Queen's University, Kingston

Research Spotlight

 

Publication Highlight:

McLean, L., Charette, M., Varette, K. Brooks K, Harvey MA, Robert M, Baker K, Day A, Della Zazzera V, Sauerbrei E, Brison R. Pelvic floor muscle training as an adjunct to a midurethral sling: a single-blind randomised controlled trial. Int Urogynecol J 2021:32(3) https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-020-04668-9

This a collaborative, multicentre, multidiscipline single-blind, randomized study involving the departments of rehabilitation, obstetrics and gynecology, population health sciences, radiology and emergency medicine at Queen’s University, University of Ottawa, and the University of Calgary. The group hypothesized that women undergoing mid-urethral sling (MUS) surgery for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) would benefit from pre-operative pelvic floor muscle (PFM) training with a physiotherapist, over PFM training taught by a handout alone. After exclusions, 52 participants were randomized to 12 weeks of PFM training with a physiotherapist in addition to a handout on PFM training, while 51 participants were randomized the PFM training handout alone. Groups were compared based on the Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (FLUTS) questionnaire total score, urinary incontinence, filling and voiding subscale scores, and on a standardized 30-min pad test. At 12 weeks post surgery, the PFM training group reported significantly fewer urinary incontinence symptoms (based on the FLUTS subscale score) then the control group. However, there were no group differences in the overall FLUTS score, or the standardized pad test. No group differences were found in the filling or voiding symptoms (as per the FLUTS subscale scores) at 12 weeks after surgery. The authors concluded that pre-operative PFM training improves SUI cure rates after MUS surgery when assessed by symptoms of SUI, however it does not improve SUI measured by a pad test, nor does it improve voiding or filling symptoms.

Recently Accepted for Publication:

Tomalty D, Giovannetti O, Gaudet D, Clohosey D, Harvey MA, Johnston S, Komisaruk B, Hannan J, Goldstein S, Goldstein I, Adams MA. The Prostate in Women: An Updated Histological and Immunohistochemical Profile of the Female Periurethral Glands and Relationship to an Implanted Mid-Urethral Sling. J Sex Med. 2022.

 

2021-2022 Publication List

Tomalty D, Giovannetti O, Gaudet D, Clohosey D, Harvey MA, Johnston S, Komisaruk B, Hannan J, Goldstein S, Goldstein I, Adams MA. The Prostate in Women: An Updated Histological and Immunohistochemical Profile of the Female Periurethral Glands and Relationship to an Implanted Mid-Urethral Sling. J Sex Med. 2022 (accepted)

Giovannetti O, Tomalty D, Gaudet D, Clohosey D, Forster A, Monaghan M, Harvey MA, Johnston S, Komisaruk B, Goldstein S, Hannan J, Goldstein I, Adams MA. Immunohistochemical Investigation of Autonomic and Sensory Innervation of Anterior Vaginal Wall Female Periurethral Tissue: A Study of the Surgical Field of Mid-Urethral Sling Surgery Using Cadaveric Simulation. J Sex Med. 2021;18(7):1167-1180. doi: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2021.05.002. Epub 2021 Jun 24.

Harvey MA, Chih HJ, Geoffrion R, Amir B, Bhide A, Miotla P, Rosier PFWM, Offiah I, Pal M, Alas A. International Urogynecology Consultation Chapter 1 Committee 5: Relationship of Pelvic Organ Prolapse

to Associated Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Symptoms: Lower Urinary Tract, Bowel, Sexual Dysfunction and Abdominopelvic Pain. Int Urogynecol J. 2021 Aug 2. doi: 10.1007/s00192-021-04941-5.

McLean, L., Charette, M., Varette, K. Brooks K, Harvey MA, Robert M, Baker K, Day A, Della Zazzera V, Sauerbrei E, Brison R. Pelvic floor muscle training as an adjunct to a midurethral sling: a single-blind randomised controlled trial. Int Urogynecol J 2021:32(3) https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-020-04668-9

Brooks KC; Kevin Varette K, Harvey MA, Robert M, Brison R, Day A, Baker K, Sauerbrei E, della Zazzera C, McLean L. A model identifying characteristics predictive of successful pelvic floor muscle training outcomes among women with stress urinary incontinence. Int Urogynecol J 2021;32:719–728. e pub: 2020 Nov 25. doi: 10.1007/s00192-020-04583-z https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-020-04583-z

Dobrowolski, SL; Pudwell, J, Harvey MA. Urinary incontinence among competitive Rope Skipping athletes: A cross-sectional study. Int Urogynecol J. 2020;31:881-6. Doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-019-04048-y

