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Abdominal Radiology (New York) May 2024There are a wide variety of gynecologic devices encountered on pelvic imaging which may not be the focus or primary reason for imaging. Such devices include pessaries,... (Review)
Review
There are a wide variety of gynecologic devices encountered on pelvic imaging which may not be the focus or primary reason for imaging. Such devices include pessaries, menstrual products, radiation therapy devices, tubal occlusion devices, and contraceptive devices, including intrauterine devices and intravaginal rings. This manuscript offers a comprehensive review of multimodality imaging appearances of gynecologic devices encountered on pelvic imaging and discusses device indications, positioning, and complications.
PubMed: 38805098
DOI: 10.1007/s00261-024-04367-9 -
International Journal of Women's Health 2023Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is quite common and has an impact on quality of life (QoL). The evaluation of QoL after treatment for prolapse is important. The objective...
BACKGROUND
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is quite common and has an impact on quality of life (QoL). The evaluation of QoL after treatment for prolapse is important. The objective was to compare patient's prolapse symptoms, functional outcomes, and quality of life between pessary and surgery using standardized questionnaires at 1 and 6 months after treatment.
METHODS
We conducted a prospective study including women with symptomatic POP who chose pessary or surgery as the first-line treatment. We evaluated QoL using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Vaginal Symptoms and Prolapse Quality of Life questionnaires.
RESULTS
Seventy-two participants were enrolled, with 36 in each group. Body mass index, menopausal status, marital status, number of vaginal deliveries, and stage of pelvic organ prolapse were not significantly different between the groups. At 1 and 6 months after treatment, participants in both groups reported significant improvement in prolapse symptoms, functional outcomes, and overall quality of life. At 1 month after treatment, absolute changes in vaginal symptom scores in the pessary and surgery groups were -16.67 and -19.03, respectively (p > 0.05); at 6 months, the absolute changes were -19.21 and -19.25, respectively (p > 0.05). Significant improvement was only found in role limitation and physical and social domains at both follow-up times after surgery.
CONCLUSION
At 1 and 6 month(s) after treatment, women with symptomatic POP reported substantial improvement in prolapse symptoms and functional outcomes when treated with pessary or surgical correction.
PubMed: 37465722
DOI: 10.2147/IJWH.S406048 -
Menopause (New York, N.Y.) Sep 2023This study aimed to apply three-dimensional (3D) printing technology to treat women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and to evaluate efficacy based on the improvement by...
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to apply three-dimensional (3D) printing technology to treat women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and to evaluate efficacy based on the improvement by quality of life (QOL) questionnaires.
METHODS
This was a pilot study at a tertiary urogynecology unit in Taiwan. Between January 2021 and June 6, 2021, participants who opted for self-management using Gellhorn pessaries to treat symptomatic POP were enrolled. For each woman, the original Gellhorn pessary was placed into the vagina to restore the prolapsed tissues and under transvaginal ultrasound guided to evaluate the gap which the Gellhorn pessary cannot cover. Otoform (an impression silicone) was used to make a model and have it hooked onto Gellhorn pessary (template). We collected templates and then applied 3D printing to customize the silicone vaginal pessary. All women completed multiple validated QOL questionnaires at baseline and at 3 and 6 months.
RESULTS
Six women completed the study. The QOL questionnaires revealed significant improvements across the board.
CONCLUSIONS
Our study demonstrates that a tailor made 3D pessary can be used for women with POP. A customized pessary can be made with the help of transvaginal ultrasound and 3D printing technology.
Topics: Female; Humans; Pessaries; Pilot Projects; Quality of Life; Pelvic Organ Prolapse; Printing, Three-Dimensional; Silicones
PubMed: 37625089
DOI: 10.1097/GME.0000000000002223 -
International Journal of Gynaecology... May 2024Recent recommendations from the French High Authority of Health on pelvic organ prolapse (POP) management underline the value of a pelvic examination. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Recent recommendations from the French High Authority of Health on pelvic organ prolapse (POP) management underline the value of a pelvic examination.
OBJECTIVES
The aim of this paper was to analyze the literature and identify the best evidence available regarding pelvic examination for women presenting prolapse-associated symptoms in terms of diagnosis and predictability of treatment success.
