Effects of Social Determinants of Health and Social Support on Surgical Outcomes Among Patients Undergoing Hysterectomy.

Objective: To describe composite 30-day postoperative complication rates among patients undergoing hysterectomy during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and to determine baseline and postoperative mental health symptoms, levels of social support, and socioeconomic status and their association with hysterectomy outcomes.

Methods: This multicenter prospective cohort study at eight centers across the United States enrolled patients who underwent minimally invasive hysterectomy for benign indications during the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients completed preoperative and postoperative surveys assessing mental health (PHQ-9 [Patient Health Questionnaire]), social support (MOS-SS [Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey]), and socioeconomic status (Hollingshead Index [Hollingshead Four Factor Index of Socioeconomic Status]).

Bacterial Persistence in Urinary Tract Infection Among Postmenopausal Population.

Importance: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in older-aged women. Our study examined bacterial persistence with commonly prescribed antibiotics. Bacterial growth was demonstrated despite antibiotic treatment.

Thirty-six-month Prospective Study of Transvaginal Bovine Graft vs Native Tissue Repair for the Treatment of Pelvic Organ Prolapse.

Objective(s): To compare the safety and effectiveness of dermal bovine transvaginal graft, Xenform, to native tissue in the surgical treatment of anterior and/or apical pelvic organ prolapse. This study was designed in conjunction with Food and Drug Administration requirements.

Methods: This was a prospective, non-randomized, parallel cohort, multi-center trial.

A Physician-Led Communication Initiative to Inform OAB Patients of Dementia Risk Associated With Anticholinergic Medications.

Objectives: Anticholinergic medications are a core treatment strategy for overactive bladder (OAB). There is evidence that exposure to anticholinergic medications is associated with an increased risk of developing dementia. We launched an initiative to inform our patients of this risk and give them an opportunity to engage in shared decision-making about their treatment.

The American Urogynecologic Society Action Plan on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Developed by the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force.

The American Urogynecologic Society (AUGS) identified diversity, equity, and inclusion as the cornerstone of excellence in governance and operations. Although efforts to increase diversity of our membership have been ongoing for years, there had not previously been an adequate investment to ensure an inclusive climate that emphasizes equity across our volunteers and programs. In June 2020, the AUGS President, Dr Shawn Menefee, and Board of Directors called for a Presidential Task Force on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to study the current state of our society and make recommendations for future directions.

Biofilm Production by Uropathogens in Postmenopausal Women with Recurrent and Isolated Urinary Tract Infection.

Objectives: The aims of this study were to assess the in vitro biofilm-producing capabilities of uropathogens grown from a postmenopausal urogynecologic population with isolated and recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI) and to determine whether the biofilm-producing bacterial phenotype was associated with recurrent infection.

Methods: This was an institutional review board-approved cross-sectional analysis within a large academic referral center. Uropathogens were cultured from postmenopausal women with either isolated or recurrent acute UTI and then screened for in vitro biofilm formation using crystal violet microtiter assays.

Surgical Outcomes in Benign Gynecologic Surgery Patients during the COVID-19 Pandemic (SOCOVID study).

Study Objective: To determine the incidence of perioperative coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in women undergoing benign gynecologic surgery and to evaluate perioperative complication rates in patients with active, previous, or no previous severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection.

Design: A multicenter prospective cohort study.

Setting: Ten institutions in the United States.

Pelvic organ prolapse recurrence after apical prolapse repair: does obesity matter?

Introduction And Hypothesis: We hypothesized obesity increases the risk of pelvic organ prolapse recurrence (POP-R) after primary apical prolapse repair.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 353 women who underwent primary apical prolapse surgery from 2011 to 2016. Demographic and clinical data were abstracted from medical records.

Experience using multielectrode cardiac catheters for detection of electrophysiologic activity of the human urinary bladder.

Aim: To determine the feasibility of commercially available multielectrode cardiac electrophysiology catheters to detect electrical activity in the human bladder.