Blair R, Harvey MA, Pudwell J, Bougie, O. Retrospective comparison of PGE2 vaginal insert and foley catheter for outpatient cervical ripening. J Obstet Gynaecol Can 2020;42(9):1103-10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jogc.2020.02.112

University of Toronto

Research Spotlight

 

May Alarab and Oksana Shynlova, Obstetrics and Gynecology Associate Professors at the University of Toronto and team of world-renowned experts from various disciplines have written the full-text report (or e-book) called “Pelvic floor: foundational science and mechanistic insights for a shared disease model”, that highlights women’s health advances in pelvic medicine (to access the e-book: https://www.augs.org/assets/1/6/AUGS_IUGA_eBook.pdf).  

At the American Urogynecologic Society (AUGS)/International Urogynecological Association (IUGA) Joint Annual Scientific Meeting in Nashville, Tennessee, in 2019, clinicians, and researchers from around the world (Basic Science Special Interest Group) joined their efforts to identify what was known and unknown about the pathophysiology of Pelvic Floor Disorders (POP and SUI). The e-book  focused on different aspects of the female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery (FPMRS), urology, biomechanics, muscle physiology, bioengineering, immunology, cellular and molecular biology, steroid hormones, and aging science. In particular,  (1) pelvic floor structural anatomy and the mechanism of disease, (2) biomechanics of the female pelvic floor, (3) the impact of hormonal milieu on the female pelvic floor structure and function, and (4) the role of aging and immunity in the pathogenesis of POP and SUI. The e-book highlights anatomical, biomechanical, hormonal, aging and inflammation-related pathways and underscores the interdependence of these factors with respect to their impact on the pelvic floor and lower urinary tract. 

Congratulations to Dr Alarab (section editor of “The impact of hormonal milieu on the female pelvic floor structure and function”) and her writing team on publishing the e-book that will improve our understanding of the various risk factors for PFDs to design scientifically robust preventive strategies and effective treatments for POP and SUI. The expert consensus paper summarizing the e-book is published in  

Int Urogynecol J. 2022 Jun; 33(6): 1387–1392.  

View Publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35674811/ 

2020-2022 Publication List

1.    Brito LGO, Pereira GMV, Moalli P, Shynlova O, Manonai J, Weintraub AY, Deprest J, Bortolini MAT. Age and/or postmenopausal status as risk factors for pelvic organ prolapse development: systematic review with meta-analysis.  Int Urogynecol J. 2022 Jan;33(1):15-29. doi: 10.1007/s00192-021-04953-1. Epub 2021 Aug 5. PMID:  34351465. 

 
2.    Deprest JA, Cartwright R, Dietz HP, Brito LGO, Koch M, Allen-Brady K, Manonai J, Weintraub AY, Chua JWF, Cuffolo R, Sorrentino F, Cattani L, Decoene J, Page AS, Weeg N, Varella Pereira GM, Mori da Cunha de Carvalho MGMC, Mackova K, Hympanova LH, Moalli P, Shynlova O, Alperin M, Bortolini MAT. International Urogynecological Consultation (IUC): pathophysiology of pelvic organ prolapse (POP).  Int Urogynecol J. 2022 Mar 10. doi: 10.1007/s00192-022-05081-0. Online ahead of print. PMID: 35267063. 

  
3.    Anglim BA, Phillips CD, Shynlova O, Alarab M. The effect of Local Estrogen Therapy on the urinary microbiome composition of postmenopausal women with and without recurrent urinary tract infections.   Int Urogynecol J. 2022 Aug;33(8):2107-2117. doi: 10.1007/s00192-021-04832-9. Epub 2021 May 18. PMID: 34003309 

4. https://pubmed-ncbi-nlm-nih-gov.myaccess.library.utoronto.ca/36504349/Zhao ZY, Lovatsis D, Gagnon L, Wang S, Huszti E, McDermott CD. Optimal ureteric visualization at the time of pelvic reconstructive surgery: vitamin B2 versus 5% dextrose in water. BJOG. 2022 Dec 12. doi: 10.1111/1471-0528.17363. Online ahead of print. PMID: 36504349  

5. Bushra M, Anglim B, Al-Janabi A, Lovatsis D, Alarab M. Long-term experience of modified technique of McCall culdoplasty in women undergoing vaginal hysterectomy for pelvic organ prolapse. J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2021 Oct;43(10):1129-1135. doi: 10.1016/j.jogc.2021.04.012. Epub 2021 May 11. PMID: 33984523. 

