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Background: Sacrocolpopexy has become a favored treatment of pelvic organ prolapse due to its durability and efficacy. Sacrocolpopexy has not been standardized and there is no categorization scheme to facilitate communication or research efforts for the procedure. A systematic review was conducted to facilitate construction of a classification system for sacrocolpopexy based on extent of vaginal dissection described in the medical literature., Methods: A systematic review of EMBASE and Medline databases was performed with inclusion criteria of randomized control trials published in the English language. Database entries were reviewed for relevance and, after thorough screening, 52 articles met criteria for analysis., Results: Abdominal, laparoscopic, and robotic approaches were represented in 20, 33, and 20 studies, respectively. In 50% of the reviewed articles (n = 26), extent of anterior dissection was not provided. Dissection to the bladder trigone and bladder neck were found in 37% (n = 19) and the proximal vagina in 13% (n = 7) of studies. In the posterior compartment, 48% (n = 25) did not describe extent of dissection, whereas 15% (n = 8) referenced dissection along the full length of the vagina. Only 2% (n = 1) discussed dissection to the dorsal perineal membrane, 12% described dissection to the perineal body (n = 6), 10% to the distal vagina (n = 5), and 13% (n = 7) to the proximal vagina., Conclusion: Lack of standardization in surgical techniques creates inconsistencies in research on sacrocolpopexy. The systematic review presented informs and demonstrates a framework for classifying sacrocolpopexy based on the extent of dissection in the published literature. This categorization scheme is the first step in standardizing the technique which can aid research efforts and physician communication by unifying language about sacrocolpopexy., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest: none., (© 2024 by SLS, Society of Laparoscopic & Robotic Surgeons.)

Objective: This study aimed to determine if genital hiatus (GH) size is a predictor of worsening pelvic organ prolapse and a preference for a therapeutic intervention in women with pelvic organ prolapse who opt for expectant management over therapeutic intervention at their initial encounter., Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study analyzing the GH size of women who opted for expectant management in the initial treatment of pelvic organ prolapse at one academic institution from 2002 to 2015. Participants were divided into 2 groups: (1) large GH was defined as ≥4 cm and (2) normal GH was defined as <4 cm. The primary outcome was women opting for therapeutic intervention for their prolapse at a later visit, defined as pessary insertion or surgical intervention. Secondary measures evaluated GH as a predictor of worsening anatomy or symptoms., Results: One hundred eleven participants were enrolled. Fifty-two women had a large GH, and 59 women had a normal GH. Median length of follow-up was 24 months (range, 6-110 months). Of the 52 with a large GH, 22 (42%) opted for intervention; of the 59 women with a normal GH, 16 (27%) opted for intervention. There was no statistically significant difference between groups in the number who eventually chose intervention (P = 0.09). There was no difference in secondary outcomes between groups with respect to worsening bother, worsening pelvic organ prolapse quantification stage, or an increase in the prolapse leading edge of ≥2 cm., Conclusions: Women with a large GH, when compared with those with a normal GH, were not more likely to choose intervention over continued observation., Competing Interests: The authors have declared they have no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2021 American Urogynecologic Society. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: To assess postoperative complications, intermediate-term anatomic and subjective success rates, and quality of life following obliterative Le Fort colpocleisis (LFC) for advanced pelvic organ prolapse (POP)., Study Design: We conducted a retrospective cohort study with 53 subjects who underwent LFC surgery between January 2012 and April 2019. Demographic and treatment data were retrieved from a hospital database. Data on postoperative anatomic results were gathered from individual examinations of study subjects. The Clavien-Dindo classification was used to evaluate the complications. The Prolapse-Quality of Life (P-QoL) questionnaire was administered in person or over the telephone before and after the operation. Low scores on the P-QoL reflect a high quality of life., Results: The mean age at operation was 73 ± 7.1 years. The mean time between LFC and the postoperative questionnaire and interview was 30.8 ± 15.7 months (range: 12-82). Ninety-two percent of subjects had at least one comorbidity. When subjects were classified using the Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) Quantification System, seven (13.2 %) had Stage 3 POP and 46 (86.8 %) had Stage 4 POP. The overall rate of minor peri-operative complications rate was 11.3 % (six subjects). The objective success rate of LFC at intermediate-term follow-up was 98.1 %, and the subjective success rate was 96.2 %. The mean time between LFC and the postoperative questionnaire and interview was 30.8 ± 15.7 months (range: 12-82). There was a statistically significant decrease in the postoperative P-QoL score (p < 0.001)., Conclusions: Based on positive intermediate-term anatomic and subjective outcomes, including a significant decrease in P-QoL questionnaire scores and a lack of regret, obliterative LFC should be considered a first-choice procedure for elderly and sexually inactive women with advanced POP., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest There was no conflict of interest among all authors related to this article., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Objective: The aim of this study is to clarify the news and to summarize recommended methods in the quantification of female pelvic organ prolapse (POP)., Design: Summarizing study., Setting: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Masaryk University, University Hospital Brno., Methods: The terminology of POP was significantly reworked in last decades. It is important to use common classification system for mutual communication of specialists and for exact interpretationof research., Results: The older classifications of POP are not exact enough for interpretation of research. International classification system Pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP-Q) brought necessary consensus in the terminology, encompassing many parameters that exactly define individual anatomy of each female patient. This detailed terminology could be replaced with simplified but also satisfactorily detailed version called Simplified POP-Q for the regular clinical practice. Modern classification of POP is still developing and new concepts of vaginal and perineal measurements for description of operation techniques effectiveness are waiting for further validation., Conclusion: Modern terminology and classification of POP meets the requirements of current science and research and also is usable for regular clinical practice.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the accuracy of the bladder scanner in assessing postvoid residual (PVR) volumes in patients with pelvic organ prolapse (POP)., Methods: We performed a prospective parallel cohort study evaluating the accuracy of the BVI 3000 bladder scanner in patients with POP. Patients with POP to the hymen were offered inclusion. Primary outcome was the absolute difference between bladder scanner and catheterization PVR. We also investigated the effect of prolapse stage on bladder scanner accuracy. A prevoid bladder volume was obtained by bladder scan. Subjects voided volume was then collected. A PVR was obtained by bladder scan, followed by a PVR by catheterization. Descriptive statistics, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, linear regression analysis, and sensitivity/specificity analysis were performed., Results: We enrolled 87 subjects. There was a statistically significant difference between catheter and bladder scan PVR, with an absolute median difference of 20 mL (SD = 37.7), P < 0.001. Linear regression analysis showed a difference between mild and advanced prolapse groups. The regression coefficients of the mild prolapse group and advanced prolapse were 0.91 (confidence interval = 0.75-1.06) and 0.66 (confidence interval = 0.54-0. 78), P = 0.015, respectively, indicating a deterioration of accuracy of the bladder scanner for advanced prolapse. The sensitivity of the bladder scanner identifying catheterized PVR volumes less than 100 mL was 93.7%. For catheter PVRs greater than 100 mL, the specificity of the bladder scanner was 72.7%., Conclusions: Bladder scanner PVRs are less accurate in advanced prolapse, and PVRs of greater than 100 mL should be confirmed by catheterization.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to report the prevalence of hydronephrosis associated with pelvic organ prolapse (POP)., Methods: We conducted a MEDLINE and PubMed search from 1996 to October 2016 using PRISMA guidelines. Eight studies met criteria for inclusion, including 3 prospective and 5 retrospective studies., Results: The prevalence of hydronephrosis ranged from 3.5% to 30.6% in studies that included multiple stages of prolapse. Hydronephrosis correlated with prolapse severity in multiple studies, but serum creatinine did not consistently predict hydronephrosis. Two studies reported a significantly higher prevalence of hydronephrosis in patients with uterovaginal prolapse compared with vaginal vault prolapse. Complete resolution of hydronephrosis was described in 56% to 83% of patients after undergoing surgical treatment for advanced prolapse., Conclusions: Hydronephrosis among patients with POP is not rare, and we suggest consideration of upper tract evaluation in patients presenting with POP, particularly in those with advanced uterovaginal prolapse electing to proceed with expectant or conservative management.

Objective: To evaluate the long-term objective and subjective outcomes to build recurrence-free survival curves after mesh-free uterosacral ligament suspension and to evaluate the long-term impact of prognostic factors on outcome measures., Methods: A retrospective study analyzed 5-year follow-up after repair of primary prolapse through high uterosacral ligament suspension. Bulging symptoms and post-operative prolapse stage II or above were considered subjective and objective recurrences, respectively. The cumulative proportion of relapse-free patients in time was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier curves., Results: A total of 353 women were analyzed. Five-year recurrence rates were 15.0% for objective recurrence, 13.0% for subjective recurrence, and 4.0% for the combined objective and subjective recurrences. Premenopausal status was shown to be a risk factor for anatomic (P=0.022), symptomatic (P=0.001), and combined (P=0.047) recurrence. Conversely, anterior repair was shown to be a protective factor for symptomatic (P=0.012) and combined (P=0.002) recurrence. Most of the recurrences occurred within 2 years after surgery., Conclusion: Long-term outcomes after high uterosacral ligament suspension were satisfactory. Premenopausal status and lack of anterior repair represented risk factors for recurrence in the long term., (© 2019 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics.)

