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Objective To assess intralevator Botulinum toxin type A (Botox) injections for refractory myofascial pelvic pain with short tight pelvic floor. Methods Retrospective cohort study of all women with intralevator Botox injection (100-300 Units) from 2005 through 2010 for refractory myofascial pelvic pain. Primary outcomes were self-reported pain on palpation and symptom improvement. Secondary outcomes included post-injection complications and repeat injection. Pain was assessed during digital palpation of the pelvic floor muscles using a scale of 0-10, with 10 being the worst possible pain. Follow-up occurred at <6 weeks post-injection and again at ≥ 6 weeks. Data are presented as median (interquartile range) or proportion. Results Thirty-one patients met eligibility criteria; 2 were lost to follow up and excluded. Median age was 55.0 years (38.0-62.0). Before Botox injection, median pain score was 9.5 (8.0-10.0). Twenty-nine patients (93.5%) returned for the first follow-up visit; 79.3% reported improvement in pain, while 20.7% reported no improvement. Median pain with levator palpation was significantly lower than before injection (P<0.0001). Eighteen women (58.0%) had a second follow-up visit with a median pain score that remained lower than before injection (P<0.0001). Fifteen (51.7%) women elected to have repeat Botox injection; the median time to repeat injection was 4.0 (3.0-7.0) months. Three (10.3%) women developed de-novo urinary retention, 2 (6.9%) reported fecal incontinence and 3 (10.3%) reported constipation and/or rectal pain; all side effects resolved spontaneously. Conclusions Intralevator injection of Botox demonstrates effectiveness in women with refractory myofascial pelvic pain with few, self-limiting adverse effects.

Objective-To assess intralevator Botulinum toxin type A (Botox) injections for refractory myofascial pelvic pain with short tight pelvic floor.Methods-Retrospective cohort study of all women with intralevator Botox injection (100-300 Units) from 2005 through 2010 for refractory myofascial pelvic pain. Primary outcomes were selfreported pain on palpation and symptom improvement. Secondary outcomes included postinjection complications and repeat injection. Pain was assessed during digital palpation of the pelvic floor muscles using a scale of 0-10, with 10 being the worst possible pain. Follow-up occurred at <6 weeks post-injection and again at ≥ 6 weeks. Data are presented as median (interquartile range) or proportion.Results-Thirty-one patients met eligibility criteria; 2 were lost to follow up and excluded. Median age was 55.0 years (38.0-62.0). Before Botox injection, median pain score was 9.5 (8.0-10.0). Twenty-nine patients (93.5%) returned for the first follow-up visit; 79.3% reported improvement in pain, while 20.7% reported no improvement. Median pain with levator palpation was significantly lower than before injection (P<0.0001). Eighteen women (58.0%) had a second follow-up visit with a median pain score that remained lower than before injection (P<0.0001). Fifteen (51.7%) women elected to have repeat Botox injection; the median time to repeat injection was 4.0 (3.0-7.0) months. Three (10.3%) women developed de-novo urinary retention, 2 (6.9%) reported fecal incontinence and 3 (10.3%) reported constipation and/or rectal pain; all side effects resolved spontaneously.Conclusions-Intralevator injection of Botox demonstrates effectiveness in women with refractory myofascial pelvic pain with few, self-limiting adverse effects.

Objectives Rectovaginal fistulae (RVFs) are often debilitating and there are no established treatment algorithms. We sought to describe current diagnosis and management strategies for RVFs across the United States. Methods This institutional review board–approved multicenter retrospective study included 12 sites. Cases were identified using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes during a 5-year period. Demographics, management, and outcomes of RVF treatment were collected. Results Three hundred forty-two charts were identified; 176 (52%) met criteria for inclusion. The mean (SD) age was 45 (17) years. Medical history included hypertension (21%), cancer (17%), Crohn disease (11%), and diabetes (7%). Rectovaginal fistulae were often associated with obstetric trauma (42%), infection/inflammation (24%), and cancer (11%). Overall, most RVFs were primary (94%), small (0.5–1.5 cm; 49%), transsphincteric (31%), and diagnosed via vaginal and rectal (60%) examination. Eighteen percent (32/176) were initially managed conservatively for a median duration of 56 days (interquartile range, 29–168) and 66% (21/32) of these resolved. Almost half (45%) of RVFs treated expectantly were tiny (<0.5 cm). Eighty-two percent (144/176) of subjects were initially managed surgically and 81% (117/144) resolved. Procedures included simple fistulectomy with or without Martius graft (59%), transsphincteric repair (23%), transverse transperineal repair (10%), and open techniques (8%), and 87% of these procedures were performed by urogynecologists. Conclusions In this large retrospective review, most primary RVFs were treated surgically, with a success rate of more than 80%. Two thirds of RVFs managed conservatively resolved spontaneously, and most of these were tiny (<0.5 cm). These success rates can be used in counseling to help our patients make informed decisions about their treatment options.

