IMPORTANCE:Although parturients report few postpartum symptoms, birth is clearly associated with future symptom development. The ability to identify asymptomatic at-risk women would facilitate prevention. OBJECTIVE:The aim of the study was to develop a model predicting abnormal recovery in women at risk for childbirth-associated pelvic floor injury. STUDY DESIGN:Women undergoing first vaginal birth at high risk of pelvic floor injury underwent examinations and ultrasound imaging and completed 6-week and 6-month postpartum questionnaires. We defined "abnormal" recovery as having ≥1 of the following 3 findings: (1) levator ani injury, (2) decreased objective pelvic floor strength, and (3) Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification point Bp ≥0. Descriptive statistics and bivariate analyses compared "normal" and "abnormal" recovery. Birth characteristics, 6-week examinations, and questionnaires potentially predicted abnormal recovery at 6 months. Significant variables were included as candidates in the multivariable logistic regression predicting "abnormal" recovery after birth. RESULTS:Fifty-four women (63.5%) had normal and 31 (36.5%) had abnormal recovery at 6 months. At 6 weeks, women with abnormal recovery had decreased pelvic floor strength by Oxford scores (3 [2-5], 6 [2-8]; P  = 0.002), lower point Bp (-1 [-3 to 0], -2 [-3 to -1]; P  = 0.02), larger genital hiatus (4 [3 to 4], 3 [3 to 3.5]; P  = 0.02), and higher levator ani injury rate (76.7%, 22.4%; P  < 0.001). Between-group questionnaire differences were not clinically significant. Our final model included postpartum examination findings or birth characteristics: Oxford Scale, 6-week Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification GH strain, infant head circumference, and second stage ≥120 minutes. The area under the curve for predicting abnormal recovery at 6 months was 0.84, indicating a good sensitivity and specificity balance. CONCLUSION:The model identifies women at risk for an abnormal recovery trajectory.

As I reflect on my 30 years in academic medicine, my professional journey is uniquely intertwined with the growth and development of the field of urogynecology and the ultimate subspecialty recognition by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG), the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), and the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). In this article, I will retrace that journey from personal memories and notes, conversations with the leaders in the room, and documents and minutes generously provided by ABOG and the American Urogynecologic Society (AUGS). There were many leadership lessons learned, and I hope sharing them will enable the readers to do this type of transformational work in their own institution and broadly as advocates of women’s health.

Perineal injury after vaginal delivery is common, affecting up to 90% of women. Perineal trauma is associated with both short- and long-term morbidity, including persistent pain, dyspareunia, pelvic floor disorders, and depression, and may negatively affect a new mother's ability to care for her newborn. The morbidity experienced after perineal injury is dependent on the type of laceration incurred, the technique and materials used for repair, and the skill and knowledge of the birth attendant. After all vaginal deliveries, a systematic evaluation including visual inspection and vaginal, perineal, and rectal exams is recommended to accurately diagnose perineal lacerations. Optimal management of perineal trauma after vaginal birth includes accurate diagnosis, appropriate technique and materials used for repair, providers experienced in perineal laceration repair, and close follow-up. In this article, we review the prevalence, classification, diagnosis, and evidence supporting different closure methods for first- through fourth-degree perineal lacerations and episiotomies. Recommended surgical techniques and materials for different perineal laceration repairs are provided. Finally, best practices for perioperative and postoperative care after advanced perineal trauma are reviewed.

This Viewpoint discusses the need for the leadership of hospital systems and graduate medical education programs to address the effects of abortion restrictions on medical residents’ health, well-being, and training.