6. Anglim B., ZY Zhao, D. Lovatsis, C. McDermott. The extended pessary interval for care (EPIC) study: a failed randomized clinical trial. Int Urogynecol J. 2021 Apr;32(4):937-944. doi: 10.1007/s00192-020-04489-w. Epub 2020 Aug 12. PMID: 32785749. 

7.     Anglim BC, Tomlinson G, Paquette J, McDermott CD. A risk calculator for postoperative urinary retention (POUR) following vaginal pelvic floor surgery: multivariable prediction modelling. BJOG. 2022 Dec;129(13):2203-2213. doi: 10.1111/1471-0528.17225. Epub 2022 Jun 14. PMID: 35596931.  

8.     Kciuk O, Li Q, Huszti E, McDermott CD. Pelvic floor symptoms in cisgender women with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome: an international survey study. Int Urogynecol J (IF 2.894). 2022 Jun 25. doi: 10.1007/s00192-022-05273-8. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 35751670.  

9.     Benseler A, McDermott CD. Use of Prophylactic Antibiotics to Prevent Urinary Tract Infection after Urodynamic Testing and Cystoscopy in Women: A Practice Pattern Study. Gynecol Obstet Invest (IF 2.031). 2022;87(2):116-123. doi: 10.1159/000524266. Epub 2022 Mar 30. PMID: 35354149.  

10.     Kulkarni A, McDermott CD. What Do Nurses Prefer? A Cross-sectional Study of Catheter Preference After Pelvic Organ Prolapse Surgery. J Wound Ostomy Continence Nurs (IF 1.97). 2021 Jul-Aug 01;48(4):319-324. doi: 10.1097/WON.0000000000000773. PMID: 34186550.  

11.     Paquette J, McDermott CD, Acquaviva B, Faghani N, Lovatsis D. Real-World Effectiveness of Pelvic Floor Muscle Training for Women With Urinary Tract Symptoms and/or Prolapse. J Obstet Gynaecol Can (IF 0.97). 2021 Nov;43(11):1247-1253.e1. doi: 10.1016/j.jogc.2021.05.008. Epub 2021 May 26. PMID: 34048957. 

  

12     Chaikof M, McDermott CD, Brennand E, Sanaee M. Patients Seeking "Vaginoplasty" Deserve Assessment and Treatment by Experts in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery. Aesthet Surg J (IF 4.485). 2021 Mar 12;41(4):NP148-NP149. doi: 10.1093/asj/sjaa286. PMID: 33165577; PMCID: PMC7954535.  

13.     Anglim B, Zhao ZY, Lovatsis D, McDermott CD. The extended pessary interval for care (EPIC) study: a failed randomized clinical trial. Int Urogynecol J (IF 1.932). 2021 Apr;32(4):937-944. doi: 10.1007/s00192-020-04489-w. Epub 2020 Aug 12. PMID: 32785749.  

14. Gold S, Paquette J, Sobel M, Alarab M. Residual Defects of the Anal Sphincter Complex Following Primary Repair of Obstetrical Anal Sphincter Injuries at a Large Canadian Obstetrical Centre. J Obstet Gynaecol Can.  2021 May;43(5):596-600. 

15. Alperin M, Abramowitch S, Alarab M, Bortolini M, Brown B, Burnett LA, Connell KA, Damaser MS, de Vita R, Gargett CE, Guess MK, Guler Z, Jorge RN, Kelley RS, Kibschull M, Miller K, Moalli PA, Mysorekar IU, Routzong MR, Shynlova O, Swenson CW, Therriault MA, Northington GM. Foundational Science and Mechanistic Insights for a Shared Disease Model: An Expert Consensus: Developed by the AUGS Basic Science Subcommittee and IUGA Special Interest Group.   

Chapter 3: The Impact of Hormonal Milieu on the Female Pelvic Floor Structure and Function Section Editor: May Alarab, Writing Group: Oksana Shynlova, Maria Bortolini; Caroline E. Gargett, Lindsey A. Burnett; Mark Kibschull.  

  1. Female Pelvic Med Reconstr Surg. 2022 May 25. doi: 10.1097/SPV.0000000000001216. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 35609252. 
  1. Int Urogynecol J. 2022 Jun;33(6):1387-1392. doi: 10.1007/s00192-022-05253-y. Epub 2022 Jun 8. PMID: 35674811; PMCID: PMC9266184 

16.     Nair C, Kozak R, Alavi N, Mbareche H, Kung R, Murphy K, Perruzza D, Jarvi S, Salvant E, Ladhani N, Yee A, Gagnon L-H, Jenkinson R, Liu G, Lee P. Evaluation of real and perceived risk to health care workers caring for patients with the Omicron variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in surgery and obstetrics. MedRxiv Oct 30, 2022 doi: 10.1101/2022.10.30.22281627  

17.    Lee P, Kozak R, Alavi N, Mbareche H, Kung R, Murphy K, Perruzza D, Jarvi S, Salvant E, Ladhani N, Yee A, Gagnon L-H, Jenkinson R, Liu G. Detection of SARS CoV-2 contamination in the Operating Room and Birthing Room Setting with Risks to attending health care workers: a cross-sectional study. CMAJ Open. 2022 May 24;10(2):E450-E459. doi:10.9778/cmajo.20210321. PMID: 35609928. 

