Name: anogenital distance and perineal measurements of the pelvic organ prolapse (pop) quantification system
Uploaded: 2018-09-20T12:30:00
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Anogenital Distance and Perineal Measurements of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse POP Quantification System at JoVE.com

This work was supported by the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness, ISCIII (AES), grants no PI13/01237 and the Seneca Foundation, Murcia Regional Agency of Science and Technology, grant no 19443/PI/14. Funding to pay the Open Access publication charges for this article was provided by the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness, ISCIII (AES), grant no PI13/01237.

This study was approved by the Ethics Research Committee of the University of Murcia. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants.
1. Perineum Measurements
NOTE: Before taking the measurements, two observers have to be trained to minimize inter-observer variability.
<ol>
	<li>Patient Preparation
	<ol>
		<li>Place the patient in a lithotomy position, with thighs at an angle of 45&#176; to the examination table.</li>
		<li>Use a digi...

<ol>
	<li>Greenham, L. W., Greenham, V. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Sexing+mouse+pups.">Sexing mouse pups.</a> Laboratory animals. 11 (3), 181-184 (1977).</li><li>Kurzrock, E. A., Jegatheesan, P., Cunha, G. R., Baskin, L. S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Urethral+development+in+the+fetal+rabbit+and+induction+of+hypospadias:+a+model+for+human+development.">Urethral development in the fetal rabbit and induction of hypospadias: a model for human development.</a> The Journal of urology. 164 (5), 1786-1792 (2000).</li><li>Swan, S. 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G., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Prenatal+phthalate+exposures+and+anogenital+distance+in+Swedish+boys.">Prenatal phthalate exposures and anogenital distance in Swedish boys.</a> Environmental health perspectives. 123 (1), 101-107 (2015).</li><li>Dean, A., Sharpe, R. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Clinical+review:+Anogenital+distance+or+digit+length+ratio+as+measures+of+fetal+androgen+exposure:+relationship+to+male+reproductive+development+and+its+disorders.">Clinical review: Anogenital distance or digit length ratio as measures of fetal androgen exposure: relationship to male reproductive development and its disorders.</a> The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism. 98 (6), 2230-2238 (2013).</li><li>Jain, V. G., Singal, A. K. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Shorter+anogenital+distance+correlates+with+undescended+testis:+a+detailed+genital+anthropometric+analysis+in+human+newborns.">Shorter anogenital distance correlates with undescended testis: a detailed genital anthropometric analysis in human newborns.</a> Human Reproduction. 28 (9), (2013).</li><li>Arfi, A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=First-trimester+determination+of+fetal+gender+by+ultrasound:+measurement+of+the+ano-genital+distance.">First-trimester determination of fetal gender by ultrasound: measurement of the ano-genital distance.</a> European journal of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology. , 177-181 (2016).</li><li>Sipahi, M., Tokg&#246;z, V. Y., Alanya Tosun, &. #. 3. 5. 0. ;. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=An+appropriate+way+to+predict+fetal+gender+at+first+trimester:+anogenital+distance.">An appropriate way to predict fetal gender at first trimester: anogenital distance.</a> The journal of maternal-fetal &amp; neonatal medicine: the official journal of the European Association of Perinatal Medicine, the Federation of Asia and Oceania Perinatal Societies, the International Society of Perinatal Obstetricians. , 1-5 (2018).</li><li>Mendiola, J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Anogenital+distance+is+related+to+ovarian+follicular+number+in+young+Spanish+women:+a+cross-sectional+study.">Anogenital distance is related to ovarian follicular number in young Spanish women: a cross-sectional study.</a> Environmental health: a global access science source. 11 (1), 90 (2012).</li><li>Mira-Escolano, M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Longer+anogenital+distance+is+associated+with+higher+testosterone+levels+in+women:+a+cross-sectional+study.">Longer anogenital distance is associated with higher testosterone levels in women: a cross-sectional study.</a> BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics &amp; Gynaecology. 121 (11), 1359-1364 (2014).</li><li>Mira-Escolano, M. -. P., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Anogenital+distance+of+women+in+relation+to+their+mother's+gynaecological+characteristics+before+or+during+pregnancy.">Anogenital distance of women in relation to their mother's gynaecological characteristics before or during pregnancy.</a> Reproductive BioMedicine Online. 28 (2), 209-215 (2014).</li><li>Barrett, E. S., Parlett, L. E., Swan, S. H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Stability+of+proposed+biomarkers+of+prenatal+androgen+exposure+over+the+menstrual+cycle.">Stability of proposed biomarkers of prenatal androgen exposure over the menstrual cycle.</a> Journal of developmental origins of health and disease. 6 (2), 149-157 (2015).