Objectives-To describe a novel surgical technique for complete excision of a rectovaginal fistula tract using a disposable biopsy punch during a transvaginal rectovaginal fistula repair and present our initial surgical experience.Methods-Description of four cases of simple rectovaginal fistulas and an innovative surgical technique for the complete excision of the fistula tract using a disposable biopsy punch.Results-Successful three, nine and twelve month follow up of four cases with simple rectovaginal fistulas after transvaginal rectovaginal fistula repair using a novel approach for complete fistula tract excision with a disposable biopsy punch and layered non overlapping suture closure. Demographic information reported included age, parity, medical and surgical history as well as fistula characteristics including size, location, presenting symptoms and duration of symptoms. We describe our operative technique with picture description.Conclusion-This novel approach using a disposable punch biopsy device to complete excision of simple rectovaginal fistula tracts during a transvaginal rectovaginal fistula repair can help with achieving a successful surgical outcome.

OBJECTIVE To compare mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) using oral magnesium citrate with sodium phosphate enema to sodium phosphate (NaP) enema alone during minimally invasive pelvic reconstructive surgery. METHODS We conducted a single-blind, randomized controlled trial of MBP versus NaP in women undergoing minimally invasive pelvic reconstructive surgery. The primary outcome was intraoperative quality of the surgical field. Secondary outcomes included surgeon assessment of bowel handling and patient-reported tolerability symptoms. RESULTS 153 participants were enrolled; 148 completed the study (71 MBP and 77 NaP). Patient demographics, clinical and intraoperative characteristics were similar. Completion of assigned bowel preparation was similar between MBP (97.2%) and NaP (97.4%). The MBP group found the preparation more difficult (P<0.01) and reported more overall discomfort and negative preoperative side effects (all P≤0.01). Quality of surgical field at initial port placement was excellent/good in 80.0% of the MBP group compared with 62.3% in the NaP group (P=0.02). This difference was not maintained by the conclusion of surgery (P=0.18). Similar results were seen in the intent-to-treat population. Surgeons accurately guessed preparation 65.7% of the time for MBP versus 41.6% for NaP (P=0.36). At two weeks postoperatively, both reported a median time for return of bowel function of 3.0 (2.0–4.0) days. CONCLUSION MBP with oral magnesium citrate prior to minimally invasive pelvic reconstructive surgery offered initial improvement in the quality of surgical field, but this benefit was not sustained. It was associated with an increase in patient discomfort preoperatively, but did not seem to impact postoperative return of bowel function. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE I

Objectives Vesicovaginal fistulae (VVF) are the most commonly acquired fistulae of the urinary tract, but we lack a standardized algorithm for their management. The purpose of this multicenter study was to describe practice patterns and treatment outcomes of VVF in the United States. Methods This institutional review board–approved multicenter review included 12 academic centers. Cases were identified using International Classification of Diseases codes for VVF from July 2006 through June 2011. Data collected included demographics, VVF type (simple or complex), location and size, management, and postoperative outcomes. χ2, Fisher exact, and Student t tests, and odds ratios were used to compare VVF management strategies and treatment outcomes. Results Two hundred twenty-six subjects were included. The mean age was 50 (14) years; mean body mass index was 29 (8) kg/m2. Most were postmenopausal (53.0%), nonsmokers (59.5%), and white (71.4%). Benign gynecologic surgery was the cause for most VVF (76.2%). Most of VVF identified were simple (77.0%). Sixty (26.5%) VVF were initially managed conservatively with catheter drainage, of which 11.7% (7/60) resolved. Of the 166 VVF initially managed surgically, 77.5% resolved. In all, 219 subjects underwent surgical treatment and 83.1% of these were cured. Conclusions Most of VVF in this series was managed initially with surgery, with a 77.5% success rate. Of those treated conservatively, only 11.7% resolved. Surgery should be considered as the preferred approach to treat primary VVF.

Objective: To investigate barriers and variables associated with the delay in seeking urogynecologic care by women with pelvic floor dysfunction. Methods: Cross sectional study of 300 new patients presenting for outpatient evaluation of pelvic floor dysfunction from August 2011 through March 2012. Patients were mailed a survey prior to initial visit. Delay in seeking care was defined as 12 months or more from symptom manifestation, persistence or recurrence after prior intervention, or being informed about the condition to time of visit. Data are presented as proportion or mean (±standard deviation). Comparisons were made using chi-square and t tests. Results: Two hundred and thirty one (77.0%) surveys were returned. Mean age was 55.9 years (± 17.4). Majority (91.3%) were Caucasian, 57.4% sexually active, and 96.1% saw a health care provider annually. Commonly reported causes were child birth (32.6%) and aging (23.4%). Delay was seen in 140 women (61.4%). Of these, 81 (57.9%) had been previously asked about symptoms by their primary care provider. The most common reason reported for delay was "Did not have time to care for myself" (19.8%). There was no statistically significant difference in level of education (p=0.86), annual health care visits (p=0.74), and sexual activity (p=0.28) between women with and without delay. However, women who delayed seeking care were more likely to report increased symptom severity (p=0.005) and to have been asked about symptoms (p=0.01). Conclusion: There is significant delay in seeking care with an urogynecologist. Additional resources are needed to promote patient and primary care provider awareness.