18.    Smith MK, Paquette J, Lee P. Surgical and Pre-Operative Considerations for Managing Pelvic Organ Prolapse in a Patient with a Müllerian Duct Anomaly. Int Urogynecol J (2021). doi: 10.1007/s00192-021-05016-1.   

19.  Lemos N, Homero Faria, Corey Sermer, Gustavo L. Fernandes, Augusta M. Ribeiro, Geovanne Nascimento, Zhong Cheng Luo, Manoel J.B.C. Girão, Suzan M. Goldman. Lumbosacral plexus MR tractography: A novel diagnostic tool for extraspinal sciatica and pudendal neuralgia? Magnetic Resonance Imaging. 2021 Nov; 83:107-113. DOI:10.1016/j.mri.2021.08.003.  

20. Lemos N, Corey Sermer, Gustavo Fernandes, Augusta Ribeiro, Andrea Rossos, Zi Ying Zhao, Manuel JBC Girão, Philip Peng. Laparoscopic Approach to Refractory Extraspinal Sciatica and Pudendal Pain Caused by Intrapelvic Nerve Entrapment: report of a 10-year experience. Nature Scientific Reports. 2021 May 24;11(1):10820 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-90319-y.  

21. Sermer C, Adrienne L.K. Li, Gustavo L. Fernandes, Augusta M. Ribeiro, Giancarlo Polesello, Denise Tokechi, Laura Cancelliere, Nucelio Lemos. Intrapelvic entrapment of sacral nerve roots by abnormal bundles of the piriformis muscle: description of an extra-spinal cause of sciatica and pudendal neuralgia. Journal of Hip Preservation Surgery. 2021 May 19; 8(1):132-138. doi: 10.1093/jhps/hnab041  

22.Marcu I, Balica A, Gavard JA, Campian EC, Fernandes GL, Solnik MJ, Morozov V, Lemos N. Closing the knowledge gap in pelvic neuroanatomy: assessment of a cadaveric training program. BMC Med Educ. 2021 Jan 7;21(1):26. doi: 10.1186/s12909-020-02443-4.  

Dalhousie University 

Research Spotlight


Publication Highlight

Nathalie Kupfer, Aisling Clancy, Finlay Maguire, Jocelyn Stairs. Prevalence and Risk Factors for Urinary Incontinence in Nulliparous Women: A Contemporary, Population Based Cohort Study. Urogynaecology 2022, In Press. DOI: 10.1097/SPV.0000000000001296 

Nathalie Kupfer, Obstetrics and Gynecology Resident Physician at Dalhousie University led a cross-sectional, population-based study using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey cycles 2011-2018 to evaluate risk factors for urinary incontinence among a nationally-representative, contemporary sample of nulliparas. The prevalence and subtypes of UI and nocturia in this population were also described. Crude and adjusted odds ratios were estimated using multivariate logistic regression for the risk factors of interest. Prevalence of stress, urge, mixed urinary incontinence, and nocturia respectively were 27.68%, 19.64%, 10.57% and 58.95%. Those with body mass index (BMI) ≥25, age ≥45 and current smoking had increased odds of incontinence compared to women without these risk factors. Congratulations to Dr. Kupfer and team on the publication of their work in Urogynecology (currently in press).

2021-2022 Publication List

Kupfer N, Clancy A, Maguire F, Stairs J. Prevalence and risk factors for urinary incontinence in nulliparous women: a contemporary, population-based cohort study. m Urogynaecology 2022, In Press. DOI: 10.1097/SPV.0000000000001296. 

Stairs J, Rolnik D, Pascali D, Clancy A. The association between obstetrical anal sphincter Injury and postpartum urinary retention: a contemporary, nationwide cohort study. International Urogynecology Journal. 2022 e-pub ahead of print. DOI: 10.1007/s00192-022-05346-8. 

