusses the case of an 80-year-old woman with vaginal prolapse. Description of vaginal prolapse and the options available to treat it; Analysis of the case by physicians; Risk factors for pelvic organ prolapse; Types of surgery to repair this condition.

Pelvic organ prolapse is a common and growing condition for which women seek help and frequently undergo surgical management. Prolapse of the posterior vaginal wall, alone or in combination with other compartment defects, can be a challenge for the pelvic surgeon. A dear under- standing of the normal anatomy, interactions of the connective tissue and muscular supports of the pelvis, and the relationship or lack of relationship between anatomy and function is required. Vaginal support defects occur with and without symptoms, and many of the symptoms attributed to pelvic organ prolapse can result from other causes. Pelvic pressure, the need to splint the perineum to defecate, impaired sexual relations, difficult defecation, and fecal incontinence are some of the symptoms that have been correlated with rectoceles. Whether the prolapse is the cause of these symptoms or is a result of straining and stretching of support tissues in women with defecation disorders is still unknown. We will present the current literature on these relationships and what evaluations are useful when caring for a woman with a rectocele and defecation disorders. Either pessaries or surgery can be used for treating rectoceles. Several surgical techniques have been described, including transvaginal, trans anal, abdominal, and the use of graft materials to treat both anatomical defects and functional symptoms. The success, rationale, and complications of each approach, induding anatomic cure, impact on defecation, and sexual function, are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We designed this trial to assess whether the addition of standardized Burch colposuspension to abdominal sacrocolpopexy for the treatment of pelvic-organ prolapse decreases postoperative stress urinary incontinence in women without preoperative symptoms of stress incontinence. Methods: Women who did not report symptoms of stress incontinence and who chose to undergo sacrocolpopexy to treat prolapse were randomly assigned to concomitant Burch colposuspension or to no Burch colposuspension (control) and were evaluated in a blinded fashion three months after the surgery. The primary outcomes included measures of stress incontinence (symptoms, stress testing, or treatment) and measures of urge symptoms. Enrollment was stopped after the first interim analysis because of a significantly lower frequency of stress incontinence in the group that underwent the Burch colposuspension. Results: Of 322 women who underwent randomization, 157 were assigned to Burch colposuspension and 165 to the control group. Three months after surgery, 23.8 percent of the women in the Burch group and 44.1 percent of the controls met one or more of the criteria for stress incontinence (P<0.001). There was no significant difference between the Burch group and the control group in the frequency of urge incontinence (32.7 percent vs. 38.4 percent, P=0.48). After surgery, women in the control group were more likely to report bothersome symptoms of stress incontinence than those in the Burch group who had stress incontinence (24.5 percent vs. 6.1 percent, P<0.001). Conclusions: In women without stress incontinence who are undergoing abdominal sacrocolpopexy for prolapse, Burch colposuspension significantly reduced postoperative symptoms of stress incontinence without increasing other lower urinary tract symptoms. N Engl J Med 2006;354:1557-66. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objectives: To establish whether the short-term risks of prolapse surgery are increased by a concomitant anti-incontinence procedure. Methods: Using data from the past 4 years of the National Hospital Discharge Survey, we identified women admitted for surgery for pelvic organ prolapse (specifically, suspension of the vagina or obliteration of the cul-de-sac, with or without concomitant hysterectomy or vaginal repairs). We identified women diagnosed with complications (including infections, bleeding complications, surgical injuries, pulmonary complications, and cardiovascular complications). We used multiple logistic regression analysis to compare women with and without complications with respect to concurrent continence procedures, controlling for demographic characteristics, concurrent procedures, and medical comorbidity (using the Charlson index). Results: Of the 1931 women who underwent prolapse surgery, concomitant anti-incontinence procedures were performed in 514 (26.6%). Complications were reported in 288 patients (14.9%) and were associated with medical comorbidity (odds ratio 11.2) and concomitant hysterectomy (odds ratio 1.5). Concomitant surgery for incontinence was not associated with an increased risk of complications. Conclusions: These data suggest that medical comorbidity is strongly associated with complications after surgery for pelvic organ prolapse. A concomitant anti-incontinence procedure did not significantly increase the immediate morbidity of prolapse surgery. