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Ranee Thakar

Publications and source records attributed to Ranee Thakar.

18 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Management of the neglected vaginal ring pessary.

We present two cases of vaginal pessaries left in situ for prolonged periods and subsequent impaction that were managed differently. One was partially epithelialized and removed in the outpatient clinic by a new technique whereby the ring pessary was divided by a bone-cutter and passed through the epithelial tunnel without anesthesia. The second, which was a completely epithelialized metal ring pessary, was removed under anesthesia. Resulting fibrosis can cure the prolapse.

Aged↗
PubMed2006

Voiding dysfunction after abdominoplasty--an unusual complication.

Abdominoplasty is an electively undertaken aesthetic operation mostly performed on patients after massive weight reduction. Previous case reports have demonstrated an improvement of incontinence symptoms after abdominoplasty. We report a case where urinary dysfunction occurred after refashioning of an abdominoplasty. The stress urinary incontinence got worse but what was of greater concern to her was a noticeable change of her urinary stream in an upward direction. A urethrolysis combined with an insertion of a tension-free vaginal tape and an anterior colporrhaphy was performed. After the operation, stress urinary incontinence improved and she reported that her urine stream reverted towards a normal direction.

Abdomen↗
PubMed2006

Effect of vaginal pessaries on symptoms associated with pelvic organ prolapse.

OBJECTIVE: To prospectively evaluate the effects of vaginal pessaries on symptoms associated with pelvic organ prolapse and identify the risk factors for failure. METHODS: All women referred to a specialist urogynecology unit with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse who elected to use a pessary were included in this study. All completed the Sheffield pelvic organ prolapse symptom questionnaire before use and after 4 months of use. The primary outcome measure was change of symptoms from baseline to 4 months. RESULTS: Of 203 consecutive women fitted with a pessary, 153 (75%) successfully retained the pessary at 2 weeks, and 97 completed the questionnaires at 4 months. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that failure to retain the pessary was significantly associated with increasing parity (odds ratio [OR] 1.52, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.14-2.02, P = .004) and hysterectomy (OR 4.57, 95% CI 1.71-12.25, P = .002). In the success group at 4 months (n = 97), a significant improvement in voiding was reported by 39 participants (40%, P = .001), in urinary urgency by 37 (38%, P = .001), in urge urinary incontinence by 28 (29%, P = .015), in bowel evacuation by 27 (28%, P = .045), in fecal urgency by 22 (23%, P = .018), and in urge fecal incontinence by 19 (20%, P = .027), but there was no significant improvement in stress urinary incontinence in 22 participants (23% P = .275). Of the 26 (27%) who were sexually active, 16 (17%, P = .001) reported an increase in frequency of sexual activity, and 11 (11%, P = .041) had improved in sexual satisfaction. CONCLUSION: A vaginal pessary is an effective and simple method of alleviating symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse and associated pelvic floor dysfunction. Failure to retain the pessary is associated with increasing parity and previous hysterectomy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II-3.

Aged↗
PubMed2006

Risk factors for obstetric anal sphincter injury: a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Anal incontinence is an embarrassing condition that is largely underreported. Obstetric anal sphincter injuries are the major etiological factor. Recognition of risk factors may minimize the development of sphincter injuries. The objective of this study was to identify risk factors for sphincter injuries and measure dimensions of mediolateral episiotomies. METHODS: Women expecting their first vaginal delivery were invited to participate, and an experienced research fellow performed a perineal and rectal examination and classified tears according to the new international classification. Dimensions of episiotomies were measured and obstetric variables recorded prospectively. RESULTS: Of the 241 women recruited, 59 (25%) sustained sphincter injuries. Univariate analysis revealed that forceps delivery OR 4.03 (1.63-9.92), vacuum extraction OR 2.64 (1.25-5.54), gestation > 40 weeks OR 3.18 (2.35-4.29), and mediolateral episiotomy OR 5.0 (2.64-9.44) were associated with these injuries. In addition, compared with women who had no injuries, sphincter injuries were more common with higher birthweight (3.51 vs 3.17 kg, p < 0.01), larger head circumference (34.3 vs 33.3 cm, p < 0.01), and longer second stage of labor (76 vs 51 min, p < 0.01). Multiple logistic regression revealed higher birthweight and mediolateral episiotomy OR 4.04 (1.71-9.56) as independent risk factors. Episiotomies angled closer to the midline were significantly associated with such injuries (26 vs 37 degrees, p = 0.01). No midwife and only 13 (22%) doctors performed truly mediolateral episiotomies. CONCLUSIONS: Mediolateral episiotomy is an independent risk factor for anal sphincter injuries. Although a liberal policy of mediolateral episiotomy does not appear to reduce the risk of such injuries, it may be related to inappropriate technique. A concerted approach to educate trainees in appropriate episiotomy technique and identification of sphincter injuries is imperative to enable reexamination of the true merits or disadvantages of mediolateral episiotomy.

