Utilization of a Mirror During Pelvic Examinations: Does it Improve the Patient's Experience?

Objective: This study was conducted to assess the utility of a mirror in improving pain and vulnerability during a pelvic examination.

Methods: In this prospective, institutional review board-approved, 2-cohort trial, all "new" patients presenting to a urogynecology office were offered to have a mirror or no-mirror present during their pelvic examination. Patients completed 100-mm visual analog scales regarding pain, anxiety, knowledge, control, embarrassment, and vulnerability before and after examination.

Dynamic magnetic resonance imaging following native tissue vaginal reconstructive surgery; a prospective study.

Introduction And Hypothesis: To describe the impact of native tissue vaginal reconstruction on pelvic anatomy using dynamic magnetic resonance imaging.

Methods: This prospective single-cohort observational study involved women undergoing native tissue reconstruction with intraperitoneal vaginal vault suspension for pelvic organ prolapse. Concomitant procedures such as hysterectomy, midurethral sling, and anterior or posterior colporrhaphy were allowed.

Impact of Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy on Quality of Life and Function After Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injury: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objectives: There is no standard of care for women sustaining an obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASIS). We sought to determine whether pelvic floor physical therapy (PFPT) would improve the quality of life and function in women 12 weeks after OASIS.

Methods: This institutional review board-approved randomized trial enrolled primiparous women 2 weeks after delivery complicated by OASIS.

To Pack or Not to Pack? A Randomized Trial of Vaginal Packing After Vaginal Reconstructive Surgery.

Objective: Placement of vaginal packing after pelvic reconstructive surgery is common; however, little evidence exists to support the practice. Furthermore, patients have reported discomfort from the packs. We describe pain and satisfaction in women treated with and without vaginal packing.

Effects of dexamethasone on quality of recovery following vaginal surgery: a randomized trial.

Objective: Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid with minimal side effects that may improve quality of recovery. We sought to evaluate standard use of this medication prior to vaginal reconstructive surgery.

Study Design: This was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of women undergoing vaginal reconstructive surgery for pelvic organ prolapse.

Serum chromium and gestational diabetes.

Objective: To prospectively assess if chromium levels are different in gestational diabetics than in nondiabetic pregnant women. Therapeutic options could exist if levels are different.

Methods: We conducted a 2-year prospective, gestational cohort study.