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Introduction and hypothesis: To determine prevalence and quality of life impact of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in women living with HIV (WLWH). Methods: Cross-sectional urinary questionnaires were included in a multicenter national prospective study of the HPV vaccine in WLWH. Demographic and clinical information was abstracted from the parent study. The Urinary Distress Inventory (UDI-6) and Urinary Impact Questionnaire (UIQ-7) were administered. Wilcoxon rank sum, two-sample chi-square or Fisher's exact tests were used as appropriate to compare women with UDI-6 score ≥ 25 to those with lower UDI-6 scores on demographic and HIV-related factors. Significant categorical variables were followed up with logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (OR). Results: One hundred seventy-seven women completed urinary questionnaires (85.5% of cohort). Median age was 44.1 (37.2–50.6). Mean CD4 count was 621 (410–785), and 132 women (74.6%) were virologically suppressed. Median UDI-6 score was 4.2 (0–25). Fifty-one women (28.8%) had a UIQ-7 score > 0. Among those with a UDI-6 score of at least 25, median UIQ-7 was 9.5 (0–47.6). UDI-6 ≥ 25 was significantly associated with increasing age, higher BMI, Canada as country of origin, peri-/postmenopausal status (OR 3.37, 95% CI = 1.71 to 6.75) and being parous (OR 2.92, 95% CI = 1.27 to 7.59) (all p < 0.05). HIV-related factors were not associated with UDI-6 ≥ 25. Conclusions: LUTS were common, but we did not demonstrate a negative impact on quality of life in this sample of WLWH. Large comparative studies are needed to determine whether HIV is a risk factor for bothersome LUTS in women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The rate of obstetric anal sphincter injury has increased in recent years, particularly among operative vaginal deliveries. We sought to characterize temporal trends in episiotomy use and to quantify the association between episiotomy and obstetric anal sphincter injury.Methods: Using a population-based retrospective cohort study design of hospital data from 2004 to 2017, we studied all vaginal deliveries of singleton infants at term gestation in Canada (excluding Quebec). Rates of obstetric anal sphincter injury were contrasted between women who had an episiotomy and those who did not. Log-binomial regression was used to estimate the association between episiotomy and obstetric anal sphincter injury among women with spontaneous and operative vaginal deliveries after controlling for confounders.Results: The study population included 2 570 847 deliveries. Episiotomy use declined significantly among operative vaginal deliveries (53.1% in 2004 to 43.2% in 2017, p < 0.0001) and spontaneous vaginal deliveries (13.5% in 2004 to 6.5% in 2017, p < 0.0001). Episiotomy was associated with higher rates of obstetric anal sphincter injury among spontaneous vaginal deliveries (4.8 with episiotomy v. 2.4% without; adjusted rate ratio [RR] 2.06, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.00-2.11) and this association remained after stratification by parity and obstetric history. In contrast, episiotomy was associated with lower rates of obstetric anal sphincter injury among forceps deliveries in nulliparous women (adjusted RR 0.63, 95% CI 0.61-0.66), and women with vaginal birth after cesarean (adjusted RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.60-0.85), but not among parous women without a previous cesarean (adjusted RR 1.16, 95% CI 1.00-1.34).Interpretation: Episiotomy use has declined in Canada for all vaginal deliveries. The protective association between episiotomy and obstetric anal sphincter injury among women who gave birth by operative vaginal delivery (especially forceps) warrants reconsideration of clinical practice among nulliparous women and those attempting vaginal birth after cesarean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Increased use of operative vaginal delivery (use of forceps, vacuum or other device) has been recommended to address high rates of cesarean delivery. We sought to determine the association between rates of operative vaginal delivery and obstetric trauma and severe birth trauma.Methods: We carried out an ecological analysis of term, singleton deliveries in 4 Canadian provinces (2004-2014) using data from the Canadian Institute for Health Information. The primary exposure was mode of delivery. The primary outcomes were obstetric trauma and severe birth trauma.Results: Data on 1 938 913 deliveries were analyzed. The rate of obstetric trauma was 7.2% in nulliparous women, and 2.2% and 2.7% among parous women without and with a previous cesarean delivery, respectively, and rates of severe birth trauma were 2.1, 1.7 and 0.7 per 1000, respectively. Each 1% absolute increase in rates of operative vaginal delivery was associated with a higher frequency of obstetric trauma among nulliparous women (adjusted rate ratio [ARR] 1.06, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05-1.06), parous women without a previous cesarean delivery (ARR 1.10, 95% CI 1.08-1.13) and parous women with a previous cesarean delivery (ARR 1.11, 95% CI 1.07-1.16). Operative vaginal delivery was