The advancement of women leaders in obstetrics and gynecology does not reflect the changes in the physician workforce seen over the last 50 years. A core value of our culture in obstetrics and gynecology must be gender equity. Departmental, institutional, and professional society efforts should explicitly prioritize and demonstrate a commitment to gender equity with tangible actions. This commentary from the American Gynecological and Obstetrical Society synthesizes available information about women holding academic leadership roles within obstetrics and gynecology. We propose specific principles and leadership practices to promote gender equity.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness of a low fermentable oligosaccharide, disaccharide, monosaccharide, and polyol diet (LFD) vs psyllium on the frequency and severity of fecal incontinence (FI) episodes in patients with loose stools. METHODS: This was a single-center, randomized pilot trial of adult patients with FI (Rome III) with at least 1 weekly FI episode associated with loose stool. Eligible patients were randomized to 4 weeks of either a dietitian-led LFD or 6 g/d psyllium treatment. RESULTS: Forty-three subjects were randomized from October 2014 to May 2019. Thirty-seven patients completed the study (19 LFD and 18 psyllium). There was no statistically significant difference in the proportion of treatment responders (>50% reduction in FI episodes compared with baseline) for treatment weeks 1–4 (LFD 38.9%, psyllium 50%, P = .33). Compared with baseline, mean fecal incontinence severity index score significantly improved with LFD (39.4 vs 32.6, P = .02) but not with psyllium (35.4 vs 32.1, P = .29). Compared with baseline values, the LFD group reported improvements in fecal incontinence quality of life coping/behavior, depression/self-perception, and embarrassment subscales. The psyllium group reported improvement in incontinence quality of life coping/behavior. DISCUSSION: In this pilot study, there was no difference in the proportion of patients who reported a 50% reduction of FI episodes with the LFD or psyllium. Subjects in the psyllium group reported a greater reduction in overall FI episodes, whereas the LFD group reported consistent improvements in FI severity and quality of life. Further work to understand these apparently discrepant results are warranted but the LFD and psyllium seem to provide viable treatment options for patients with FI and loose stools.

Objective To evaluate the effects of a quality improvement initiative regarding the administration of antibiotics at the time of obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASIS) repair. Methods At University of Michigan-a tertiary care center in Ann Arbor, MI, USA, we implemented a quality improvement intervention aimed at administering a single dose of broad-spectrum antibiotics at the time of OASIS repair. Best practice recommendations and reminders were presented to the department. Cefazolin plus metronidazole or clindamycin plus gentamycin were the recommended antibiotics. The effects of this intervention were assessed based on a chart review of deliveries between January 4, 2014 and February 13, 2019, which included patient data both pre-initiative and post-initiative to compare the prevalence of antibiotic use at the time of OASIS repair. Results Recommended antibiotic use increased from 0.3% (1/372) pre-initiative to 75.7% (106/140) post-initiative (P 0.001), and any antibiotic use increased from 6.5% (24/372) to 82.9% (116/140, P 0.001). The proportion of cases complicated by wound infection/breakdown decreased by 55% after the quality improvement intervention (3.2% pre-intervention vs 1.4% post-intervention, P = 0.22). Conclusion Following a departmental quality improvement intervention aimed at increasing antibiotic administration at the time of OASIS repair, antibiotic use increased 13-fold. Although underpowered to detect a significant difference in wound complications, our study showed a clinically meaningful decrease in wound infection/breakdown with antibiotic administration.

The Fundamentals of Vaginal Surgery (FVS) simulator and tasks were developed to teach and assess the basic surgical skills utilized in vaginal surgery. The primary aim of this study was to determine a proficiency cutoff score for the combined task performance. This was a pilot study used to determine the optimum “Competent/Not-competent” cutoff score to assess performance of surgeons on the FVS simulator. Residents (n = 14), fellows (n = 3), and attending surgeons (n = 5) were recruited to participate to perform 6 unique tasks relevant to vaginal surgery – two knot tying, two suturing, and two pedicle ligation tasks. The cutoff times used for each task were determined a priori by 3 Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (FPMRS) attending surgeon experts who participated in this study. A scoring method similar to that used in the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery was applied and calculated as Task score = (cutoff time) – (completion time) – 10 (sum of errors). Task scores were then summed and higher summed task scores indicated a better performance. Proficiency scores were determined based on the average expert performance level. To test the assessment’s ability to discriminate participants’ ability by group, three groups were created – novice (PGY 1 and 2), intermediate (PGY 3-7) and expert (FPMRS attendings) surgeons. Because data were non-normal, Kruskal Wallis test was used to compare median scores between groups. A cutoff score that maximized discrimination between novices and experts was identified, while considering criteria that all experts pass and all novices fail. Twenty-two participants were included – 6 novices, 11 intermediates, and 5 experts. Performance was significantly different between groups, with median scores (interquartile range [IQR]) for novice, intermediate, and expert groups of 261.5 (IQR = 211.5, 351.0), 480.0 (IQR = 389.0, 550.0), and 452.0 (IQR = 439.5, 603.5), respectively (P = 0.005; Figure 1). The cutoff score was set at 400. This score was consistent with approximately 1 standard deviation below the average expert performance. Based on this cutoff score, 0% (0/6) novices, 63.6% (7/11) intermediate, and 100% (5/5) experts passed. In this pilot study, a preliminary cutoff score was established to discriminate between novice and expert surgeons. Future work should include multi-institutional trials to ensure generalizability of this cutoff score and value as an assessment tool.