</li><li>Wu, Y., Zhong, G., Chen, S., Zheng, C., Liao, D., Xie, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Polycystic+ovary+syndrome+is+associated+with+anogenital+distance,+a+marker+of+prenatal+androgen+exposure.">Polycystic ovary syndrome is associated with anogenital distance, a marker of prenatal androgen exposure.</a> Human reproduction. 32 (4), 937-943 (2017).</li><li>Barrett, E. S., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Anogenital+distance+in+newborn+daughters+of+women+with+polycystic+ovary+syndrome+indicates+fetal+testosterone+exposure.">Anogenital distance in newborn daughters of women with polycystic ovary syndrome indicates fetal testosterone exposure.</a> Journal of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease. , 1-8 (2018).</li><li>S&#225;nchez-Ferrer, M. L., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Presence+of+polycystic+ovary+syndrome+is+associated+with+longer+anogenital+distance+in+adult+Mediterranean+women.">Presence of polycystic ovary syndrome is associated with longer anogenital distance in adult Mediterranean women.</a> Human Reproduction. 32 (11), 2315-2323 (2017).</li><li>Mendiola, J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Endometriomas+and+deep+infiltrating+endometriosis+in+adulthood+are+strongly+associated+with+anogenital+distance,+a+biomarker+for+prenatal+hormonal+environment.">Endometriomas and deep infiltrating endometriosis in adulthood are strongly associated with anogenital distance, a biomarker for prenatal hormonal environment.</a> Human reproduction. 31 (10), 2377-2383 (2016).</li><li>S&#225;nchez-Ferrer, M. L., Moya-Jim&#233;nez, L. C., Mendiola, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Comparison+of+the+anogenital+distance+and+anthropometry+of+the+perineum+in+patients+with+and+without+pelvic+organ+prolapse.">Comparison of the anogenital distance and anthropometry of the perineum in patients with and without pelvic organ prolapse.</a> Actas urologicas espanolas. 40 (10), 628-634 (2016).</li><li>Gallavan, R. H., Holson, J. F., Stump, D. G., Knapp, J. F., Reynolds, V. L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Interpreting+the+toxicologic+significance+of+alterations+in+anogenital+distance:+Potential+for+confounding+effects+of+progeny+body+weights.">Interpreting the toxicologic significance of alterations in anogenital distance: Potential for confounding effects of progeny body weights.</a> Reproductive Toxicology. 13 (5), 383-390 (1999).</li><li>Bump, R. C., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+standardization+of+terminology+of+female+pelvic+organ+prolapse+and+pelvic+floor+dysfunction.">The standardization of terminology of female pelvic organ prolapse and pelvic floor dysfunction.</a> American journal of obstetrics and gynecology. 175 (1), 10-17 (1996).</li><li>Haylen, B. T., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=An+International+Urogynecological+Association+(IUGA)+/+International+Continence+Society+(ICS)+Joint+Report+on+the+Terminology+for+Female+Pelvic+Organ+Prolapse+(POP).">An International Urogynecological Association (IUGA) / International Continence Society (ICS) Joint Report on the Terminology for Female Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP).</a> Neurourology and Urodynamics. 35 (2), 137-168 (2016).</li><li>Lince, S. L., van Kempen, L. C., Vierhout, M. E., Kluivers, K. B. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+systematic+review+of+clinical+studies+on+hereditary+factors+in+pelvic+organ+prolapse.">A systematic review of clinical studies on hereditary factors in pelvic organ prolapse.</a> International Urogynecology Journal. 23 (10), 1327-1336 (2012).</li><li>&#346;liwa, J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Analysis+of+prevalence+of+selected+anamnestic+factors+among+women+with+pelvic+organ+prolapse.">Analysis of prevalence of selected anamnestic factors among women with pelvic organ prolapse.</a> Advances in clinical and experimental medicine: official organ Wroclaw Medical University. 27 (2), 179-184 (2018).</li><li>Espu&#241;a Pons, M., Rebollo Alvarez, P., Puig Clota, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=[Validation+of+the+Spanish+version+of+the+International+Consultation+on+Incontinence+Questionnaire-Short+Form.+A+questionnaire+for+assessing+the+urinary+incontinence].">[Validation of the Spanish version of the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form. A questionnaire for assessing the urinary incontinence].</a> Medicina clinica. 122 (8), 288-292 (2004).</li><li>Sandvik, H., Seim, A., Vanvik, A., Hunskaar, S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+severity+index+for+epidemiological+surveys+of+female+urinary+incontinence:+comparison+with+48-hour+pad-weighing+tests.">A severity index for epidemiological surveys of female urinary incontinence: comparison with 48-hour pad-weighing tests.</a> Neurourology and urodynamics. 19 (2), 137-145 (2000).</li><li>Hall, A. 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The article shows the procedure to carry out the perineal measurements according to both the AGD concept and the POP-Q system. Both procedures are described with different measurement systems: the AGD measurement with calipers in millimeters, and the POP-Q measurement with a ruler in centimeters. It would be desirable to unify the measuring instruments and the accuracy of the methods, and not just the landmarks. This is of great importance, since the more reproducible a measure is, the more reliable it will be. That will...