Stairs J, Minassian V, Clancy A. Complications following vaginal vault suspension versus minimally invasive sacrocolpopexy in women with elevated body mass index: a retrospective cohort study using data from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Database. Female Pelvic Med Reconstr Surg. 2022 28(6):391-396. DOI: 10.1097/SPV.0000000000001146. 

Stairs J, Brown M, Smith A, Woolcott C. Association between length of second stage of labor and risk of obstetrical anal sphincter injury in nulliparous women.  Int Urogynecol J. 2022 33(6):1583-1590. DOI: 10.1007/s00192-021-05070-9. 

Stairs J, Smith A. A novel, asynchronous urogynaecology online curriculum developed in response to COVID-19: Is there an unexpected upside to remote learning platforms? Journal of Obstetrics Gynaecology Canada. 2021;43(12):1359−1360. DOI:10.1016/j.jogc.2021.07.011 

Stairs J, Maguire F, Lehmann C, Cox A. Cannabinoid therapy in FPMRS: current evidence and future directions. Current Bladder Dysfunction Reports. 2021; 16:64–73. DOI:10.1007/s11884-021-00632-5. 

Stairs J, Amir B, Vair B. The “virtual OR:” creation of a surgical video-based gynaecologic surgery teaching session to supplement medical student surgical experience during COVID-19. Canadian Medical Education Journal. 2021: E-pub ahead of print. DOI: 10.36834/cmej.72081. 

Stairs J, Shabi Y, Patriquin G, Offman S, Pierce M. Clinical conundrum: Neisseria meningitidis septic abortion. JOGC. 2021; 43(4): 497-499. DOI: 10.1016/j.jogc.2020.12.006. 

University of British Columbia

Research Spotlight


Publication Highlights

Geoffrion, Roxana MD*; Koenig, Nicole A. BA*; Zheng, Meimuzi MSc*; Sinclair, Nicholas BSc*; Brotto, Lori A. PhD*; Lee, Terry PhD†; Larouche, Maryse MD MPH‡ Preoperative Depression and Anxiety Impact on Inpatient Surgery Outcomes, Annals of Surgery: March 2021 - Volume 2 - Issue 1 - p e049 doi: 10.1097/AS9.0000000000000049

Roxana Geoffrion, Obstetrics and Gynecology Associate Professor at the University of British Columbia and team aimed to quantify the association of pre-operative depression and anxiety symptoms on postoperative complications and to explore sex differences and sex-specific coping mechanisms in patients undergoing major surgery. They conducted a prospective cohort study of depression and anxiety symptoms using several validated questionnaires in patients undergoing major surgery and the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines. Postoperative data collection included a visual analogue scale for pain, narcotic use, post-op complications, length of stay, and readmissions. Pre-operative depression, anxiety and coping mechanisms were associated with adverse surgical outcomes and postoperative pain, with females significantly more impacted than males. Their work also highlighted the use of validated, brief questionnaires that can be easily used in the clinical setting and the importance of holistic pre-operative medical care and patient education. In addition, sleep and exercise emerged as novel therapeutic targets to optimize outcomes for patients undergoing major surgery. Congratulations to Dr Geoffrion and team on publishing one of the largest prospective cohort investigations of mental health in both sexes with recruitment from various surgical specialties in the Annals of Surgery.

2020-2021 Publication List

Moreira Vasconcelos CT, Silva Gomes ML, Geoffrion R, Saboia DM, de Castro Bezerra K, Vasconcelos Neto JA. Pessary evaluation for genital prolapse treatment: from acceptance to successful fitting. Neurourology and Urodynamics. 2020 Nov;39(8):2344-2352.

Harvey MA, Chih HJ, Geoffrion R, Amir B, Bhide A, Miotla P, Rosier PFWM, Offiah I, Pal M, Alas AN. International Urogynecology Consultation Chapter 1 Committee 5: relationship of pelvic organ prolapse to associated pelvic floor dysfunction symptoms: lower urinary tract, bowel, sexual dysfunction and abdominopelvic pain.Int Urogynecol J. 2021 Oct;32(10):2575-2594. doi: 10.1007/s00192-021-04941-5. Epub 2021 Aug 2.PMID: 34338825.

Larouche M, Belzile E, Geoffrion R. Surgical Management of Symptomatic Apical Pelvic Organ Prolapse: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Obstet Gynecol. 2021 Jun 1;137(6):1061-1073. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000004393.PMID: 33957652.

Zhang BY, Wong JMH, A Koenig N, Lee T, Geoffrion R. Risk factors for urinary retention after urogynecologic surgery: A retrospective cohort study and prediction model. Neurourol Urodyn. 2021 Jun;40(5):1182-1191. doi: 10.1002/nau.24676. Epub 2021 Apr 23.PMID: 33891339.

