-
American Journal of Obstetrics and... Nov 2018Myofascial pain is characterized by the presence of trigger points, tenderness to palpation, and local or referred pain, and commonly involves the pelvic floor muscles...
BACKGROUND
Myofascial pain is characterized by the presence of trigger points, tenderness to palpation, and local or referred pain, and commonly involves the pelvic floor muscles in men and women. Pelvic floor myofascial pain in the absence of local or referred pain has also been observed in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms, and we have found that many patients report an improvement in these symptoms after receiving myofascial-targeted pelvic floor physical therapy.
OBJECTIVE
We sought to systematically review the literature for examination techniques used to assess pelvic floor myofascial pain in women.
STUDY DESIGN
We performed a systematic literature search using strategies for the concepts of pelvic floor disorders, myofascial pain, and diagnosis in Ovid MEDLINE 1946-, Embase 1947-, Scopus 1960-, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Articles were screened by 3 authors and included if they contained a description of a pelvic myofascial physical examination.
RESULTS
In all, 55 studies met our inclusion criteria. Overall, examination components varied significantly among the included studies and were frequently undefined. A consensus examination guideline was developed based on the available data and includes use of a single digit (62%, 34/55) to perform transvaginal palpation (75%, 41/55) of the levator ani (87%, 48/55) and obturator internus (45%, 25/55) muscles with a patient-reported scale to assess the level of pain to palpation (51%, 28/55).
CONCLUSION
Physical examination methods to evaluate pelvic musculature for presence of myofascial pain varied significantly and were often undefined. Given the known role of pelvic floor myofascial pain in chronic pelvic pain and link between pelvic floor myofascial pain and lower urinary tract symptoms, physicians should be trained to evaluate for pelvic floor myofascial pain as part of their physical examination in patients presenting with these symptoms. Therefore, the development and standardization of a reliable and reproducible examination is needed.
Topics: Female; Humans; MEDLINE; Myofascial Pain Syndromes; Pain Measurement; Palpation; Pelvic Floor; Physical Examination; Urologic Diseases
PubMed: 29959930
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2018.06.014 -
Archivio Italiano Di Urologia,... Dec 2022Overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms of frequency, urgency and urge incontinence are frequently associated with known neurological diseases like multiple sclerosis (MS),... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms of frequency, urgency and urge incontinence are frequently associated with known neurological diseases like multiple sclerosis (MS), spinal cord injury (SCI), Parkinson's disease (PD), stroke.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of our study was to review the efficacy of pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments for neurogenic overactive bladder.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We searched two electronic databases (PubMed and EMBASE) for randomized controlled trials focusing on pharmacological and non-pharmacological medical treatments for overactive bladder symptoms associated with neurological diseases published up to 30 April 2022.
RESULTS
A total of 157 articles were retrieved; 94 were selected by title and abstract screening; after removal of 17 duplicates, 77 records were evaluated by full-text examination. Sixty-two studies were finally selected. The articles selected for review focused on the following interventions: anticholinergics (n = 9), mirabegron (n = 5), comparison of different drugs (n = 3), cannabinoids (n = 2), intravesical instillations (n = 3), botulinum toxin (n = 16), transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (TTNS) (n = 6), acupuncture (n = 2), transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation TENS (n = 4), pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) (n = 10), others (n = 2). Anticholinergics were more effective than placebo in decreasing the number of daily voids in patients with PD (mean difference [MD]- 1.16, 95 % CI - 1.80 to - 0.52, 2 trials, 86 patients, p < 0.004), but no significant difference from baseline was found for incontinence episodes and nocturia. Mirabegron was more effective than placebo in increasing the cystometric capacity in patients with MS (mean difference [MD] 89.89 mL, 95 % CI 29.76 to 150.01, 2 trials, 98 patients, p < 0.003) but no significant difference was observed for symptom scores and bladder diary parameters. TTNS was more effective than its sham-control in decreasing the number of nocturia episodes (MD -1.40, 95 % CI -2.39 to -0.42, 2 trials, 53 patients, p < 0.005) but no significant changes of OAB symptom scores were reported. PFMT was more effective than conservative advice in decreasing the ICIQ symptom score (MD, -1.12, 95 % CI -2.13 to -0.11, 2 trials, 91 patients, p = 0.03), although the number of incontinence episodes was not significantly different between groups.
CONCLUSIONS
The results of the meta-analysis demonstrate a moderate efficacy of all considered treatments without proving the superiority of one therapy over the others. Combination treatment using different pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies could achieve the best clinical efficacy due to the favorable combination of the different mechanisms of action. This could be associated with fewer side effects due to drug dosage reduction. These data are only provisional and should be considered with caution, due to the few studies included in metaanalysis and to the small number of patients.