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a common, benign condition in women. For many women it can cause vaginal bulge and pressure, voiding dysfunction, defecatory dysfunction, and sexual dysfunction, which may adversely affect quality of life. Women in the United States have a 13% lifetime risk of undergoing surgery for POP (). Although POP can occur in younger women, the peak incidence of POP symptoms is in women aged 70-79 years (). Given the aging population in the United States, it is anticipated that by 2050 the number of women experiencing POP will increase by approximately 50% (). The purpose of this joint document of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Urogynecologic Society is to review information on the current understanding of POP in women and to outline guidelines for diagnosis and management that are consistent with the best available scientific evidence.

Objective: Levator ani trauma and hiatal overdistension have been shown to be associated with female pelvic organ prolapse (POP); however, the role of the shape of the levator hiatus in POP has not been examined to date. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the configuration of the levator ani hiatus and POP., Methods: This was a retrospective study of 547 women who attended a tertiary urogynecological center for symptoms of pelvic floor and lower urinary tract dysfunction between October 2014 and August 2016. All women underwent a standardized interview and prolapse assessment using the International Continence Society (ICS) Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) method and four-dimensional translabial ultrasound (TLUS). Measurements of the hiatal anteroposterior diameter (APD), coronal diameter (CD) and hiatal area (HA), at rest and on maximal Valsalva maneuver, and those of organ descent were performed offline at a later date by an investigator blinded to all other data. Hiatal configuration was defined as the ratio APD/CD. Associations between HA and HA adjusted by APD/CD at rest and on maximal Valsalva and symptoms and signs of prolapse were analyzed statistically using logistic regression modelling., Results: The mean age of the women was 54 ± 13.6 (range, 16-89) years. Of the 547 women included, 241 (44%) presented with prolapse symptoms. Clinically significant POP was detected in 406 (74%) patients and significant prolapse on TLUS was detected in 331 (61%). Hiatal ballooning was observed in 310 (57%) women and this was strongly associated with signs and symptoms of POP. HA at rest and on Valsalva was associated with significant POP both on clinical examination and on TLUS. Adjusted odds ratios for hiatal shape showed no effect of the hiatal configuration on the association between HA and POP., Conclusion: Hiatal shape does not seem to influence the association between HA and symptoms and signs of prolapse. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd., (Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate postoperative genital hiatus after apical suspension procedures without a level 3 support procedure (L3SP), posterior repair, and perineorrhaphy, compared with normative-value genital hiatus of 3.4 cm., Methods: This an analysis of a pre-existing retrospectively collected database that included all minimally invasive sacrocolpopexies and uterosacral ligament suspensions performed at a tertiary medical center from January 2009 to August 2015., Results: We identified 1006 surgical cases: 160 (15.9%) apical suspensions with L3SPs and 846 (84.1%) without. Mean (SD) age was 59 (9) years and body mass index was 27.6 (4.7) kg/m. Women were mainly white (97.4%) with stage III prolapse (67.8%). Those who underwent L3SPs were more likely to be premenopausal and undergo hysterectomy and USLS.Baseline genital hiatus was similar with and without L3SPs (4.8 [1.2] cm vs 4.6 [1.1] cm, P = 0.096). Postoperative genital hiatus was reduced beyond normative (3.4 cm) after apical suspension without (3.0 [0.7] cm, P < 0.001) and with (2.8 [0.9] cm, P < 0.001) L3SPs. Postoperative genital hiatus after L3SPs was similar to those without (2.8 [0.9] cm vs 3.0 [0.7] cm, P = 0.06). We found that change in genital hiatus was greater, by 0.7 cm, when L3SP was performed versus not performed (2.3 [1.2] cm vs 1.6 [1.1] cm, P < 0.001)., Conclusions: Level 3 support procedures may be unnecessary to restore genital hiatus to normal at time of apical suspension procedures and should be reserved for select patients.

Objective: Ethnicity has been suggested to be a significant risk factor for pelvic organ prolapse (POP); yet, pelvic organ descent in different ethnic groups, especially in Asian populations, is not well studied. The aim of this study was to compare prolapse stages, pelvic organ descent and hiatal dimensions between East Asian and Caucasian women presenting with symptoms of POP., Methods: This was a prospective observational study of East Asian and Caucasian women presenting with symptoms of POP to a tertiary urogynecology clinic in, respectively, Hong Kong and Sydney. Demographic data, prolapse symptoms and prolapse stage were assessed. Physical examination was performed using the pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP-Q) system. All women underwent transperineal ultrasound using Voluson systems. Offline analysis of four-dimensional ultrasound volume data was performed at a later date, by one operator blinded to all clinical data, to ascertain pelvic organ descent and hiatal dimensions on Valsalva maneuver. Levator muscle avulsion was assessed in volumes obtained on pelvic floor muscle contraction. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to assess factors associated with prolapse on clinical and ultrasound examinations., Results: A total of 225 East Asian women were included between July 2012 and February 2014 from the Hong Kong clinic and 206 Caucasian women between January 2015 and July 2016 from the Sydney clinic. There was no significant difference in the overall staging of prolapse. However, in East Asian women, compared with Caucasians, apical compartment prolapse was more common (99.6% vs 71.8%, P < 0.001) and posterior compartment prolapse less common (16.9% vs 48.5%, P < 0.001) on POP-Q examination. On Valsalva maneuver, the position of the uterus was lower in East Asian than in Caucasian women (-11.3 vs 1.35 mm, P < 0.001), while the rectal ampulla position was lower in Caucasians than in East Asians (-10.6 vs - 4.1 mm, P < 0.001). On multiple regression analysis, Caucasian ethnicity was a significant factor for lower risk of apical compartment prolapse on clinical assessment (odds ratio (OR), 0.01; P < 0.001) and on ultrasound (OR, 0.13; P < 0.001), and for a higher risk of posterior compartment prolapse on clinical assessment (OR, 4.36; P < 0.001) and of true rectocele on ultrasound (OR, 8.14; P < 0.001)., Conclusions: East Asian women present more commonly with uterine prolapse while Caucasians show more often posterior compartment prolapse. Ethnicity was a significant predictor of type of prolapse on multivariate analysis. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd., (Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of women with advanced apical prolapse who were treated with the obliterative LeFort partial colpocleisis (LFC) procedure., Materials and Methods: We reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent LFC for advanced apical prolapse. We collected data for baseline patient characteristics, co-morbidities, severity of prolapse, operating time, intraoperative injuries, and postoperative complications. Subjective postoperative outcomes and patient satisfaction levels were also assessed., Results: Ninety-five patients underwent LFC during the study period. Median age of patients at operation was 76.0years. Mean operation time was 121.5 ± 31.9 min. Mean postoperative hospital stay was 3.5 ± 1.6 days. Postoperative complications, which were virtually all urinary symptoms, were present in 29.8% of patients, and 89.3% of patients have been in spontaneous remission. There was one case with perineal wound infection, one case of prolapse recurrence, and one case of de novo rectal prolapse after LFC. The objective success rate of the LFC procedure for all patients was 98.9% (94/95). Most (96%) patients were satisfied with the LFC results and pleased with the improvement in body image., Conclusion: The obliterative LFC procedure had a high success rate and was associated with minimal adverse events for the elderly patients with advanced apical prolapse. This procedure should be considered as a treatment option for the advanced apical prolapse in selected elderly women who do not want to conserve vaginal intercourse, as it offers improvement in quality of life and is associated with a low regret rate., (Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Objective: To study possible associations between pelvic floor muscle contraction, levator ani muscle (LAM) trauma and/or pelvic organ prolapse (POP) ≥ Stage 2 in parous women recruited from a general population., Methods: This was a secondary analysis of data from a cross-sectional study of 608 parous women from a general population examined using the POP quantification system (POP-Q) and three-dimensional/four-dimensional transperineal ultrasound for identification of LAM macrotrauma (avulsion) and microtrauma (distension of levator hiatal area > 75 th percentile on Valsalva maneuver). Muscle contraction was assessed using the modified Oxford scale (MOS), perineometry and ultrasound measurement of proportional change of anteroposterior hiatal diameter and levator hiatal area at rest and on pelvic floor muscle contraction. The Mann-Whitney U-test was used to study associations between pelvic floor muscle contraction, LAM trauma and POP., Results: Women with macrotrauma (n = 113) had significantly weaker median pelvic floor muscle contraction, as measured using MOS and perineometry, than did women with an intact LAM (n = 493) (contraction strength was 1.5 (range, 0.0-5.0) vs 3.5 (range, 0.0-5.0) on MOS, and vaginal squeeze pressure was 15.0 (range, 0.0-78.0) cmH 2 O vs 28.0 (range, 0.0-129.0) cmH 2 O on perineometry; P < 0.001). This was also demonstrated by ultrasound measurement, with a proportional change in hiatal area of 19.9% (range, 4.1-48.0%) vs 34.0% (range, 0.0-64.0%) (P < 0.001) and proportional change in anteroposterior diameter of 16.2% (range, -5.7 to 42.6%) vs 26.0% (range, -3.4 to 49.4%) (P < 0.001). No statistically significant difference between women with (n = 65), and those without (n = 378), microtrauma was found after excluding women with macrotrauma. Women with POP had weaker muscle contraction than those without; in those with POP-Q ≥ 2 (n = 275) compared with those with POP-Q < 2 (n = 333), muscle contraction strength was 3.0 (range, 0.0-5.0) vs 3.5 (range, 0.0-5.0) on MOS, vaginal squeeze pressure was 21.0 (range, 0.0-98.0) cmH 2 O vs 28.0 (range, 3.0-129.0) cmH 2 O on perineometry, proportional change in hiatal area was 29.6% (range, 0.0-60.9%) vs 33.8% (range, 0.0-64.4%) and proportional change in anteroposterior diameter was 22.8% (range, -5.7 to 49.4%) vs 25.7% (range, -3.4 to 49.4%) (P < 0.001 for all)., Conclusions: LAM macrotrauma was associated with weaker pelvic floor muscle contraction measured using palpation, perineometry and ultrasound. Women with POP had weaker contraction than did women without POP. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd., (Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: The Prolapse Quality of Life (P-QoL) is a disease-specific instrument designed to measure the health-related quality of life in women with prolapse; however, there is no Amharic version of the instrument. The aim of this study were to translate the P-QoL into Amharic and evaluate its psychometric properties among adult women., Methods: We followed an intercultural adaptation procedure to translate and adapt the P-QoL. A forward-backward translation, face validity interviews with experts and cognitive debriefing of the translated version with ten adults from the target group were performed. The Amharic version was then completed by 230 adult women with and without POP symptoms. All women were examined using a simplified Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (SPOP-Q) system. We examined internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) and test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = ICC). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted and model fit was discussed. We extracted a new factor structure by exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Criterion validity was also assessed against the SPOP-Q stage., Results: The translated measure was found acceptable by the experts and target group, with only minor adaptations required for the Amharic context. It had high internal consistency (α = 0.96) and test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.87; p <  0.001). In CFA results, the model fit indices were unacceptable (CFI = 0.69, RMSEA = 0.17, SRMR = 0.43, TLI = 0.65, and PCLOSE = 0.00). EFA extracted three-factor with satisfactory convergent and discriminant validity. The P-QoL median scores were significantly higher in symptomatic women (Mann-Whitney U Test; p <  0.001). The score was also significantly correlated with stage of prolapse (Spearman's correlation coefficient = 0.42 to 0.64, p <  0.001)., Conclusions: The P-QoL scale was successfully translated to Amharic and appears feasible, reliable and valid for Amharic-speaking women. Factor analysis confirmed a three-factor structure, inconsistent with the original English version. Further studies are needed to evaluate responsiveness of the Amharic P-QoL score.