Methods: Ten subjects requiring cystoscopy for the evaluation of lower urinary tract pathology were eligible for participation in our study. After routine rigid cystoscopy with a 70° cystoscope, various multielectrode cardiac electrophysiology catheters were introduced into the bladder.

Retrospective Cohort Study on the Perioperative Risk Factors for Transient Voiding Dysfunction After Apical Prolapse Repair.

Objectives: The primary aim was to compare the incidence of transient voiding dysfunction (TVD) between vaginal uterosacral ligament suspension, sacrospinous ligament fixation, and robotic sacrocolpopexy. Secondarily, we identified risk factors for TVD and associated postoperative complications.

Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of women who underwent apical repair at 1 institution.

Racial Differences in Pelvic Organ Prolapse Symptoms Among Women Undergoing Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery for Prolapse.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine if there is a difference in Pelvic Floor Disability Index Questionnaire (PFDI-20) scores between black and white women seeking surgical management for pelvic organ prolapse (POP).

Methods: A retrospective cohort study of 232 women who underwent pelvic reconstructive surgery with apical suspension for POP was performed. Demographic and clinical data were collected.

Health Care-Seeking Characteristics of Women With Pelvic Floor Disorders After Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injury.

Objectives: Obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASIS) is a potentially serious complication of vaginal delivery and can lead to both short-term and long-term sequelae. This study sought to identify health care seeking patterns of women who developed pelvic floor symptoms including pelvic pain after OASIS. It also identified demographic and clinical factors associated with seeking subspecialty care from a pelvic floor specialist and demographic and clinical factors associated with seeking care for pelvic pain after OASIS.

Delayed Presentation of Cecal Perforation With Tension-Free Vaginal Tape.

Background: Tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) is a popular operative treatment for stress urinary incontinence (SUI). It has a low risk of adverse events, and injuries, particularly to the bowel, are rare. Case reports that have previously discussed these injuries and subsequent removal of TVT have not provided additional insight into management of SUI after these injuries occur.

Obesity and Perioperative Complications in Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery in 2013: Analysis of the National Inpatient Sample.

Objectives: The primary aim of this study was to determine the impact of obesity on national rates of perioperative complications in women undergoing pelvic reconstructive surgery in 2013 in the United States.

Methods: Women who underwent pelvic reconstructive surgery were identified in the 2013 National Inpatient Sample using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision procedure codes. Demographic data and comorbidities including obesity (body mass index ≥30 kg/m) were abstracted.

Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injury as a Quality Metric: 16-Year Experience at a Single Institution.

Objective: To evaluate trends in annual rates of vaginal birth, cesarean delivery, and obstetric anal sphincter injury at a single institution before and after the designation of obstetric anal sphincter injury as a measure of obstetric quality and safety.

Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of women undergoing a singleton vaginal delivery and diagnosed with obstetric anal sphincter injury over a 16-year period. International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision codes for perineal lacerations were used as identifiers.

The IUGA/ICS classification of synthetic mesh complications in female pelvic floor reconstructive surgery: a multicenter study.

Introduction And Hypothesis: The objective was to report patterns of sling and transvaginal mesh-related complications using the IUGA/ICS classification of prosthesis-related complications.

Methods: This was a retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent surgical removal of sling, transvaginal mesh, and sacrocolpopexy for mesh-related complications from 2011 to 2013 at three tertiary referral centers. The International Urogynecological Association (IUGA)/International Continence Society (ICS) classification system was utilized.

Short-term postoperative functional outcomes in older women undergoing prolapse surgery.

Objective: To evaluate whether preoperative markers of functional status predict postoperative functional outcomes in older women undergoing surgery for pelvic organ prolapse (POP).

Methods: Prospective cohort study of women aged 60 years or older who underwent surgery for prolapse. Preoperative functional status was measured using number of functional limitations (such as difficulty walking or climbing), American Society of Anesthesiologists class, anemia, and history of recent weight loss.