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International Journal of Gynaecology... Oct 2018Pelvic floor interventions during pregnancy could reduce the impact of pregnancy and delivery on the pelvic floor. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Pelvic floor interventions during pregnancy could reduce the impact of pregnancy and delivery on the pelvic floor.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effects of pelvic floor interventions during pregnancy on childbirth-related and pelvic floor parameters.
SEARCH STRATEGY
PubMed, Embase, and LILACS were searched for reports published during between 1990 and 2016 in English, Spanish, or Portuguese. The search terms were "pregnancy," "pelvic floor muscle training," and related terms.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomized controlled trials with healthy pregnant women were included.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Baseline and outcome data (childbirth-related parameters, pelvic floor symptoms) were compared for three interventions: EPI-NO (Tecsana, Munich, Germany) perineal dilator, pelvic floor muscle training, and perineal massage.
MAIN RESULTS
A total of 22 trials were included. Two of three papers assessing EPI-NO showed no benefit. The largest study investigating pelvic floor muscle training reported a significant reduction in the duration of the second stage of labor (P<0.01), and this intervention also reduced the incidence of urinary incontinence (evaluated in 10 trials). Two of six trials investigating perineal massage reported that a lower rate of perineal pain was associated with this intervention.
CONCLUSION
Pelvic floor muscle training and perineal massage improved childbirth-related parameters and pelvic floor symptoms, whereas EPI-NO showed no benefit.
Topics: Exercise Therapy; Female; Germany; Humans; Labor, Obstetric; Parturition; Pelvic Floor; Perineum; Pregnancy; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Urinary Incontinence
PubMed: 29705985
DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.12513 -
Current Gastroenterology Reports Jun 2017This study aimed to systematically review small bowel obstruction (SBO), focusing on recent changes in diagnosis/therapy. (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
This study aimed to systematically review small bowel obstruction (SBO), focusing on recent changes in diagnosis/therapy.
RECENT FINDINGS
SBO incidence is about 350,000/annum in the USA. Etiologies include adhesions (65%), hernias (10%), neoplasms (5%), Crohn's disease (5%), and other (15%). Bowel dilatation occurs proximal to obstruction primarily from swallowed air and secondarily from intraluminal fluid accumulation. Dilatation increases mural tension, decreases mucosal perfusion, causes bacterial proliferation, and decreases mural tensile strength that increases bowel perforation risks. Classical clinical tetrad is abdominal pain, nausea and emesis, abdominal distention, and constipation-to-obstipation. Physical exam may reveal restlessness, acute illness, and signs of dehydration and sepsis, including tachycardia, pyrexia, dry mucous membranes, hypotension/orthostasis, abdominal distention, and hypoactive bowel sounds. Severe direct tenderness, involuntary guarding, abdominal rigidity, and rebound tenderness suggest advanced SBO, as do marked leukocytosis, neutrophilia, bandemia, and lactic acidosis. Differential diagnosis includes postoperative ileus, narcotic bowel, colonic pseudo-obstruction, mesenteric ischemia, and large bowel obstruction. Medical resuscitation includes intravenous hydration, correcting electrolyte abnormalities, intravenous antibiotics, nil per os, and nasoenteral suction. Abdominal CT with oral and intravenous gastrografin contrast is highly sensitive and specific in detecting/characterizing SBO. SBO usually resolves with medical therapy but requires surgery, preferentially by laparoscopy, for unremitting total obstruction, bowel perforation, severe ischemia, or clinical deterioration with medical therapy. Overall mortality is 10% but increases to 30% with bowel necrosis/perforation. Key point in SBO is early diagnosis, emphasizing abdominal CT; aggressive medical therapy including rehydration, antibiotics, and nil per os; and surgery for failed medical therapy.