Gong M, Mann GK, Koenig N, Geoffrion R. Documenting Perineal and Obstetrical Anal Sphincter Injury Care at Childbirth: A Cross-Sectional Study. J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2021 Oct;43(10):1164-1169. doi: 10.1016/j.jogc.2021.02.120. Epub 2021 Mar 6.PMID: 33684531.

Geoffrion R, Larouche M. Guideline No. 413: Surgical Management of Apical Pelvic Organ Prolapse in Women. J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2021 Apr;43(4):511-523.e1. doi: 10.1016/j.jogc.2021.02.001. Epub 2021 Feb 3.PMID: 33548503.

Geoffrion R, Larouche M. Directive clinique no 413 : Traitement chirurgical du prolapsus génital apical chez les femmes. J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2021 Apr;43(4):524-538.e1. doi: 10.1016/j.jogc.2021.02.002. Epub 2021 Feb 3.PMID: 33548502.

Geoffrion R, Yang EC, Koenig NA, Brotto LA, Barr AM, Lee T, Allaire C, Bedaiwy MA, Yong P. Recreational Cannabis Use Before and After Legalization in Women With Pelvic Pain. J.Obstet Gynecol. 2021 Jan 1;137(1):91-99. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000004207.PMID: 33278297.

Stothers L, Locke JA, Abdulaziz M, Lazare D, Kavanagh A, Macnab A. Standing open magnetic resonance imaging improves detection and staging of pelvic organ prolapse. Can Urol Assoc J. 2021 Aug 26. doi: 10.5489/cuaj.7244. Online ahead of print.PMID: 34464248.

Brennand EA, Wu G, Houlihan S, Globerman D, Gagnon LH, Birch C, Hyakutake M, Carlson KV, Al-Shankiti H, Robert M, Lazare D, Kim-Fine S; Calgary Women's Pelvic Health Research Group. Two Intraoperative Techniques for Midurethral Sling Tensioning: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Obstet Gynecol. 2020 Sep;136(3):471-481. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000004027.PMID: 32769657 Free PMC article. Clinical Trial.

Walter JE, Brennand EA, Lemos N, Cundiff GW; Canadian Society of Pelvic Medicine Mesh Complications Writing Group. Corrigendum to 'Canadian Society of Pelvic Medicine Response to the Collège des Médecins du Québec Rapport d'Enquête' [Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada 43/3 (2021) 298-299]. J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2021 May;43(5):650. doi: 10.1016/j.jogc.2021.03.008.PMID: 33992128 No abstract available.

Walter JE, Brennand EA, Lemos N, Cundiff GW; Canadian Society of Pelvic Medicine Mesh Complications Writing Group. Letter: Canadian Society of Pelvic Medicine Response to the Collège des Médecins du Québec Rapport d'Enquête. J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2021 Mar;43(3):298-299. doi: 10.1016/j.jogc.2020.10.004.PMID: 33640099 No abstract available.

Cundiff GW. Le Collège des médecins du Québec devrait-il déterminer l'utilisation adéquate des bandelettes sous-urétrales au Canada? Une analyse du rapport d'enquête. J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2021 Mar;43(3):285-287. doi: 10.1016/j.jogc.2021.01.007.PMID: 33640096 No abstract available.

Cundiff GW. Should the Collège des Médecins du Québec Determine How Mid-Urethral Slings Are Used in Canada? A Review of the Rapport d'Enquête. J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2021 Mar;43(3):283-284. doi: 10.1016/j.jogc.2020.09.014.PMID: 33640095 No abstract available.

Chen I, Mallick R, Allaire C, Bajzak KI, Belland LM, Bougie O, Cassell KA, Choudhry AJ, Cundiff GW, Kroft J, Leyland NA, Maheux-Lacroix S, Rajakumar C, Randle E, Robertson D, Thiel JA, Tulandi T, Yong PJ, Laberge PY; Canadian Women's Investigators for Surgical Excellence in Research (CanWISER) Collaboration.J Technicity in Canada: A Nationwide Whole-Population Analysis of Temporal Trends and Variation in Minimally Invasive Hysterectomies. Minim Invasive Gynecol. 2021 May;28(5):1041-1050. doi: 10.1016/j.jmig.2021.01.010. Epub 2021 Jan 18.PMID: 33476750. 10.1002/ijgo.13441. Epub 2020 Dec 8. PMID: 33112417.

