Abdominoperineal Excision: Evolution of a Centenary Operation

During the last century, great improvements have been made in rectal cancer management regarding preoperative staging, pathologic assessment, surgical technique, and multimodal therapies. Surgically, there was a move from a strategy characterized by simple perineal excision to complex procedures performed by means of a laparoscopic approach, and more recently with the aid of robotic systems. Perhaps the most important advance is that rectal cancer is no longer a fatal disease as it was at the beginning of the 20th century. This achievement is definitely due in part to Ernest Mile's contribution regarding lymphatic spread of tumor cells, which helped clarify the natural history of the disease and the proper treatment alternatives. He advocated a combined approach with the rationale to clear "the zone of upward spread." The aim of the present paper is to present a brief review concerning the evolution of rectal cancer surgery, focusing attention on Miles' abdominoperineal excision of the rectum (APR) and its controversies and refinements over time. Although APR has currently been restricted to a small proportion of patients with low rectal cancer, recent propositions to excise the rectum performing a wider perineal and a proper pelvic floor resection have renewed interest on this procedure, confirming that Ernest Miles' original ideas still influence rectal cancer management after more than 100 years.

Fitas adesivas, “Vanish” e técnica clareadora caseira: aspectos importantes a serem considerados

Em trabalhos experimentais, o peróxido de hidrogênio revelou-se um promotor da carcinogênese química bucal e em outras mucosas gastrintestinais. O peróxido de hidrogênio representa um cocarcinógeno, pois não inicia sozinho uma neoplasia maligna epitelial, mas pode potencializar outros agentes iniciadores. Na boca, onde atuam vários carcinógenos, a mucosa está, em sua maior parte, desprotegida, pois não tem em sua superfície uma espessa e contínua camada de queratina, como a pele. Em qualquer forma de ação, o peróxido de hidrogênio - o único clareador de dentes - requer técnica que proteja a mucosa e a região cervical do esmalte na junção com o cemento, e dificulte que seja engolido, indo para as partes mais inferiores do trato gastrintestinal. Este trabalho centra-se principalmente na necessidade de convencer pacientes, profissionais e agentes do mercado de que a forma mais correta e segura de clarear dentes está no consultório dos profissionais treinados e conscientes.

[Urinary incontinence]

Incontinence is a common age-dependent and increasing problem in women that may mainly present as stress incontinence, overactive bladder, mixed incontinence or other forms. A thorough history, gynaecological and neurological examination and urinalysis as initial step will lead to the diagnosis and treatment. If midstream urine is difficult to receive, a catheter urine will be easy to obtain. Further investigations as urodynamics, cystoscopy and ultrasound may be required. As initial step, stress incontinence should be treated with physiotherapy and pelvic floor exercises, if not successful with operations as suburethral slings. Slings have good long-term success rates of approximately 85 % with a low morbidity and can even be inserted under local anaesthetic. The treatment of idiopathic overactive bladder consists of bladder training, a behavioural therapy, and mainly anticholinergics. Anticholinergics may cause side effects particularly in the elderly who are under several medications that may add anticholinergic effects as antidepressants, antibiotics or antihistaminics.

Suburothelial myofibroblasts in the human overactive bladder and the effect of botulinum neurotoxin type A treatment

BACKGROUND: An increasing body of evidence suggests a possible role of suburothelial myofibroblasts (MFs) in bladder mechanosensation and in the pathophysiology of detrusor overactivity (DO). OBJECTIVE: To determine whether markers of MFs, including gap junction protein connexin43 (Cx43) and c-kit have altered immunohistochemical expression in the suburothelium of patients with neurogenic DO (NDO) or idiopathic DO (IDO) and whether this is affected by successful treatment of DO with botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNTA). DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Patients with NDO (n=10) or IDO (n=11) were treated in a single-centre, open-label study of intradetrusor BoNTA injections. Control tissue was obtained from 10 patients undergoing pelvic-floor repair procedures who had no overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00662064. INTERVENTIONS: Bladder biopsies performed with flexible cystoscopes were obtained from control subjects and from NDO and IDO patients before BoNTA treatment and at 4 wk and 16 wk after treatment. They were studied with quantitative immunofluorescence using antibodies to connexin 43 (Cx43), vimentin, and c-kit. MEASUREMENTS: Differences in Cx43, vimentin, and c-kit immunoreactivity between control subjects and NDO or IDO patients (primary outcomes). Changes in NDO or IDO, Cx43 immunoreactivity, and c-kit immunoreactivity after BoNTA treatment (secondary outcomes). RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Cx43 immunoreactivity was increased in both IDO and NDO patients compared to controls, but remained unchanged after BoNTA treatment. C-kit immunoreactivity was similar in NDO/IDO patients and controls and remained unchanged after BoNTA treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Increased gap junction formation in the suburothelium has been demonstrated in biopsies from humans with DO. It is hypothesised that this change could have a significant role in the pathogenesis of the detrusor abnormality. Successful treatment of NDO or IDO does not appear to be associated with changes in the expression of Cx43 or c-kit on suburothelial MFs.