Anogenital distance (AGD) is an easily accessible and noninvasive anthropometric measurement (Figure 1). AGD is a sexual dimorphism in placental mammals, being almost twice longer in males than in females. It is considered a marker of intra uterus hormonal environment1,2. AGD has been related to prenatal exposure to endocrine disruptors3,4,5 and androgens during critical periods of genital development6,7. In prenatal consultations, AGD may be useful to determine fetus gender with great accuracy in the first trimester (scan at 11-13 &#177; 6 weeks of gestation)8,9. In adult women, AGD length is associated with the female reproductive function10,11,12,13. Longer AGD distances in adult women have been associated in cross-sectional studies to a higher number of ovarian follicles10 and to higher testosterone levels11. Young women with longer AGD were several times more likely to have had mothers with irregular menstrual cycles, suggesting that the potentially hyperandrogenic intrauterine environment of the mother was sufficient to modify the female offspring&#39;s reproductive tract12. Recently, Wu et al.14 have shown that the presence of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is associated with longer AGD measurements in Chinese women, and Barrett et al.15 have also reported longer AGD in newborn daughters of women with PCOS15. Our research group have also confirmed this finding in adult Mediterranean women16. On the other hand, AGD is negatively and strongly associated with the presence and severity of endometriosis17, suggesting the potential of AGD as a biomarker of developmental antiandrogen/estrogen exposure. There is still controversy about the definitions and measurements of the female perineal and genital area. Previous human studies have applied a variety of measurements when referring to AGD. In women, some modification has been observed in the anatomical references for AGD measures. When AGD was firstly described and measured in women, the lower reference for the anatomical landmark was the &#34;middle&#34; anus. Nowadays, the lower reference is established as the top margin of the anus as it is a more accurate reference, making AGD a more reproducible measure18. AGD measurements must be corrected by weight or BMI as they are anthropometric measurements associated with body size19.
A similar set of measurements are the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification System (POP-Q)20 that includes two perineal measurements: the perineal body (PB) length and genital hiatus (GH) length (Figure 1). These measurements have been standardized according to the International Continence Society and are commonly used in clinical practice and biomedical studies, especially in women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP)21. PB is the measurement taken from the posterior margin of the genital hiatus to the midanal opening and is equivalent to AGDAF (ano-fourchette). GH does not correlate exactly with DAGAC (anoclitoral), although it would be its analog measurement. Women with POP have a strong familial association22, and parity is also considered a risk factor for POP23. However, there is no data to presume that they have been subjected to abnormal hormonal environments and may associated to other reproductive problems. Because of the similarities of the measurements, however, we hypothesize that women with shorter PB would have shorter AGDAF as well.
In this paper, we present both procedures and assess their similarities to ensure uniformity of these measurements in research and clinical practice. To our knowledge, there is no video publication showing how to perform these measurements. The main objective of this study was to show how to perform both AGD measurements: ano-clitoral (AGDAC) and ano-fourchette (AGD AF), and how to measure GH and PB lengths. A secondary objective was to compare both sets of anthropometric measures in women with POP (cases) and asymptomatic women without pelvic floor dysfunction (control women).
A case-control study was conducted from August 2014 to June 2015 at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the University Clinical Hospital &#39;Virgen de la Arrixaca&#39; in the Murcia Region (southeastern Spain). Cases were women over 40 years of age seeking care for genital lumps. If POP was confirmed in the gynecological examination and classified as stage II or more by the POP-Q classification20, women were invited to participate, regardless of the affected compartment (anterior, middle or posterior). Women with stress urinary incontinence that requires surgical treatment were excluded. Controls were women of similar age seeking routine gynecological exams with neither pelvic floor disease nor other gynecological conditions such as adnexal disease or uterine fibroids. The exclusion criteria for both cases and controls were the following: previous corrective surgery for pelvic floor disease or urinary incontinence; an active tumor that alters the mechanics and biometry of the pelvic floor; an active infection of external anogenital tract; and external hemorrhoids. Women having locomotor impairment preventing the physicians from taking the measurements were also excluded. A complete gynecological and obstetrical history was performed including menstrual and obstetric formulae (parity, vaginal and instrumented deliveries and birthweight) as well as medical and surgical history, and BMI. Women were questioned about symptoms of POP and/or urinary incontinence using the ICIQ-F questionnaires24 and Sandvik severity index25.
The pelvic status was assessed using the POP-Q classification system. A test of stress urinary incontinence was performed by emptying the bladder and introducing 300 mL of saline with a disposable urinary catheter. The patients performed Valsalva maneuvers with prolapse, and after reducing the prolapse, occult stress urinary incontinence was diagnosed. A 2D-transvaginal ultrasound was performed to rule out uterine or adnexal disease.