PURPOSE:To report experience designing and establishing a reproductive registry and sample biorepository and to describe initial subject characteristics and biospecimens.METHODS:Beginning in December 2017, patients presenting for reproductive care at the University of Michigan were approached for study enrollment. Following consent, subjects completed detailed reproductive and health questionnaires. A variety of reproductive specimens and tissues were collected and processed for multiple downstream applications.RESULTS:Subject enrollment began in December of 2017. There are currently 1798 subjects enrolled. Female participants report a variety of reproductive disorders. Available samples include semen, sperm, follicular fluid, granulosa cells, immature oocytes, ovarian and uterine tissue, and blood samples.CONCLUSION:We report the successful establishment of a reproductive registry and sample biorepository. Furthermore, we describe methods for collection and storage of a variety of reproductive tissue processed for multiple downstream translational applications.

BACKGROUND:Surgical training in the simulation lab can develop basic skills that translate to the operating room. Standardized, basic skills programs that are supported by validated assessment measures exist for open, laparoscopic, and endoscopic surgery; however, there is yet to be a nationally recognized and widely implemented basic skills program specifically for vaginal surgery.OBJECTIVE:Develop a vaginal surgical simulation system; evaluate robust validity evidence for the simulation system and its related performance measures; and establish a proficiency score that discriminates between novice and experienced vaginal surgeon performance.STUDY DESIGN:In this 3-phased study, we developed the Fundamentals of Vaginal Surgery simulation system consisting of (1) the Fundamentals of Vaginal Surgery Trainer, a task trainer; (2) a validated regimen of tasks to be performed on the trainer; and (3) performance measures to determine proficiency. In Phase I, we developed the task trainer and selected surgical tasks by performing a needs assessment and hierarchical task analyses, with review and consensus from an expert panel. In Phase II, we conducted a national survey of vaginal surgeons to collect validity evidence regarding test content, response process, and internal structure relevant to the simulation system. In Phase III, we compared performance of novice (first and second year residents) and experienced (third and fourth year residents, fellows, and faculty) surgeons on the simulation system to evaluate relevant relationships to other variables and consequences. Performance measures were analyzed to set a proficiency score that would discriminate between novice and expert (faculty) vaginal surgical performance.RESULTS:A novel task trainer and 6 basic vaginal surgical skills were developed in Phase I. In Phase II, the survey responses of 48 participants (27 faculty surgeons, 6 fellows, and 14 residents) were evaluated on the dimensions of test content, response process, and internal structure. To support evidence of test content, the participants deemed the task trainer and surgical tasks representative of intended surgical field and supportive of typical surgical actions (mean scores, 3.8-4.4/5). For response process, rater-data analysis revealed high rating variability regarding prototype color. This early evidence confirmed the value of a white prototype. For internal structure, there was high agreement among rater groups (obstetricians and gynecologists generalists vs Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery specialists: interclass correlation coefficient range, 0.59-0.91; learners vs faculty interclass correlation coefficient range, 0.64-1.0). There were no differences in ratings across institution type, surgeon volume, expertise (P>.14). In Phase III, we analyzed performance from 23 participants (15 [65%] obstetricians and gynecologists residents, 3 [13%] fellows, and 5 [22%] Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery faculty). Experienced surgeons scored significantly higher than novice surgeons (median, 467.5; interquartile range, [402.5-542.5] vs median, 261.5; interquartile range, [211.5-351.0]; P<.001). Based on these data, setting a proficiency score threshold at 400 results in 0% (0/6) novices attaining the score, with 100% (5/5) experts exceeding it.CONCLUSION:We present validity evidence relevant to all 5 sources which supports the use of this novel simulation system for basic vaginal surgical skills. To complement the system, a proficiency score of 400 was established to discriminate between novices and experts.