Topics: Abdominal Pain; Diagnosis, Differential; Dilatation, Pathologic; Humans; Ileus; Intestinal Obstruction; Intestine, Small; Laparoscopy; Nausea; Physical Examination; Postoperative Complications; Vomiting
PubMed: 28439845
DOI: 10.1007/s11894-017-0566-9 -
JAMA May 2015Achalasia significantly affects patients' quality of life and can be difficult to diagnose and treat. (Review)
Review
IMPORTANCE
Achalasia significantly affects patients' quality of life and can be difficult to diagnose and treat.
OBJECTIVE
To review the diagnosis and management of achalasia, with a focus on phenotypic classification pertinent to therapeutic outcomes.
EVIDENCE REVIEW
Literature review and MEDLINE search of articles from January 2004 to February 2015. A total of 93 articles were included in the final literature review addressing facets of achalasia epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes. Nine randomized controlled trials focusing on endoscopic or surgical therapy for achalasia were included (734 total patients).
FINDINGS
A diagnosis of achalasia should be considered when patients present with dysphagia, chest pain, and refractory reflux symptoms after an endoscopy does not reveal a mechanical obstruction or an inflammatory cause of esophageal symptoms. Manometry should be performed if achalasia is suspected. Randomized controlled trials support treatments focused on disrupting the lower esophageal sphincter with pneumatic dilation (70%-90% effective) or laparoscopic myotomy (88%-95% effective). Patients with achalasia have a variable prognosis after endoscopic or surgical myotomy based on subtypes, with type II (absent peristalsis with abnormal pan-esophageal high-pressure patterns) having a very favorable outcome (96%) and type I (absent peristalsis without abnormal pressure) having an intermediate prognosis (81%) that is inversely associated with the degree of esophageal dilatation. In contrast, type III (absent peristalsis with distal esophageal spastic contractions) is a spastic variant with less favorable outcomes (66%) after treatment of the lower esophageal sphincter.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
Achalasia should be considered when dysphagia is present and not explained by an obstruction or inflammatory process. Responses to treatment vary based on which achalasia subtype is present.
Topics: Botulinum Toxins; Chest Pain; Deglutition Disorders; Dilatation; Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal; Esophageal Achalasia; Esophageal Sphincter, Lower; Esophagus; Humans; Manometry; Prognosis
PubMed: 25965233
DOI: 10.1001/jama.2015.2996 -
American Journal of Obstetrics &... Jul 2023An emergency (rescue) cervical cerclage can be offered to pregnant women presenting with dilatation and prolapsed membranes in the second trimester of pregnancy because... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
An emergency (rescue) cervical cerclage can be offered to pregnant women presenting with dilatation and prolapsed membranes in the second trimester of pregnancy because of cervical insufficiency. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of an emergency cerclage in both singleton and twin pregnancies in the prevention of extreme premature birth.
DATA SOURCES
We performed a systematic literature search in PubMed and Embase from inception to June 2022 for transvaginal cervical emergency cerclages.
STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
All studies on transvaginal cervical emergency cerclages with at least 5 patients and reporting survival were included.
METHODS
Included studies were assessed for quality and risk of bias with an adjusted Quality In Prognosis Studies tool. Random-effects meta-analyses and meta-regressions were performed for the primary outcome: survival.
RESULTS
Our search yielded 96 studies, incorporating 3239 women, including 14 studies with an expectant management control group, incorporating 746 women. Overall survival after cervical emergency cerclage was 74%, with a fetal survival of 88% and neonatal survival of 90%. Singleton and twin pregnancies showed similar survival, with a pregnancy prolongation of 52 and 37 days and a gestational age at delivery of 30 and 28 weeks, respectively. Meta-regression analyses indicated a significant inverse association between mean gestational age at diagnosis and pregnancy prolongation and no association between dilatation or gestational age at diagnosis and gestational age at delivery. Compared with expectant management, emergency cerclage significantly increased overall survival by 43%, fetal survival by 17% and neonatal survival by 22%, along with a significant pregnancy prolongation of 37 days and reduction in delivery at <28 weeks of gestation of 55%. These effects were more profound in singleton pregnancies than in twin pregnancies.