SEARCH STRATEGY
The databases were queried similarly using Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and non-MeSH terms broadly related to pelvic examination and POP management.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included studies assessing the diagnostic contribution of pelvic examination (correlation with symptoms) and its value for assessing the risk of pessary failure or recurrence after reconstructive surgery.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We assessed peer-reviewed articles on PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane database up to May 2023. The methodological quality of all the included studies was assessed using the ROBINS-E or RoB2 tools.
MAIN RESULTS
In all, 67 studies were retained for the review. Prolapse-associated symptoms are poorly correlated with POP diagnosis. The symptom that is best correlated with the POP stage is the presence of a vaginal bulge (moderate to good correlation). The factors most strongly associated with the risk of recurrence after surgery or pessary failure are clinical: essentially a higher POP stage before surgery, levator ani muscle avulsion, and vaginal and genital measurements.
CONCLUSIONS
In women complaining of prolapse-associated symptoms, a pelvic examination (vaginal speculum and digital vaginal examination) can confirm the presence of POP and identify risk factors for treatment failure or recurrence after surgical management or pessary placement. A higher stage of POP and levator ani muscle avulsion-discernible on pelvic examination-are major risk factors for POP recurrence or treatment failure. These features must be taken into account in the treatment choice and discussed with the patient.
PubMed: 38778697
DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.15697 -
International Urogynecology Journal Aug 2023The primary objective was to determine the adverse event rate associated with pessary use. Secondary objectives were to determine discontinuation, patient satisfaction,... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS
The primary objective was to determine the adverse event rate associated with pessary use. Secondary objectives were to determine discontinuation, patient satisfaction, and factors associated with adverse events.
METHODS
A retrospective observational study included patients attending a nurse-led pessary clinic with ≥ 1 year follow-up. Patients were fitted with a pessary by a urogynecologist and pessary care by a nurse was performed every 3-4 months. Demographic characteristics, pessary fitting, adverse events, their management and discontinuation were recorded. Pearson Chi-square and Fisher exact tests assessed the association between predetermined risk factors and pessary complications or discontinuation. Relative risk and 95% confidence intervals were computed.
RESULTS
215 women were followed for a mean (standard deviation) of 4.4 (1.9) years. Mean age was 73.8 (8.7) years. Adverse event rate was 83.7%; most commonly vaginal discharge, vaginal bleeding and erosions. Women with cardiovascular risk factors were less likely to develop pessary-related adverse events (79.7% vs. 91.9%, p = 0.03). Gellhorn and donut pessaries were more commonly associated with pessary erosions than ring with support pessaries or incontinence rings (RR 2.37 [1.67; 3.38]). Thirty-five (16.3%) women discontinued pessary use at a mean of 3.3 (1.7) years after initial fitting. Having a pessary erosion was not associated with discontinuation (p = 0.698), but recurrent erosions were (p = 0.012).
CONCLUSION
Adverse events were common among women continuing to use pessaries past 1 year, but adherence and satisfaction rates remained high after 4.4 years. Pessary type and absence of cardiovascular factors were associated with pessary-related adverse events.
Topics: Humans; Female; Aged; Male; Pelvic Organ Prolapse; Pessaries; Patient Satisfaction; Risk Factors; Vaginal Discharge
PubMed: 36715742
DOI: 10.1007/s00192-023-05462-z -
Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics Nov 2023Levator ani muscle (LAM) avulsion affects up to 35% of women. Unlike obstetric anal sphincter injury, LAM avulsion is not diagnosed immediately after vaginal delivery,... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Levator ani muscle (LAM) avulsion affects up to 35% of women. Unlike obstetric anal sphincter injury, LAM avulsion is not diagnosed immediately after vaginal delivery, however, has a profound impact on quality of life. The management of pelvic floor disorders is in growing demand yet the significance of LAM avulsion in the context of pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) is poorly understood. This study collates information on success of treatment for LAM avulsion to establish the best options for management of women.
METHODS
MEDLINE, MEDLINE In-Process, EMBASE, PubMed, CINAHL and The Cochrane Library were searched for articles that evaluated the management techniques used to treat LAM avulsion. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021206427).
RESULTS
Natural healing of LAM avulsion occurs in 50% of women. Conservative measures, including pelvic floor exercises and pessary use are poorly studied. Pelvic floor muscle training for major LAM avulsions was of no benefit. Post-partum pessary use was only of benefit in the first three months for women. Surgeries for LAM avulsion are poorly researched but studies suggest they may provide benefit for 76-97% of patients.