Topics: Humans; Cholinergic Antagonists; Nocturia; Pelvic Floor; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Treatment Outcome; Urinary Bladder, Neurogenic; Urinary Bladder, Overactive; Urinary Incontinence
PubMed: 36576454
DOI: 10.4081/aiua.2022.4.492 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Aug 2018Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is common in women and is frequently associated with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). In many cases however, SUI is present only with the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is common in women and is frequently associated with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). In many cases however, SUI is present only with the prolapse reduced (occult SUI) or may develop after surgical treatment for prolapse (de novo SUI).
OBJECTIVES
To determine the impact on postoperative bladder function of surgery for symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse with or without concomitant or delayed two-stage continence procedures to treat or prevent stress urinary incontinence.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Incontinence Group Specialised Register, which contains trials identified from the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, MEDLINE-In-Process, ClinicalTrials.gov, WHO ICTRP, handsearching journals and conference proceedings (searched 11 November 2017) and reference lists of relevant articles. We also contacted researchers in the field.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) including surgical operations for POP with or without continence procedures in continent or incontinent women. Our primary outcome was subjective postoperative SUI. Secondary outcomes included recurrent POP on examination, overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms, and voiding dysfunction.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We used standard methodological procedures as expected by Cochrane.
MAIN RESULTS
We included 19 RCTs (2717 women). The quality of the evidence ranged from low to moderate. The main limitations were risk of bias (especially blinding of outcome assessors), indirectness and imprecision associated with low event rates and small samples.POP surgery in women with SUIVaginal repair with vs without concomitant mid-urethral sling (MUS)A concomitant MUS probably improves postoperative rates of subjective SUI, as the evaluated clinical effect appears large (risk ratio (RR) 0.30, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.19 to 0.48; 319 participants, two studies; I² = 28%; moderate-quality evidence), and probably decreases the need for further continence surgery (RR 0.04, 95% CI 0.00 to 0.74; 134 participants, one study; moderate-quality evidence). This suggests that if the risk of SUI with POP surgery alone is 39%, the risk with an MUS is between 8% and 19%.Rates of recurrent POP on examination, OAB, and voiding dysfunction were not reported.Vaginal repair with concomitant vs delayed MUSEvidence suggested little or no difference between groups in reporting postoperative SUI (RR 0.41, 95% CI 0.12 to 1.37; 140 participants, one study; moderate-quality evidence).Rates of recurrent POP on examination, OAB, and voiding dysfunction and the need for further surgery were not reported.Abdominal sacrocolpopexy with vs without Burch colposuspensionAn additional Burch colposuspension probably has little or no effect on postoperative SUI at one year (RR 1.38, 95% CI 0.74 to 2.60; 47 participants, one study; moderate-quality evidence), OAB symptoms (RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.61 to 1.18; 33 participants, one study; moderate-quality evidence), or voiding dysfunction (RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.06 to 14.43; 47 participants, one study; moderate-quality evidence). Rates of recurrent POP and the need for further surgery were not reported.POP surgery in women with occult SUIVaginal repair with vs without concomitant MUSMUS probably improves rates of subjective postoperative SUI (RR 0.38, 95% CI 0.26 to 0.55; 369 participants, five studies; I² = 44%; moderate-quality evidence). This suggests that if the risk with surgery alone is 34%, the risk with a concomitant MUS is between 10% and 22%. Evidence suggests little or no difference between groups in rates of recurrent POP (RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.34 to 2.19; 50 participants, one study; moderate-quality evidence), OAB symptoms (RR 0.75, 95% CI 0.52 to 1.07; 43 participants, one study; low-quality evidence), or voiding dysfunction (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.15 to 6.55; 50 participants, one study; low-quality evidence). The need for further surgery was not reported.POP surgery in continent women Vaginal repair with vs without concomitant MUSResearchers provided no conclusive evidence of a difference between groups in rates of subjective postoperative SUI (RR 0.69, 95% CI 0.47 to 1.00; 220 participants, one study; moderate-quality evidence). This suggests that if the risk with surgery alone is 40%, the risk with a concomitant MUS is between 19% and 40%. Rates of recurrent POP, OAB, and voiding dysfunction and the need for further surgery were not reported.Abdominal sacrocolpopexy with vs without Burch colposuspensionWe are uncertain whether there is a difference between groups in rates of subjective postoperative SUI (RR 1.31, 95% CI 0.19 to 9.01; 379 participants, two studies; I² = 90%; low-quality evidence), as RCTs produced results in different directions with a very wide confidence interval. We are also uncertain whether there is a difference between groups in rates of voiding dysfunction (RR 8.49, 95% CI 0.48 to 151.59; 66 participants, one study; low-quality evidence) or recurrent POP (RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.74 to 1.30; 250 participants, one study; moderate-quality evidence. No study reported OAB symptoms and need for further surgery.Vaginal repair with armed anterior vaginal mesh repair vs anterior native tissue Anterior armed mesh repair may slightly increase postoperative de novo SUI (RR 1.58, 95% CI 1.05 to 2.37; 905 participants, seven studies; I² = 0%; low-quality evidence) but may decrease recurrent POP (RR 0.29, 95% CI 0.22 to 0.38; 848 participants, five studies; I² = 0%; low-quality evidence). There may be little or no difference in rates of voiding dysfunction (RR 1.65, 95% CI 0.22 to 12.10; 125 participants, two studies; I² = 0%; low-quality evidence). Rates of OAB and the need for further surgery were not reported.Adverse events were infrequently reported in all studies; cost was not studied in any trial.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
In women with POP and SUI (symptomatic or occult), a concurrent MUS probably reduces postoperative SUI and should be discussed in counselling. It might be feasible to postpone the MUS and perform a delayed (two-stage) continence procedure, if required.Although an abdominal continence procedure (Burch colposuspension) during abdominal POP surgery in continent women reduced de novo SUI rates in one underpowered trial, another RCT reported conflicting results. Adding an MUS during vaginal POP repair might reduce postoperative development of SUI.An anterior native tissue repair might be better than use of transobturator mesh for preventing postoperative SUI; however, prolapse recurrence is more common with native tissue repair.