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="974">
	<tbody>
		<tr height="40">
			<td height="40" style="height:40px;width:216px;">Digital Caliper. Stainless Steel Digital Caliper</td>
			<td style="width:123px;">VWR International, LLC, West Chester, PA, USA</td>
			<td style="width:344px;">76181-562&#160; OS ABS DIGTL CALIPER 500-171-30 STAIN</td>
			<td style="width:292px;">Absolute Digimatic Calipers, Stainless Steel, SPC, Accuracy +/-0.001in, Batt. Life 3.5 Years (20,000 hours), Display Type Digital LCD, Measurement Type ABS, Range 6in, Resolution (Length) 0.000500 in, Tip</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="40">
			<td height="40" style="height:40px;">Voluson E8</td>
			<td>General Electric Healthcare</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="40">
			<td height="40" style="height:40px;">Sterile Utility Skin Marker and Ruler</td>
			<td>Medline</td>
			<td>DYNJSM06</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

anogenital distance and perineal measurements of the pelvic organ prolapse (pop) quantification system

Anogenital distance (AGD) is a sexually dimorphic attribute, twice longer in males than in females, and a marker of intrauterine hormonal environment. Interest in AGD measurements is increasing due to mounting evidence on their potential clinical implications. A parallel set of perineal measurements, the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification System (POP-Q), include similar, but not exactly the same, landmarks: the perineal body (PB) and the genital hiatus (GH) lengths. However, clinical reproducibility of both perineal measurements and their usefulness to describe perineal anthropometry needs to be elucidated. To our knowledge, there is no publication in video format showing the methodology of these measurements. The main objective of this work is to show how to properly perform perineal anthropometry, including measurements of the AGD in its two variants [anoclitoral (AGDAC) and anofourchette (AGDAF)], genital hiatus (GH) and perineal body (PB). Moreover, we explored if there were differences in these measurements in women with and without Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP). We research whether the anthropometric characteristics of the perineum, such as AGD (which is determined prenatally), may be altered in these women and be an independent etiological factor for pelvic floor dysfunction. We show two different ways of measuring perineal lengths, as they might be quite comparable. Our suggestion is that unifying perineal measurements could be useful for clinical and biomedical investigation. More studies are needed in order to compare GH and PB measurements and its AGD counterparts to analyze which procedures are more reproducible with less intra and interobserver variability.

Fifty-eight patients were included. Previous studies in women have reported that the minimum AGD distances was 24 mm12 with a standard deviation of about 10 mm12. The minimum sample size to detect a significant difference between the groups with respect to AGDAC (type I error &#945;=0.05 and type II error &#946; = 0.1) was estimated to be 25 individuals in each group (50 in total), based on a difference of at least 12 mm in AGD<su...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Anogenital Distance and Perineal Measurements of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse POP Quantification System at JoVE.com

Anogenital Distance and Perineal Measurements of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse POP Quantification System

This manuscript describes the procedures to perform anogenital distance (AGD) and perineal measurements standardized by the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification System (POP-Q): perineal body (PB) and genital hiatus (GH). These measurements are compared in women with and without pelvic organ prolapse.

Anogenital Distance and Perineal Measurements of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) Quantification System

Anogenital distance (AGD) is a sexually dimorphic attribute, twice longer in males than in females, and a marker of intrauterine hormonal environment. ...