CONCLUSIONS
Whilst some women with PFD secondary to LAM avulsion improve spontaneously, 50% continue to have pelvic floor symptoms 1 year following delivery. These symptoms result in a significant negative impact on quality of life, however, it is not clear whether conservative or surgical methods are helpful. There is a pressing need for research to find effective treatments and explore appropriate surgical repair techniques for women with LAM avulsion.
Topics: Pregnancy; Humans; Female; Quality of Life; Postpartum Period; Anal Canal; Pelvic Floor Disorders; Delivery, Obstetric; Ultrasonography
PubMed: 36808288
DOI: 10.1007/s00404-023-06955-4 -
Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics May 2024To evaluate long-term continuation rates, adverse events of ring pessary use at a minimum of 5 years follow-up, and factors associated with discontinuation in...
PURPOSE
To evaluate long-term continuation rates, adverse events of ring pessary use at a minimum of 5 years follow-up, and factors associated with discontinuation in symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse (POP).
METHODS
Women with symptomatic POP who were treated with vaginal ring pessary and had successful fittings were included. Adverse events and reasons for discontinuation of pessary use were recorded. Patients who were lost to follow-up were defined as discontinuation.
RESULTS
During 12 year-period, 239 of 329 POP patients (72.6%) had successful fittings with ring pessary. The mean age was 67.8 ± 8.9 years (range 27-86) and 70% of patients had advanced stage. The cumulative probability of continued ring pessary use was 84.1%, 64.4%, 49.3%, and 33.5%, at 1, 3, 5, and 10 years, respectively. Most common reason for discontinuation was frequent expulsion (21.6%), followed by vaginal erosion (16.5%), no prolapse improvement (12.4%), and inability or inconvenience to do self-care (9.3%). However, 9 patients (9.3%) had improvement of prolapse and were able to discontinue pessary insertion. Age above 70 years, wide introitus, and incapability of self-care are independent factors associated with long-term discontinuation. Adverse events occurred in 23.4% of patients, 18.8% of them had vaginal erosion, 11.7% vaginal discharge/infection, and 18.4% de novo SUI. However, no statistical significance existed between those who continued and discontinued pessary use due to these adverse events.
CONCLUSION
Ring pessary is an effective treatment in symptomatic POP, with acceptable long-term continuation rates and minor adverse events. Self-care of pessary is very important aiming to minimize adverse events. Advanced age, wide introitus and incapability of self-care were associated factors for long-term discontinuation.
Topics: Humans; Female; Adult; Middle Aged; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Pessaries; Vagina; Treatment Outcome; Pelvic Organ Prolapse; Contraceptive Devices, Female
PubMed: 38189963
DOI: 10.1007/s00404-023-07299-9 -
Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics Jun 2024There is no evidence about the efficacy of self-care of vaginal pessary in women with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse (POP). The aim of this systematic review and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION
There is no evidence about the efficacy of self-care of vaginal pessary in women with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse (POP). The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to assess the adherence to pessary treatment among women who engage in self-management of their pessary.
METHODS
We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis, according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines, and selected seven publications for inclusion in the analysis.
RESULTS
Pooled continuation rate of self-cared vaginal pessary was the 76% (95%CI: 66-85%) with a I-test of 93.3% (p < 0.001). Pooled conversion to POP surgery was the 12% (95%CI: 1-23%) with a I-test of 96% (p < 0.001). Continuation rate was not statistically different between women who were treated by self-care and non-self-care management of vaginal pessary (RR 1.11, 95%CI 0.96-1.27; p = 0.15), with a related I-test of 37% (p = 0.21).
CONCLUSION
Self-care vaginal pessary management presented a high continuation rate in women affected by pelvic organ prolapse at a long follow-up. The rate of conversion to surgical management of POP was low. No significant difference in continuation rate were highlighted between women who adopted the self-care or the clinical-based management of pessary.
Topics: Humans; Pelvic Organ Prolapse; Pessaries; Female; Self Care; Patient Compliance; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38634900
DOI: 10.1007/s00404-024-07506-1 -
Maturitas Dec 2023Vaginal pessary use is an established, non-surgical treatment option for pelvic organ prolapse. While satisfaction rates are initially high, they seem to decline over...
PURPOSE OF THE RESEARCH
Vaginal pessary use is an established, non-surgical treatment option for pelvic organ prolapse. While satisfaction rates are initially high, they seem to decline over time. We aimed to determine the median duration of pessary use among our patients and to evaluate reasons for discontinuation.
