The use of midurethral sling in the correction of low-stage cystoceles: a prospective randomized trial.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The objective was to assess whether midurethral slings (MUS) can improve both stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and cystoceles. MUS with anterior colporrhaphy (AC) as a treatment for SUI with cystocele is more invasive and carries greater risk than MUS alone. METHODS: This is a prospective randomized study involving women with stage 1 or 2 cystocele and SUI, who were > 21 years of age, who had had no previous surgery for SUI. Predominant SUI, symptomatic anterior pelvic organ prolapse, and informed consent were mandatory. Patients were randomized as to whether AC had been performed. The sling procedure was left to the surgeon's discretion: pubovaginal sling, tension-free vaginal tape, or trans-obturator tape. Success was defined as a negative stress test and no evidence of cystocele upon local examination. RESULTS: Ninety-eight patients were enrolled, 48 underwent MUS, and 50 underwent MUS and AC. Mean age ± SD was 44.96 ± 8.13 years. Baseline characteristics were similar. Operative time and blood loss were significantly higher in the MUS/AC group (p = 0.01 and 0.02 respectively). At 3 months, success was 79.1% and 77.8% in the MUS and MUS/AC groups respectively. This was maintained until 6 months (79.1% and 77.8% respectively). At 1 year, the results were comparable with success rates of 96.2% and 87.0% in the MUS and MUS and AC groups respectively. Symptom scores were comparable at 6- and 12-month evaluations. CONCLUSION: Midurethral slings correct symptomatic stage 1 or 2 cystoceles without the need for AC, which carries the risk of a significantly longer procedure and more significant blood loss.

A novel suturing technique for natural tissue repair in cystocele treatment.

BACKGROUND: Recently, natural tissue repair has become popular in the treatment of pelvic organ prolapsed. In this study, we compared patients who underwent cystocele repair with the rug-weaving plication technique, a natural tissue repair method implemented since 2022 for anterior prolapse, with those treated using conventional colporrhaphy. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the data of 65 patients who underwent anterior vaginal wall repair with the rug-weaving plication technique (n = 33, Group 1) or conventional colporrhaphy (n = 32, Group 2). We recorded the patients' clinicodemographic and surgical data. At the 6-month postoperative follow-up, we assessed patients' complaints, degree of prolapse (using the simplified Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification system), and pelvic floor muscle strength (using the Modified Oxford Score). Anterior vaginal wall thickness was measured using transvaginal ultrasonography. We compared clinicodemographic and surgical data and postoperative outcomes between the two groups. RESULTS: The two groups were comparable in terms of age (p = 0.326), number of pregnancies (p = 0.307), number of parities (p = 0.555), preoperative anterior wall simplified Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification grade (p = 0.380), preoperative apical prolapse simplified Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification grade (p = 0.518), postoperative Modified Oxford Score (p = 0.857), operation time (p = 0.809), postoperative haemoglobin (p = 0.674), and amount of bleeding (p = 0.951). Compared with Group 2, Group 1 had significantly higher postoperative anterior vaginal wall thickness (p < 0.001) and significantly lower postoperative anterior wall simplified Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification grade (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The rug-weaving plication technique may offer a viable alternative for cystocele repair without mesh, using natural tissue and potentially reducing mesh-related complications and recurrence rates. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: NCT06410469 (03/05/2024).

A pilot study to evaluate changes in pelvic floor muscle tone following pelvic organ prolapse surgery using a novel intra-vaginal pressure sensor device.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Pelvic floor muscle weakness is a common cause of pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence. Surgical repair of prolapse is commonly undertaken; however, the impact on pelvic floor muscle tone is unknown. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of anterior and posterior colporrhaphy on pelvic floor activation. METHODS: Patients aged under 70 undergoing primary anterior or posterior colporrhaphy were recruited. Intra-vaginal pressure was measured at rest and during pelvic floor contraction using the Femfit® device (an intra-vaginal pressure sensor device [IVPSD]). Peak pressure and mean pressure over 3 s were measured in millimetres of mercury. The pre- and post-operative measurements were compared. The difference between the means was assessed using Cohen's D test, with significance set at p<0.05 RESULTS: A total of 37 patients completed pre- and post-operative analysis, 25 in the anterior colporrhaphy group and 12 in the posterior colporrhaphy group. Anterior colporrhaphy showed no significant change in pelvic floor tone. Change in peak pressure was -1.71mmHg (-5.75 to 2.33; p=0.16) and change in mean pressure was -0.86 mmHg (-4.38 to 2.66; p=0.31). Posterior colporrhaphy showed a significant increase in peak pelvic floor muscle tone of 7.2 mmHg (0.82 to 13.58; p=0.005) and mean pressure of 4.19 mmHg (-0.09 to 8.47; p=0.016). CONCLUSIONS: Posterior colporrhaphy significantly improves pelvic floor muscle tone, whereas anterior colporrhaphy does not. Improved understanding of the impact of pelvic floor surgery may guide future management options for other pelvic floor disorders. Further work is needed to confirm the association of this improvement in pelvic floor disorders.