associated with more frequent severe birth trauma, but only in nulliparous women (ARR 1.05, 95% CI 1.03-1.07). In nulliparous women, sequential vacuum and forceps instrumentation was associated with the largest increase in obstetric trauma (ARR 1.44, 95% CI 1.35-1.55) and birth trauma (ARR 1.53, 95% CI 1.03-2.27).Interpretation: Increases in population rates of operative vaginal delivery are associated with higher population rates of obstetric trauma, and in nulliparous women with severe birth trauma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Increased use of operative vaginal delivery (i.e., forceps or vacuum application), of which 20% occurs at midpelvic station, has been advocated to reduce the rate of cesarean delivery. We aimed to quantify severe perinatal and maternal morbidity and mortality associated with attempted midpelvic operative vaginal delivery.Methods: We studied all term singleton deliveries in Canada between 2003 and 2013, by attempted midpelvic operative vaginal or cesarean delivery with labour (with and without prolonged second stage). The primary outcomes were composite severe perinatal morbidity and mortality (e.g., convulsions, assisted ventilation, severe birth trauma and perinatal death), and composite severe maternal morbidity and mortality (e.g., severe postpartum hemorrhage, shock, sepsis, cardiac complications, acute renal failure and death).Results: The study population included 187 234 deliveries. Among women with dystocia and prolonged second stage of labour, midpelvic operative vaginal delivery was associated with higher rates of severe perinatal morbidity and mortality compared with cesarean delivery (forceps, adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.81, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.24 to 2.64; vacuum, AOR 1.81, 95% CI 1.17 to 2.80; sequential instruments, AOR 3.19, 95% CI 1.73 to 5.88), especially with higher rates of severe birth trauma. Rates of severe maternal morbidity and mortality were not significantly different after operative vaginal delivery, although rates of obstetric trauma were higher (forceps, AOR 4.51, 95% CI 4.04 to 5.02; vacuum, AOR 2.70, 95% CI 2.35 to 3.09; sequential instruments, AOR 4.24, 95% CI 3.46 to 5.19). Among women with fetal distress, similar associations were seen for severe birth trauma and obstetric trauma, although vacuum was associated with lower rates of severe maternal morbidity and mortality (AOR 0.52, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.80). Associations tended to be stronger among women without a prolonged second stage.Interpretation: Midpelvic operative vaginal delivery is associated with higher rates of severe birth trauma and obstetric trauma, whereas overall rates of severe perinatal and maternal morbidity and mortality vary by indication and operative instrument. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Prior studies have reported an association of sexual dysfunction with pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD), but without defining causation. Aim To investigate predictors of sexual function in women with PFD, including pelvic organ prolapse, stress urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, obstructed defecation, and fecal incontinence. Methods This retrospective cross-sectional study included 755 women (mean age = 56 years, 68% postmenopausal) referred for PFD (2008–2013). Subjects underwent standardized history and examination, including demographics and assessment of pelvic floor function and sexual function using validated quality-of-life instruments. The physical examination included body mass index, Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification measurements, and pelvic muscle strength (Oxford scale). Proportional odds regression analysis tested patient characteristics, PFD, and other determinants of sexual dysfunction as predictors of sexual function. Main Outcome Measures The Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI-20) and Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire (PFIQ-7) to assess PFD and the Short Personal Experiences Questionnaire to assess sexual function. Results The prevalence of PFD included pelvic organ prolapse (72%), stress urinary incontinence (66%), overactive bladder (78%), fecal incontinence (41%), and obstructed defecation (70%). Most subjects (74%) had a sexual partner and most (56%) reported recent sexual intercourse. Participants reported a low level of sexual desire and sexual enjoyment and moderate levels of sexual arousal and orgasm. When stratified by sexual enjoyment, 46% enjoyed sex and this group had lower PFDI and PFIQ scores, reflecting less quality-of-life burden. Pelvic organ prolapse, obstructed defecation, and fecal incontinence were associated with not enjoying sex. However, when adjusted for other determinants of sexual dysfunction (eg, aging, dyspareunia, atrophy, and partner issues), these associations disappeared. Conclusion Women with PFD also have a large burden of sexual dysfunction, although this appears to be mediated by factors not unique to PFD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The American Psychiatric Association recommends considering sexually related personal