This method can help answer key questions in the epidemiologic and urogynecologic fields about the clinical reproducibility of perineal measurements and their usefulness in describing perineal anthropometry. The main advantage this technique has is that the measurements are easy to learn from visual demonstrations. Begin by helping the patient into the lithotomy position with the thighs at a 45 degree angle to the examination table.Select a digital caliper with a resolution length of 0.0005 inches and close the device, confirming that zero'appears on the display. Select millimeters'as the unit of measurement. Measure the ano-clitoral distance from the anterior clitoral surface to the upper verge of the anus.Next, measure the ano-fossa distance from the posterior margin of the hymen to the upper verge of the anus. To improve the interobserver accuracy, have a second examiner perform each measurement three times to obtain a total of six measurements per examiner for each non-invasive anthropometric measurement. Then, use the average value of both sets of measurements as the true estimate of each anogenital distance and subsequent analyses.Disinfect the calipers. For pelvic organ prolapse quantification, use a measuring tool with centimeter markings to measure the genital hiatus from the middle of the external urethral meatus to the posterior margin of the hymen to the nearest half centimeter three times. Then, measure the perineal body from the posterior margin of the hymen to the mid-anal opening three times.Use the average of both sets of measurements in subsequent analyses. In this representative study, significant differences were observed in the age, number of deliveries, and birth weights between the patients and the control study participants. Notably, there were significant differences between the ano-clitoral and ano-fossa distances in the pelvic organ prolapse patients compared to the control participants.The length of the genital hiatus was also longer in the pelvic organ prolapse patients than in the control participants, with no significant differences measured in the perineal body distances between the two groups. We found differences between the AGD, ano-fossa length, which is shorter in cases of prolapse and the AGD, ano-clitoral and genital hiatus lengths, which are longer in women with prolapse. Our data suggests that the anthropometric characteristics of the perineum, such as a shorter AGD ano-fossa length that could be determined prenatally, may be an independent etiological factor for predicting pregnant flow dysfunction.Further investigations are needed to evaluate the comparability of AGD and POCU measurements. It could be beneficial to universalize the measuring instruments and the accuracy of the method to guarantee a comparability of the measurements between different working groups and to minimize the visual bias between observers.

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Research

JoVE Journal

Medicine

Intraoperative Detection of Subtle Endometriosis: A Novel Paradigm for Detection and Treatment of Pelvic Pain Associated with the Loss of Peritoneal Integrity

Endometriosis is a common disease affecting 40 to 70% of reproductive-aged women with chronic pelvic pain (CPP) and/or infertility. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the use of a blue dye (methylene blue) to stain peritoneal surfaces during laparoscopy (L/S) to detect the loss of peritoneal integrity in patients with pelvic pain and suspected endometriosis. Forty women with CPP and 5 women without pain were evaluated in this pilot study. During L/S, concentrated dye was sprayed onto peritoneal surfaces, then aspirated and rinsed with Lactated Ringers solution. Areas of localized dye uptake were evaluated for the presence of visible endometriotic lesions. Areas of intense peritoneal staining were resected and some fixed in 2.5% buffered gluteraldehyde and examined by scanning (SEM) electron microscopy. Blue dye uptake was more common in women with endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain than controls (85% vs. 40%). Resection of the blue stained areas revealed endometriosis by SEM and loss of peritoneal cell-cell contact compared to normal, non-staining peritoneum. Affected peritoneum was associated with visible endometriotic implants in most but not all patients. Subjective pain relief was reported in 80% of subjects. Based on scanning electron microscopy, we conclude that endometrial cells extend well beyond visible implants of endometriosis and appear to disrupt the underlying mesothelium. Subtle lesions of endometriosis could therefore cause pelvic pain by disruption of peritoneal integrity, allowing menstrual or ovulatory blood and associated pain factors access to underlying sensory nerves. Complete resection of affected peritoneum may provide a better long-term treatment for endometriosis and CPP. This simple technique appears to improve detection of subtle or near invisible endometriosis in women with CPP and minimal visual findings at L/S and may serve to elevate diagnostic accuracy for endometriosis at laparoscopy.

Loss of peritoneal integrity provides a new paradigm to understand and treat chronic pelvic pain in women with mild forms of endometriosis and can be easily detected using intraoperative instillation of dye at the time of laparoscopy.

Endometriosis is a  common disease affecting 40 to 70% of reproductive-aged women with chronic  pelvic pain (CPP) and/or infertility. The purpose of this ...

Technique of Subnormothermic Ex Vivo Liver Perfusion for the Storage, Assessment, and Repair of Marginal Liver Grafts

The success of liver transplantation has resulted in a dramatic organ shortage. In most transplant regions 20-30% of patients on the waiting list for liver transplantation die without receiving an organ transplant or are delisted for disease progression. One strategy to increase the donor pool is the utilization of marginal grafts, such as fatty livers, grafts from older donors, or donation after cardiac death (DCD). The current preservation technique of cold static storage is only poorly tolerated by marginal livers resulting in significant organ damage. In addition, cold static organ storage does not allow graft assessment or repair prior to transplantation.
These shortcomings of cold static preservation have triggered an interest in warm perfused organ preservation to reduce cold ischemic injury, assess liver grafts during preservation, and explore the opportunity to repair marginal livers prior to transplantation. The optimal pressure and flow conditions, perfusion temperature, composition of the perfusion solution and the need for an oxygen carrier has been controversial in the past.
In spite of promising results in several animal studies, the complexity and the costs have prevented a broader clinical application so far. Recently, with enhanced technology and a better understanding of liver physiology during ex vivo perfusion the outcome of warm liver perfusion has improved and consistently good results can be achieved.
This paper will provide information about liver retrieval, storage techniques, and isolated liver perfusion in pigs. We will illustrate a) the requirements to ensure sufficient oxygen supply to the organ, b) technical considerations about the perfusion machine and the perfusion solution, and c) biochemical aspects of isolated organs.