Effect of anterior repair on sexual function in heterosexual couples.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Little is known about the impact of native tissue repair techniques on heterosexual intercourse. This study was aimed at investigating the effect of anterior colporrhaphy on women's and their partners' sexual function. METHODS: Sexually active women with a male partner who were diagnosed with anterior wall prolapse without any incontinence were prospectively recruited from a single academic center. Demographic data were collected and a Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification examination was performed. Before and 3 months post-operatively, women completed two validated questionnaires to assess sexual function, the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Vaginal Symptoms short form (ICIQ-VS SF) 55, and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and their male partners completed the International Index of Erectile function-5. Pre- and post-operative results were compared using a paired t test. RESULTS: This study was conducted in the gynecology department of a university hospital between May 2022 and June 2023, where 50 heterosexual couples were enrolled and underwent isolated anterior repair. The mean age of women and their partners were 44.3 ± 5.12 and 48.1 ± 5.81 respectively. Overall, female sexual function improved significantly from pre- to 3 months postoperatively with a decrease in ICIQ-VS SF scores from 13.3 ± 3.27 to 1.7 ± 1.1 (p < 0.05) and an increase in FSFI scores from 21.74 ± 9.37 to 29.28 ± 9.97 (p < 0.05). The only domain that did not improve was sexual pain. For their male partners, there was a similar significant improvement in sexual function with an increase in scores from 48.71 ± 8.71 to 60.68 ± 8.63 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Isolated anterior repair was associated with improved short-term sexual function amongst heterosexual couples.

Antibiotic prophylaxis in posterior colporrhaphy does not reduce postoperative infection: a nationwide observational cohort study.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The aim of this study was to explore if antibiotic prophylaxis prevents postoperative infection after a posterior colporrhaphy. METHODS: In this register-based nationwide cohort study data were collected from the "The Swedish National Quality Register of Gynecological Surgery" (GynOp). Women 18 years or older who underwent a primary posterior colporrhaphy between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2020 were included. Patients undergoing any concomitant prolapse procedure, mesh surgery, or incontinence procedure were excluded. The cohort was divided into two groups based on administration of antibiotic prophylaxis (n = 1,218) or not (n = 4,884). The primary outcome of this study was patient-reported infectious complication requiring antibiotic treatment. Secondary outcome measures included patient satisfaction and prolapse-related symptoms at 1 year postoperatively. RESULTS: A total of 7,799 patients who underwent posterior colporrhaphy and met the inclusion criteria and did not meet the exclusion criteria were identified in the register database. Of these patients 6,102 answered the primary outcome question (79%). In the antibiotic prophylaxis group a total of 138 reported a postoperative infection (11%) and in the no antibiotic prophylaxis group the corresponding data were 520 (11%). There were no significant differences regarding either the primary or the secondary outcomes between the study groups. CONCLUSION: In this nationwide Swedish register study antibiotic prophylaxis was not associated with a reduced risk of postoperative infection after a posterior colporrhaphy.

Colporrhaphy using elastic tissue continuous with and obscured behind the fibromuscular layer of the vaginal wall.

AIM: Due to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's order to cease the use of surgical mesh for transvaginal repair, an improvement of the native tissue repair (NTR) of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) could become important as one of the first-line operative methods. This study details the surgical technique of an NTR method we developed, with report of our 5 years of experience. METHODS: Operative technique: A new fibromuscular layer (FL) was constructed using a thick and elastic tissue continuous with and obscured behind the original FL of the vaginal wall. PATIENTS: Between April 2017 and March 2020, we performed our novel repair technique on 87 women with POP of either quantification stage III or IV. RESULTS: We followed up 80 of the 87 women for over 24 months up to 60 months (follow-up rate: 91.2%). POP recurred (defined as stage II or higher) in four patients (5.0%). Operation time was 49-70 min. The bleeding volume was 70-250 g. There were no intra- or postoperative complications that required further treatment. CONCLUSIONS: This procedure could potentially become one of the first-line operative methods for repairing POP.

