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International Neurourology Journal Jun 2024To critically analyse the relationship of bladder pain syndrome (BPS/IC), as defined, to the posterior fornix syndrome, "PFS" predictably co-occurring bladder urgency,...
To critically analyse the relationship of bladder pain syndrome (BPS/IC), as defined, to the posterior fornix syndrome, "PFS" predictably co-occurring bladder urgency, frequency, nocturia, chronic pelvic pain, emptying symptoms/retention, caused by uterosacral ligament (USL) laxity and cured by USL repair. The starting and end points of this paper are the questions, "Are there arguments that BPS/IC can, in some cases, be linked to PFS?" And if so, "To what extent?" We used the criteria required by Ueda for proper diagnosis: "understanding symptoms, detecting abnormal findings and verifying them as a cause of the symptoms." Literature, diagnostic and surgical, indicate that chronic pelvic pain "of unknown origin" can be caused by unsupported visceral pelvic plexuses because of weak USLs; these cause fire of afferent impulses, which the brain mistakenly interprets as coming from the end-organ itself (i.e., genitourinary pain, lower urinary tract symptoms). The same lax USLs can also weaken the pelvic muscles which contract to stretch the vagina to support the urothelial stretch receptors from below: these may prematurely fire off afferent impulses to activate micturition at lower bladder volumes, interpreted as urgency. A speculum placed in the vagina can relieve pain and urgency by mechanically supporting the vaginal wall and USLs, thus predicting an eventual cure by USL repair. There is need to evaluate what percentage of women with known BPS/IC also pass the criteria for PFS. Identifying a significant percentage of BPS/IC women with the causative relation between PFS pathogenesis and BPS/ IC may open a new way of diagnosing and treating BPS/IC in some women.
PubMed: 38956769
DOI: 10.5213/inj.2346344.172 -
BMC Public Health Jul 2024Women at middle age are puzzled by a series of menopausal disturbances, can be distressing and considerably affect the personal, social and work lives. We aim to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Women at middle age are puzzled by a series of menopausal disturbances, can be distressing and considerably affect the personal, social and work lives. We aim to estimate the global prevalence of nineteen menopausal symptoms among middle-aged women by performing a systematic review and meta-analysis.
METHODS
Comprehensive search was performed in multiple databases from January, 2000 to March, 2023 for relevant studies. Random-effect model with double-arcsine transformation was used for data analysis.
RESULTS
A total of 321 studies comprised of 482,067 middle-aged women were included for further analysis. We found varied prevalence of menopausal symptoms, with the highest prevalence of joint and muscular discomfort (65.43%, 95% CI 62.51-68.29) and lowest of formication (20.5%, 95% CI 13.44-28.60). Notably, South America shared dramatically high prevalence in a sort of menopausal symptoms including depression and urogenital symptoms. Besides, countries with high incomes (49.72%) had a significantly lower prevalence of hot flashes than those with low (65.93%), lower-middle (54.17%), and upper-middle (54.72%, p < 0.01), while personal factors, such as menopausal stage, had an influence on most menopausal symptoms, particularly in vaginal dryness. Prevalence of vagina dryness in postmenopausal women (44.81%) was 2-fold higher than in premenopausal women (21.16%, p < 0.01). Furthermore, a remarkable distinction was observed between body mass index (BMI) and prevalence of sleep problems, depression, anxiety and urinary problems.
CONCLUSION
The prevalence of menopausal symptoms affected by both social and personal factors which calls for attention from general public.
Topics: Humans; Female; Menopause; Prevalence; Middle Aged; Hot Flashes; Global Health
PubMed: 38956480
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19280-5 -
CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association... Jul 2024Canada's health care systems underserve people who are transgender and gender diverse (TGD), leading to unique disparities not experienced by other patient groups, such...
BACKGROUND
Canada's health care systems underserve people who are transgender and gender diverse (TGD), leading to unique disparities not experienced by other patient groups, such as in accessing gender-affirmation surgery. We sought to explore the experiences of TGD people seeking and accessing gender-affirmation surgery at a publicly funded hospital in Canada to identify opportunities to improve the current system.
METHODS
We used hermeneutic phenomenology according to Max van Manen to conduct this qualitative study. Between January and August 2022, we conducted interviews with TGD people who had undergone penile-inversion vaginoplasty at Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, since June 2019. We conducted interviews via Microsoft Teams and transcribed them verbatim. We coded the transcripts using NVivo version 12. Using inductive analysis, we constructed themes, which we mapped onto van Manen's framework of lived body, lived time, lived space, and lived human relations.
