Institutional review board variability in minimal-risk multicenter urogynecology studies.

Objectives: To investigate variability among local institutional review boards (IRBs) in the review process of standardized multicenter urogynecologic studies with common protocols.

Methods: Descriptive study of the IRB review and approval process for common urogynecologic protocols of 4 minimal-risk multicenter studies conducted within the Fellow's Pelvic Research Network (FPRN), including prospective cohort, retrospective review, and case-control studies.

Results: Most of the 22 network sites (73%) were in academic institutions.

Does vaginal size impact sexual activity and function?

Introduction And Hypothesis: This study seeks to determine if total vaginal length (TVL) or genital hiatus (GH) impact sexual activity and function.

Methods: Heterosexual women >or= 40 years were recruited from urogynecology and gynecology offices. TVL and GH were assessed using the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification exam.

Evaluation and treatment of anal incontinence, constipation, and defecatory dysfunction.

Posterior compartment disorders include anal incontinence, constipation, and defecatory dysfunction. These disorders cause considerable morbidity, and are typically underreported by patients and undertreated by providers. The purpose of this article is outline the approach to diagnosis and treatment of anal incontinence, constipation, and defecatory dysfunction with a brief description of the nature of the problem and approaches to evaluation and diagnosis, as well as medical and surgical management.

Shortcomings/strengths of specific sexual function questionnaires currently used in urogynecology: a literature review.

Pelvic floor disorders are common and although not life-threatening, have a significant impact on a patient's quality of life. Sexual health is an essential component of a women's overall well-being. In clinical practice and research it is important that the symptoms and impact of these disorders are assessed in an objective fashion.

Validation of Spanish versions of the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI) and Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire (PFIQ): a multicenter validation randomized study.

Introduction And Hypothesis: The purpose of this study is to validate Spanish versions of the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI) and Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire (PFIQ).

Methods: Spanish versions were developed using back translation and validation was performed by randomizing bilingual women to complete the Spanish or English versions of the questionnaires first. Weighted kappa statistics assessed agreement for individual questions; interclass correlation coefficients (ICC) compared primary and subscale scores.