The role of hydrodissection in native tissue repair of anterior vaginal wall defects.

AIMS: A variety of surgical techniques are available for vaginal prolapse repair, indicating a lack of consensus. A debate regarding the utility of hydrodissection for splitting the surgical plane of the vaginal wall exists. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of hydrodissection in anterior colporrhaphy (AC). MATERIALS: Patients undergoing primary AC were randomly assigned to an approach with (study group) versus without (control group) hydrodissection. Five surgeons performed both techniques, and the trimmed vaginal tissue was retrieved for histological analysis. Two pathologists, blinded to the surgical approach, evaluated the presence of a loose connective tissue at the surgical dissection plane (controversially deemed 'fascia', as explained in this article). In addition, we compared the operative time, pain score and haemoglobin levels. After statistical analysis, data were presented using percentile, and statistical significance was tested using the χ2 and Fisher's exact tests. RESULTS: Forty-six patients underwent primary elective AC, with 23 patients in each, the study and control groups. The groups were comparable regarding age (study group 60.33 ± 11.95 years and control group 59.86 ± 12.04, P = 0.90), menopausal status (study group 17 (73.9%) and control group 15 (68.2%), P = 0.67) and other characteristics. We found no difference in sample characteristics between the two groups. Connective tissue was found in only 13.6% (n = 3) of patients after hydrodissection and in 27.3% (n = 6) of patients without hydrodissection (P = 0.46). The hydrodissection group had significantly less bleeding than the control group (ΔHB 0.66 ± 0.66 vs 1.21 ± 0.84, P = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: After hydrodissection, less bleeding was noted without compromise the surgical planes.

Outcomes of a fixed skeletonised mini mesh implant for pelvic organ prolapse repair with uterine preservation.

Mesh repair of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is complicated, causing erosions, postoperative pain and surgical failure. We hypothesised that reducing the mesh size and fixating it would result in significant cure rates and reduce complication rates. Here, we present the effectiveness of mini mesh implants in POP reconstruction. Sixty women who underwent repair of stage III and IV apical prolapse with cystocele or rectocele using skeletonised mesh implant Seratom PA MR MN® were evaluated. Anatomical outcomes were assessed using modified POP-quantification (POP-Q) staging and functional outcomes were self-reported by patients - one and three months post-operatively. Apical support with anterior and/or posterior colporrhaphy was performed, resulting in 96.6% success rate. Follow-up conducted one and three months post-operatively revealed significant improvement on the modified POP-Q (p < .001) and no complaints of dyspareunia. Para-vesicular fixation using a skeletonised mini mesh implant is feasible and effective in POP repair and has low surgical complication risk.Impact StatementWhat is already known on this subject? Mesh repair for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is currently under scrutiny as it may result in erosions, postoperative pain, and surgical failure.What do the results of this study add? The use of an apical support with mini-mesh implants resulted in a 96.6% (58/60) success rate and excellent outcomes at 1- and 3-month follow-up.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Reconstruction using skeletonised and fixated mini-mesh implants may be safe and effective for POP treatment.