Objective: The aim of the study was to compare anterior and overall prolapse prevalence at 1 year in surgical participants with or without concomitant anterior repair (AR) at the time of sacrospinous ligament fixation (SSLF) or uterosacral ligament suspension (ULS)., Methods: This is a secondary analysis of two surgical trials; concomitant AR was performed at surgeon's discretion. Anterior anatomic success was defined as pelvic organ prolapse quantification of prolapse point Ba ≤0 and overall success was defined as pelvic organ prolapse quantification points Ba, Bp, and C ≤0 at 12 months., Results: Sixty-three percent (441/701) of the participants underwent concomitant AR and were older, more often postmenopausal, had previous hysterectomy, and had higher-stage anterior, but not apical prolapse. Anterior anatomic success was marginally but statistically better in the combined group (SSLF and ULS) with concomitant AR (82% vs 80%, P = 0.03). In subanalyses, the improvement in anatomic support with AR was observed only in the SSLF subgroup (81% vs 73%, P = 0.02) and mostly in the SSLF subgroup with higher preoperative stage (74% vs 57%, P = 0.02). Anterior repair did not improve success rates in participants with lower-stage prolapse or undergoing ULS. Overall success rates were similar to anterior anatomic success rates. Participants with higher-stage preoperative anterior prolapse had significantly lower success rates., Conclusions: In the absence of clinical trial data, this analysis suggests an AR should be considered for women with higher-stage prolapse undergoing an SSLF. Preoperative prolapse severity is a strong predictor of poor anatomic outcomes with native tissue vaginal apical surgeries.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and clinical outcomes of pelvic floor reconstruction with transvaginal mesh of the Uphold™ Vaginal Support System (Boston Scientific Corporation)., Materials and Methods: This retrospective study reviewed the medical records of patients with pelvic organ prolapse stage 3 or 4 who underwent pelvic reconstructive surgery with transvaginal mesh of the Uphold™ Vaginal Support System from January 2015 to March 2017. Patients who were treated with laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy, transvaginal sacrospinous ligament suspension or other mesh kits were excluded. Assessments included pre- and postoperative Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) stage, Urogenital Distress Inventory-6 (UDI-6), Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-7 (IIQ-7), urodynamic parameters, peri- and postoperative complications and symptoms., Results: Of the 111 enrolled women, the anatomical success rate was 97.3% after a median 18.4 months of follow-up. POP-Q parameters, UDI-6 and IIQ-7 scores, maximum urine flow rate, and post-void residual urine all significantly improved after surgery. Complications included one case (0.9%) of infected hematoma, two cases (1.8%) of mesh exposure, three cases (2.7%) of recurrent prolapse, and 12 cases (10.8%) of transient urine retention. No bladder or bowel injuries occurred during surgery., Conclusions: Pelvic reconstructive surgery with transvaginal mesh of the Uphold™ System yielded satisfactory anatomical and urinary functional outcomes in a median 18.4 months of follow-up., Irb Identifier: IRB: 201700645B0., (Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Objective(s): The aim of this study was to determine if ultralightweight polypropylene mesh reduced the risk of mesh/suture exposure after sacrocolpopexy compared with heavier-weighted polypropylene., Methods: Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to interpret data from 133 cases and 261 control subjects to evaluate independent predictors of mesh/suture exposure after sacrocolpopexy from 2003 to 2013., Results: Multivariate logistic regression revealed that prior surgery for incontinence (odds ratio [OR], 2.87; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.19-6.96), porcine acellular cross-linked collagen matrix with medium-weight polypropylene mesh (OR, 4.95; 95% CI, 1.70-14.42), other polypropylene mesh (OR, 6.73; 95% CI, 1.12-40.63), nonabsorbable braided suture for vaginal mesh attachment (OR, 4.52; 95% CI, 1.53-15.37), and immediate perioperative complications (OR, 3.64; 95% CI, 1.53-13.37) were independent risk factors for mesh/suture exposure. After multivariate analysis, ultralightweight polypropylene mesh was no longer associated with decreased rates of mesh/suture exposure after controlling for known risk factors identified during bivariate analysis (P = 0.423)., Conclusions: Both mesh choice and suture selection remained independent predictors of mesh/suture exposure, with heavier meshes increasing and monofilament suture decreasing rates of mesh/suture exposure. Based on this study, surgeons may consider use of delayed-absorbable, monofilament suture over nonabsorbable braided suture for attachment of vaginal mesh to reduce the risk of mesh/suture exposure when using mesh.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine anatomical and clinical cure, as well as patient satisfaction in uterine-preserving laparoscopic uterosacral ligament suspension (LUSLS) in women with anterior and apical prolapse., Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study including all women who underwent LUSLS for anterior and apical prolapse between January 2012 and December 2015 at a tertiary-care university hospital. All women had LUSLS hysteropexy and anterior colporrhaphy. Pre- and postoperative pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP-Q) measurements were taken. Prolapse symptoms were queried via standardized history. Patient satisfaction was measured by the Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I)., Results: Fifty-three women underwent the procedure during the study period. Follow-up data were available for 48 women. The mean preoperative POP-Q Ba point was 2.7 ± 1.6 and C point was -0.8 ± 2.8. At a mean follow-up of 17.5 ± 16.0 months with a median of 12 months (range, 1-54 months), there was a significant improvement of POP-Q points Ba, C, and Bp (P < 0.001 for all comparisons). Anatomical cure, defined as no prolapse of any POP-Q point at or below 1 cm above the hymen (-1), was 85.4%. Clinical cure, defined as a composite outcome of no prolapse outside the hymen, C point above total vaginal length/2, no prolapse symptoms, and no need for further treatment, was 95.8%. At a mean of 22.2 ± 12.4 months postoperatively, patient satisfaction was high, with 95.5% stating their condition was very much better (PGI-I-A) or much better (PGI-I-B)., Conclusion: Laparoscopic uterosacral ligament suspension is a valid uterine-preserving option for women with anterior and apical prolapse, with high anatomical and clinical cure rates and patient satisfaction.