Topics: Female; Humans; Pelvic Organ Prolapse; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Suburethral Slings; Surgical Mesh; Urinary Incontinence, Stress
PubMed: 30121956
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD013108 -
Journal of Gynecology Obstetrics and... Dec 2023Pelvic examination including vaginal digital examination and speculum inspection are crucial medical skills that are challenging to teach for both professors and... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Pelvic examination including vaginal digital examination and speculum inspection are crucial medical skills that are challenging to teach for both professors and students, because of its intimate nature. Consequently, education has shifted from a traditional approach to a simulation-enhanced education. This literature review summarizes the level of evidence for these not-so-new training modalities.
METHODS
For this systematic review, the Pudmed database have been consulted using the following keywords: (Pelvic examination OR Vaginal examination) AND simulation. Eligible studies had to be published in French or English within the past 20 years and investigate simulation training for pelvic examination in the field of gynecology and obstetrics. For each paper, the following outcomes were analyzed: Competence, confidence and communication, and were classified according to the Kirkpatrick hierarchy.
RESULTS
About competence, in initial training, one meta-analysis (9 studies of which 4 randomized studies) about pelvic examination teaching on procedural simulators have shown a significant benefit of simulation. One meta-analysis and one systematic review also demonstrated that Gynecological Teaching Associates (GTAs) teaching, who exist in Northern America and Scandinavian countries, was better that pelvic task trainers in terms of technical competence, and comfort. For the vaginal examination of women in labor, two randomized trials also showed a positive impact of pelvic task trainer on students' accuracy.
CONCLUSION
Simulation-enhanced education of pelvic examination brings a significant benefit in comparison to a classic education without simulation in terms of competence, confidence and communication. GTAs have the best impact on competence and communication, but they do not exist currently in France. Hybrid simulation (a patient actor combined with a pelvic task trainer) could be a solution to teach both technical skills and communication.
Topics: Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Education, Medical, Undergraduate; Gynecological Examination; Gynecology; Patient Simulation; Simulation Training
PubMed: 37739264
DOI: 10.1016/j.jogoh.2023.102666 -
Reproductive Health May 2017So-called virginity testing, also referred to as hymen, two-finger, or per vaginal examination, is the inspection of the female genitalia to assess if the examinee has... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
So-called virginity testing, also referred to as hymen, two-finger, or per vaginal examination, is the inspection of the female genitalia to assess if the examinee has had or has been habituated to sexual intercourse. This paper is the first systematic review of available evidence on the medical utility of virginity testing by hymen examination and its potential impacts on the examinee.
METHODS
Ten electronic databases and other sources for articles published in English were systematically searched from database inception until January 2017. Studies reporting on the medical utility or impact on the examinee of virginity testing were included. Evidence was summarized and assessed via a predesigned data abstraction form. Meta-analysis was not possible.
MAIN RESULTS
Seventeen of 1269 identified studies were included. Summary measures could not be computed due to study heterogeneity. Included studies found that hymen examination does not accurately or reliably predict virginity status. In addition, included studies reported that virginity testing could cause physical, psychological, and social harms to the examinee.
CONCLUSIONS
Despite the lack of evidence of medical utility and the potential harms, health professionals in multiple settings continue to practice virginity testing, including when assessing for sexual assault. health professionals must be better informed and medical and other textbooks updated to reflect current medical knowledge. Countries should review their policies and move towards a banning of virginity testing.
