Vascular anatomy over the superior pubic rami in female cadavers.

Objective: The objective of the study was to characterize the vascular anatomy over the superior pubic ramus.

Study Design: Detailed dissections of the retropubic space were performed in 15 fresh female cadavers. Vessels crossing the superior pubic rami were inspected for width, course, communications, and relationship to the midline of the pubic symphysis and the obturator canal.

Appearance of the levator ani muscle in pregnancy as assessed by 3-D MRI.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to describe levator ani (LA) anatomy in postterm nulliparas using 3-dimensional (3-D) magnetic resonance (MR).

Study Design: Nulliparas (n = 84) with uncomplicated, postterm pregnancies underwent an MR (4 mm slices, 0 gap) of the uterus and pelvis. LA volume and morphometry were assessed using 3-D post-processing software.

Factors associated with incontinence frequency in a surgical cohort of stress incontinent women.

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with urinary incontinence severity at baseline in women undergoing surgery for stress incontinence.

Study Design: Baseline data were obtained from 650 women (age 28 to 81 years) with stress incontinence participating in a randomized surgical trial. Severity of incontinence was defined by the mean number of incontinence episodes per day recorded in a 3-day bladder diary.

Anal incontinence in women presenting for gynecologic care: prevalence, risk factors, and impact upon quality of life.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence and impact upon quality of life of anal incontinence (AI) in women aged 18 to 65.

Study Design: Consecutive women presenting for general gynecologic care were given a bowel function questionnaire. Women with AI were prompted to complete the Fecal Incontinence Severity Index (FISI) and Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale (FIQL).

Predicting bacteriuria in urogynecology patients.

Objective: This study was undertaken to determine whether reagent strip testing can predict bacteriuria in urogynecology patients.

Study Design: All women undergoing urodynamic evaluations from June 1997 to October 2001 were identified by using a computerized database. Urine culture results were compared with reagent strip testing.

Effect of periurethral denervation on smooth muscles of the lower urinary tract.

Objective: This study was undertaken to determine the effect of periurethral denervation on contractile function of the smooth muscle of the lower urinary tract of the female rat.

Study Design: Periurethral nerve transection or sham operation was performed in 35 young female rats. Contractile function of the bladder dome and base was determined as a function of time after surgery.

A comprehensive pelvic dissection course improves obstetrics and gynecology resident proficiency in surgical anatomy.

Objective: This study was undertaken to evaluate the impact of a pelvic dissection course on resident proficiency in surgical anatomy.

Study Design: Over a 1-year period, residents attended a course consisting of pretesting and posttesting, lectures, and pelvic dissection. Tests results were analyzed using paired Student t test, analysis of variance, and Kruskal-Wallis statistics.

Morphometric properties of the posterior vaginal wall in women with pelvic organ prolapse.

Objective: Our purpose was to analyze the morphometric properties of the posterior vaginal wall and compare the smooth muscle distribution in the posterior vaginal muscularis in women with and without pelvic organ prolapse.

Study Design: Specimens were taken from the apex of the posterior vaginal wall after hysterectomy from 15 women with pelvic organ prolapse and from 8 healthy control subjects. Smooth muscle cells of the posterior vaginal wall were identified by immunohistochemistry with antibodies to smooth muscle alpha-actin.

Morphometric analysis of smooth muscle in the anterior vaginal wall of women with pelvic organ prolapse.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the smooth muscle content of the anterior vaginal wall in normal women and women with pelvic organ prolapse.

Study Design: Specimens were taken from the apex of the anterior vaginal cuff after abdominal hysterectomy from 28 women with pelvic organ prolapse and 12 control subjects. Smooth muscle cells of the anterior vaginal wall were identified by immunohistochemistry with antibodies to smooth muscle alpha-actin.