Objectives: We describe the rationale, design, and methods and 6-year experience with a real-world surgical registry for female pelvic reconstructive and incontinence procedures and postoperative outcomes., Methods: The primary goal of creating this registry was to establish the feasibility of prospective data capture for all urogynecologic procedures. Data captured included baseline demographics, surgical procedures, perioperative complications, and subjective and objective findings up to 36 months after surgery., Results: The Pelvic Reconstruction and Incontinence Surgery ± Mesh Registry was developed over 3 years to include 194 unique variables for prospective data capture. The registry was implemented in December 2010, and data from 924 separate case events from a single surgeon were recorded, comprising 100% surgical case capture. Cases included a variety of procedures representing a comprehensive urogynecology practice on 804 unique patients. Patients who were asked to participate in long-term follow-up (n = 299) returned with attendance of 96% at 6 weeks, 64% at 6 months, 51% at 12 months, 39% at 24 months, and 22% at 36 months., Conclusions: The Pelvic Reconstruction and Incontinence Surgery ± Mesh Registry effectively captured all urogynecologic procedures for the purpose of quality improvement. This real-world tool demonstrates that 100% case capture is feasible and provides valuable information for the highly motivated surgeon, although adequate long-term follow-up is limited. Additional research is needed to better understand the role of surgical registries for quality improvement and development of patient-centered strategies to increase long-term follow-up.

The objective of this narrative review is to study the impact of pregnancy and childbirth on pelvic floor function as assessed by objective measurement techniques with quantitative data carried out during pregnancy and after childbirth. A literature search in MEDLINE and relevant and up-to-date journals from 1960 until April 2017 was performed for articles dealing with the impact of pregnancy and childbirth on pelvic floor function as assessed by objective measurement methods. Only studies describing objective measurement techniques. i.e., urodynamics, ultrasound (US), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) system, and neurophysiologic tests carried out throughout pregnancy and after childbirth are included. Relevant studies presenting objective quantitative data are analyzed and briefly summarized. The number of studies meeting selection criteria was relatively few. Pregnancy, especially first pregnancy, is associated bladder neck lowering, increased bladder neck mobility, pelvic organ descent, decreased levator ani strength, and decreased urethral resistance. These changes are accentuated after vaginal delivery. Data on the impact of obstetrical and neonatal variables are transient and seem of less importance. Cesarean delivery is not completely protective. In most women, pelvic floor muscle function recovers in the year after delivery. Objective measurement techniques during pregnancy may allow identification of women susceptible to pelvic floor dysfunction later in life and offer the opportunity for counseling and preventive treatment strategies.

Introduction and Hypothesis: There is a lack of prospective studies evaluating the impact of childbirth on the pelvic floor in non-white populations. We intended to study delivery-related changes in pelvic floor morphology in Black South African primiparae. We also intended to determine the impact of anatomical changes on symptoms in the postpartum period., Methods: A total of 153 nulliparous women between 35 and 39 weeks gestation were recruited from a district antenatal clinic. All women had a standardized interview, completed the International Consultation on Incontinence Vaginal Symptoms questionnaire followed by three/four dimensional transperineal ultrasonography. This was repeated at 3-6 months postpartum., Results: Of the 153 women, 84 (54.9%) returned at a mean of 4.8 months postpartum. Of these women, 60 (71.4%) had a vaginal delivery and the remainder a caesarean section (20 emergency and 4 elective). Overall, there were statistically significant increases in bladder neck descent (P = 0.003), pelvic organ descent and levator hiatal distensibility (all P < 0001) at the postpartum assessment. Levator avulsion was diagnosed in nine (15%) of those delivered vaginally. Postpartum vaginal laxity was the commonest bothersome vaginal symptom, reported by 51 women (60.7%)., Conclusions: There is significant alteration in pelvic organ support and levator hiatal distensibility postpartum, with more marked effects in women after vaginal delivery. Of Black primiparous women, 15% sustained levator trauma after their first vaginal delivery.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of depressive symptoms in postmenopausal women with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and to identify the factors associated with depressive symptoms in this population., Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study involving postmenopausal women with symptomatic POP who visited the Center of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, between July 2016 and March 2017. We collected data pertaining to participants' sociodemographic characteristics and medical histories. The participants enrolled in the study were evaluated by POP quantification (POP-Q), the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20 (PFDI-20), and the Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire-7 (PFIQ-7), and the severity of their depressive symptoms was assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (participants with scores ≥10 were considered "positive" for depressive symptoms, whereas participants with scores <10 were considered "negative" for depressive symptoms). We performed independent-sample t tests, Mann-Whitney U test, chi-square tests, Fisher's exact test, and logistic regression to analyze our data., Results: In all, 177 participants completed the entire study and were thus included in the analysis. Overall, 32.8% of participants were found to have depressive symptoms. We noted no differences in sociodemographic characteristics or POP-Q stage between participants with and without depressive symptoms (P > 0.05). However, depressive symptoms were associated with higher PFIQ-7 and PFDI-20 subscale scores (P < 0.001). PFIQ-7 subscale Urinary Impact Questionnaire (UIQ)-7 (odds ratio [OR] 1.038, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.010-1.066, P = 0.008), PFDI-20 subscale UDI-6 (OR 1.025, 95% CI 1.007-1.044, P = 0.008), and Colorectal-Anal Distress Inventory-8 (OR 1.025, 95% CI 1.005-1.046, P = 0.016), which represented the impact on quality of life from lower urinary tract symptoms, the distress caused by lower urinary tract symptom and bowel dysfunction, respectively, were the risk factors that were independently associated with depressive symptoms after multiple logistic regression analysis., Conclusions: Depressive symptoms were present in approximately one-third of postmenopausal women with symptomatic POP. Depressive symptoms are not associated with POP stage, but are associated with the lower urinary tract symptom and bowel dysfunction scores attributable to prolapse. Clinicians should be mindful of whether patients with symptomatic POP have depressive symptoms and should address POP and any concomitant depressive symptoms as early as possible.

Introduction and Hypothesis: The aim of this study was to compare the results of pelvic organ prolapse repair using a capturing device-guided transvaginal mesh in a single- vs multicenter setting., Methods: One hundred and twelve women operated by two surgeons at one center (2-year follow-up) were compared with 207 women operated on by 26 surgeons at 24 centers (1-year follow-up). Patients were screened at baseline for apical (uterine or vaginal vault) prolapse stage II with or without concomitant anterior vaginal wall prolapse ≥ stage 2 according to the pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP-Q) system. Outcome measurements included POP-Q evaluations, prolapse-specific symptom questionnaires, and surgical data., Results: At the end of follow-up 95 out of 98 (96.9%) had an optimal anatomical outcome at the apical segment (POP-Q stage 0-1) in the single center compared with 154 out of 164 (93.9%) in the multicenter study (P = 0.03). There were no serious complications in the single-center study compared with 9 out of 207 (4.3%) in the multicenter study. In patients undergoing surgery for recurrence, the risk ratio for complications overall was 4:1 in favor of the single-center study. There were no significant differences between the studies in any subjective symptom scale., Conclusions: Compared with multicenter use, large volumes at a single site only resulted in minor improvements of anatomical outcomes and no significant differences with regard to patient-reported outcomes on pelvic organ function or related quality of life. Instead, the greatest benefit of single-center use was the significantly decreased complication rates.

Introduction and Hypothesis: The objectives were to determine the reoperation rate of primary pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgery, to describe the age distribution of the women at primary surgery for those undergoing a reoperation, and to describe the incidence of second and third reoperations., Methods: We carried out a population-based registry study of Danish women above the age of 18 years when undergoing primary surgery for POP during the period 1996-2000. Data were retrieved from the Danish National Patient Register. All women were followed until one of the following events occurred: reoperation for POP, death, emigration, or end of follow-up period. Reoperation was defined as "repeated surgery in same compartment". The cumulative incidence rate of reoperation was divided into three compartments (anterior, apical, and posterior) and was calculated using Kaplan-Meier plots., Results: A total of 18,382 procedures were performed on 11,805 women. After 20 years' follow-up, the cumulated incidence rate of reoperation for POP in the anterior, apical, and posterior compartments was 12.4%, 7.9%, and 12.1% respectively. The overall rate of reoperation was 11.5%. Of women aged between 18 and 49 years of age at primary surgery, 26.9% had a reoperation, whereas in women between 50 and 90+ years of age at primary surgery, only 10.1% had a reoperation., Conclusions: This large study with up to 20 years' follow-up has found that reoperation for POP is modest, that the reoperation rate is lowest for the apical compartment, but highest in all three compartments during the first year after primary surgery. The reoperation rate peaks in the group of women who had their primary surgery before the menopause in all three compartments.