METHODS
All patients who were treated with a vaginal pessary for pelvic organ prolapse between 2007 and 2022 at our institution (a maximum observation period of 15 years) were included in this retrospective cohort study. Data were collected from the in-house electronic databases and the date of pelvic floor surgery was defined as the primary endpoint. In case of no documented surgery, the date of the last follow-up visit (for patients lost to follow-up or who discontinued pessary use without subsequent surgery) or the date of final data collection (for those with presumed continued pessary use) was used as the primary endpoint. Duration of pessary use is represented by Kaplan-Meier curves. Effects of possible confounders were investigated by Cox regression models. A Cox regression model was evaluated for patients with the three most common types of pessary: ring, cube and shell. A chi-square test was performed to compare therapy adherence according to pessary type.
PRINCIPAL RESULTS
Data of 779 patients could be included in the statistical analysis. The estimated median duration of pessary use was 173 weeks (95 % CI 104-473) - approximately 3.3 years. Overall, 30 % of patients opted for surgical therapy and the majority of them did so within 4 months of initiation of pessary use (median time: 19 weeks, 95 % CI 16-26). In 5 % of cases a discontinuation of pessary use without subsequent surgery was documented and 18 % were lost to follow-up before a planned visit, thus leaving 47 % of our patients with presumed continued pessary use. Possible confounding factors for discontinuation of pessary use were tested but were found to be non-significant (body mass index, Pelvic Organ Prolapse - Quantification score, pelvic floor training, age, parity, menopausal status, nicotine consumption, incontinence or size of pessary). Reasons for discontinuation of pessary use were documented in 51 % of patients: unspecified patient wish (23 %), pessary use tiredness (10 %), general dissatisfaction with pessary therapy (7 %), unspecified reasons (5 %), pessary self-change not possible (1 %), erosion, bleeding, pain (2 %); none of the pessary types fitted (2 %).
CONCLUSIONS
According to our data, almost half of our patients with pelvic organ prolapse and pessary therapy continued pessary use until a maximum follow-up time of 15 years, whereas about one-third of patients finally opted for surgical repair (a majority of these within 4 months after pessary therapy initiation). The remaining patients were either lost to follow-up or discontinued pessary use without subsequent surgery. The stated reasons for discontinuation of pessary use were mostly non-specific, but only 1 % reported that pessary self-change was not possible. Erosion bleeding or pain was documented in only 2 % of cases as reason for discontinuation. This information helps clinicians to inform their patients with pelvic organ prolapse about expected pessary therapy success and strengthens individual counselling. Furthermore, our data indicates vaginal pessary use for pelvic organ prolapse is feasible and safe for all women and that therapy adherence can extend beyond 5 years.
Topics: Humans; Female; Pessaries; Retrospective Studies; Pelvic Organ Prolapse; Surveys and Questionnaires; Pain
PubMed: 37659128
DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2023.107828 -
Minerva Medica Aug 2023Pelvic organ prolapse is a common condition that can have a large impact on a patient's quality of life. Patients with prolapse may present with a vaginal bulge or...
Pelvic organ prolapse is a common condition that can have a large impact on a patient's quality of life. Patients with prolapse may present with a vaginal bulge or pressure, bladder, bowel, or sexual symptoms. The diagnosis is confirmed on physical examination which may show descent of the anterior vaginal wall, vaginal apex (cervix/uterus or vaginal cuff in those with a prior hysterectomy), posterior vaginal wall, or a combination of these. Patients with asymptomatic prolapse can typically be reassured that it may be managed with observation, though might gradually progress with time. In patients with symptomatic prolapse, management options include conservative measures, pessary use, or surgical intervention. Pessaries can successfully be fitted for most patients that prefer this line of therapy. Surgical interventions include native tissue transvaginal surgeries or a transabdominal (laparoscopic or robotic) approach with use of polypropylene mesh. The choice of surgical procedure includes consideration of an individual's medical and surgical history, physical exam findings, differences in the risks and durability of the operations, and the patient's preference. Ultimately, the surgical plan is based on shared decision making with the patient to best achieve their treatment goals. In this article we will review pertinent clinical considerations in the diagnosis, evaluation, and management of pelvic organ prolapse.
Topics: Female; Humans; Quality of Life; Pelvic Organ Prolapse; Uterus; Urinary Bladder; Vagina; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 36786749
DOI: 10.23736/S0026-4806.22.08396-3