Attributes of successful and unsuccessful female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery fellowship applicants.

Objective: : To evaluate qualifications of successful applicants to Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (FPMRS) fellowship programs.

Methods: : A 55-point web-based survey was sent to 49 applicants participating in the 2008 FPMRS Match.

Results: : The survey achieved a 59% response rate, with a total of 29 respondents.

Factors used by female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery fellowship directors to select their fellows.

Introduction And Hypothesis: We report the attributes of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (FPM&RS) fellowship applicants that are most valued by fellowship program directors during the ranking process.

Methods: Anonymous questionnaires were filled out by FPM&RS fellowship program directors following the 2008 match. The survey was designed to assess the relative importance of various factors in the ranking of fellowship applicants.

An evaluation of knot integrity when tied robotically and conventionally.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the knot integrity of 3 commonly used sutures in sacrocolpopexy that were tied conventionally (by hand) and robotically.

Study Design: Knots were tied with polyglactin 910, polypropylene, and polyester, with 5-6 knots tied, depending on the suture used. We compared the knots that were subjected to tensile force until the suture broke or untied.

Patient characteristics that are associated with urodynamically diagnosed detrusor instability and genuine stress incontinence.

Objective: We sought to compare characteristics of patients with urodynamically diagnosed detrusor instability or genuine stress incontinence.

Study Design: A retrospective audit of 293 consecutive women who were referred to a urogynecologist for evaluation of urinary incontinence between June 1996 and April 2000.

Results: Of the 293 patients, 289 women had a physical examination and urodynamic testing, which revealed genuine stress incontinence (35%), detrusor instability (32%), mixed incontinence (29%), or normal urodynamic function (4%).