Topics: Female; Gynecological Examination; Humans; Sexual Abstinence
PubMed: 28521813
DOI: 10.1186/s12978-017-0319-0 -
World Journal of Gastroenterology Oct 2011This systematic review addresses the pathophysiology, diagnostic evaluation, and treatment of several chronic pain syndromes affecting the pelvic organs: chronic... (Review)
Review
This systematic review addresses the pathophysiology, diagnostic evaluation, and treatment of several chronic pain syndromes affecting the pelvic organs: chronic proctalgia, coccygodynia, pudendal neuralgia, and chronic pelvic pain. Chronic or recurrent pain in the anal canal, rectum, or other pelvic organs occurs in 7% to 24% of the population and is associated with impaired quality of life and high health care costs. However, these pain syndromes are poorly understood, with little research evidence available to guide their diagnosis and treatment. This situation appears to be changing: a recently published large randomized, controlled trial by our group comparing biofeedback, electrogalvanic stimulation, and massage for the treatment of chronic proctalgia has shown success rates of 85% for biofeedback when patients are selected based on physical examination evidence of tenderness in response to traction on the levator ani muscle--a physical sign suggestive of striated muscle tension. Excessive tension (spasm) in the striated muscles of the pelvic floor appears to be common to most of the pelvic pain syndromes. This suggests the possibility that similar approaches to diagnostic assessment and treatment may improve outcomes in other pelvic pain disorders.
Topics: Anal Canal; Chronic Pain; Diagnosis, Differential; Humans; Pelvic Pain; Pudendal Neuralgia; Rectum; Sacrococcygeal Region
PubMed: 22110274
DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v17.i40.4447 -
Family Practice Jul 2019Urgent suspected cancer referral guidelines recommend that women with gynaecological cancer symptoms should have a pelvic examination (PE) prior to referral. We do not...
BACKGROUND
Urgent suspected cancer referral guidelines recommend that women with gynaecological cancer symptoms should have a pelvic examination (PE) prior to referral. We do not know to what extent GPs comply, their competency at PE, or if PE shortens the diagnostic interval.
OBJECTIVES
We conducted a systematic review of the use, quality and effectiveness of PE in primary care for women with suspected gynaecological cancer.
METHOD
PRISMA guidelines were followed. Three databases were searched using four terms: PE, primary care, competency and gynaecological cancer. Citation lists of all identified papers were screened independently for eligibility by two reviewers. Data extraction was performed in duplicate and independently. Paper quality was assessed using the relevant Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist. Emergent themes and contrasting issues were explored in a narrative ecological synthesis.
MAIN FINDINGS
Twenty papers met the inclusion criteria. 52% or less of women with suspicious symptoms had a PE. No papers directly explored GPs' competence at performing PE. Pre-referral PE was associated with reduced diagnostic delay and earlier stage diagnosis. Ecological synthesis demonstrated a complex interplay between patient and practitioner factors and the environment in which examination is performed. Presenting symptoms are commonly misattributed by patients and practitioners resulting in misdiagnosis and lack of PE.
CONCLUSION
We do not know if pre-referral PE leads to better outcomes for patients. PE is often not performed for women with gynaecological cancer symptoms, and evidence that it may result in earlier stage of diagnosis is weak. More research is needed.
Topics: Delayed Diagnosis; Female; Genital Neoplasms, Female; Guideline Adherence; Gynecological Examination; Humans; Primary Health Care
PubMed: 30265316
DOI: 10.1093/fampra/cmy092 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Jul 2023Knowledge of vascular anatomy and its possible variations is essential for performing embolization or revascularization procedures and complex surgery in the pelvis. The... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Knowledge of vascular anatomy and its possible variations is essential for performing embolization or revascularization procedures and complex surgery in the pelvis. The obturator artery (OA) is a branch of the anterior division of the internal iliac artery (IIA), and it has the highest frequency of variation among branches of the internal iliac artery. Possible anomalies of the origin of the obturator artery (OA) should be known when performing pelvic and groin surgery, where its control or ligation may be required. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis, based on Sanudo's classification, is to analyze the origin of the obturator artery (OA) and its variants.
METHODS
Thirteen articles published between 1952 and 2020 were included.
RESULTS
The obturator artery (OA) was present in almost all cases (99.8%): the pooled prevalence estimate for the origin from the IIA axis was 77.7% (95% CI 71.8-83.1%) vs. 22.3% (95% CI 16.9-28.2%) for the origin from EIA axis. In most cases, the obturator artery (OA) originated from the anterior division trunk of the internal iliac artery (IIA) (61.6%).
CONCLUSIONS
Performing preoperative radiological examination to determine the pelvic vascular pattern and having the awareness to evaluate possible changes in the obturator artery can reduce the risk of iatrogenic injury and complications.
PubMed: 37568334
DOI: 10.3390/jcm12154932