CONCLUSION
This systematic review indicates that, in pregnancies threatened by extreme premature birth because of cervical insufficiency, emergency cerclage leads to significantly higher survival, accompanied by significant pregnancy prolongation and reduction in delivery at <28 weeks of gestation, compared with expectant management. The mean gestational age at delivery was 30 weeks, independent of dilatation or gestational age at diagnosis. Survival was similar for singleton and twin pregnancies, implying that emergency cerclage should be considered in both.
Topics: Infant, Newborn; Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Infant; Pregnancy, Twin; Cerclage, Cervical; Premature Birth; Cervix Uteri; Pregnancy Complications
PubMed: 37084870
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2023.100971 -
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Feb 2020Achalasia is a primary esophageal motor disorder of unknown etiology characterized by degeneration of the myenteric plexus, which results in impaired relaxation of the...
Achalasia is a primary esophageal motor disorder of unknown etiology characterized by degeneration of the myenteric plexus, which results in impaired relaxation of the esophagogastric junction (EGJ), along with the loss of organized peristalsis in the esophageal body. The criterion standard for diagnosing achalasia is high-resolution esophageal manometry showing incomplete relaxation of the EGJ coupled with the absence of organized peristalsis. Three achalasia subtypes have been defined based on high-resolution manometry findings in the esophageal body. Treatment of patients with achalasia has evolved in recent years with the introduction of peroral endoscopic myotomy. Other treatment options include botulinum toxin injection, pneumatic dilation, and Heller myotomy. This American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Standards of Practice Guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for the treatment of achalasia, based on an updated assessment of the individual and comparative effectiveness, adverse effects, and cost of the 4 aforementioned achalasia therapies.
Topics: Acetylcholine Release Inhibitors; Botulinum Toxins; Dilatation; Disease Management; Endoscopy, Digestive System; Esophageal Achalasia; Esophageal Sphincter, Lower; Heller Myotomy; Humans; Injections, Intramuscular; Manometry; Myotomy; Societies, Medical; United States
PubMed: 31839408
DOI: 10.1016/j.gie.2019.04.231 -
Digestive Surgery 2020Bile duct injury (BDI) is a devastating complication following cholecystectomy. After initial management of BDI, patients stay at risk for late complications including...
BACKGROUND
Bile duct injury (BDI) is a devastating complication following cholecystectomy. After initial management of BDI, patients stay at risk for late complications including anastomotic strictures, recurrent cholangitis, and secondary biliary cirrhosis.
METHODS
We provide a comprehensive overview of current literature on the long-term outcome of BDI. Considering the availability of only limited data regarding treatment of anastomotic strictures in literature, we also retrospectively analyzed patients with anastomotic strictures following a hepaticojejunostomy (HJ) from a prospectively maintained database of 836 BDI patients.
RESULTS
Although clinical outcomes of endoscopic, radiologic, and surgical treatment of BDI are good with success rates of around 90%, quality of life (QoL) may be impaired even after "clinically successful" treatment. Following surgical treatment, the incidence of anastomotic strictures varies from 5 to 69%, with most studies reporting incidences around 10-20%. The median time to stricture formation varies between 11 and 30 months. Long-term BDI-related mortality varies between 1.8 and 4.6%. Of 91 patients treated in our center for anastomotic strictures after HJ, 81 (89%) were treated by percutaneous balloon dilatation, with a long-term success rate of 77%. Twenty-four patients primarily or secondarily underwent surgical revision, with recurrent strictures occurring in 21%.
CONCLUSIONS
The long-term impact of BDI is considerable, both in terms of clinical outcomes and QoL. Treatment should be performed in tertiary expert centers to optimize outcomes. Patients require a long-term follow-up to detect anastomotic strictures. Strictures should initially be managed by percutaneous dilatation, with surgical revision as a next step in treatment.
