Operations and Pelvic Muscle Training in the Management of Apical Support Loss: The OPTIMAL Trial (NCT00597935) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Operations and Pelvic Muscle Training in the Management of Apical Support Loss: The OPTIMAL Trial
United States374 participantsStarted 2008-02
Plain-language summary
Pelvic organ prolapse is common among women with a prevalence that has been estimated to be as high as 30%. Pelvic organ prolapse often involves a combination of support defects involving the anterior, posterior and/or apical vaginal segments. While the anterior vaginal wall is the segment most likely to demonstrate recurrent prolapse after reconstructive surgery, reoperations are highest among those who require apical suspension procedures with or without repair of other vaginal segments (12%-33%). Despite the substantial health impact, there is a paucity of high quality evidence to support different practices in the management of prolapse, particularly surgery. Thus, the objectives of the Operations and Pelvic Muscle Training in the Management of Apical Support Loss (OPTIMAL) Trial are:
1. to compare sacrospinous ligament fixation (SSLF) to uterosacral vaginal vault ligament suspension (ULS); and
2. to assess the role of perioperative behavioral therapy/pelvic muscle training (PMT) in women undergoing vaginal surgery for apical or uterine prolapse and stress urinary incontinence.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
FEMALE
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Stage 2 to 4 prolapse
* Prolapse of the vaginal apex or cervix to at least half way into the vaginal canal (POPQ Point C \> -TVL/2) \[TVL stands for total vaginal length\]
* Vaginal bulge symptoms as indicated by an affirmative response to either questions on the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI)
* Vaginal surgery for prolapse is planned, including a vaginal apical suspension procedure.
* Stress incontinence symptoms as indicated by an affirmative response to the PFDI Stress incontinence subscale
* Documentation of transurethral stress leakage on an office stress test or urodynamics with or without prolapse reduction within the previous 12 months
* A tension free vaginal tape (TVT) is planned to treat stress urinary incontinence.
* A pelvic muscle training (PMT) visit can be performed at least 2 weeks and not more than 4 weeks before surgery.
* Available for 24-months of follow-up.
* Able to complete study assessments, per clinician judgment
* Able and willing to provide written informed consent
Exclusion Criteria:
* Contraindication to sacrospinous ligament fixation (SSLF), uterosacral vaginal vault ligament suspension (ULS), or TVT in the opinion of the treating surgeon.
* History of previous surgery that included a SSLF or ULS. (Previous vaginal vault suspensions using other techniques or in which the previous technique is unknown are eligible.)
* Pelvic pain or dyspareunia due to levator ani spasm that would preclude a PMT program.
* History …
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.