Anal Canal↗
PubMed2006

Occult anal sphincter injuries--myth or reality?

OBJECTIVES: To establish the true prevalence of clinically recognisable and occult obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS). DESIGN: Prospective interventional study. SETTING: Busy district general hospital. SAMPLE: Two hundred and fifty-four women having their first vaginal delivery over a 12-month period were invited. Two hundred and forty-one (95%) participated and 208 (86%) attended follow up. METHODS: Women had a clinical examination at delivery by the accoucheur and repeated by an experienced research fellow immediately after delivery. All identified OASIS were verified and repaired by the duty specialist registrar or consultant. Endoanal ultrasound was performed immediately postpartum prior to suturing and repeated seven weeks later. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Prevalence of recognised and occult anal sphincter injuries. RESULTS: Fifty-nine (24.5%) women sustained OASIS. The prevalence of OASIS increased significantly from 11% to 24.5% when women were re-examined. Of these, 30 occurred in deliveries by midwives who missed 26 (87%) and 29 following deliveries by doctors who missed 8 (28%) injuries. All clinically apparent OASIS were also identified on endoanal ultrasound. In addition, three (1.2%) women had an occult anal sphincter injury. Two of these occult sphincter injuries were isolated to the internal anal sphincter (IAS) and would not usually be clinically detectable. CONCLUSIONS: OASIS occur more frequently than previously reported. Many remain undiagnosed and are subsequently classified as occult when identified on anal endosonography. Genuine occult injuries are rare. Training in perineal anatomy and recognition of OASIS needs to be enhanced in order to increase detection of OASIS and minimise the risk of consequent anal incontinence.

Anal Canal↗
PubMed2005

Continence pads: have we got it right?

Women listed in the Croydon Community Continence database were contacted with a self-assessment questionnaire regarding continence pad usage and quality of life. Completed questionnaires were received from 763 of 1509 (51%) participants. Pads were used for bladder dysfunction (88.1%) and bowel dysfunction (44%). The majority (82.5%) had concurrent medical disorders and problems with mobility with 77.5% being on one or more types of medication. Nearly 39% of women claimed that they would be happy to continue pad use indefinitely and only 28% expressed interest in seeking further help. Compared to bowel dysfunction, bladder dysfunction appeared to have a greater impact on women's quality of life (P < 0.001). Containment products make a substantial contribution in improving the quality of lives of women with bowel and bladder dysfunction. The financial burden of containment products has a major impact on the health budget and therefore, comprehensive clinical evaluation should be mandatory before relegating women to pads as a final resort.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed2005

The history and evolution of pessaries for pelvic organ prolapse.

The use of pessaries for the treatment of genital prolapse dates back prior to the days of Hippocrates and their use has been documented in early Egyptian papyruses. Throughout the centuries remedies such as honey, hot oil, wine and fumes have been used as treatment. Mechanical methods included succussion and leg binding. Pomegranates were also common remedies. In the middle ages, linen and cotton wool soaked in many different potions were used. As new materials were discovered, pessaries evolved and began to resemble those used today. Cork and brass were soon replaced with rubber. Modern day pessaries are made of non-reactive silicone and come in various designs and sizes to suit each individual. Pessaries can be used as an interim measure for women who wish to complete childbearing or women awaiting surgery. It can also be used as a permanent measure for women who are unsuitable for surgery. It remains to be established whether the use of modern pessaries over prolonged periods of time can prevent progression of or even cure, prolapse.

Female↗
PubMed2005

Combined urinary and faecal incontinence.

