Persistent levator co-activation is not associated with symptoms or bother of obstructed defecation.

Introduction And Hypothesis: The objective was to determine whether levator contraction during Valsalva (i.e. levator co-activation), as visualised on four-dimensional translabial ultrasound (4D-TLUS), is associated with obstructed defecation (OD).

Prospective comparison of obstetric anal sphincter injury incidence between an Asian and Western hospital.

Introduction And Hypothesis: Obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASIS) rates are reported to be higher in Asian women living in Western countries than in those living in Asia, but the reasons for the differences remain unclear. The objectives of this study were for a single examiner to prospectively compare OASIS rates in primiparous Asian women in an Asian and Western birth unit and determine potential birth factors that may influence the possible difference in OASIS incidence.

Methods: This was a prospective observational study based in Hong Kong, China, and Sydney, Australia, involving primiparous women > 36 weeks gestation of Asian descent undergoing vaginal delivery.

Cystourethroscopy following midurethral slings: is it always necessary?

Midurethral slings are the mainstay of treatment for stress urinary incontinence. The role of cystourethroscopy to detect lower urinary tract injury following retropubic midurethral slings is well-established; however, its role following transobturator or single-incision sling placement remains controversial. Some advocate "routine" whereas others advocate for "selective" cystourethroscopy.