distress when assessing female sexual dysfunction. Currently, there is little data regarding the impact of sexual complaints on sexual distress. To investigate the association between sexual complaints and perceived sexual distress in a population of ambulatory adult women. Using the short forms of the Personal Experiences Questionnaire and Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Function Questionnaire, we assessed sexual complaints among 305 women seeking outpatient gynecologic care. Depressive symptoms were quantified using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CESD) score. Sexual distress was measured using the Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS). Using multivariable logistic regression, we compared sexual complaints between distressed and nondistressed women. Sexual distress, defined by FSDS score ≥15. FSDS scores were available for 292/305 participants. Seventy-six (26%) scores reflected distress. Distressed women were more likely to be younger (55.2 ± 1.0 years vs. 56.7 ± 0.8 years, P = 0.017); have higher CESD scores (16.6 vs. 9.5, P = 0.001); and report decreased arousal (56.8% vs. 25.1%, P = 0.001), infrequent orgasm (54% vs. 28.8%, P = 0.001), and dyspareunia (39.7% vs. 10.6%, P = 0.001). Women with sexual distress were also more likely to report sexual difficulty related to pelvic floor symptoms, including urinary incontinence with sexual activity (9% vs. 1.3%, P = 0.005), sexual avoidance due to vaginal prolapse (13.9% vs. 1%, P = 0.001), or sexual activity restriction due to fear of urinary incontinence (14.9% vs. 0.5%, P = 0.001). After multivariate analysis, sexual distress was significantly associated with dyspareunia (odds ratio [OR] 3.11, P = 0.008) and depression score (OR 1.05, P = 0.006), and inversely associated with feelings of arousal during sex (OR 0.19, P = 0.001). Our results indicate that sexually related personal distress is significantly associated with dyspareunia, depressive symptoms, and decreased arousal during sexual activity. This contributes to our understanding of how sexual complaints may adversely affect women's quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and hypothesis This study describes pelvic organ support after childbirth. Methods This ancillary analysis of the Childbirth and Pelvic Symptoms Imaging Study compares pelvic organ prolapse quantification 6-12 months after childbirth among three cohorts of primiparous women: vaginal delivery with sphincter tear (n=106), vaginal delivery without sphincter tear (n=108), and cesarean without labor (n=39). Results Of participants, 31.2% had stage II support. Prolapse to or beyond the hymen was present in 14% after vaginal delivery with sphincter tear (95% confidence interval 8%, 22%), 15% (9%, 24%) after vaginal delivery without sphincter tear, and 5% (1%, 17%) after cesarean without labor (p=0.23). A study of 132 women per group would be required for 80% power to test differences between 5% and 15%. Conclusions While these data provide insufficient power to dismiss a difference in pelvic organ support between modes of delivery, they add to our understanding of support following childbirth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although studies suggest that optimism can predict health outcomes, the relationship has not been tested in women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP). This study sought to explore the relationship between optimism, prolapse severity, and symptoms before operation; and examine whether optimism predicts postsurgical functional status, treatment satisfaction, and treatment success.Study Design: Data from the randomized Colpopexy and Urinary Reduction Efforts (CARE) study, in which stress continent women undergoing sacrocolpopexy to repair stage II to IV POP completed a baseline assessment of optimism and validated symptom and quality-of-life measures at baseline and 24 months. Relationships between optimism and demographics, clinical status, and functional and quality-of-life outcomes were assessed.Results: Of 322 Colpopexy and Urinary Reduction Efforts study participants, 305 (94.7%) completed 24-month followup interviews. At baseline, there were no notable differences in optimism with respect to POP stage or history of earlier operations for prolapse or urinary incontinence. At baseline, women with greater optimism reported markedly better physical and mental functioning (p Conclusions: In women planning operation for POP, optimism is related to pelvic symptom severity, but is not associated with satisfaction with treatment or treatment success. Abdominal sacrocolpopexy resulted in substantial improvements in quality of life and functional outcomes that were not notably influenced by optimism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study which examines the two-year anatomic and functional outcomes after sacrocolpopexy in stress-continent women in the U.S. with or without prophylactic Burch colposuspension. The study found that the early advantage of prophylactic Burch colposuspension for stress incontinence that was seen at three months remains at two years. Apical anatomic success rates are found to be high and not affected by concomitant Burch.