Adaptaciones cardiacas hemodinámicas, estructurales y funcionales a un programa de ejercicio físico supervisado durante el embarazo: ensayo clínico aleatorizado = Hemodynamic, structural and functional cardiac adaptations in a supervised physical exercise program during pregnancy: a randomized controlled trial

Introducción: Diversos cambios ocurren en el sistema cardiovascular materno durante el embarazo, lo que genera un gran estrés sobre este sistema especialmente durante el tercer trimestre, pudiendo acentuarse en presencia de determinados factores de riesgo. Los objetivos de este estudio fueron, valorar las adaptaciones cardiovasculares producidas por un programa específico de ejercicio físico; su seguridad sobre el sistema cardiovascular materno y los resultados del embarazo; y su eficacia en el control de los factores de riesgo cardiovascular. Material y métodos: El diseño del estudio fue un ensayo clínico aleatorizado. 151 gestantes sanas fueron evaluadas mediante un ecocardiograma y un electrocardiograma en la semana 20 y 34 de gestación. Un total de 89 gestantes participaron en un programa de ejercicio físico (GE) desde el primer hasta el tercer trimestre de embarazo, constituido principalmente por 25-30 minutos de trabajo aeróbico (55-60% de la frecuencia cardiaca de reserva), trabajo de fortalecimiento general y específico, y un trabajo de tonificación del suelo pélvico; desarrollado 3 días a la semana con una duración de 55-60 minutos cada sesión. Las gestantes aleatoriamente asignadas al grupo de control (GC; n=62) permanecieron sedentarias durante el embarazo. El estudio fue aprobado por el Comité Ético de investigación clínica del Hospital Universitario de Fuenlabrada. Resultados: Las características basales fueron similares entre ambos grupos. A diferencia del GC, las gestantes del GE evitaron el descenso significativo del gasto cardiaco indexado, entre el 2º y 3ºT de embarazo, y conservaron el patrón geométrico normal del ventrículo izquierdo; mientras que en el GC cambió hacia un patrón de remodelado concéntrico. En la semana 20, las gestantes del GE presentaron valores significativamente menores de frecuencia cardiaca (GC: 79,56±10,76 vs. GE: 76,05±9,34; p=0,04), tensión arterial sistólica (GC: 110,19±10,23 vs. GE: 106,04±12,06; p=0,03); tensión arterial diastólica (GC: 64,56±7,88 vs. GE: 61,81±7,15; p=0,03); tiempo de relajación isovolumétrica (GC: 72,94±14,71 vs. GE: 67,05±16,48; p=0,04); y un mayor tiempo de deceleración de la onda E (GC: 142,09±39,11 vs. GE: 162,10±48,59; p=0,01). En la semana 34, el GE presentó valores significativamente superiores de volumen sistólico (GC: 51,13±11,85 vs. GE: 56,21±12,79 p=0,04), de llenado temprano del ventrículo izquierdo (E) (GC: 78,38±14,07 vs. GE: 85,30±16,62; p=0,02) y de tiempo de deceleración de la onda E (GC: 130,35±37,11 vs. GE: 146,61±43,40; p=0,04). Conclusión: La práctica regular de ejercicio físico durante el embarazo puede producir adaptaciones positivas sobre el sistema cardiovascular materno durante el tercer trimestre de embarazo, además de ayudar en el control de sus factores de riesgo, sin alterar la salud materno-fetal. ABSTRACT Background: Several changes occur in the maternal cardiovascular system during pregnancy. These changes produce a considerable stress in this system, especially during the third trimester, which can be increased in presence of some risk factors. The aims of this study were, to assess the maternal cardiac adaptations in a specific exercise program; its safety on the maternal cardiovascular system and pregnancy outcomes; and its effectiveness in the control of cardiovascular risk factors. Material and methods: A randomized controlled trial was designed. 151 healthy pregnant women were assessed by an echocardiography and electrocardiography at 20 and 34 weeks of gestation. A total of 89 pregnant women participated in a physical exercise program (EG) from the first to the third trimester of pregnancy. It consisted of 25-30 minutes of aerobic conditioning (55-60% of their heart rate reserve), general and specific strength exercises, and a pelvic floor muscles training; 3 times per weeks during 55-60 minutes per session. Pregnant women randomized allocated to the control group (CG) remained sedentary during pregnancy. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Hospital Universitario de Fuenlabrada. Results: Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. Difference from the CG, pregnant women from the EG prevented the significant decrease of the cardiac output index, between the 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy, and preserved the normal left ventricular pattern; whereas in the CG shifted to concentric remodeling pattern. At 20 weeks, women in the EG had significant lower heart rate (CG: 79,56±10,76 vs. EG: 76,05±9,34; p=0,04), systolic blood pressure (CG: 110,19±10,23 vs. EG: 106,04±12,06; p=0,03); diastolic blood pressure (CG: 64,56±7,88 vs. EG: 61,81±7,15; p=0,03); isovolumetric relaxation time (GC: 72,94±14,71 vs. GE: 67,05±16,48; p=0,04); and a higher deceleration time of E Wave (GC: 142,09±39,11 vs. GE: 162,10±48,59; p=0,01). At 34 weeks, the EG had a significant higher stroke volume (CG: 51,13±11,85 vs. EG: 56,21±12,79 p=0,04), early filling of left ventricular (E) (CG: 78,38±14,07 vs. EG: 85,30±16,62; p=0,02) and deceleration time of E wave (CG: 130,35±37,11 vs. EG:146,61±43,40; p=0,04). Conclusion: Physical regular exercise program during pregnancy may produce positive maternal cardiovascular adaptations during the third trimester of pregnancy. In addition, it helps to control the cardiovascular risk factors without altering maternal and fetus health.