The objective was to identify structural failure sites in rectocele by comparing women with and those without posterior vaginal wall prolapse and accessing their relative contribution to rectocele size based on stress MRI-based measurements. We studied three-dimensional stress MRI at maximal Valsalva of 25 women with (cases) and 25 without (controls) posterior vaginal prolapse of similar age and parity. Vaginal wall factors (posterior wall length and width); attachment factors (paravaginal posterior wall location, posterior fornix height, and perineal height); and hiatal factors (hiatal size and levator ani defects) were measured using Slicer 4.3.0® and a custom Python program. Stepwise linear regression was used to assess the relative contribution of all factors to the posterior prolapse size. We identified three primary factors with large effect sizes of 2 or greater: two attachment factors—posterior paravaginal descent and perineal height; and one hiatal factor—genital hiatus size. These were the strongest predictors of the presence and size of rectocele, the most common failure sites, found in 60–76% of cases; and highly correlated with one another (r = 0.72–0.84, p < .001). Longer vaginal length, wider distal vagina, lower posterior fornix, and larger levator ani hiatus had smaller effect sizes and were less likely to fall outside the norm (20–24%) than the three primary factors. When considering all the supporting factors, the combination of perineal height, posterior fornix height, and vaginal length explained 73% of the variation in rectocele size. Lower perineal and lateral posterior vaginal location and enlarged genital hiatus size were strong predictors of rectocele occurrence and size and correlated highly.

Importance:The influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on fertility rates has been suggested in the lay press and anticipated based on documented decreases in fertility and pregnancy rates during previous major societal and economic shifts. Anticipatory planning for birth rates is important for health care systems and government agencies to accurately estimate size of economy and model working and/or aging populations. Objective:To use projection modeling based on electronic health care records in a large US university medical center to estimate changes in pregnancy and birth rates prior to and after the COVID-19 pandemic societal lockdowns. Design, Setting, and Participants:This cohort study included all pregnancy episodes within a single US academic health care system retrospectively from 2017 and modeled prospectively to 2021. Data were analyzed September 2021. Exposures:Pre- and post-COVID-19 pandemic societal shutdown measures. Main Outcomes and Measures:The primary outcome was number of new pregnancy episodes initiated within the health care system and use of those episodes to project birth volumes. Interrupted time series analysis was used to assess the degree to which COVID-19 societal changes may have factored into pregnancy episode volume. Potential reasons for the changes in volumes were compared with historical pregnancy volumes, including delays in starting prenatal care, interruptions in reproductive endocrinology and infertility services, and preterm birth rates. Results:This cohort study documented a steadily increasing number of pregnancy episodes over the study period, from 4100 pregnancies in 2017 to 4620 in 2020 (28 284 total pregnancies; median maternal [interquartile range] age, 30 [27-34] years; 18 728 [66.2%] White women, 3794 [13.4%] Black women; 2177 [7.7%] Asian women). A 14% reduction in pregnancy episode initiation was observed after the societal shutdown of the COVID-19 pandemic (risk ratio, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.79-0.92; P < .001). This decrease appeared to be due to a decrease in conceptions that followed the March 15 mandated COVID-19 pandemic societal shutdown. Prospective modeling of pregnancies currently suggests that a birth volume surge can be anticipated in summer 2021. Conclusions and Relevance:This cohort study using electronic medical record surveillance found an initial decline in births associated with the COVID-19 pandemic societal changes and an anticipated increase in birth volume. Future studies can further explore how pregnancy episode volume changes can be monitored and birth rates projected in real-time during major societal events.

Objective To determine the prevalence and type of surgical procedures undergone by postpartum women seen in a specialty postpartum pelvic floor clinic over 11 years. Methods This study was a retrospective chart review of patients requiring surgical intervention within a 1-year period after their initial visit to the Michigan Healthy Healing After Delivery (MHHAD) clinic at the University of Michigan from July 2007 through January 2019. Chart review was performed to abstract demographics, obstetric data, indication for postpartum clinic visit, primary and secondary indications for surgery, and procedures performed. Descriptive analyses were used to describe the cohort. Results Of the 1138 new MHHAD patients seen during the study period, 9.1% (n = 103) underwent surgical management. Anal incontinence was the primary or secondary indication for surgery in 51.5% (n = 53) of women. The most common surgical interventions were anal sphincteroplasty (37.9%,n = 39), perineal laceration revision (33.0%,n = 34), and rectovaginal fistula repair/fistulotomy (19.4%,n = 20). Of the women who had a sphincteroplasty, 61.5% (24/39) had a prior fourth-degree perineal laceration. Conclusions Anal sphincteroplasty was the most common surgical intervention undergone by women seen in a postpartum pelvic floor specialty clinic. Postpartum pelvic floor clinics, such as the Michigan Healthy Healing After Delivery Clinic, provide the expertise and specialized resources required to ensure the early diagnosis and treatment of pelvic floor conditions related to childbirth thus improving women's quality of life and preventing potential life-long sequelae.