Topics: Anastomosis, Roux-en-Y; Bile Ducts; Cholangitis; Cholecystectomy; Constriction, Pathologic; Dilatation; Humans; Iatrogenic Disease; Jejunum; Liver Cirrhosis, Biliary; Prognosis; Quality of Life; Recurrence; Reoperation; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 30654363
DOI: 10.1159/000496432 -
Cardiovascular Diabetology May 2018Exercise training is considered a cornerstone in the management of type 2 diabetes, which is associated with impaired endothelial function. However, the association of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
Exercise training is considered a cornerstone in the management of type 2 diabetes, which is associated with impaired endothelial function. However, the association of exercise training with endothelial function in type 2 diabetes patients has not been fully understood. This meta-analysis aimed to investigate their associations with focus on exercise types.
METHODS
Databases were searched up to January 2018 for studies evaluating the influences of exercise training with durations ≥ 8 weeks on endothelial function assessed by flow-mediated dilation (FMD) among type 2 diabetes patients or between type 2 diabetics and non-diabetics. Data were pooled using random-effects models to obtain the weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
RESULTS
Sixteen databases were included. Exercise training resulted in an overall improvement in FMD by 1.77% (95% CI 0.94-2.59%) in type 2 diabetes patients. Specifically, both aerobic and combined aerobic and resistance exercise increased FMD by 1.21% (95% CI 0.23-2.19%) and 2.49% (95% CI 1.17-3.81%), respectively; but resistance exercise only showed a trend. High-intensity interval aerobic exercise did not significantly improve FMD over moderate-intensity continuous exercise. Notably, the improvement in FMD among type 2 diabetes patients was smaller compared with non-diabetics in response to exercise training (WMD - 0.72%, 95% CI - 1.36 to - 0.08%) or specifically to aerobic exercise (WMD - 0.65%, 95% CI - 1.31 to 0.01%).
CONCLUSIONS
Exercise training, in particular aerobic and combined exercise, improves endothelial function in type 2 diabetes patients, but such an improvement appears to be weakened compared with non-diabetics. Trial registration PROSPERO CRD42018087376.
Topics: Aged; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Diabetic Angiopathies; Endothelium, Vascular; Exercise Therapy; Exercise Tolerance; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Recovery of Function; Treatment Outcome; Vasodilation
PubMed: 29720185
DOI: 10.1186/s12933-018-0711-2 -
Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics Aug 2018Fibrotic stricture is a common complication of Crohn's disease (CD) affecting approximately half of all patients. No specific anti-fibrotic therapies are available;...
BACKGROUND
Fibrotic stricture is a common complication of Crohn's disease (CD) affecting approximately half of all patients. No specific anti-fibrotic therapies are available; however, several therapies are currently under evaluation. Drug development for the indication of stricturing CD is hampered by a lack of standardised definitions, diagnostic modalities, clinical trial eligibility criteria, endpoints and treatment targets in stricturing CD.
AIM
To standardise definitions, diagnosis and treatment targets for anti-fibrotic stricture therapies in Chron's disease.
METHODS
An interdisciplinary expert panel consisting of 15 gastroenterologists and radiologists was assembled. Using modified RAND/University of California Los Angeles appropriateness methodology, 109 candidate items derived from systematic review and expert opinion focusing on small intestinal strictures were anonymously rated as inappropriate, uncertain or appropriate. Survey results were discussed as a group before a second and third round of voting.
RESULTS
Fibrotic strictures are defined by the combination of luminal narrowing, wall thickening and pre-stenotic dilation. Definitions of anastomotic (at site of prior intestinal resection with anastomosis) and naïve small bowel strictures were similar; however, there was uncertainty regarding wall thickness in anastomotic strictures. Magnetic resonance imaging is considered the optimal technique to define fibrotic strictures and assess response to therapy. Symptomatic strictures are defined by abdominal distension, cramping, dietary restrictions, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and post-prandial abdominal pain. Need for intervention (endoscopic balloon dilation or surgery) within 24-48 weeks is considered the appropriate endpoint in pharmacological trials.
