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The Journal of Nursing Research : JNR Jan 2024Genitourinary syndrome is commonly reported in postmenopausal women. Kegel's exercise is a noninvasive therapy that improves pelvic floor muscle parameters. However, the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Genitourinary syndrome is commonly reported in postmenopausal women. Kegel's exercise is a noninvasive therapy that improves pelvic floor muscle parameters. However, the effect of Kegel's exercise on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in postmenopausal women with genitourinary syndrome has not been synthesized or shown.
PURPOSE
This study was designed to systematically review and analyze the previous literature to determine whether Kegel's exercise enhances HRQoL in postmenopausal women with genitourinary syndrome of menopause.
METHODS
A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials was conducted, and six databases were searched, including Embase, MEDLINE, Cochrane, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Scopus, from their dates of inception to November 2021. Eligible studies evaluated the effects of Kegel's exercise on HRQoL in postmenopausal women with urinary, sexual, or genital symptoms. Review Manager software was used to perform the meta-analysis using a random-effects model. Chi-square and I2 tests were used to evaluate heterogeneity among the studies. Meta-analysis was performed based on the symptoms (i.e., urinary, sexual, and genital) identified in the quality-of-life questionnaires.
RESULTS
This systematic review covered five studies with 268 participants. The research appraisal found most of these studies had a low risk of bias. The intervention periods ranged from 4 to 12 weeks. Compared with non-Kegel's exercise or regular activity, Kegel's exercise was found to significantly improve HRQoL-related urinary symptoms (three studies, standardized mean difference = -0.95, 95% CI [-1.35, -0.54], I2 = 0%). However, the effect of this exercise on HRQoL-related sexual symptoms did not differ from non-Kegel's exercise or regular activity (two studies, standardized mean difference = 1.11, 95% CI [-0.25, 2.47], I2 = 94%). None of the covered studies examined the effect of Kegel's exercise on HRQoL-related genital symptoms.
CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE
Kegel's exercise is an effective intervention for improving HRQoL-related urinary symptoms in postmenopausal women. However, there remains insufficient evidence to assess the effectiveness of Kegel's exercise on HRQoL-related genital symptoms in this population. The results support using Kegel's exercise as a useful intervention to manage urinary symptoms in postmenopausal women.
Topics: Humans; Female; Quality of Life; Pelvic Floor; Postmenopause; Exercise; Exercise Therapy
PubMed: 38271065
DOI: 10.1097/jnr.0000000000000597 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Jan 2024The burden of osteoarthritis (OA) is around 300 million people affected worldwide, with the hip representing a commonly affected joint. Total hip arthroplasty (THA) has... (Review)
Review
Using Three-Dimensional Printing Technology to Solve Complex Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty Cases: Do We Really Need Custom-Made Guides and Templates? A Critical Systematic Review on the Available Evidence.
UNLABELLED
The burden of osteoarthritis (OA) is around 300 million people affected worldwide, with the hip representing a commonly affected joint. Total hip arthroplasty (THA) has been used with notable success as a definitive treatment to improve pain and function in hip OA patients. The recent advent of new technologies, such as 3D printing, has pushed the application of these new concepts toward applications for the well-known THA. Currently, the evidence on the use of 3D printing to aid complex primary THA cases is still scarce.
METHODS
An extensive literature review was conducted to retrieve all articles centered on the use of 3D printing in the setting of primary THA.
RESULTS
A total of seven studies were included in the present systematic review. Four studies investigated the use of 3D-printed surgical guides to be used during surgery. The remaining three studies investigated the benefit of the use of 3D-printed templates of the pelvis to simulate the surgery.
CONCLUSIONS
The use of 3D printing could be a promising aid to solve difficult primary total hip arthroplasty cases. However, the general enthusiasm in the field is not supported by high-quality studies, hence preventing us from currently recommending its application in everyday practice.