RESULTS
We interviewed 15 participants who had undergone penile-inversion vaginoplasty; they predominantly self-identified as transgender women ( = 13) and White ( = 14). Participants lived in rural ( = 4), suburban ( = 5), or urban ( = 6) locations. Their median age was 32 (range 27-67) years. We identified 11 themes that demonstrated the interconnected nature of TGD peoples' lived experiences over many years leading up to accessing gender-affirmation surgery. These themes emphasized the role of the body in experiencing the world and shaping identity, the lived experience of the body in shaping human connectedness, and participants' intersecting identities and emotional pain (lived body); participants' experiences of the passage of time and progression of events (lived time); environments inducing existential anxiety or fostering affirmation, the role of technology in shaping participants' understanding of the body, and the effect of liminal spaces (lived space); and finally, the role of communication and language, empathy and compassion, and participants' experiences of loss of trust and connection (lived human relations).
INTERPRETATION
Our findings reveal TGD patients' lived experiences as they navigated a lengthy and often difficult journey to penile-inversion vaginoplasty. They suggest a need for improved access to gender-affirmation surgery by reducing wait times, increasing capacity, and improving care experiences.
Topics: Humans; Female; Adult; Transgender Persons; Male; Vagina; Penis; Middle Aged; Qualitative Research; Canada; Sex Reassignment Surgery; Ontario
PubMed: 38955411
DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.231250 -
International Journal of Surgery Case... Jun 2024Vaginal agenesis is a rare congenital condition, with an incidence of 1 in 4500 female births.
INTRODUCTION
Vaginal agenesis is a rare congenital condition, with an incidence of 1 in 4500 female births.
CASE REPORT
We present a clinical case of vaginal aplasia with cervical atresia in a 31-year-old woman with primary amenorrhea. We aim to report the diagnostic process and provide a comprehensive outline of different possible treatments.
DISCUSSION
The most common etiology of these agenesis cases is Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome associated with uterine aplasia. However, vaginal aplasia can occur in 9 % of cases where the uterus is present. During embryogenesis, the Müllerian ducts give rise to the fallopian tubes, uterus, and upper two-thirds of the vagina, while the lower portion of the vagina develops from the urogenital sinus. Vaginal aplasia arises from a failure in the development of the terminal portion of the paramesonephric ducts. Abdominal pain, especially periodic pain, is the most common symptom, followed by primary amenorrhea. MRI is considered the gold standard for the diagnosis and precise description of female genital tract anomalies.
CONCLUSION
Total hysterectomy remains a preferred option for cases of complete vaginal atresia to mitigate the risk of cervical or vaginal stenosis, adhesions, and pelvic inflammation resulting from poor menstrual blood drainage.
PubMed: 38954966
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2024.109957 -
Journal of Robotic Surgery Jul 2024Transvaginal organ prolapse, such as small bowel evisceration, is a rare complication after radical cystectomy (RC) in female patients with invasive bladder cancer,...
Investigation of risk factors for vaginal dehiscence and development of small bowel evisceration after robot-assisted radical cystectomy for female bladder cancer and an improved vaginal reconstruction technique to prevent its onset.
Transvaginal organ prolapse, such as small bowel evisceration, is a rare complication after radical cystectomy (RC) in female patients with invasive bladder cancer, However, it often requires emergency surgical repair. Here, we describe our experience with such a case and a review of similar previously reported cases, along with evaluation of the risk factors. We also propose a vaginal reconstruction technique to prevent this complication during robot-assisted laparoscopic radical cystectomy (RARC). A total of 178 patients who underwent laparoscopic radical cystectomy (LRC) or RARC were enrolled, 34 of whom (19%) were female. One of the 34 female patients had transvaginal small bowel evisceration after RARC. We evaluated our case and six such previously reported cases, to determine vaginal reconstruction techniques during RARC to prevent this complication postoperatively. Median age of these cases was 73 (51-80) years, and all patients were postmenopausal. The median time to small bowel evisceration was 14 (6-120) weeks postoperatively. In addition, we changed the methods of the vaginal reconstruction technique during RARC from the conventional side-to-side closure technique to the improved caudal-to-cephalad closure technique. Since implementing this change, we have not experienced any cases of vaginal vault dehiscence or organ prolapse. Transvaginal small bowel evisceration after RC can easily become severe. Therefore, all possible preventive measures should be taken during RARC. We believe that our vaginal reconstruction techniques might reduce the risk of developing this complication.
Topics: Humans; Female; Cystectomy; Robotic Surgical Procedures; Middle Aged; Risk Factors; Aged; Intestine, Small; Vagina; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms; Postoperative Complications; Plastic Surgery Procedures; Aged, 80 and over; Surgical Wound Dehiscence; Laparoscopy
PubMed: 38954281
DOI: 10.1007/s11701-024-02035-0 -
Pediatric Surgery International Jul 2024This study describes the management of urinary incontinence (UI) in eight girls with congenital pouch colon (CPC) associated with anorectal malformation (ARM).