CONCLUSIONS
Consensus criteria for diagnosis and response to therapy in stricturing Crohn's disease should inform both clinical practice and trial design.
Topics: Catheterization; Clinical Trials as Topic; Colon; Consensus; Constriction, Pathologic; Crohn Disease; Dilatation; Endoscopy; Expert Testimony; Fibrosis; Humans; Intestinal Obstruction; Intestine, Small; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Reference Standards
PubMed: 29920726
DOI: 10.1111/apt.14853 -
Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent... Dec 2014The nonobstructive group of anatomic variants involving the reproductive tract includes vaginal agenesis as well as the congenital anomalies of the vagina and uterus,... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The nonobstructive group of anatomic variants involving the reproductive tract includes vaginal agenesis as well as the congenital anomalies of the vagina and uterus, occurring without pain during the pubertal years.
OBJECTIVE
The objective is to discuss the non-obstructive morphologic variations in anatomy of the uterus and vagina.
DESIGN
Systematic review using the GRADE system.
RESULTS
These congenital anomalies are not associated with abnormalities of the external genitalia and therefore may be missed on routine physical examination. When these anomalies do cause symptoms they may be as minor as difficulty with menstrual hygiene or more significant such as primary amenorrhea, dyspareunia, recurrent pregnancy loss, and reproductive complications.
CONCLUSIONS
Women with non-obstructive reproductive tract anomalies present at various ages due to the asymptomatic nature or late symptom onset of certain conditions. An MRI is the gold standard in evaluation of such conditions to aid in confirming the müllerian variant. Each condition requires careful counseling because obstetric and gynecologic risks and consequences may differ. Treatment is individualized in cases of uterovaginal agenesis with both nonsurgical and surgical options available for neovagina creation. In cases of uterine or vaginal septae, the treatment timing may vary depending on patient history. Finally, in cases of non-obstructive communicating uterine horns, the risk of ectopic pregnancy is high in the remnant horn. Should a pregnancy occur in this small underdeveloped horn, therefore, excision is recommended.
Topics: Adult; Amenorrhea; Congenital Abnormalities; Dilatation; Dyspareunia; Female; Humans; Infertility, Female; Mullerian Ducts; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Surgically-Created Structures; Urogenital Abnormalities; Uterus; Vagina
PubMed: 25438707
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpag.2014.07.001 -
Urology Sep 2022We reviewed neovaginal colonization and inflammatory patterns, and factors that may impact this. A systematic review of the neovaginal microbiome was conducted in... (Review)
Review
We reviewed neovaginal colonization and inflammatory patterns, and factors that may impact this. A systematic review of the neovaginal microbiome was conducted in concordance with PRISMA guidelines through October 2021. Thirteen articles were included, totaling 458 patients. Neovaginal constructions were most commonly performed with penile and scrotal skin grafts, sigmoid segments, and peritoneal grafts. The neovaginal microflora identified were generally polymicrobial and shared similarities with the native tissue. Nine studies identified Lactobacillus: 5 of 6 for penile skin, 1 of 3 for sigmoid, 1 of 1 for peritoneum, and 2 of 3 for other graft types, suggesting that the neovagina may support Lactobacillus either innately, via rectal migration or oral probiotic supplementation. A polymicrobial, bacterial vaginosis-like environment was found in 9 studies. Inflammatory markers were also described: 2 of 6 for penile skin, 2 of 3 for sigmoid, 0 of 1 for peritoneum, and 1 of 3 for other graft types. Scant data were available on the impact of postsurgical duration, oral hormones, dilating, sexual practices, or douching on the neovaginal microbiome. Understanding and optimizing the polymicrobial neovaginal microenvironment may improve surgical outcomes, specifically inflammatory, pain, and infectious. Future research should focus on standardizing testing, classification systems, and treating neovaginal dysbiosis.
Topics: Female; Hormones; Humans; Male; Microbiota; Penis; Sex Reassignment Surgery; Vagina
PubMed: 35276200
DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2022.02.021