Introduction and Hypothesis: Identification of risk factors for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) recurrence is crucial to provide adequate preoperative counselling and tailor surgical treatment. The aim of this retrospective study was to identify risk factors for recurrence in a large series of patients with POP treated with primary transvaginal native-tissue repair involving high uterosacral ligament suspension., Methods: Postoperative descent of POP-Q stage 2 or higher in any compartment was considered as recurrence. Global recurrence (GR) was defined as any recurrence in any compartment irrespective of the surgical procedures performed during primary prolapse surgery. True recurrence (TR) was defined as recurrence in a compartment repaired during primary prolapse surgery., Results: Of a total of 533 eligible women, 519 were available for follow-up. Univariate analysis showed that age ≤50 years, premenopausal status, obesity (BMI >30 kg/m 2 ), history of severe macrosomia (>4,500 g), preoperative POP stage 3 or higher and absence of anterior repair at the time of POP surgery were risk factors for GR. Multivariate analysis confirmed lack of posterior repair (odds ratio, OR, 1.8), severe macrosomia (OR 2.7), premenopausal status (OR 3.9), obesity (OR 2.2) and preoperative stage 3 or higher (OR  2.6) as risk factors for GR. Univariate analysis showed that premenopausal status and preoperative POP stage 3 or higher were risk factors for TR. Multivariate analysis confirmed premenopausal status (OR 4.0) and preoperative stage 3 or higher (OR 4.5) as risk factors for TR., Conclusions: This study confirmed preoperative stage 3 or higher as a risk factor for prolapse recurrence. The study also identified additional risk factors for surgical failure including lack of posterior repair, severe macrosomia, premenopausal status and obesity.

Introduction and Hypothesis: The objective of this study was to compare the functional outcomes after pessary treatment and after prolapse surgery as primary treatments for pelvic organ prolapse (POP)., Methods: This was a prospective cohort study performed in a Dutch teaching hospital in women with symptomatic POP of stage II or higher requiring treatment. Patients were treated according to their preference with a pessary or prolapse surgery. The primary endpoint was disease-specific quality of life at 12 months follow-up according to the prolapse domain of the Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI) questionnaire. Secondary outcomes included adverse events and additional interventions. To show a difference of ten points in the primary outcome, we needed to randomize 80 women (power 80%, α 0.05, taking 10% attrition into account)., Results: We included 113 women (74 in the pessary group, 39 in the surgery group). After 12 months, the median prolapse domain score was 0 (10th to 90th percentile 0-33) in the pessary group and 0 (10th to 90th percentile 0-0) in the surgery group (p < 0.01). Differences in other domain scores were not statistically significant. In the pessary group, 28% (21/74) of the women had a surgical intervention versus 3% (1/39) reoperations in the surgery group (p = 0.01)., Conclusions: In women with POP of stage II or higher undergoing surgery, prolapse symptoms were less severe than in those who were treated with a pessary, but 72% of women who were treated with a pessary did not opt for surgery., Trial Registration Number: Dutch trial register NTR2856.

Introduction and Hypothesis: The aims of this study were to evaluate the prevalence of levator ani muscle (LAM) avulsions in a selected cohort of patients with primary anterior compartment pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and to assess whether LAM avulsions, as an independent factor, affect the degree of POP symptoms and sexual dysfunction. Additionally, clinical and demographic variables of women with and those without avulsions were compared., Methods: We carried out a cross-sectional analysis of a prospective cohort study including 197 women scheduled for anterior compartment POP surgery. LAM avulsions were diagnosed on transperineal 4D ultrasound. Preoperative symptom severity and sexual dysfunction were evaluated using validated questionnaires (Pelvic Floor Disability Index [PFDI-20] and Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire-Short Form 12 [PISQ-12]). Linear regression was performed with avulsion as the main independent variable against total PFDI-20 and domain scores, bulge symptoms, and PISQ-12 score. Clinical and demographic variables for women with and without avulsions were compared using independent samples t test, Mann-Whitney U test or Chi-squared test., Results: The prevalence of LAM avulsions was 50.3%. Avulsions were not associated with symptom severity or sexual dysfunction. "Chronic disease causing pain, fatigue or increased intra-abdominal pressure" was the only independent factor associated with all domains of the PFDI-20. Women with avulsions were younger at presentation, older at their first delivery, had lower BMI, and more often had a history of forceps delivery (p < 0.01)., Conclusions: LAM avulsions were highly prevalent in this preoperative POP cohort. Avulsions were not associated with the severity of POP symptoms or sexual dysfunction. Women with avulsions seem to require fewer additional cofactors for developing POP.

Background: Insufficient evidence evaluates which pelvic organ prolapse surgery is best suited to an individual woman based on the stage of her prolapse., Objective: We sought to compare prolapse recurrence rates following sacrocolpopexy and uterosacral ligament suspension after stratifying by preoperative Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification stage., Study Design: We compared all women who underwent minimally invasive sacrocolpopexy or vaginal or minimally invasive uterosacral ligament suspension from 2009 through 2015 at a large academic center. All women with preoperative and postoperative Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification data were included. Patients were grouped by preoperative Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification stage for analysis. Recurrence rates following sacrocolpopexy and uterosacral ligament suspension were compared for patients presenting with stage II, III, and IV prolapse, adjusting for potential confounders in regression models. Prolapse recurrence was defined as any retreatment for prolapse or any Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification point beyond the hymen., Results: Of 756 women, 633 underwent sacrocolpopexy (83.7%) and 123 (16.3%) underwent uterosacral ligament suspension. In all, 189 (25%) had preoperative Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification stage II prolapse, 527 (69.7%) stage III, and 40 (5.3%) stage IV. Patients were predominantly Caucasian (97.3%) with mean age 59.8 ± 9.5 years. Compared to uterosacral ligament suspension patients, more sacrocolpopexy patients had undergone prior prolapse repair (20.9% vs 5.7%, P < .001) and fewer had known diabetes mellitus (7.9% vs 13.8%, P = .034). Characteristics of the groups were otherwise similar. Median follow-up was 41.0 (interquartile range 13.0-88.8) weeks. Stage II prolapse patients had similar recurrence rates following sacrocolpopexy or uterosacral ligament suspension (6.0% vs 5.0, P = 1.00). However, stage III prolapse patients were more likely to experience recurrence following uterosacral ligament suspension (25.7% vs 7.8%, P < .001). This difference persisted after controlling for age, body mass index, smoking, diabetes, and prior prolapse repair (odds ratio, 4.3; 95% confidence interval, 2.2-8.2). There was no discernable difference in recurrence rates for women with stage IV prolapse, although sample size was limited., Conclusion: Sacrocolpopexy resulted in a lower prolapse recurrence rate than uterosacral ligament suspension for stage III prolapse. However, there was no difference in recurrence rate among women with preoperative stage II prolapse, suggesting mesh augmentation may not be indicated for these patients. Larger prospective trials are necessary for confirmation., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Women with prolapse should have an examination to quantify the loss of anatomic support and should be evaluated for associated bladder, bowel, and prolapse symptoms as well as associated bother. Treatment options should be tailored to meet the patient's medical health and personal functional goals. In most cases, women should be informed of the range of treatment options including observation as well as nonsurgical and surgical management.

Pelvic organ prolapse is common among women who have delivered vaginally or had a hysterectomy. In a total hysterectomy, the apical vaginal support is transected. Although evidence supports re-establishment of apical support, our research showed that this rarely occurs in hysterectomies. To address our lack of definitions of "significant" apical support loss and recommendations to guide surgeons as to when they should perform an apical support procedure, we analyzed patient data and found that a simple assessment of the genital hiatus can effectively screen for significant apical support loss. Our work will hopefully highlight the importance of apical support loss and current deficits in research and clinical guidelines.