Larouche M, Albert AYK, Lipsky N, Walmsley S, Loutfy M, Smaill F, Trottier S, Bitnun A, Yudin MH, Cundiff GW, Money DM. Urinary symptoms and quality of life in women living with HIV: a cross-sectional study. Int Urogynecol J. 2021 Feb;32(2):353-358. doi: 10.1007/s00192-020-04343-z. Epub 2020 May 22.PMID: 32440885. 

University of Ottawa

Research Spotlight

Featured Publications

McLean L, Charette M, Varette K, Brooks K, Harvey MA, Robert M, Baker K, Day A, Della Zazzera V, Sauerbrei E, Brison R. Pelvic floor muscle training as an adjunct to a midurethral sling: a single-blind randomised controlled trial. Int Urogynecol J. 2022 Apr;33(4):809-819. doi: 10.1007/s00192-020-04668-9. Epub 2021 Mar 3. PMID: 33660001.

This was a single-blind randomised controlled trial comparing peri-operative physiotherapist-supervised pelvic floor muscle training versus receiving a pelvic floor muscle therapy handout. Efficacy on stress urinary incontinence (SUI) symptoms improvement and other urinary symptoms was assessed. Women with SUI planning mid-urethral sling insertion (N=103) were randomized to one of the 2 arms and followed for 3 months after the surgery; they were recontacted at up to 2 years. Women in the physiotherapy group (N=52) participated in 6 physiotherapist-led sessions over 12 weeks preoperatively, as well as 3 postoperative sessions, while the control group (N=51) received standard recommendations by handout. At 3 months postoperatively, all participants in both groups show improvement compared to baseline. The physiotherapy group reported better improvement in SUI symptoms and higher cure at 3 months postoperatively than the control group. However, no difference between groups was found on pad test, filling or voiding symptoms. Fifty-two women attended 1-year follow-up and 36 completed 2-year follow-up, with overall results similar to 3 months. It was concluded that a postoperative physiotherapist-led program of pelvic floor muscle training was more effective than providing handouts for SUI cure at 3 months postoperatively. Larger longer-term studies are needed.

2021-2022 Publication List

Stairs J, Rolnik D, Pascali D, Clancy A. Association between obstetrical anal sphincter injury and postpartum urinary retention: a contemportary nationwide cohort study. International Urogynecology Journal 2022. (epub ahead of print, doi: 10.1007/s00192-022-05346-8).

Xia W, Ameri G, Fakim D, Akhuanzada H, Raza MZ, Abbas Shobeiri S, McLean L, Chen ECS. Automatic plane of minimal hiatal dimensions extraction from 3D female pelvic floor ultrasound. IEEE Trans Med Imaging. 2022 Aug 19;PP. doi: 10.1109/TMI.2022.3199968. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 35984794.

Arranz-Martín B, Navarro-Brazález B, Sánchez-Sánchez B, McLean L, Carazo-Díaz C, Torres-Lacomba M. The Impact of Hypopressive Abdominal Exercise on Linea Alba Morphology in Women Who Are Postpartum: A Short-Term Cross-Sectional Study. Phys Ther. 2022 Aug 4;102(8):pzac086. doi: 10.1093/ptj/pzac086. PMID: 35908286.

Niederauer S, Bérubé MÈ, Brennan A, McLean L, Hitchcock R. Pelvic floor tissue damping during running using an intra-vaginal accelerometry approach. Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon). 2022 Feb;92:105554. doi: 10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2021.105554. Epub 2021 Dec 29. PMID: 34974336; PMCID: PMC8863648.

Bernard S, McLean L, Boucher S, Hébert LJ, Plante M, Grégoire J, Sebastianelli A, Renaud MC, Froment MA, Moffet H. An in-home rehabilitation program for the treatment of urinary incontinence symptoms in endometrial cancer survivors: a single-case experimental design study. Int Urogynecol J. 2021 Nov;32(11):2947-2957. doi: 10.1007/s00192-021-04981-x. Epub 2021 Sep 25. PMID: 34562132; PMCID: PMC8536558.

Antônio FI, Rodrigues MP, Brooks K, Varette K, McLean L. What improvements in levator ani motor function lead to improvement in stress urinary incontinence signs and symptoms in females? Int Urogynecol J. 2022 Oct;33(10):2735-2747. doi: 10.1007/s00192-021-04931-7. Epub 2021 Sep 3. PMID: 34477898.

Bouchard ME, Stairs J, Hickling D, Clancy A, Khalil H. The use of tissue adhesive in management of genitourinary fistulas: a systematic review and case report. International Urogynecology Journal 2022. (epub ahead of print, doi: 10.1007/s00192-022-05297-0).

Gujral P, Clancy AA. Vesicovaginal fistula caused by complete procidentia. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Canada 2022; S1701-2163(22)00471-6. (epub ahead of print, doi: 10.1016/j.jogc.2022.07.007).