Technique of Subnormothermic Ex Vivo Liver Perfusion for the Storage, Assessment, and Repair of Marginal Liver Grafts

Marginal grafts, such as fatty livers, grafts from older donors, or livers retrieved after cardiac death (DCD) tolerate conventional, cold static storage only poorly. We developed a novel model of subnormothermic ex vivo liver perfusion for preservation, assessment, and repair of marginal liver grafts prior to transplantation.

The success of liver transplantation has resulted in a dramatic organ shortage. In most transplant regions 20-30% of patients on the waiting list for ...

Cardiac Catheterization in Mice to Measure the Pressure Volume Relationship: Investigating the Bowditch Effect

Animal models that mimic human cardiac disorders have been created to test potential therapeutic strategies. A key component to evaluating these strategies is to examine their effects on heart function. There are several techniques to measure in vivo cardiac mechanics (e.g., echocardiography, pressure/volume relations, etc.). Compared to echocardiography, real-time left ventricular (LV) pressure/volume analysis via catheterization is more precise and insightful in assessing LV function. Additionally, LV pressure/volume analysis provides the ability to instantaneously record changes during manipulations of contractility (e.g., &#946;-adrenergic stimulation) and pathological insults (e.g., ischemia/reperfusion injury). In addition to the maximum (+dP/dt) and minimum (-dP/dt) rate of pressure change in the LV, an accurate assessment of LV function via several load-independent indexes (e.g., end systolic pressure volume relationship and preload recruitable stroke work) can be attained. Heart rate has a significant effect on LV contractility such that an increase in the heart rate is the primary mechanism to increase cardiac output (i.e., Bowditch effect). Thus, when comparing hemodynamics between experimental groups, it is necessary to have similar heart rates. Furthermore, a hallmark of many cardiomyopathy models is a decrease in contractile reserve (i.e., decreased Bowditch effect). Consequently, vital information can be obtained by determining the effects of increasing heart rate on contractility. Our and others data has demonstrated that the neuronal nitric oxide synthase (NOS1) knockout mouse has decreased contractility. Here we describe the procedure of measuring LV pressure/volume with increasing heart rates using the NOS1 knockout mouse model.

This article describes the measurement of murine left ventricular function via pressure/volume analysis at different heart rates.

Animal models that mimic human cardiac disorders have been created to test potential therapeutic strategies. A key component to evaluating these ...

Quantification of Levator Ani Hiatus Enlargement by Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Males and Females with Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Here we present a protocol to examine the levator ani hiatus in males and females with pelvic organ prolapse, during the Valsalva maneuver and while evacuating acoustic gel, using a horizontally oriented 1.5 T magnetic resonance (MR) scanner. On midsagittal images, the vertical distance of pelvic organs is measured in millimeters relative to the hymen plane (female) and to the lower border of the symphysis pubis (male), preceded by - (above) or + ( below) signs. On axial images, the levator ani area is calculated in square centimeters with a free-hand tracing method from three key images, passing through the midsymphysis (level I), tangential to the lower border of the symphysis (level II), and at the maximal anterior rectal wall bulging (level III). Areas at rest and strained are compared to find evidence of a percentage of increase. The purpose is to provide objective evidence of the maximal extent of pelvic organs descent and hiatus enlargement without the interference of foreign objects or the examiner&#39;s proximity, so as to overcome the limitations of pelvic examination and transperineal sonography (i.e., subjectivity and sex-related limitations [female only]).

Here we present a protocol to standardize the measurement of the levator ani hiatus size&#160;by magnetic resonance imaging. The purpose is to extract biomechanical inferences from image analysis by comparing resting and straining values in patients of both sexes with pelvic prolapse, using consistent anatomical bony landmarks.

Here we present a protocol to examine the levator ani hiatus in males and females with pelvic organ prolapse, during the Valsalva maneuver and while ...