Objectives: The primary objective was to evaluate the ability of different anatomic cut-off points, as established in specialist urogynecology populations, to identify clinically relevant prolapse in a population of postmenopausal women with pelvic floor symptoms recruited from primary care., Study Design: Cross-sectional study among 890 women (≥55 years) screened for pelvic floor symptoms., Main Outcome Measures: The Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory 20 was used to measure symptoms, and the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) system was used to assess prolapse. Areas under the curves, sensitivity, and specificity were calculated for the hymen as a cut-off point for symptomatic prolapse of the anterior and posterior vaginal wall. For the apical compartment, a cut-off point of -5cm relative to the hymen was used., Results: Vaginal bulging was the only symptom reported more often with increasing POP-Q stages. Areas under the curves (95% confidence intervals) to discriminate between women with and without vaginal bulging symptoms were 0.66 (0.61-0.72), 0.56 (0.50-0.63), and 0.61 (0.55-0.66) for the anterior (Ba), posterior (Bp) and apical (C) compartment, respectively. When the hymen was used as the cut-off point, Ba had a sensitivity of 38.1% and a specificity of 82.4%, and Bp had a sensitivity of 13.3% and a specificity of 96.5%. For C, the cut-off point of -5cm relative to the hymen had a sensitivity of 37.9% and a specificity of 73.1%., Conclusions: The anatomic cut-off points for clinically relevant prolapse established in the specialist urogynecology population cannot adequately identify symptomatic prolapse in a population of postmenopausal women with pelvic floor symptoms recruited from primary care., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Introduction and Hypothesis: There is a lack of knowledge concerning long-term reoperation and complications after laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (LSCP). We analyzed the rates and indications and potential risk factors for reoperation after LSCP in a large series of consecutive patients., Methods: This was a single-center, retrospective study including all patients who underwent LSCP between 2003 and 2013. Data regarding pelvic organ prolapse (POP), surgical modalities and perioperative complications were collected. Patients were then contacted by telephone or postal letter in 2014. The main outcome criteria were grade III Dindo classification complications: reoperation for POP recurrence, mesh complications, and urinary incontinence (UI)., Results: Between January 2003 and December 2013, a total of 464 consecutive patients (mean age, 59 years) underwent LSCP. Almost all (99.1 %) patients presented with POP ≥ grade 3 (POP-Q classification). Long-term evaluations were completed for 391 (84.1 %) patients. The median follow-up was 53.5 ± 28.2 months. The global reoperation rate was 12.5 %. The main reoperation indications were UI-related surgery in 21 patients (5.5 %), POP recurrence surgery in 20 patients (5.1 %), and mesh-related surgery in 11 patients (2.8 %). Multivariate analysis showed that older age at the time of initial surgery and concomitant subtotal hysterectomy were significant protective factors against global reoperation (HR = 0.606, CI 95 % [0.451-0.815] and 0.367, CI 95 % [0.193-0.698] respectively) and reduced the risk of POP recurrence surgery., Conclusion: Prolapse recurrence and mesh-related surgery occurred in 5.1 and 2.8 % of patients respectively, 4 years after laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy. Age and concomitant subtotal hysterectomy could play a role in the incidence of long-term reoperation.

Introduction and Hypothesis: Hysterectomy for benign indications can be performed either as a supracervical or a total procedure. It is controversial whether removing the cervix is beneficial or not. This study aimed at comparing long-term outcomes after supracervical (n = 107) and total (n = 105) abdominal hysterectomy., Methods: Two prospective questionnaire-based studies were conducted among the original 212 patients operated on between February 1978 and May 1979 at Turku University Hospital, Finland. In the first study in 1997, a nonvalidated questionnaire was mailed to 193 patients to inquire about any postoperative symptoms. In the second study in 2011, a validated questionnaire and an invitation to a follow-up visit were sent to 153 women. During the visit, pelvic support was assessed using the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification system. Additionally, hospital records were reviewed to identify any gynecological operations at both evaluation times., Results: In the first evaluation, the response rate was 94 %, and in the second, the rate was 62 %. Objective evaluation was possible in 75 women in 2011, 37 in the supracervical group and 38 in the total hysterectomy group. There were no significant differences in the rates of subjective urinary and sexual symptoms or subsequent operations for urinary incontinence and genital prolapse between women in the supracervical group and women in the total hysterectomy group. Four patients in the supracervical group required a re-operation: three for a prolapsed cervical stump and one for a cervical abscess., Conclusions: Supracervical and total hysterectomies resulted in similar postoperative outcomes regarding subjective symptoms and subsequent gynecological operations during a follow-up of 33 years., Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ( www.clinicaltrials.gov ): NCT02166749.

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare differences in expressions and relationships between key genes involved in extracellular matrix metabolism and tissue cellularity in women with and without pelvic organ prolapse (POP)., Methods: A total of 80 biopsies (anterior cuff, posterior cuff, and/or leading edge) were obtained from 30 women: n = 10 premenopausal without POP (controls), n = 10 premenopausal with POP, and n = 10 postmenopausal with POP. Quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction was used to assess gene expression of bone morphogenetic protein 1 (BMP1), collagen types I (COL1) and III (COL3), relaxin family peptide receptor 1 (RXFP1), matrix metallopeptidase 2, and TIMP metallopeptidase inhibitors 2 and 3. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to assess cellularity of the connective tissue layer. Kruskal-Wallis test, Mann-Whitney U test, Pearson correlation, or linear regression analyses were used, as appropriate., Results: Bone morphogenetic protein 1 expression was significantly up-regulated in patients with POP compared with controls. Bone morphogenetic protein 1 expression was correlated with COL1 expression in all groups but only correlated with TIMP metallopeptidase inhibitor 3 expression in controls. Similarly, COL3 expression was correlated with RXFP1 expression in women with POP but not in controls. The degree of dependence (slope of the regression line) between COL1 and COL3 expressions was significantly elevated in premenopausal women with POP compared with the other 2 groups. The slopes between COL1-COL3, COL3-matrix metallopeptidase 2, COL1-RXFP1, and COL3-RXFP1 expressions were significantly lower in postmenopausal women compared with premenopausal women with POP. No differences were found in overall tissue cellularity., Conclusions: Bone morphogenetic protein 1 expression may play a significant role in the pathophysiology of POP. The finding that BMP1 expression was correlated with COL1 expression in all groups suggests a conserved association between BMP1 and collagen synthesis in the vaginal wall. The elevated slope between COL1 and COL3 expressions may be associated with early (premenopausal) development of POP. The expression of RXFP1 in postmenopausal women and its altered intergene regulation suggests a role for RXFP1 in connective tissue metabolism outside pregnancy.

Background: Recognition and assessment of apical vaginal support defects remains a significant challenge in the evaluation and management of prolapse. There are several reasons that this is likely: (1) Although the Pelvic Organ Prolapse-Quantification examination is the standard prolapse staging system used in the Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery field for reporting outcomes, this assessment is not used commonly in clinical care outside the subspecialty; (2) no clinically useful and accepted definition of apical support loss exists, and (3) no consensus or guidelines address the degree of apical support loss at which an apical support procedure should be performed routinely., Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify a simple screening measure for significant loss of apical vaginal support., Study Design: This was an analysis of women with Pelvic Organ Prolapse-Quantification stage 0-IV prolapse. Women with total vaginal length of ≥7 cm were included to define a population with "normal" vaginal length. Univariable and linear regression analyses were used to identify Pelvic Organ Prolapse-Quantification points that were associated with 3 definitions of apical support loss: the International Consultation on Incontinence, the Pelvic Floor Disorders Network revised eCARE, and a Pelvic Organ Prolapse-Quantification point C cut-point developed by Dietz et al. Linear and logistic regression models were created to assess predictors of overall apical support loss according to these definitions. Receiver operator characteristic curves were generated to determine test characteristics of the predictor variables and the areas under the curves were calculated., Results: Of 469 women, 453 women met the inclusion criterion. The median Pelvic Organ Prolapse-Quantification stage was III, and the median leading edge of prolapse was +2 cm (range, -3 to 12 cm). By stage of prolapse (0-IV), mean genital hiatus size (genital hiatus; mid urethra to posterior fourchette) increased: 2.0 ± 0.5, 3.0 ± 0.5, 4.0 ± 1.0, 5.0 ± 1.0, and 6.5 ± 1.5 cm, respectively (P < .01). Pelvic Organ Prolapse-Quantification points B anterior, B posterior, and genital hiatus had moderate-to-strong associations with overall apical support loss and all definitions of apical support loss. Linear regression models that predict overall apical support loss and logistic regression models predict apical support loss as defined by International Continence Society, eCARE, and the point C; cut-point definitions were fit with points B anterior, B posterior, and genital hiatus; these 3 points explained more than one-half of the model variance. Receiver operator characteristic analysis for all definitions of apical support loss found that genital hiatus >3.75 cm was highly predictive of apical support loss (area under the curve, >0.8 in all models)., Conclusions: Increasing genital hiatus size is associated highly with and predictive of apical vaginal support loss. Specifically, the Pelvic Organ Prolapse-Quantification measurement genital hiatus of ≥3.75 cm is highly predictive of apical support loss by all study definitions. This simple measurement can be used to screen for apical support loss and the need for further evaluation of apical vaginal support before planning a hysterectomy or prolapse surgery., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: The best predictors for postoperative anatomic apical success after transvaginal uterosacral ligament suspension remain unknown. The aim of this study was to determine if there is a correlation between the preoperative D point and anatomic outcomes for apical prolapse after 1 year., Methods: This retrospective cohort study included subjects undergoing transvaginal uterosacral ligament suspension from 2008 through 2013 who had at least 1 year follow-up. Demographic information, preoperative and postoperative Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POPQ) examination measurements, need for retreatment or repeat surgery, and assessment of pelvic floor symptoms were reviewed. Postoperative apical success was defined as C point descent no more than one third into the vaginal canal., Results: One hundred twenty-five women met inclusion criteria and had follow-up at 1 year or more. Concomitant procedures included anterior/posterior repair and midurethral sling. Mean follow-up time was 22.8 months (range, 12-63 months). At last follow-up, 96% met criteria for apical success. A more negative preoperative D point was significantly related to improved postoperative apical support, with each 1-cm descent in preoperative D point resulting in a postoperative C point that was 0.21 cm lower (P = 0.0005). Based on the receiver operating characteristic curve, a "cutoff" D point value of -4.25 (sensitivity, 0.8; specificity, 0.65) was determined to be a predictor of postoperative apical success at 1 year or more., Conclusions: The preoperative D point correlates with postoperative apical support, and a clinically meaningful relationship exists between the preoperative D point and anatomic apical success.