PubMed: 38256607
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13020474 -
Supportive Care in Cancer : Official... Jan 2024To investigate the effectiveness of physiotherapy interventions compared to control conditions on fecal incontinence (FI) and quality of life (QoL) following colorectal... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The effectiveness of physiotherapy interventions on fecal incontinence and quality of life following colorectal surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
PURPOSE
To investigate the effectiveness of physiotherapy interventions compared to control conditions on fecal incontinence (FI) and quality of life (QoL) following colorectal surgery.
METHODS
Electronic searches in English-language (Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, AMED, CENTRAL, CINAHL, MEDLINE, Ovid, and PEDro) and Chinese-language (CNKI, Wanfang Data) databases were conducted. Trials comparing physiotherapy interventions against control conditions and assessing FI and QoL outcomes were included in the review.
RESULTS
Ten trials were included. Meta-analysis revealed statistically significant improvements in lifestyle (0.54; 95% CI 0.03, 1.05; p = 0.04), coping behavior (MD 1.136; 95% CI 0.24, 2.04; p = 0.01), and embarrassment (0.417; 95% CI 0.14, 0.70; p = 0.00) components of QoL among individuals receiving pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) compared with those receiving usual care (UC). Meta-analysis showed biofeedback to be significantly more effective than UC in enhancing anal resting pressure (ARP; 9.551; 95% CI 2.60, 16.51; p = 0.007), maximum squeeze pressure (MSP; 25.29; 95% CI 4.08, 48.50; p = 0.02), and rectal resting pressure (RRP; 0.51; 95% CI 0.10, 0.9; p = 0.02). Meta-analysis also found PFMT combined with biofeedback to be significantly more effective than PFMT alone for ARP (3.00; 95% CI 0.40, 5.60; p = 0.02), MSP (9.35, 95% CI 0.17, 18.53; p = 0.05), and RRP (1.54; 95% CI 0.60, 2.47; p = 0.00).
CONCLUSIONS
PFMT combined with biofeedback was more effective than PFMT alone, but both interventions delivered alone were superior to UC. Future studies remain necessary to optimize and standardize the PFMT parameters for improving QoL among individuals who experience FI following CRC surgery.
REVIEW REGISTRATION
This systematic review is registered in the PROSPERO registry (Ref: CRD42022337084).
Topics: Humans; Quality of Life; Fecal Incontinence; Colorectal Surgery; Exercise Therapy; Pelvic Floor; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Physical Therapy Modalities
PubMed: 38217744
DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-08294-1 -
American Journal of Obstetrics and... Jul 2024This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of pelvic floor muscle training in treating female sexual dysfunction. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of pelvic floor muscle training in treating female sexual dysfunction.
DATA SOURCES
A systematic review of databases, including PubMed, Ovid Medline, CINAHL, Embase, BVSalud, Scopus, and Cochrane Library, was performed in July 2021 and updated in May 2023.
STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Full-text articles of randomized controlled trials comparing pelvic floor muscle training with no intervention or another conservative treatment were included. At least 1 arm of these trials aimed to improve women's sexual function or treat sexual dysfunction.
METHODS
The data for this review were extracted and analyzed by 2 independent reviewers. Data on the characteristics of each intervention were extracted using the Consensus on Exercise Reporting Template. The risk of bias and certainty of evidence were assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale and the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) criteria, respectively. A meta-analysis was conducted considering the posttreatment mean score difference in the Female Sexual Function Index between the control and treatment groups.
RESULTS
A total of 21 randomized controlled trials were included in this review. The Consensus on Exercise Reporting Template revealed varying quality of the pelvic floor muscle training protocols. Four studies were included in the meta-analysis showing that pelvic floor muscle training improved arousal (1.49; 95% confidence interval, 0.13-2.85), orgasm (1.55; 95% confidence interval, 0.13-2.96), satisfaction (1.46; 95% confidence interval, 0.14-2.77), pain (0.74; 95% confidence interval, 0.11-1.37), and the Female Sexual Function Index overall score (7.67; 95% confidence interval, 0.77-14.57). Very low certainty of evidence due to the data's high clinical and statistical heterogeneity was found according to the GRADE criteria. No side effects of the interventions were reported.
CONCLUSION
This systematic review and meta-analysis showed that pelvic floor muscle training improved female Female Sexual Function Index total score and several subscales; however, the certainty of the evidence is low.