Combined urinary and faecal (liquid or solid) incontinence (double incontinence) is the most severe and debilitating manifestation of pelvic floor dysfunction. The community prevalence is 9-19% (urinary) and 5-10% (faecal), increasing with age. Pathophysiological factors include childbirth-associated external anal sphincter injury and pudendal nerve damage, pelvic floor descent, menopause, collagen disorders and multiple sclerosis-like conditions. The presence of crossed reflexes between the bladder, urethra, anorectum and pelvic floor in animal studies may explain the comorbidity of urinary and faecal urgency. Surgical treatment is based on aetiology and combined optimum techniques such as colposuspension or suburethral sling with overlapping sphincteroplasty. Other methods for improving sphincteric control include sacral nerve neuromodulation, bulking agents and artificial sphincters.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2005

Hysterectomy and pelvic organ dysfunction.

Contrary to popular belief, there is now considerable evidence that simple abdominal hysterectomy does not adversely affect bladder, bowel and sexual function (collectively referred to as 'pelvic organ function'). This also appears to hold true for vaginal hysterectomy, although randomized studies are lacking. Furthermore, conservation of the cervix by performing a subtotal (supracervical) hysterectomy does not confer advantages over total hysterectomy as far as pelvic organ function is concerned. By contrast, as radical hysterectomy involves more extensive dissection of the pelvic organs and innervation, some degree of pelvic organ dysfunction might be expected. However, the small prospective studies available provide conflicting results, but major sexual problems after radical hysterectomy appear to be transient. Retrospective studies suggest that abdominal and particularly vaginal hysterectomy may predispose to vault prolapse. One study reported that subtotal hysterectomy may be associated with subsequent cervical prolapse. These issues can only be clarified when long-term follow-up of recently completed randomized trials are performed. Until then, myths regarding the most frequently performed major gynaecological operation need to be dispelled, and women requiring hysterectomy should be counselled using the best available evidence.

Evidence-Based Medicine↗
PubMed2005

Are mediolateral episiotomies actually mediolateral?

This study investigated potential differences in the cutting of mediolateral episiotomy between doctors and midwives. Depth, length, distance from midline and shortest distance from the midpoint of the anal canal to the episiotomy were measured in a sample of primigravid women. The angle subtended from the sagittal or parasagittal plane was calculated. Two hundred and forty-one women participated of whom 98 (41%) had a mediolateral episiotomy. Doctors performed episiotomies that were significantly deeper, longer and more obtuse than those by midwives. No midwife and only 13 (22%) doctors performed truly mediolateral episiotomies. It appears that the majority of episiotomies are not truly mediolateral but closer to the midline. More focused training in mediolateral episiotomy technique is required.

Anal Canal↗
PubMed2004

Anal endosonography and its role in assessing the incontinent patient.

Anal endosonography is now recognized as an important investigation in the assessment of faecal incontinence. The endosonographer needs to be aware that the anatomy of the anal sphincter is complex and therefore there can be pitfalls in the interpretation of images. The findings have clinical implications on subsequent management and can contribute to prognosticating outcome. However, anal endosonography has a complementary role and other investigations, such as anal manometry, should be performed before intervention.

Anal Canal↗
PubMed2004

Hysterectomy improves quality of life and decreases psychiatric symptoms: a prospective and randomised comparison of total versus subtotal hysterectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To conduct a prospective and concurrent evaluation of changes in health status and quality of life and psychological outcome measures over one year in women randomised to total or subtotal abdominal hysterectomy. The concurrent evaluation was the impact of total versus subtotal hysterectomy on bladder, bowel and sexual function. DESIGN: Prospective, randomised, double-blind study. SETTING: A large UK Teaching Hospital (St George's Hospital, London) and a large District General Hospital (Mayday University Hospital, Croydon). METHODS. SAMPLE: Two hundred and seventy-nine women undergoing hysterectomy for benign disease were randomly allocated to total hysterectomy (n= 146) or subtotal hysterectomy (n= 133). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Quality of life assessment using the Short-Form-36 health survey (SF-36) and psychological outcome measures using the General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28) before the operation and 6 and 12 months after. RESULTS: Quality of life and psychological symptoms were similar in the two groups at baseline. Following surgery, quality of life improved in six of the eight domains, with no significant difference between the groups, with the exception of emotions which showed a greater improvement in subtotal hysterectomy women between baseline and 12 months. When this difference was examined further by looking at change in the GHQ subscales, there were no significant differences between total and subtotal hysterectomy women in the amount of change in anxiety, depression, somatic symptoms or social dysfunction, between baseline and post-operative measurements. All women showed an improvement in psychological symptoms following both operations. CONCLUSION: Hysterectomy, whether total or subtotal, may improve quality of life and psychological outcome.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Outcomes after total versus subtotal abdominal hysterectomy.