The Rigid Tube as an Alternative in Controlling the Problematic Airway

The unexpected problematic airway represents a large proportion of anesthesia-related morbidity and mortality. The retromolar or paraglossal approach is an alternative to the majority of the rigid instruments used for tracheal intubation, which follow the midline to access the glottis. This single-center, prospective case-series study offers an option to conventional laryngoscopy in case of a poor glottic view, introducing an instrument (the rigid tube for laryngoscopy) that uses the retromolar approach to accomplish tracheal intubation. If after anesthesia induction, the modified Cormack-Lehane glottis view grade &#62;2b, the intubation is carried further with the rigid tube. The tube follows the direction of the thyroid cartilage while advancing from the labial commissure, displacing the tongue to the contralateral side. Adjusting the position of the larynx with the nondominant hand by gently pushing the thyroid cartilage and following an imaginary line towards it while advancing it improves the time needed for proper glottis visualization. Once the epiglottis is in sight, the practitioner progresses slowly, lifting the epiglottis and aiming the tip of the tube more anteriorly. When the glottis appears in the visual field, the intubating tube introducer is placed in the trachea, and a lubricated cuffed intubating tube is advanced over the introducer after the rigid tube is extracted. This tool was tested on 30 patients with an unsatisfactory glottic view when using the Macintosh laryngoscope and obtained excellent results with respect to intubation time and complications. The reduced visual field is the main limitation of this method, which requires a training period for reasonable expertise. This simple, robust, and cheap instrument could be a rescue option in case of a difficult airway.

Presented here is a protocol of tracheal intubation over an intubating tube introducer using a rigid tube for laryngoscopy with an attached light source. The main characteristics of this maneuver are the retromolar approach and the use of the thyroid cartilage as a landmark while advancing the rigid tube.

The unexpected problematic airway represents a large proportion of anesthesia-related morbidity and mortality. The retromolar or paraglossal approach is ...

A Rat Lung Transplantation Model of Warm Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury: Optimizations to Improve Outcomes

From our experience with rat lung transplantation, we have found several areas for improvement. Information in the existing literature regarding methods for choosing appropriate cuff sizes for the pulmonary vein (PV), pulmonary artery (PA), or bronchus (Br) are varied, thus making the determination of proper cuff size during rat lung transplantation an exercise of trial and error. By standardizing the cuffing technique to use the smallest effective cuff appropriate for the size of the vessel or bronchus, one can make the transplantation procedure safer, faster, and more successful. Since diameters of the PV, PA, and Br are related to the body weight of the rat, we present a strategy to choosing an appropriate size using a weight-based guide. Since lung volume is also related to body weight, we recommend that this relationship should also be considered when choosing the proper volume of air for donor lung inflation during warm ischemia as well as for the proper volume of PBS to be instilled during bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid collection. We also describe methods for 4th intercostal space dissection, wound closure, and sample collection from both the native and transplanted lobes.

Here, we present optimizations to a rat lung transplantation model that serve to improve outcomes. We provide a size guide for cuffs based on body weight, a measurement strategy to ascertain the 4th intercostal space, and methods of wound closure and BAL (bronchoalveolar lavage) fluid and tissue collection.

From our experience with rat lung transplantation, we have found several areas for improvement. Information in the existing literature regarding methods ...

Robot-assisted Total Mesorectal Excision and Lateral Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection for Locally Advanced Middle-low Rectal Cancer

Since their approval for clinical use, da Vinci surgical robots have shown great advantages in gastrointestinal surgical operations, especially in complex procedures. The high-quality 3-D visual, multijoint arm and natural tremor filtration allow the surgeon to expose and dissect more accurately with minimal invasion. Total mesorectal excision is the standard surgical technique for the treatment of resectable rectal cancer. To reduce the lateral recurrence rate, lateral pelvic lymph node dissection can be performed, as it is a safe and feasible procedure for locally advanced middle-low rectal cancer with a high possibility of metastasis to the lateral lymph nodes. However, the complexity of the anatomic structures and the high postoperative complication rate limit its application. Recently, several surgeons have increasingly used robotic techniques for total mesorectal excision and lateral pelvic lymph node dissection. Compared with open and laparoscopic surgery, the robotic technique has several advantages, such as less blood loss, fewer blood transfusions, minimal trauma, shorter postoperative hospitalization, and quicker recovery. A robotic approach is generally regarded as a reasonable alternative for complicated procedures such as lateral pelvic lymph node dissection, although there are a limited number of high-quality prospective randomized controlled studies reporting direct evidence. Here, we provide the detailed steps of robot-assisted total mesorectal excision and lateral pelvic lymph node dissection performed at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi&#39;an Jiaotong University.

The robotic technique described herein aims to detail a stepwise approach to robot-assisted total mesorectal excision and lateral pelvic lymph node dissection for locally advanced (T3/T4) rectal cancer located below the peritoneal reflection.

Since their approval for clinical use, da Vinci surgical robots have shown great advantages in gastrointestinal surgical operations, especially in complex ...