Topics: Humans; Female; Pelvic Floor; Exercise Therapy; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 38191016
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2024.01.001 -
Colorectal Disease : the Official... Feb 2024Physiotherapy is an established treatment strategy for low anterior resection syndrome (LARS). However, data on its efficacy are limited. This is in part due to the... (Review)
Review
AIM
Physiotherapy is an established treatment strategy for low anterior resection syndrome (LARS). However, data on its efficacy are limited. This is in part due to the inherent challenges in study design in this context. This systematic review aims to analyse the methodology of studies using pelvic floor physiotherapy for treatment of LARS to elucidate the challenges and limitations faced, which may inform the design of future prospective trials.
METHODOLOGY
A systematic review of the literature was undertaken through MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane Library, yielding 345 unique records for screening. Five studies were identified for review. Content thematic analysis of study limitations was carried out using the Braun and Clarke method. Line-by-line coding was used to organize implicit and explicit challenges and limitations under broad organizing categories.
RESULTS
Key challenges fell into five overarching categories: patient-related issues, cancer-related issues, adequate symptomatic control, intervention-related issues and measurement of outcomes. Adherence, attrition and randomization contributed to potential bias within these studies, with imbalance in the baseline patient characteristics, particularly gender and baseline pelvic floor function scores. Outcome measurements consisted of patient-reported measures and quality of life measures, where significant improvements in bowel function according to patient-reported outcome measures were not reflected in the quality of life scores.
CONCLUSION
Upcoming trial design in the area of pelvic floor physiotherapy for faecal incontinence related to rectal cancer surgery can be cognisant of and design around the challenges identified in this systematic review, including the reduction of bias, exclusion of the placebo effect and the potential cultural differences in attitude towards a sensitive intervention.
Topics: Humans; Low Anterior Resection Syndrome; Rectal Neoplasms; Postoperative Complications; Pelvic Floor; Quality of Life; Physical Therapy Modalities
PubMed: 38173138
DOI: 10.1111/codi.16839 -
Rehabilitacion 2024This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of early pelvic muscle training in reducing urinary incontinence symptoms, improving quality of life, sexual function, and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
[Effectiveness of early pelvic muscle training on pelvic floor strength, urinary incontinence symptoms, sexual function, and quality of life in post-radical prostatectomy patients: Systematic review of randomized clinical trials].
This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of early pelvic muscle training in reducing urinary incontinence symptoms, improving quality of life, sexual function, and increasing pelvic floor strength in post-radical prostatectomy patients. A search was carried out in 8 databases until October 26, 2022, the methodological quality and the risk of bias of 14 included studies (n=1236) were evaluated, moreover, the evidence and the meta-analysis were calculated. The intervention significantly reduced urinary incontinence symptoms compared to a control group (SMD=-2.80, 95% CI=-5.21 to -0.39, P=.02), with significant heterogeneity (I=83%; P=<.0001) and moderate evidence. In addition, it presented moderate evidence to improve quality of life, and very low evidence to improve sexual function and pelvic floor strength. These results should be viewed with caution due to the significant heterogeneity of the studies analysed.
Topics: Male; Humans; Pelvic Floor; Quality of Life; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Urinary Incontinence; Prostatectomy
PubMed: 38141425
DOI: 10.1016/j.rh.2023.100828 -
Acta Obstetricia Et Gynecologica... Jun 2024The complex process of pregnancy and childbirth significantly influences the well-being of both mother and child. Today all pregnant women without medical... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Influence of pelvic floor muscle training alone or as part of a general physical activity program during pregnancy on urinary incontinence, episiotomy and third- or fourth-degree perineal tear: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.