Brooks KCL, Varette K, Harvey MA, Robert M, Brison RJ, Day A, Baker K, Della Zazzera V, Sauerbrei E, McLean L. A model identifying characteristics predictive of successful pelvic floor muscle training outcomes among women with stress urinary incontinence. Int Urogynecol J. 2021 Mar;32(3):719-728.

Kanji S, Pascali D, Clancy AA. Short term complications in mesh augmented vaginal repair of pelvic organ prolapse are not higher when compared with native tissue repair. Int Urogynecol J. 2022, 33(7):1941-1947. (epub ahead of print, doi: 10.1007/s00192-021-04915-7).

Bouchard ME, Baker K, Schachter J, Khalil H, Pascali D, Hickling D, Clancy A. Preoperative anemia and complications after surgery for pelvic organ prolapse: an analysis of the national surgical quality improvement program database. Int Urogynecol J. 2021; (epub ahead of print, doi: 10.1007/s00192-021-04800-3).

Stairs J, Minassian V, Clancy A. Complications after vaginal vault suspension versus minimally invasive sacrocolpopexy in women with elevated body mass index: A retrospective cohort study using data from the national surgical quality improvement program database. Female Pelvic Med Reconstr Surg 2022, 28(6):391-396.

Nayak AL, Breau R, Hickling D, Pascali D, Clancy A, Mallick R, Chen I. Risk Factors for Urologic Injury in Women Undergoing Hysterectomy for Benign Indication. J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2022, 44(3):247-254.

Reeves J, McLean L. The influence of contraction type, prior performance of a maximal voluntary contraction and measurement duration on fine-wire EMG amplitude. J Electromyogr Kinesiol. 2021 Aug;59:102566. doi: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2021.102566. Epub 2021 Jun 8. PMID: 34139549.

Bernard S, Frenette AG, McLean L, Noël P, Froment MA, Hébert LJ, Moffet H. Reliability of ultrasound imaging of pelvic floor morphology and function among females who have undergone pelvic radiotherapy. Neurourol Urodyn. 2021 Apr;40(4):1001-1010. doi: 10.1002/nau.24656. Epub 2021 Mar 19. PMID: 33739537.

McLean L, Charette M, Varette K, Brooks K, Harvey MA, Robert M, Baker K, Day A, Della Zazzera V, Sauerbrei E, Brison R. Pelvic floor muscle training as an adjunct to a midurethral sling: a single-blind randomised controlled trial. Int Urogynecol J. 2022 Apr;33(4):809-819. doi: 10.1007/s00192-020-04668-9. Epub 2021 Mar 3. PMID: 33660001.

Falah-Hassani K, Reeves J, Shiri R, Hickling D, McLean L. The pathophysiology of stress urinary incontinence: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int Urogynecol J. 2021 Mar;32(3):501-552. doi: 10.1007/s00192-020-04622-9. Epub 2021 Jan 8. Erratum in: Int Urogynecol J. 2021 Jun;32(6):1607. PMID: 33416968; PMCID: PMC8053188.

Czyrnyj CS, Bérubé MÈ, Lanteigne E, Brennan A, Bader Y, Lomovtsev D, Vandermolen M, Boucher S, Mitri L, McLean L. Design and validation of an automated dual-arm instrumented intravaginal dynamometer. Neurourol Urodyn. 2021 Feb;40(2):604-615. doi: 10.1002/nau.24600. Epub 2021 Jan 7. PMID: 33410542.

Padoa A, McLean L, Morin M, Vandyken C. The Overactive Pelvic Floor (OPF) and Sexual Dysfunction. Part 2: Evaluation and Treatment of Sexual Dysfunction in OPF Patients. Sex Med Rev. 2021 Jan;9(1):76-92. doi: 10.1016/j.sxmr.2020.04.002. Epub 2020 Jul 4. PMID: 32631813.

Clancy AA, Ilin J, Shehata F, Pascali D, Hickling D. Outcomes of an overnight-stay unit for urogynecologic surgery: feasibility and risk factors for failure of next-day discharge. Female Pelvic Med Reconstr Surg 2021,1;27(2):98-104.

Clancy AA, Chen I, Pascali D, Minassian V. Surgical approach and unplanned readmission following pelvic organ prolapse surgery: a retrospective cohort study using data from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Database (NSQIP). Int Urogynecol J.  2021, 32(4): 945-953.

Shehata F, Hickling D, Pascali D. Urethral erosion of an obturator midurethral sling. J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2021, 43(4):423.