Esferas vaginales: función terapéutica

Introducción: Las esferas vaginales también son conocidas como bolas chinas, bolas vaginales, bolas del amor, bolas de geisha, Rin no tama, bolas Ben Wa. Ayudan a fortalecer el suelo pélvico. Estas producen una microvibración al moverse la bola del interior, favoreciendo la musculatura del suelo pélvico y aumentando el riego sanguíneo a nivel de la pelvis. Hay esferas de diferente peso, par su indicación el suelo pélvico debe estar tónico. Objetivo: Revisar la literatura sobre la efectividad de las esferas vaginales e incrementar los conocimientos de los profesionales sobre este tipo de tratamiento propioceptivo, que resulta eficaz para muchas mujeres por su fácil utilización. Metodología: Búsqueda bibliográfica en las bases de datos: Cochrane Plus, Medline, Gerion, Scielo, Cuiden, Biblioteca de Salud Reproductiva de la OMS y google académico. Resultados: Las esferas vaginales son eficaces en el tratamiento de la incontinencia urinaria y fecal y para el entrenamiento del suelo pélvico. La incontinencia urinaria es un problema frecuente y molesto, que puede llegar a interferir en el trabajo, en la vida social y sexual. Hay necesidad de más ensayos para evaluar los métodos y protocolos de entrenamiento adecuados para la prevención de la incontinencia, del prolapso y de la disfunción sexual. Conclusión: Se ha evidenciado que las esferas vaginales son eficaces en el tratamiento de mujeres con incontinencia urinaria de esfuerzo e igualmente efectivas, en el entrenamiento muscular del suelo pélvico.

Can group exercise programs improve health outcomes in pregnant women? A systematic review

Current scientific evidence supports the recommendation to initiate or continue the practice of physical exercise in healthy pregnant women. Group exercise programs have positive effects in improving health and well-being, as well as social support. In order to understand the scientific evidence in this field, and the outcomes in maternal health, it has generated wide interest in exploring the studies carried out with more relevant group exercise programs. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the available evidence on the effectiveness of group exercise programs in improving women’s and newborns health outcomes during pregnancy. Three databases were used to conduct literature searches and strict inclusion and exclusion criteria were employed. Seventeen studies were selected for analysis. All studies were randomized control trials conducted with pregnant women that evaluated the effect of group exercise programs on the health outcomes of mother and newborn. Most studies followed a supervised structured exercise program including a main aerobic part, resistance training, pelvic floor training and stretching and relaxation sections. The significant effects of the programs are related with improved maternal perception of health status, lower maternal weight gain, improved levels of maternal glucose tolerance, improved aerobic fitness and muscular strength, lower frequency of urinary incontinence, improved sick leave due to lumbopelvic pain, fewer cesarean and instrumental deliveries, higher newborn Apgar score and faster postpartum recovery. Exercise and health professionals should advise pregnant women that aerobic group exercise during pregnancy improves a wide range of health outcomes for the women and newborn