Introduction: The terminology for female pelvic floor prolapse (POP) should be defined and organized in a clinically-based consensus Report., Methods: This Report combines the input of members of two International Organizations, the International Urogynecological Association (IUGA) and the International Continence Society (ICS), assisted at intervals by external referees. Appropriate core clinical categories and a sub-classification were developed to give a coding to definitions. An extensive process of fourteen rounds of internal and external review was involved to exhaustively examine each definition, with decision-making by collective opinion (consensus)., Results: A Terminology Report for female POP, encompassing over 230 separate definitions, has been developed. It is clinically-based with the most common diagnoses defined. Clarity and user-friendliness have been key aims to make it interpretable by practitioners and trainees in all the different specialty groups involved in female pelvic floor dysfunction and POP. Female-specific imaging (ultrasound, radiology and MRI) and conservative and surgical managements are major additions and appropriate figures have been included to supplement and clarify the text. Emerging concepts and measurements, in use in the literature and offering further research potential, but requiring further validation, have been included as an appendix. Interval (5-10 year) review is anticipated to keep the document updated and as widely acceptable as possible., Conclusion: A consensus-based Terminology Report for female POP has been produced to aid clinical practice and research., (© 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., and The International Urogynecological Association.)

Purpose: To systematically review surgical complications of vaginal native tissue prolapse repair using Clavien-Dindo classification and to show whether concomitant surgery leads to increased complication rates., Methods: Retrospective analysis of complications in 438 consecutive vaginal native tissue prolapse repairs and subgroup analysis was performed for concomitant hysterectomy or sacrospinous fixation for level I defects using Fisher's exact tests., Results: Anterior and posterior colporrhaphia was performed in all 438 patients and sacrospinous fixation (SSF) for level I defects in 269 patients. Prolapse repair was combined with hysterectomy in 255 cases. One intra-operative bladder lesion (0.23%) and one rectal lesion (0.23%) occurred. Postoperative urinary tract infection requiring antibiotics was noted in 34 cases (7.8%). Post-void residual volume was medically treated in 24 cases (5.5%). Four patients (0.9%) underwent postoperative suprapubic catheter insertion. Asymptomatic gluteal hematomas were noted in 11 cases (2.5%). Four patients (0.9%) underwent re-operations for postoperative hemorrhage. Mean hospital stay was 5.6 days. Minor complications were classified as CD grade I in 2.5%, as CD grade II in 13.2%, complications requiring surgical intervention as grade IIIa in 0.9% and as grade IIIb in 0.9% of patients. No CD grade IV or V complications occurred. Apart from gluteal hematomas classified as CD grade I occurring in the SSF group (p = 0.019), no other differences of complication rates were found in the hysterectomy subgroup or in the SSF subgroup., Conclusion: Surgery was associated with low rate of CD grade III complications. Re-operation rate was 0.9%. The authors suggest introduction of CD classification for comparability of prolapse surgery.

Introduction and Hypothesis: The objective of this study was to quantitatively assess the ability of new MRI-based measurements to differentiate low and high stages of pelvic organ prolapse. New measurements representing pelvic structural characteristics are proposed and analyzed using support vector machines (SVM)., Methods: This retrospective study used data from 207 women with different types and stages of prolapse. Their demographic information, clinical history, and dynamic MRI data were obtained from the database. New MRI measurements were extracted and analyzed based on these reference lines: pubococcygeal line (PCL), mid-pubic line (MPL), true conjugate line (TCL), obstetric conjugate line (OCL), and diagonal conjugate line (DCL). A classification model using SVM was designed to assess the impact of the features (variables) in classifying prolapse into low or high stage., Results: The classification model using SVM can accurately identified anterior prolapse with very high accuracy (>0.90), and apical and posterior prolapse with good accuracy (0.80 - 0.90). Two newly proposed MRI-based features were found to be significant in the identification of anterior and posterior prolapse: the angle between TCL and MPL for anterior prolapse, and the angle between DCL and PCL for posterior prolapse. The overall accuracy of posterior prolapse identification increased from 47% to 80% when the newly proposed MRI-based features were taken into consideration., Conclusions: The proposed MRI-based measurements are effective in differentiating low and high stages of pelvic organ prolapse, particularly for posterior prolapse.

Unlabelled: Several combined surgical procedures have been described, but connective tissue deficiency required the use of some "prostheses" instead of conventional methods based exclusively on correction by suture., Aim: Assessment of the techniques used for the repair of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and anterior vaginal wall prolapse, as well as the incidence of intraoperative and postoperative incidents and complications., Material and Method: The study was conducted between January 2007 and December 2011 at the 1st Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology Iaşi. The diagnosis was made on clinical criteria. Menopausal patients received estrogens prior to surgery. Vaginal meshes were used only in patients with grade III and IV cystocele. The patients were followed up at 1 1/2, 6, 12 and 36 months (first local evaluation for meshes at 2 weeks after surgery)., Results: During the study interval 400 patient with a mean age of 57.45 ± 5 years (range 29-81 years) were surgically treated in our clinic. Of these, 150 women underwent classic surgery, 243 women transobturator tape procedure-TOT (107 TOT alone for SUI and 136 TOT combined with classic surgery), 4 women ten- sion-free vaginal tape (TVT) procedure, and 3 patients prepubic and transobturator mesh. In 12 patients meshes with 2 or 4 arms for cystocele (7 and 5 cases, respectively) were used. Vaginal mesh extrusion was recorded in 4 patients., Conclusions: The use of prostheses allows a better standardization of procedures, shortening of surgical time and a better postoperative recovery, the patients being able to resume their normal activities.

Objective: The objective of this study was to estimate the association of vaginal sacrospinous ligament fixation with anterior-transobturator mesh repair surgery for advanced pelvic organ prolapse in patients of two different age groups., Materials and Methods: Vaginal sacrospinous ligament fixation with anterior mesh repair as primary prolapse surgery was performed on 225 patients with advanced pelvic organ prolapse (POP-Q ≥ stage III). POP-Q < stage II was objective cure and subjective cure was determined according to feedback of POPDI-6 (Questions 2 and 3). Patients provided responses to UDI-6, IIQ-7, POPDI-6, and PISQ-12 pre- and postsurgery. Outcome measures were observed in cohorts of two age groups (<75 years and ≥75 years)., Results: Postoperative data of 217 patients were available. The cumulative objective cure rates were 93.0% and 92.5% for patients aged ≥75 years and <75 years, respectively, with mean follow-up of 33.93 ± 18.52 months and 36.44 ± 19.34 months respectively. The UDI-6, IIQ-7, POPDI-6, and PISQ-12 scores within each of the two age groups improved significantly after surgery. Comparatively, the POPDI-6 score was better whereas the PISQ-12 score was poorer among patients aged ≥75 years. Older women had significantly more preoperative comorbidities. The operative time, perioperative complications, and length of hospital stay showed no difference between the two groups. The intraoperative blood loss was significantly less in the older group and neither group had mortality., Conclusion: This study showed that adequately optimized older patients undergoing pelvic organ prolapse surgery experienced the same anatomical outcomes, comparable improved quality of life, morbidity, and mortality as their counterparts of younger age., (Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Objective: The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a prolapse-specific body image questionnaire., Study Design: Prolapse-specific body image themes that were identified in our previous work served as a framework for the development of a question pool. After review for face and content validity and reading level, the question pool was reduced to 21 items that represent predominant themes and that form the initial Body Image in Pelvic Organ Prolapse (BIPOP) questionnaire. Women with symptomatic prolapse of Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POPQ) of more than stage II were enrolled from 2 academic urogynecology practices; they completed questionnaires on pelvic floor symptoms and distress, general body image, depression, self-esteem, and the BIPOP questionnaire, and they underwent the POPQ. We field-tested the BIPOP questionnaire with approximately 200 participants; 10 women completed cognitive interviews, and 100 women repeated the BIPOP questionnaire to assess test-retest reliability., Results: Two hundred eleven participants were enrolled, and 201 women had complete data. Participants had mean age of 60.2 ± 10.5 years, were predominantly white (98%), were partnered (80%), and had median POPQ stage III. Cognitive interviews confirmed comprehension and clarity of questions and acceptability of length and subject matter. Exploratory factor analysis was performed in an iterative process until a parsimonious, 10-item scale with 2 subscales was identified (subscale 1 represented general attractiveness; subscale 2 represented partner-related prolapse reactions). Cronbach's α score for the subscales were 0.90 (partner) and 0.92 (attractiveness). Correlations between related questionnaires and BIPOP subscales were strong and directionally appropriate. Test-retest correlations on both total and subscale measurements were high., Conclusion: We developed and validated a prolapse-specific body image measurement that has face and content validity, high internal consistency, strong correlation with general prolapse and body image measures, and strong test-retest reliability., (Copyright © 2014 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: The prevalence of surgery for pelvic organ prolapse repair is increasing. It is estimated that about 30% of women who underwent an operation for pelvic organ prolapse will need repeat surgery within a period of five years. The main reasons for surgical failure are attributed to difficulty in selecting the correct procedure for the type of prolapse and problems associated with the surgical technique. Sacrocolpopexy was originally described 55 years ago. However, expertise in laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy requires a relatively long learning curve., Aims: To describe our experience in robotic sacrocolpopexy (RSC)., Methods: A retrospective study of the first 100 robotic sacrocolpopexy performed at a single medical center The primary outcomes examined were intraoperative bleeding, operative time, and hospitalization length. Secondary outcomes studied were surgical complications. Data were retrieved from patients electronic charts., Results: The mean age and POPQ stage were 60 years 145-77 years) and median stage of III (II-IV), respectively. Estimated intraoperative blood loss was 41 ml (25-300 ml) and mean operative time was 177 minutes (range 114-299 minutes). The median length of hospital stay was 1 day (1-6 days). Adverse events were rare (4%) and not severe., Conclusions: Based on our experience with the first 100 cases, RSC is a feasible procedure with a low complication rate. RSC enables operating anatomically with a small amount of bleeding and a relatively short hospital stay following surgery. Long-term follow up is needed in order to evaluate the efficacy of RSC.