PURPOSE
This study describes the management of urinary incontinence (UI) in eight girls with congenital pouch colon (CPC) associated with anorectal malformation (ARM).
METHODS
From 2013 to 2015, six girls with CPC and UI underwent bladder neck reconstruction (BNR). Four girls had complete UI (CUI) and two girls partial UI (PUI). From 2019 to 2023, four girls, including two with failed BNR, underwent bladder neck closure (BNC) and augmentation cystoplasty (AC) with a continent stoma. Subtypes of CPC were Complete CPC (n = 7) and Incomplete CPC (n = 1). All girls had a double vagina; short, wide urethra; and reduced bladder capacity with an open, incompetent bladder neck (BNI). During BNR, a neourethra was constructed from a 1.5-2 cm-wide and 1.5-3-cm-long trigonal strip. During BNC, AC was performed using a 20 cm ileal segment (n = 3) and by a colonic pouch segment, preserved during earlier colorraphy (n = 1). Continent stoma included a Monti's channel (n = 3) and appendicovesicostomy (n = 1).
RESULTS
BNR produced moderate improvement of UI (n = 2), while UI was still very severe (n = 4). During BNC, intraoperative complications included iatrogenic vaginal tears (n = 4). Early complications included partial dehiscence of the ileocystoplasty (n = 1), partial adhesive small bowel obstruction (n = 1), and difficulty in stomal catheterization with prolonged drainage from the pelvic drain (n = 1). Late complications included unilateral grade II vesicoureteric reflux (n = 2) and vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) (n = 2) needing trans-vaginal closure in one girl. Urinary stones (n = 2) with stomal leakage of urine in one girl needed open cystolithotomy twice (n = 1), and endoscopic lithotripsy (n = 1). At follow-up, all patients have high overall satisfaction with the procedure and their continence status.
CONCLUSIONS
BNC with AC and a catheterizable stoma satisfactorily achieves continence in girls with CPC and UI, vastly improving quality of life. If lower urinary tract (LUT) anatomy is favorable, BNR with/without AC can be the initial surgical procedure. BNC should be the primary procedure in girls with unfavorable LUT anatomy and for failed BNR.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
IV.
Topics: Humans; Female; Urinary Incontinence; Anorectal Malformations; Child; Colon; Child, Preschool; Plastic Surgery Procedures; Retrospective Studies; Urinary Bladder; Infant
PubMed: 38954013
DOI: 10.1007/s00383-024-05757-2 -
Journal of Medical Virology Jul 2024The Phylum Cressdnaviricota consists of a large number of circular Rep-encoding single-stranded (CRESS)-DNA viruses. Recently, metagenomic analyzes revealed their...
The Phylum Cressdnaviricota consists of a large number of circular Rep-encoding single-stranded (CRESS)-DNA viruses. Recently, metagenomic analyzes revealed their ubiquitous distribution in a diverse range of eukaryotes. Data relating to CRESS-DNA viruses in humans remains scarce. Our study investigated the presence and genetic diversity of CRESS-DNA viruses in human vaginal secretions. Vaginal swabs were collected from 28 women between 29 and 43 years old attending a fertility clinic in New York City. An exploratory metagenomic analysis was performed and detection of CRESS-DNA viruses was confirmed through analysis of near full-length sequences of the viral isolates. A phylogenetic tree was based on the REP open reading frame sequences of the CRESS-DNA virus genome. Eleven nearly complete CRESS-DNA viral genomes were identified in 16 (57.1%) women. There were no associations between the presence of these viruses and any demographic or clinical parameters. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that one of the sequences belonged to the genus Gemycircularvirus within the Genomoviridae family, while ten sequences represented previously unclassified species of CRESS-DNA viruses. Novel species of CRESS-DNA viruses are present in the vaginal tract of adult women. Although they be transient commensal agents, the potential clinical implications for their presence at this site cannot be dismissed.
Topics: Humans; Female; Adult; Phylogeny; Metagenomics; Vagina; Genome, Viral; DNA Viruses; DNA, Viral; New York City; Sequence Analysis, DNA; Genetic Variation
PubMed: 38953413
DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29750 -
Microbiome Jul 2024Endometrial cancer is a multifactorial disease with inflammatory, metabolic and potentially microbial cues involved in disease pathogenesis. The endometrial cancer...
BACKGROUND
Endometrial cancer is a multifactorial disease with inflammatory, metabolic and potentially microbial cues involved in disease pathogenesis. The endometrial cancer microbiome has been poorly characterised so far and studies have often overestimated bacterial biomass due to lack of integration of appropriate contamination controls. There is also a scarcity of evidence on the functionality of microbial microenvironments in endometrial cancer. This work addresses that knowledge gap by interrogating the genuine, contamination-free microbial signatures in the female genital tract and rectum of women with endometrial cancer and the mechanistic role of microbiome on carcinogenic processes.