Endometrial and vaginal effects of low-dose estradiol delivered by vaginal ring or vaginal tablet

Aims The major aims of the study were to compare the safety of a continuous low-dose estradiol-releasing vaginal ring (ESTring) to that of a vaginal estradiol tablet (Vagifem®) on the endometrium and the relief of subjective symptoms and signs of urogenital estrogen deficiency. Quality of life and acceptability of treatment delivery were also assessed. Study design A prospective, randomized study in which women were assigned in a 2: 1 ratio to ESTring and Vagifem and followed for 12 months. The primary endpoint was endometrial safety, based on the results of ultrasound measurement of endometrial thickness and a progestogen challenge test at baseline and week 48. Efficacy was determined by subjective assessment of urogenital estrogen deficiency symptoms at baseline and weeks 3, 12, 24, 36 and 48 and assessment of signs of vaginal epithelial atrophy by the clinician at baseline, 12 and 48 weeks. In addition, pelvic floor strength, vaginal cytological evaluation and pH, bacteruria and patient acceptability were assessed. Quality of life was assessed using a menopause-specific quality-of-life questionnire and a 2-day bladder diary at baseline and 12 and 48 weeks. The comparability of the two groups was assessed using ANOVA, χ(2) or Fisher's exact tests. Results A total of 126 women were randomized to ESTring and 59 to Vagifem. There was no statistical difference between the groups in the alleviation of symptoms and signs of urogenital estrogen deficiency. Maturation indices increased in both groups, from generally atrophic at baseline to proliferative or highly proliferative at 48 weeks. After 48 weeks of treatment, there was no statistically significant difference in endometrial thickness between the two groups. A statistically smaller proportion of bleeding/spotting occurred in the ESTring group (n = 0) compared to the Vagifem users (n = 4). Estradiol and total estrone serum levels increased during treatment in both groups but remained within the normal postmenopausal range. General health status in both groups was unchanged but the urogenital component of health burden was significantly improved in both groups. Bladder diary variables showed no differences between treatment groups. Conclusion Equivalent endometrial safety and efficacy in the relief of the symptoms and signs of urogenital estrogen deficiency were demonstrated for the 12 months' use of a low-dose estradiol-releasing vaginal ring and a vaginal estradiol tablet.

Stress Urinary Incontinence in Female Athletes

Objective: The purpose of this study is to educate allied health professionals and female athletes of the anatomy of the pelvic floor, and the pathology, etiology, and prevalence of stress urinary incontinence in female athletes. Background: Urinary incontinence is not a life-threatening or dangerous condition, but it is socially embarrassing, may cause the individual to remove herself from social situations, and decrease quality of life. While typically associated with parous women who had vaginal delivery, research has shown prevalence of the condition in physically active women of all ages. Stress urinary incontinence has shown to lead to withdrawal from participation in high-impact activities such as gymnastics, aerobics, and running. It may be considered a barrier for life-long athletics participation in women. Description: An in-depth introduction to the cause and origin of stress urinary incontinence including review of the female pelvic floor anatomy and prevalence of stress urinary incontinence in the female athletic population. Clinical Advantages: Athletic trainers and other allied health professionals will develop an understanding of the multiple mechanisms that cause stress urinary incontinence. Clinician competency of the dynamics and mechanism of urinary incontinence prepares the individual to learn diagnostics, prevention, pharmacological intervention, and treatment of this pathology.