Persistent postpartum pelvic pain affects one in six women, and its source is often unexplained in the absence of obvious clinical findings. Musculoskeletal injuries during childbirth are common and can be detected using MRI or US; however, pelvic imaging is not standard of care in evaluating women with persistent pain. We hypothesize that clinical symptoms in women with unexplained persistent postpartum pelvic pain will correlate with musculoskeletal abnormalities identified on MRI in > 50% of cases. Retrospective cohort study of women with persistent postpartum pelvic pain who underwent a pelvic MRI for this indication. Chart review was performed. MRI findings were classified as major (bone fracture, levator ani avulsion) or minor (edema, inflammation or partial levator ani defect). Descriptive statistics were used to describe the study population. Of the 252 women seen for postpartum pelvic pain, 18 patients met our study criteria. Half of women were primiparous (55.6%, n = 10). Operative delivery occurred in 27.8% (n = 5), 22.2% (n = 4) had anal sphincter lacerations, and 38.9% (n = 7) had prolonged second stage of labor. Median time from delivery to MRI was 4.5 ± 5.13 (IQR) months. Musculoskeletal abnormalities were found in 94.4% (n = 17) of cases; 38.8% (n = 7) were major and 55.6% (n = 10) were minor abnormalities. All findings correlated with presenting symptoms. Of women with persistent postpartum pelvic pain, 94.4% had musculoskeletal abnormalities supporting their clinical symptoms. Pelvic floor imaging should be considered in women with unexplained persistent postpartum pelvic pain to accurately manage the source of their pain.

As an academic department, we sought to identify effective strategies to engage our faculty and staff in diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and programs to build an inclusive department that would address our needs and those of our community and partners. Over a 4-year period, our faculty and staff have participated in town hall meetings, focus group discussions, surveys, and community-building activities to foster stakeholder engagement that will build a leading academic department for the future. We noted that our faculty and staff were committed to building diversity, equity, and inclusion, and our mission and vision were reflective of this. However, communication and transparency may be improved to help support a more inclusive department for all. In the future, we hope to continue with the integration of diversity, equity, and inclusion into our department's business processes to achieve meaningful, sustained change and impact through continued focus on recruitment, selection, retention, development, and wellness of faculty and staff-in addition to the continued recruitment of faculty and staff from underrepresented minority groups. Our findings should serve as a call to action for other academic obstetrics and gynecology departments to improve the health and well-being of the individuals we serve.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS:Childbirth pelvic floor trauma leads to pelvic floor disorders. Identification of significant injuries would facilitate intervention for recovery. Our objectives were to identify differences in pelvic floor appearance and function following delivery and patterns of normal recovery in women sustaining high-risk labor events. METHODS:We completed a prospective cohort study comparing women undergoing vaginal births involving risk factors for pelvic floor injury with women undergoing cesareans. Data were collected on multidimensional factors including levator ani muscle (LA) tears. Descriptive and bivariate statistics were used to compare the groups. We identified potential markers of pelvic floor injury based on effect size. RESULTS:Eighty-two women post-vaginal delivery and 30 women post-cesarean enrolled. The vaginal group had decreased perineal body length between early postpartum, 6 weeks (p < 0.001), and 6 months (p = 0.001). POP-Q points did not change between any time point (all p > 0.05). Measures of strength improved between each time point (all p < 0.002). When compared with cesarean delivery, women post-vaginal birth had longer genital hiatus and lower anterior and posterior vaginal walls (all p < 0.05). Based on theoretical considerations and effect sizes, those with Bp ≥0 cm, Kegel force ≤1.50 N, and/or an LA tear on imaging were considered to have significant pelvic floor injury. Using this definition, at 6 weeks, 27 (46.4%) women were classified as injured. At 6 months, 13 (29.6%) remained injured. CONCLUSIONS:We propose that pelvic floor muscle strength, posterior vaginal wall support, and imaging consistent with LA tear are potential indicators of abnormal or prolonged recovery in this cohort with high-risk labor events.