Objectives: To use static and dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to compare dimensions of the bony pelvis and soft tissue structures in a sample of African-American and white women.Methods: This study used data from 234 participants in the Childbirth and Pelvic Symptoms Imaging Study, a cohort study of 104 primiparous women with an obstetric anal sphincter tear, 94 who delivered vaginally without a recognized anal sphincter tear and 36 who underwent by cesarean delivery without labor. Race was self-reported. At 6-12 months postpartum, rapid acquisition T2-weighted pelvic MRIs were obtained. Bony and soft tissue dimensions were measured and compared between white and African-American participants using analysis of variance, while controlling for delivery type and age.Results: The pelvic inlet was wider among 178 white women than 56 African-American women (10.7+/-0.7 cm compared with 10.0.+0.7 cm, P<.001). The outlet was also wider (mean intertuberous diameter 12.3+/-1.0 cm compared with 11.8+/-0.9 cm, P<.001). There were no significant differences between racial groups in interspinous diameter, angle of the subpubic arch, anteroposterior conjugate, levator thickness, or levator hiatus. In addition, among women who delivered vaginally without a sphincter tear, African-American women had more pelvic floor mobility than white women. This difference was not observed among women who had sustained an obstetric sphincter tear.Conclusion: White women have a wider pelvic inlet, wider outlet, and shallower anteroposterior outlet than African-American women. In addition, after vaginal delivery, white women demonstrate less pelvic floor mobility. These differences may contribute to observed racial differences in obstetric outcomes and to the development of pelvic floor disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We designed this trial to assess whether the addition of standardized Burch colposuspension to abdominal sacrocolpopexy for the treatment of pelvic-organ prolapse decreases postoperative stress urinary incontinence in women without preoperative symptoms of stress incontinence.Methods: Women who did not report symptoms of stress incontinence and who chose to undergo sacrocolpopexy to treat prolapse were randomly assigned to concomitant Burch colposuspension or to no Burch colposuspension (control) and were evaluated in a blinded fashion three months after the surgery. The primary outcomes included measures of stress incontinence (symptoms, stress testing, or treatment) and measures of urge symptoms. Enrollment was stopped after the first interim analysis because of a significantly lower frequency of stress incontinence in the group that underwent the Burch colposuspension.Results: Of 322 women who underwent randomization, 157 were assigned to Burch colposuspension and 165 to the control group. Three months after surgery, 33.6 percent of the women in the Burch group and 57.4 percent of the controls met one or more of the criteria for stress incontinence (P<0.001) [Corrected]. There was no significant difference between the Burch group and the control group in the frequency of urge incontinence (32.7 percent vs. 38.4 percent, P=0.48). After surgery, women in the control group were more likely to report bothersome symptoms of stress incontinence than those in the Burch group who had stress incontinence (24.5 percent vs. 6.1 percent, P<0.001).Conclusions: In women without stress incontinence who are undergoing abdominal sacrocolpopexy for prolapse, Burch colposuspension significantly reduced postoperative symptoms of stress incontinence without increasing other lower urinary tract symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]