John R. Miklos

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of non-ablative, monopolar transcutaneous temperature controlled radiofrequency (TTCRF) technology in the treatment of postmenopausal women suffering from genuine stress urinary incontinence (SUI) related to menopause and to evaluate histological changes vaginally associated with the treatment. Subjective and objective symptoms of SUI were assessed in study subjects before and after TTCRF, (1 treatment every 30 days, for 3 months; n=10) and compared with the effects of a placebo treatment on a control group of demographically similar women (n =10). SUI was subjectively evaluated with subjective Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6) and with the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF) before and after TTCRF treatments and objectively with cough stress test. Vaginal health was evaluated with the Vaginal Health Index (VHI) score and visual analogue score (VAS) for dyspareunia and dryness. Punch biopsies were obtained at the urethra-vesical junction in the anterior compartment, before and at the end of the treatment protocol. Basic and histochemical staining methods were used. In subjects suffering SUI, TTCRF treatment was associated with a significant (p<0.01) improvement of ICIQ-SF and UDI-6 scores. Seven of 10 patients (70%) had a negative cough stress test after the treatment protocol. Improvements were maintained up to the 12th week of follow-up. The results were supported by the positive histologic changes seen vaginally in women suffering from postmenopausal vaginal atrophy. TTCRF was well tolerated with no complications reported in study patients. TTCRF treatment in postmenopausal women suffering from SUI showed significant improvement in both objective and subjective symptoms. Vaginal health scores also improved as did VAS for dryness and dyspareunia. We feel these improvements were related to histological changes related to improvement in vaginal atrophy that were not observed in placebo patients.

To discuss risk factors and describe laparoscopic management of an unusual late complication of sacrocolpopexy mesh erosion resulting in enterocervical fistula after supracervical hysterectomy and robotic sacrocervicopopexy.We report on a unique case of a long-term mesh complication after robotic supracervical hysterectomy and polypropylene mesh sacrocervicopexy. Four years after the procedure, the patient was found to have mesh extrusion through the cervical os as well as mesh erosion into the sigmoid colon with a connecting enterocervical fistula.A laparoscopic approach was used successfully to address the complications. The case is unique because of the success of minimally invasive surgery in its management and multiple sites of erosion with a connecting fistula.

Vaginal rejuvenation is a term that is commonly utilized to describe surgical repair of the vaginal canal and introitus following childbirth and/or aging to treat sexual dysfunction related to vaginal relaxation. It is well known that vaginal prolapse may lead to sexual dysfunction and in many studies repair of prolapse improves this dysfunction. During the progression of prolapse, sexual dysfunction or decreased vaginal sensation due to vaginal wall laxity may be one of the early symptoms that women suffer prior to the prolapse itself becoming symptomatic. Surgical repair or reconstruction of this type of vaginal defect may be indicated if repair will improve symptoms of sexual dysfunction caused by vaginal wall laxity. In this review, we will examine the existing data and make conclusions regarding vaginal rejuvenation and its impact on female sexual function. Core tip: This is the first review of vaginal rejuvenation that shows improvement of sexual function. In this review, we covered the topic of relaxed vagina and sexual function, prolapse repair and sexual function, vaginal rejuvenation surgical techniques, and data to support vaginal rejuvenation techniques.

Introduction and hypothesis Two types of laparoscopic vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) repairs, the traditional transvesical (O’Conor) and extravesical techniques, dominate the literature. We present our 15-year experience of primary and recurrent cases of VVF utilizing an extravesical technique, which we first described in 1999. Methods An IRB approved retrospective study revealed 44 female patients with either primary or recurrent VVF. Laparoscopic extravesical repair was performed without an omental flap in the majority of cases. A three-layer closure technique was performed utilizing a double-layer bladder closure and a single-layer vaginal closure followed by bladder testing. A suprapubic catheter was utilized for 2–3 weeks postoperatively for bladder decompression. Results A review of our experience reveals a 97 % (32 out of 33) cure for primary VVF and 100 % (11 out of 11) rate for recurrent fistulas, with an overall cure rate of 98 % (43 out of 44) at a mean follow-up of 17.3 months (range 3–64). An omental flap was not utilized in 98 % of patients (43 out of 44), with a success rate of 98 % (42 out of 43). The mean estimated blood loss was 39 mL (range 0–450), mean hospital stay was 1.1 days (range 1–3), and none of the patients suffered any major intra- or postoperative complications. None of the patients required a conversion to open laparotomy. Conclusions Based upon our experience we believe that performing laparoscopic extravesical VVF repair using a three-layer closure technique without an interposition omentum is a safe, effective, minimally invasive technique with excellent cure rates in an experienced surgeon’s hands.

Sexual function outcomes were analyzed in a group of women (n = 78) presenting for vaginal rejuvenation/vaginoplasty procedure for a chief complaint of vaginal laxity and decreased sensation with intercourse. Outcomes were analyzed utilizing the validated Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire-12 (PISQ-12) before and at least 6 months after repair with vaginal rejuvenation/vaginoplasty procedure (VR). Mean age was 43.6 ± 7.9 (range 25-62), and 19 patients (24.3%) were found to have prolapse at time of initial exam and underwent vaginal vault suspension in addition to VR. Compared preoperatively and postoperatively, the overall sexual function (Total PISQ-12) statistically improved (30.3 ± 6.6 vs. 38.2 ± 5.2, P < 0.001). All individual scores statistically improved except in 3 categories in which there was no change (Q1-desire, Q5-pain, and Q11- partner premature ejaculation). Overall sexual satisfaction improved as well as subcategories of increased sexual excitement during intercourse and overall increase in intensity of orgasms. Pain with intercourse subscores were found to be no different from preoperatively to postoperatively. Previous studies have shown that sexual function improves with repair of prolapse; however, this is the first study to show improved function using a validated questionnaire in patients undergoing VR for laxity.

The O'Connor bladder bivalving technique remains the traditional abdominal approach to vesicovaginal fistula repair whether performed via laparotomy or laparoscopy.

The laparoscopic Davydov procedure is a neovagina surgical technique most commonly used in patients with vaginal agenesis. We present a unique case of vaginal length restoration using this procedure in a patient with vaginal shortening after multiple vaginal surgeries. A 62-year-old patient presented to our office after multiple vaginal surgeries with symptoms suggestive of cystocele, rectocele, vaginal vault prolapse, and dyspareunia. Excessive vaginal shortening and a painful vaginal apex were also noted upon initial examination. A laparoscopic Davydov procedure was performed to lengthen the vagina and to eliminate the apical pain. The laparoscopic Davydov procedure is a surgical option for patients with surgically shortened vaginas and dyspareunia.