BACKGROUND: It is uncertain whether subtotal abdominal hysterectomy results in better bladder, bowel, or sexual function than total abdominal hysterectomy. METHODS: We conducted a randomized, double-blind trial comparing total and subtotal abdominal hysterectomy in 279 women referred for hysterectomy because of benign disease; most of the women were premenopausal. The main outcomes were measures of bladder, bowel, and sexual function at 12 months. We also evaluated postoperative complications. RESULTS: The rates of urinary frequency (urination more than seven times during the day) were 33 percent in the subtotal-hysterectomy group and 31 percent in the total-hysterectomy group before surgery, and they fell to 24 percent and 20 percent, respectively, at 12 months (P=0.03 for the change over time within each group; P=0.84 for the interaction between the treatment assignment and time). The reduction in nocturia and stress incontinence and the improvement in bladder capacity were similar in the two groups. The frequency of bowel symptoms (as indicated by reported constipation and use of laxatives) and measures of sexual function (including the frequency of intercourse and orgasm and the rating of the sexual relationship with a partner) did not change significantly in either group after surgery. The women in the subtotal-hysterectomy group had a shorter hospital stay (5.2 days, vs. 6.0 in the total-hysterectomy group; P=0.04) and a lower rate of fever (6 percent vs. 19 percent, P<0.001). After subtotal abdominal hysterectomy, 7 percent of women had cyclical bleeding and 2 percent had cervical prolapse. CONCLUSIONS: Neither subtotal nor total abdominal hysterectomy adversely affects pelvic organ function at 12 months. Subtotal abdominal hysterectomy results in more rapid recovery and fewer short-term complications but infrequently causes cyclical bleeding or cervical prolapse.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Lower genital tract and anal sphincter trauma.

Anal incontinence occurs more frequently in women but its incidence is grossly underestimated because of under-reporting. Obstetric trauma is a major cause of anal incontinence but it is only recently that attention has been focused on this subject. Episiotomy and choice of instrument at assisted delivery have been subjected to randomized trials but some issues, such as the benefit of episiotomy in instrumental delivery, have not been addressed. The management of acute anal sphincter rupture is inconsistent and, although studies report on the sub-optimal outcome, evidence-based guidelines are currently awaiting publication. Training in perineal anatomy and repair is poorly taught, and there is wide variation in classification of perineal tears. Consequently anal sphincter tears are being missed at delivery and/or inappropriately managed. This chapter aims to highlight these issues based on previous and current teaching and to recommend a protocol based on the best available evidence.

Anal Canal↗
PubMed2002

Secondary colposuspension: results of a prospective study from a tertiary referral centre.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the results of secondary colposuspension in women with recurrent urinary stress incontinence. DESIGN: Prospective cross sectional observational study. SETTING: Tertiary referral urogynaecology unit. POPULATION: Fifty-six women with recurrent stress incontinence. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Determine prognostic factors that may affect the outcome of surgery, long term subjective and objective success rates and identify complications of secondary colposuspension. RESULTS: The mean age was 54 years (range 34-83) and the median parity was 3 (range 1-5). The median length of follow up was four years (range 1.01-7.07). Forty-two (75%) women had genuine stress incontinence and 14 (25%) had mixed incontinence on subtracted cystometry. The subjective cure rate was 71% and the objective cure rate was 80% and, as per Kaplan-Meier life time analysis, 65% had not failed surgery five years after the operation. The complication rate was low. However at follow up, eight women had required a posterior colporrhaphy for rectocele and three had a sacrocolpopexy for vault prolapse. Another eight women required further treatment for stress incontinence (seven urethral bulking agents and one tension-free vaginal tape). There was no correlation of the outcome to age, past hysterectomy, number of previous incontinence procedures, parity, body mass index or blood loss at operation. CONCLUSION: Colposuspension after failed continence surgery has a good outcome with a low complication rate, but many still require further surgery for prolapse.

Adult↗