Influência da paridade, do tipo de parto e do nível de atividade física sobre a musculatura do assoalho pélvico em mulheres na pós-menopausa

The post-menopause stage is characterized by hormonal and organic alterations of ovarian failure. One of the most important of these is muscles alterations of the pelvic floor (MPF). According to current literature, in young women gynecological and obstetric factors, as well as lifestyles and habits influence that loss of function. However, there is still uncertainty about the influence of those variables in the MPF functions in post-menopause women. Thus, this study aimed at seeing if there is an influence from number of births, the type of birth and the level of physical activity on the MPF of post-menopause women. Another objective of this study was to compare MPF force in women who had had vaginal births with those who had been subjected to cesarean sections, those with different levels of physical activity and those with artificial and natural menopause in the initial and latter stages. Furthermore, the test of muscular force was compared to perineometry. Using observational, analytical and transversal observations, 100 women in the post-menopausal stage of life, between the ages of 45 and 65, were examined. They were divided according to the menopausal stage into three groups: women who had undergone hysterectomies, those in the initial stages of postmenopause and those in the late stage of postmenpause. The patients were questioned about social, demographic, gynecological and obstetric factors. All the volunteers were submitted to a physical examination where their height and weight were measured to arrive at the corporal mass index and their waist measurements were taken. The evaluation of the pelvic floor was conducted with muscular force tests and perineometry. These results were analyzed with statistical description and ANOVA statistical tests, multiple regression and Kolmogorov-Smirnov evaluations. The results showed homogeneity with regard to social demographic and anthropometric characteristics among the women in the final test sample (n=85). It was also seen that most of the women in all three groups were married (p=0.51) and catholic (p=0.13). The average per capital income varied between $R585.47 (+/-466.67) and $R1,271.83 (+/-1,748.95), with no significant difference between the groups (p=0.05). The G>6 group presented an average age between 58.95 (+/-3.96) which was significantly greater that the G<6 group´s average age (53.21+/- 3.88) (p=0.000). There was no difference between the groups´ anthropometric characteristics of weight (p=0.32), height (p=0.72) and corporal mass index (p=0.34), nor in the waist measurements (p=0.33). Furthermore, no significant difference was noted in the MPF function of women who had had normal births, cesarean sections or a combination of the two (TFM p=0.897; perineum measurement p=0.502). Likewise, no differences were seen in the MPF function of women who had one, two to three or four or more births (TFM p=0.28, perineum measurement p=0.13). Finally, no difference was perceived among those with different levels of physical activity (TFM p=0.663; perineum measurement p=0.741). Therefore, we found that the type of delivery, number of births and physical activity had no influence on the muscular function of the pelvic floor among the women studied. It is believed that decline in muscular function in post-menopause women is fundamentally related to the process of aging.

Correlação entre força muscular do assoalho pélvico, função sexual e qualidade de vida em mulheres de meia idade

Introduction: Menopause is characterized by the depletion of ovarian follicles and the gradual decline in estradiol levels, which ends with the definitive cessation of menstrual periods (menopause). As a result of hypoestrogenism, characteristic symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, dyspareunia, insomnia, mood swings and depression can be observed. There is also the weakening of the pelvic floor muscles (MAP) as a result of progressive muscle-aponeurotic and connective atrophy with consequent decreased sexual function. Objective: To evaluate the strength of MAP, sexual function and quality of life of menopausal women. Methodology: This is an observational, analytical, cross-sectional design. The sample consisted of 55 women (35 postmenopausal and 20 perimenopausal), aged between 40 and 65, who were assessed by muscle strength and perineometry test. For the assessment of sexual function and quality of life, used the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and Utian Quality of Life (UQOL), respectively. Statistical analysis was performed using Pearson's correlation and multivariate analysis. Results: The mean age was 52.78 (± 6.47 years). Sexual dysfunction presented, 61.8% of participants (43.62% of postmenopausal and perimenopausal 18.17%). Muscle strength test and the maximum perineometry had a median of 3.00 (Q25: 2 e Q75: 4) and 33,50 cmH20 (Q25: 33,5 e Q75: 46,6), respectively. No correlation was found between sexual function and muscle strength (r = 0.035; p = 0.802) and between sexual function and perineometry (r = 0.126; p = 0.358). The mean total score of UQOL was 74.45 (± 12.23). Weak positive correlation was found between sexual function and quality of life (r = +0.422 p = 0.001). Multivariate analysis identified associations between sexual function and variables: quality of life, climacteric symptoms, physical activity and education level. Conclusions: These results suggest that the climacteric symptoms, quality of life, physical activity and level of education are associated with sexual function in menopausal women. However, the muscular component of sexual function needs to be further investigated in this context.