INTRODUCTION
The complex process of pregnancy and childbirth significantly influences the well-being of both mother and child. Today all pregnant women without medical contraindications are recommended to start or continue regular aerobic and strength training for at least 150 min per week to prevent pregnancy-related diseases and conditions. Urinary incontinence in pregnancy, episiotomy and third- or fourth-degree perineal tear during labor can greatly impact womens' health, quality of life and ability to be physically active. The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) during pregnancy in the prevention of urinary incontinence, episiotomy, and third- or fourth-degree perineal tear.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
A systematic review and meta-analysis (CRD42022370600) was performed. Only randomized clinical trials published between 2010 and 2023 were included. The following databases were examined: EBSCO (including Academic Search Premier, Education Resources Information Center, MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus and OpenDissertations databases), Clinicaltrials.gov, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro). Three meta-analyses to investigate the effect of PFMT exclusively or implemented as a section within a physical activity program during pregnancy on urinary incontinence, episiotomy, and third- or fourth-degree perineal tear were conducted.
RESULTS
Thirty studies were analyzed (N = 6691). An effective preventive action of PFMT was found for urinary incontinence (z = 3.46; p < 0.0005; relative risk [RR] = 0.72, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.59, 0.87, I = 59%) and third- or fourth-degree perineal tear (z = 2.89; p = 0.004; RR = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.31, 0.80, I = 48%) but not for episiotomy (z = 0.80; p = 0.42; RR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.85, 1.07, I = 75%).
CONCLUSIONS
PFMT during pregnancy proves to be an effective preventive intervention for reducing the risk of urinary incontinence and the occurrence of third- or fourth-degree perineal tears. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating PFMT into antenatal care and training programs to improve maternal well-being and overall childbirth outcomes.
Topics: Humans; Female; Pregnancy; Episiotomy; Urinary Incontinence; Perineum; Pelvic Floor; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Exercise Therapy; Obstetric Labor Complications; Pregnancy Complications; Exercise; Lacerations
PubMed: 38140841
DOI: 10.1111/aogs.14744 -
Cancers Nov 2023Radiation-induced soft tissue sarcomas (RISs) are rare secondary malignancies with a dire prognosis. The literature on the management of these tumors remains scarce due... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Radiation-induced soft tissue sarcomas (RISs) are rare secondary malignancies with a dire prognosis. The literature on the management of these tumors remains scarce due to their low incidence. Our systematic review sought to assess the treatment alternatives and outcomes of patients with RIS.
METHODS
A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. Our study was registered in PROSPERO (ID: CRD42023438415). Quality assessment was performed using the STROBE checklist. Weighted means for both continuous and categorical values were calculated.
RESULTS
Twenty-one studies comprising 1371 patients with RIS were included. The mean latency period from radiation to RIS diagnosis was 14 years, and the mean radiation dose delivered to the primary malignancy was 29.2 Gy. The most common histological type was undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (42.2%), and 64% of all tumors were high-grade. The trunk was the most common location (59%), followed by extremities (21%) and pelvis (11%). Surgery was performed in 68% of patients and, among those with an appendicular tumor, the majority (74%) underwent limb-salvage surgery. Negative margins were attained in 58% of patients. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy were administered in 29% and 15% of patients, respectively. The mean 5-year overall survival was 45%, and the local recurrence and metastasis rates were 39% and 27%, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
In our study, the most common treatment was surgical resection, with RT and chemotherapy being administered in less than one third of patients. Patients with RIS exhibited poor oncologic outcomes. Future studies should compare RIS with de novo STS while controlling for confounders.
PubMed: 38067287
DOI: 10.3390/cancers15235584 -
Journal of Pediatric Urology Apr 2024Ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) is the most common cause of congenital hydronephrosis. Techniques such as laparoscopic pyeloplasty (LP) have gained in... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION
Ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) is the most common cause of congenital hydronephrosis. Techniques such as laparoscopic pyeloplasty (LP) have gained in popularity over recent years. Although some retrospective studies have compared minimally invasive reconstructive techniques with open surgery for treatment of UPJO in infants, results remain controversial due to the small sample size in most of these studies.
OBJECTIVE
To verify whether the benefits of minimally invasive pyeloplasty (MIP) observed in adults and children over 2 years of age also apply to infants.