Generation and Characterization of Right Ventricular Myocardial Infarction Induced by Permanent Ligation of the Right Coronary Artery in Mice

Right ventricular infarction (RVI) is a common presentation in clinical practice. Severe RVI can lead to fatal hemodynamic dysfunction and arrhythmia. In contrast to the extensively used mouse myocardial infarction (MI) model generated by left coronary artery ligation, the RVI mouse model is rarely employed due to the difficulty associated with model generation. Research on the mechanisms and treatment of RVI-induced RV remodeling and dysfunction requires animal models to mimic the pathophysiology of RVI in patients. This study introduces a feasible procedure for RVI model generation in C57BL/6J mice. Further, this model was characterized based on the following: infarct size evaluation at 24 h after MI, assessment of cardiac remodeling and function with echocardiography, RV hemodynamics assessment, and histology of the infarct zone at 4 weeks after RVI. In addition, a coronary vasculature cast was performed to observe the coronary arterial arrangement in RV. This mouse model of RVI would facilitate the research on mechanisms of right heart failure and seek new therapeutic targets of RV remodeling.

There are several differences between the right and left ventricles. However, the pathophysiology of right ventricular infarction (RVI) has not been clarified. In the present protocol, a reproducible method for RVI mouse model generation is introduced, which may provide a means to explain the mechanism of RVI.

Right ventricular infarction (RVI) is a common presentation in clinical practice. Severe RVI can lead to fatal hemodynamic dysfunction and arrhythmia. In ...

Laparoscopic Non-Mesh Cerclage Pectopexy for Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is widespread among the female population and significantly impairs the patient's quality of life. It is important to restore apical support for treating POP. Sacrocolpopexy and pectopexy are indicated for apical prolapse. Using a synthetic mesh in these techniques increases success by enhancing apical support. However, the implantation of synthetic mesh is associated with mesh-related complications. In addition, the exorbitant cost of synthetic mesh and lack of universal access limit the popularity of these procedures. The current study develops a unique technique known as laparoscopic non-mesh cerclage pectopexy (LNMCP), in which permanent cervical cerclage sutures are embedded in the round ligament until the iliopectineal ligament. The iliopectineal ligament was sutured, resulting in a firm cervical suspension. The procedure was successfully performed in 16 cases in the hospital. The surgical duration was 67.8 min &plusmn; 15.5 min, and the blood loss was 73.1 mL &plusmn; 51.1 mL. No procedural complications were seen. LNMCP is associated with an objective success rate of 100% and a subjective success rate of 93.8%. LNMCP for patients with apical prolapse obviates the need for a mesh, thereby avoiding complications associated with mesh erosion and reducing medical costs. In addition, it is easy to perform even in resource-poor areas without access to synthetic mesh.

The present pilot study describes the development of laparoscopic non-mesh cerclage pectopexy to treat pelvic organ prolapse. The procedure can be used to prevent any complications associated with the use of mesh.

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is widespread among the female population and significantly impairs the patient's quality of life. It is important to restore ...

Application of a New Mesh Fixation Method in Laparoscopic Incisional Hernia Repair

Laparoscopic incisional hernia repair using intraperitoneal onlay mesh (IPOM) is one of the most widely used minimally invasive methods for repairing incisional hernias. The laparoscopic IPOM involves implanting the mesh into the abdominal cavity through laparoscopy to repair an abdominal wall hernia. In the IPOM surgery, after the closure of the hernia ring, an anti-adhesion mesh is placed laparoscopically. The correct placement of this mesh is critical to the success of the method, and surgical skills are required to achieve perfect placement. If the mesh placement is not mastered properly, the operation and anesthesia time will be prolonged. In addition, improper placement of the mesh can lead to serious consequences, such as intestinal obstruction and mesh infection. A "contraposition and alignment" mesh fixation method is described in this study, which involves pre-marking the fixation position of the mesh to reduce the difficulty of mesh placement. A properly placed mesh is completely flat on the peritoneum, the edges are not curled or wrapped, and the mesh is adhered firmly such that there is no displacement after removing the pneumoperitoneum pressure. The "contraposition and alignment" mesh fixation technique offers the advantages of reliable placement of the mesh and fewer complications than other techniques, and it is easy to learn and master. It also allows for positioning the nail gun in advance based on the anatomy of the incisional hernia. This enables the use of the minimum number of nails possible while still ensuring good fixation, which can reduce the occurrence of complications and reduce the cost of surgery. Thus, the mesh fixation method described here is highly suitable for clinical applications based on the aforementioned advantages.

Presented here is a method for improving the mesh placement in laparoscopic incisional hernia repair, which can shorten the time required for mesh fixation and reduce the occurrence of postoperative chronic pain.

Laparoscopic incisional hernia repair using intraperitoneal onlay mesh (IPOM) is one of the most widely used minimally invasive methods for repairing ...