Randomized controlled trial of physiotherapy for postpartum stress incontinence : 7-year follow-up

Objective To estimate the long-term effect of intensive, 6-week physiotherapy programs, with and without deep abdominal muscle (TrA) training, on persistent postpartum stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Methods The study was a single-blind randomized controlled trial. Fifty-seven postnatal women with clinically demonstrated persistent SUI 3 months after delivery participated in 8 weeks of either pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) (28) or PFMT with deep abdominal muscle training (PFMT + TrA) (29). Seven years post-treatment, 35 (61.4%) participants agreed to the follow-up; they were asked to complete a 20-min pad test and three incontinence-specific questionnaires with an assessor blinded to each participant's group assignment. Results: Of the 35 (61.4%) who agreed to the follow-up: 26 (45.6%) took the 20-min pad test (12 PFMT and 14 PFMT + TrA) and 35 (61.4%) completed the questionnaires (18 PFMT and 17 PFMT + TrA). The baseline clinical characteristics of the follow-up and non-follow-up participants were not significantly different; nor did they differ between PFMT and PFMT + TrA participants enrolled in the follow-up study. At 7 years, the pad test scores for the PFMT group did not differ statistically from those of the PFMT + TrA group. When combining both treatment groups, a total of 14/26 (53%) follow-up participants were still continent according to the pad test. Conclusion The addition of deep abdominal training does not appear to further improve the outcome of PFM training in the long term. However, benefits of physiotherapy for postpartum SUI, although not as pronounced as immediately after the initial intervention, is still present 7 years post-treatment.

Physiotherapy for persistent postnatal stress urinary incontinence : a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of multimodal supervised physiotherapy programs with the absence of treatment among women with persistent postnatal stress urinary incontinence. METHODS: This was a single-blind randomized controlled trial. Sixty-four women with stress urinary incontinence were randomly assigned to 8 weeks of either multimodal pelvic floor rehabilitation (n = 21), multimodal pelvic floor rehabilitation with abdominal muscle training (n = 23), or control non–pelvic floor rehabilitation (n = 20). The primary outcome measure consisted of a modified 20-minute pad test. The secondary outcome measures included a Visual Analog Scale describing the perceived burden of incontinence, the Urogenital Distress Inventory, the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire, and pelvic floor muscle function measurements. RESULTS: Two patients dropped out, leaving 62 for analysis. At follow-up, more than 70% of the women in the treatment groups (14/20 in the pelvic floor and 17/23 in the pelvic floor plus abdominal group) were continent on pad testing compared with 0% of women in the control group. Scores on the pad test, Visual Analog Scale, Urogenital Distress Inventory, and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire improved significantly in both treatment groups (all P < .002), whereas no changes were observed in the control group. Pelvic floor muscle function, however, did not improve significantly in either active group. CONCLUSION: Multimodal supervised pelvic floor physiotherapy is an effective treatment for persistent postnatal stress urinary incontinence.

Virtual reality rehabilitation as a treatment approach for older women with mixed urinary incontinence : a feasibility study

Background Motivated patients are more likely to adhere to treatment resulting in better outcomes. Virtual reality rehabilitation (VRR) is a treatment approach that includes video gaming to enhance motivation and functional training. Aims The study objectives were (1) to evaluate the feasibility of using a combination of pelvic floor muscles (PFM) exercises and VRR (PFM/VRR) to treat mixed urinary incontinence (MUI) in older women, (2) to evaluate the effectiveness of the PFM/VRR program on MUI symptoms, quality of life (QoL), and (3) gather quantitative information regarding patient satisfaction with this new combined training program. Methods Women 65 years and older with at least 2 weekly episodes of MUI were recruited. Participants were evaluated two times before and one time after a 12-week PFM/VRR training program. Feasibility was defined as the participants' rate of participation in and completion of both the PFM/VRR training program and the home exercise. Effectiveness was evaluated through a bladder diary, pad test, symptom and QoL questionnaire, and participant's satisfaction through a questionnaire. Results Twenty-four women (70.5 ± 3.6 years) participated. The participants complied with the study demands in terms of attendance at the weekly treatment sessions (91%), adherence to home exercise (92%) and completion of the three evaluations (96%). Post-intervention, the frequency and quantity of urine leakage decreased and patientreported symptoms and QoL improved significantly. Most participants were very satisfied with treatment (91%). Conclusion A combined PFM/VRR program is an acceptable, efficient, and satisfying functional treatment for older women with MUI and should be explore through further RCTs.