METHODS
A systematic review of the literature was performed according to PRISMA recommendations. We searched databases of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. We excluded studies in which patient cohorts were outside the age range between 1 and 23 months of age (infants). Studies should evaluate at least one of the following outcomes: average hospital stay, operative time, follow-up time, complications, post-surgical catheter use, success rate and reintervention rate. The quality of the evidence was assessed with the ROBINS-I tool.
RESULTS
In total, 13 studies were selected. 3494 patients were included in the meta-analysis, of whom 3054 underwent OP, while the remaining 440 were part of the group undergoing MIP. The mean difference in hospital days was -1.16 lower the MIP group (95 % CI; -1.78, -0.53; p = 0.0003). Also, our analysis showed a significantly shorter surgical time in the group who underwent OP, with a mean operative time of 119.92 min, compared to 137.63 min in the MIP group (95 % CI; -31.76, -6.27; p = 0.003). No statistically significant between-group differences were found respect to follow-up time, complications, post-surgical catheter use, success rate and reintervention rate.
CONCLUSION
This systematic review with meta-analysis has shown that laparoscopic/robotic pyeloplasty in infants is a safe technique with similar success rates to open surgery. Nonetheless, randomized clinical trials with longer follow-up are needed to consolidate these results with more robust scientific evidence.
Topics: Child; Infant; Adult; Humans; Kidney Pelvis; Retrospective Studies; Treatment Outcome; Urologic Surgical Procedures; Laparoscopy; Ureteral Obstruction
PubMed: 38065760
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpurol.2023.11.017 -
International Journal of Surgery... Mar 2024Pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) is commonly performed during radical prostatectomy (RP) for prostate cancer staging. This study aimed to comprehensively analyze... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
A comparative analysis of perioperative complications and biochemical recurrence between standard and extended pelvic lymph node dissection in prostate cancer patients undergoing radical prostatectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
INTRODUCTION
Pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) is commonly performed during radical prostatectomy (RP) for prostate cancer staging. This study aimed to comprehensively analyze existing evidence compare perioperative complications associated with standard (sPLND) versus extended PLND templates (ePLND) in RP patients.
METHODS
A meta-analysis of prospective studies on PLND complications was conducted. Systematic searches were performed on Web of Science, Pubmed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library until May 2023. Risk ratios (RRs) were estimated using random-effects models in the meta-analysis. The statistical analysis of the data was carried out using Review Manager software.
RESULTS
Nine studies, including three randomized clinical trial and six prospective studies, with a total of 4962 patients were analyzed. The meta-analysis revealed that patients undergoing ePLND had a higher risk of partial perioperative complications, such as lymphedema ( I2 =28%; RR 0.05; 95% CI: 0.01-0.27; P <0.001) and urinary retention ( I2 =0%; RR 0.30; 95% CI: 0.09-0.94; P =0.04) compared to those undergoing sPLND. However, there were no significant difference was observed in pelvic hematoma ( I2 =0%; RR 1.65; 95% CI: 0.44-6.17; P =0.46), thromboembolic ( I2 =57%; RR 0.91; 95% CI: 0.35-2.38; P =0.85), ureteral injury ( I2 =33%; RR 0.28; 95% CI: 0.05-1.52; P =0.14), intraoperative bowel injury ( I2 =0%; RR 0.87; 95% CI: 0.14-5.27; P =0.88), and lymphocele ( I2 =0%; RR 1.58; 95% CI: 0.54-4.60; P =0.40) between sPLND and ePLND. Additionally, no significant difference was observed in overall perioperative complications ( I2 =85%; RR 0.68; 95% CI: 0.40-1.16; P =0.16). Furthermore, ePLND did not significantly reduce biochemical recurrence ( I2 =68%; RR 0.59; 95% CI: 0.28-1.24; P =0.16) of prostate cancer.
CONCLUSION
This analysis found no significant differences in overall perioperative complications or biochemical recurrence between sPLND and ePLND, but ePLND may offer enhanced diagnostic advantages by increasing the detection rate of lymph node metastasis.
Topics: Male; Humans; Prospective Studies; Pelvis; Lymph Node Excision; Prostatic Neoplasms; Prostatectomy; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 38052016
DOI: 10.1097/JS9.0000000000000997