Objective: Compare changes in pelvic organ prolapse (POP) from 36-38 weeks of gestation to 1 year postpartum after unlaboured cesarean delivery(UCD)and trial of labour (TOL)., Design: Prospective observational cohort study., Setting: Wenzhou Third People's Hospital, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China., Population: Nulliparous women undergoing UCD or TOL., Methods: Pelvic organ prolapse was assessed at 36-38 weeks of gestation, then at 6 weeks, 6 months and 1 year postpartum, using the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POPQ) system., Main Outcome Measures: Postpartum POP status in UCD and TOL determined by POPQ measurements over time., Results: Points Aa (Ba) determined the final stage assignment in most cases. Stage II POP was present in 35% and 37% of women in UCD and TOL at 36-38 weeks of gestation. After delivery, the likelihood of stage II POP declined during the first year postpartum in the whole cohort. The TOL group was much less likely to recover from stage II POP compared with the UCD group (odds ratio 0.04, 95% confidence interval 0.01-0.18) after adjustment for POP status at 36-38 weeks of gestation, age, first-trimester body mass index, newborn birthweight, educational level, gravidity and smoking status. With the exception of age, education and gravidity, these covariates were also independent predictors of postpartum POP., Conclusion: Factors unique to labour and delivery lead to sustained pelvic floor relaxation postpartum. Pelvic organ prolapse at 36-38 weeks of gestation, and higher first-trimester body mass index also appear to predict long-term POP. Further investigation into mechanisms leading to persistent or progressive POP after TOL are warranted. In addition, caution is needed in generalising the findings due to the single-centre design., (© 2013 RCOG.)

Introduction/hypothesis: Stress incontinence with vaginal prolapse reduction is less common in women with posterior-predominant prolapse (rectocele) compared with those with anterior-predominant prolapse (cystocele)., Methods: This was a secondary analysis of a cohort of prospectively enrolled women with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse at or beyond the hymen and prolapse-reduced stress urinary incontinence (SUI) testing. Subjects were included if they had anterior- or posterior-predominant prolapse with at least a 1 cm difference in pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP-Q) points Ba and Bp (N = 214). We evaluated the prevalence and risk factors of post-reduction SUI between the two groups., Results: Comparing posterior (n = 45) and anterior (n = 169) prolapse groups, we identified similar rates of post-reduction SUI (posterior: 6/45, 13.3 %; anterior:18/169, 10.7 %; p = 0.52) and SUI without reduction (posterior:4.4 %; anterior:11.2 %; p = 0.26). Maximum prolapse size was slightly larger in anterior than in posterior patients (+3.1 vs +2.0 cm beyond the hymen, p = 0.001), while a higher proportion of posterior subjects reported a prior hysterectomy (p = 0.04). Among posterior subjects, lower maximum urethral closure pressure values (MUCP; p = 0.02) were associated with post-reduction SUI. In contrast, among anterior-predominant prolapse, larger prolapse measured at POP-Q point Ba (p = 0.003) and maximum POP-Q measurement (p = 0.006) were each associated with higher rates of post-reduction SUI and were highly correlated with each other (R = 0.90)., Conclusions: We observed similar rates of post-reduction SUI in women with anterior- and posterior-predominant pelvic organ prolapse. Factors affecting the anterior and posterior prolapse groups differed, suggesting different mechanisms of continence protection. These findings suggest that reduction incontinence testing for operative planning would be as relevant to posterior-predominant prolapses as it is to anterior prolapse.

Introduction and Hypothesis: The objective of this study is to determine the association between the POPQ and a simplified version of the POPQ., Methods: This was an observational study. The subjects with pelvic floor disorder symptoms underwent two exams: a POPQ exam and a simplified POPQ. To compare with the simplified POPQ, vaginal segments of the POPQ exam were defined using points Ba, Bp, C, and D. Primary outcome was the association between the overall ordinal stages from each exam., Results: One hundred forty-three subjects with mean age of 56 +/- 13 years. Twenty three subjects were status post-hysterectomy. The Kendall's tau-b statistic for overall stage was 0.80, for the anterior vaginal wall the Kendall's tau-b was 0.71, for the posterior vaginal wall segment the Kendall's tau-b was 0.71, for the cervix the Kendall's tau-b was 0.88, for the posterior fornix/vaginal cuff the Kendall's tau-b was 0.85., Conclusions: There is substantial association between the POPQ and a simplified version of the POPQ.

The concept of prophylactic anti-incontinence surgery for women undergoing prolapse repair has been a popular and controversial debate in recent years. This article provides an evidence-based review of the current literature to determine the proper evaluation of the patient with prolapse, the predictive quality of preoperative urodynamics, and the selection of the appropriate anti-incontinence procedure. Based on this review, the midurethral sling predominates as the procedure of choice; however, there is poor evidence to suggest that routine usage of a prophylactic sling is warranted in treatment of the patient with pelvic organ prolapse.

Introduction and Hypothesis: A standardized system for reporting pelvic organ prolapse is important for clinical communication, patient follow-up, and meaningful comparisons between studies. In 1996, the description of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification system (POPQ) was published. We hypothesized that its use in published articles of specialized journals would increase over time., Methods: Articles from eight journals in 2004 and 2007 were included if any attempt to grade prolapse was mentioned. Reviews, editorials, and abstracts were excluded., Results: Use of POPQ increased from 64.9% to 82.1% (p = 0.01) while other systems decreased. POPQ was used more frequently in the US than other countries. Urologists used POPQ less and Baden-Walker more frequently than other specialists., Conclusions: Use of POPQ has increased in the period studied. This trend was observed in all the subgroups analyzed, showing that POPQ is being adopted as the universal language of prolapse in the published literature.

Purpose: To determine the usefulness of two classification systems for pelvic prolapse on MRI., Materials and Methods: Prospective study of 30 patients with symptoms of pelvic prolapse performed in a single center. All patients underwent clinical evaluation followed by dynamic pelvic MRI within 15 days. All MR examinations were reviewed by three readers using both classification systems based on different anatomical landmarks. The first used the pubococcygeal line and the second used the midpubic line., Results: For prolapse detection, the correlation between clinical examination and MRI was good to very good, ranging between 74 and 89%. For prolapse staging, the correlation was poor to moderate. Inter-observer agreement was good to very good (kappa between 0.67 and 0.95). It was slightly better at the mid stage, with both systems (kappa between 0.83 and 0.97). Comparison of the inter-observer agreement between both MRI classification systems showed better results for the system using the pubococcygeal line (p<0.005)., Conclusion: The classification system based on the pubococcygeal line appeared more reliable and simple for th eevaluation of pelvic prolapse on MRI.