RESULTS
Here we sampled different regions of the reproductive tract (vagina, cervix, endometrium, fallopian tubes and ovaries) and rectum of 61 patients (37 endometrial cancer; 24 benign controls). We performed 16S rRNA gene sequencing of the V1-V2 hypervariable regions and qPCR of the 16S rRNA gene to qualitatively and quantitatively assess microbial communities and used 3D benign and endometrial cancer organoids to evaluate the effect of microbial products of L. crispatus, which was found depleted in endometrial cancer patients following primary analysis, on endometrial cell proliferation and inflammation. We found that the upper genital tract of a subset of women with and without endometrial cancer harbour microbiota quantitatively and compositionally distinguishable from background contaminants. Endometrial cancer was associated with reduced cervicovaginal and rectal bacterial load together with depletion of Lactobacillus species relative abundance, including L. crispatus, increased bacterial diversity and enrichment of Porphyromonas, Prevotella, Peptoniphilus and Anaerococcus in the lower genital tract and endometrium. Treatment of benign and malignant endometrial organoids with L. crispatus conditioned media exerted an anti-proliferative effect at high concentrations but had minimal impact on cytokine and chemokine profiles.
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings provide evidence that the upper female reproductive tract of some women contains detectable levels of bacteria, the composition of which is associated with endometrial cancer. Whether this is a cause or consequence of cancer pathophysiology and what is the functional significance of this finding remain to be elucidated to guide future screening tools and microbiome-based therapeutics. Video Abstract.
Topics: Humans; Female; Endometrial Neoplasms; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Microbiota; Middle Aged; Bacteria; Endometrium; Aged; Rectum; Vagina; Adult
PubMed: 38951935
DOI: 10.1186/s40168-024-01821-0 -
Facts, Views & Vision in ObGyn Jun 2024Vesico-vaginal fistula (VVF) is a rare but debilitating condition, characterised by an abnormal connection between the bladder and vagina. While obstetric-related cases...
BACKGROUND
Vesico-vaginal fistula (VVF) is a rare but debilitating condition, characterised by an abnormal connection between the bladder and vagina. While obstetric-related cases prevail in developing countries, iatrogenic fistulas are more common in industrialised ones, often resulting from pelvic surgeries.
OBJECTIVES
The optimal timing for surgical correction of VVF remains debated, often leaning towards delayed intervention. Here we report a successful early laparoscopic repair of an iatrogenic VVF following hysterectomy.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The patient, a 54-year-old woman, presented with VVF after a hysterectomy. The laparoscopic repair was performed promptly upon diagnosis.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of an early repair of a gynaecological-related VVF.
RESULTS
First, cystoscopy identified the bladder edge of the VVF. Second, laparoscopy was performed and the vesico-vaginal dissection was carried out. The excision of the previous stitches and of the fibrotic tissue was undertaken to create free flaps for suturing. The bladder was repaired in a double layer, and a single layer was applied to the vagina. Finally, the omentoplasty was done. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 5. No complications occurred.
CONCLUSIONS
This successful case demonstrates the feasibility and safety of early laparoscopic repair for gynaecological surgery-related vesico-vaginal fistulae. While acknowledging the need for further studies to standardise techniques, this report contributes to the evolving understanding of optimal management for this complex condition.
PubMed: 38950535
DOI: 10.52054/FVVO.16.2.014 -
Microbial Genomics Jul 2024species are common inhabitants of the 'healthy' female urinary and vaginal communities, often associated with a lack of symptoms in both anatomical sites. Given...
species are common inhabitants of the 'healthy' female urinary and vaginal communities, often associated with a lack of symptoms in both anatomical sites. Given identification by prior studies of similar bacterial species in both communities, it has been hypothesized that the two microbiotas are in fact connected. Here, we carried out whole-genome sequencing of 49 strains, including 16 paired urogenital samples from the same participant. These strains represent five different species: , , , , and . Average nucleotide identity (ANI), alignment, single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), and CRISPR comparisons between strains from the same participant were performed. We conducted simulations of genome assemblies and ANI comparisons and present a statistical method to distinguish between unrelated, related, and identical strains. We found that 50 % of the paired samples have identical strains, evidence that the urinary and vaginal communities are connected. Additionally, we found evidence of strains sharing a common ancestor. These results establish that microbial sharing between the urinary tract and vagina is not limited to uropathogens. Knowledge that these two anatomical sites can share lactobacilli in females can inform future clinical approaches.
Topics: Humans; Female; Vagina; Lactobacillus; Microbiota; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Genome, Bacterial; Phylogeny; Urinary Tract; Whole Genome Sequencing; Urine
PubMed: 38949867
DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.001267