Preoperative pudendal block with liposomal and plain bupivacaine reduces pain associated with posterior colporrhaphy: a double-blinded, randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Pelvic reconstructive surgery may cause significant postoperative pain, especially with posterior colporrhaphy, contributing to a longer hospital stay and increased pain medication utilization. Regional blocks are being increasingly utilized in gynecologic surgery to improve postoperative pain and decrease opioid usage, yet preoperative pudendal blocks have not been used routinely during posterior colporrhaphy. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the effect of preoperative regional pudendal nerve block using a combination of 1.3% liposomal and 0.25% plain bupivacaine vs 0.25% plain bupivacaine alone on vaginal pain after posterior colporrhaphy on postoperative days 1, 2, and 3. We hypothesized that there would be a reduction in vaginal pain scores for the study group vs the control group over the first 72 hours. STUDY DESIGN: This was a double-blinded, randomized controlled trial that included patients undergoing a posterior colporrhaphy, either independently or in conjunction with other vaginal or abdominal reconstructive procedures. Patients were block randomized to receive 20 mL of either a combination of 1.3% liposomal and 0.25% plain bupivacaine (study) or 20 mL of 0.25% plain bupivacaine (control) in a regional pudendal block before the start of surgery. Double blinding was achieved by covering four 5-mL syringes containing the randomized local anesthetic. After induction of anesthesia, a pudendal nerve block was performed per standard technique (5 mL superiorly and 5 mL inferiorly each ischial spine) using a pudendal kit. The primary outcome was to evaluate postoperative vaginal pain using a visual analog scale on postoperative days 1, 2, and 3. Secondary outcomes included total analgesic medication usage through postoperative day 3, postoperative voiding and defecatory dysfunction, and impact of vaginal pain on quality of life factors. RESULTS: A total of 120 patients were enrolled (60 in each group). There were no significant differences in demographic data, including baseline vaginal pain (P=.88). Postoperative vaginal pain scores were significantly lower in the combined liposomal and bupivacaine group at all time points vs the plain bupivacaine group. Median pain scores for the study and control groups, respectively, were 0 (0-2) and 2 (0-4) for postoperative day 1 (P=.03), 2 (1-4) and 3 (2-5) for postoperative day 2 (P=.05), and 2 (1-4) and 3 (2-5) for postoperative day 3 (P=.02). Vaginal pain scores increased from postoperative day 1 to postoperative days 2 and 3 in both groups. There was a significant decrease in ibuprofen (P=.01) and acetaminophen (P=.03) usage in the study group; however, there was no difference between groups in total opioid consumption through postoperative day 3 (P=.82). There was no difference in successful voiding trials (study 72%, control 82%, P=.30), return of bowel function (P>.99), or quality of life factors (sleep, stress, mood, and activity). CONCLUSION: Preoperative regional pudendal block with a combination of liposomal and plain bupivacaine provided more effective vaginal pain control than plain bupivacaine alone for reconstructive surgery that included posterior colporrhaphy. Given the statistically significant decrease in vaginal pain in the study group, this block may be considered as a potential adjunct for multimodal pain reduction in this patient population.

Evaluation of 30-day complication rates following vaginal anterior compartment repair with and without graft augmentation in a propensity score matched cohort.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if graft augmentation with anterior colporrhaphy (AC+G) is associated with higher complication rates compared to native tissue repair (AC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective cohort study using data from the ACS-NSQIP database between 2010 and 2017. CPT codes were used to identify women undergoing AC+G and AC. Propensity scores for the likelihood of undergoing AC+G were calculated and were used to match to women undergoing native tissue repair at a ratio of 1:2. The primary outcome was the composite complication rate. Descriptive statistics are reported as means with standard deviations for parametric data and as medians and interquartile ranges for non-parametric data. Pairwise comparisons were performed using Fisher's exact test, Wilcoxon rank-sum and Student's t test as appropriate. Multivariable logistic regression was then used to adjust for confounders to identify statistically significant factors associated with the likelihood of experiencing a complication after prolapse repair. RESULTS: 582 women met inclusion criteria for AC+G and were matched with 1164 women undergoing AC. There were no differences in preoperative characteristics between groups. There was no difference in the composite complication rate, (10.8% vs. 8.5%, p = 0.13) between groups. Dependent functional status (aOR 4.31, 95% CI 1.96-13.58) was the strongest predictor of the likelihood of a complication: other significant predictors were operating time greater than 20 min (aOR 1.68, 95% CI 1.19-2.38) and ASA class greater than 2 (aOR 1.44, 95% CI 1.01-2.05). CONCLUSION: There is no increase in 30-day complication rates in women undergoing AC+G compared to a matched cohort of those undergoing AC alone.

Laparoscopic minimally invasive sacrocolpopexy or hysteropexy and transobturator tape combined with native tissue repair of the vaginal compartments in patients with advanced pelvic organ prolapse and incontinence.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The aim of the study was to evaluate hysterectomized and non-hysterectomized patients with prolapse and incontinence. Laparoscopic sacrohysteropexy (LSHP) and minimally invasive sacrocolpopexy (LMSCP) were done in combination with transobturator tape (TOT) and native tissue repair of the anterior and posterior vaginal compartments in patients with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and occult, stress, or urinary incontinence (SUI). The hypothesis is that both methods are successful. METHODS: A total of 81 patients with POP were evaluated: 44 had vaginal vault prolapse (POPQ points Ba, C, and Bp were 1.2, 2.6, and 0.4, respectively) and 37 had uterine prolapse (POPQ points Ba, C, and Bp were 1.8, 1.7, and 1.3, respectively). LMSCP (which means less dissection of the vagina in its upper third and avoiding possible collision with the ureters anteriorly or the rectum posteriorly) was performed in patients with vault prolapse, whereas patients with uterine prolapse underwent LSHP. Transobturator tape (TOT) was placed in all patients to treat symptomatic and occult urinary incontinence. Systematic anterior and posterior colporrhaphy was performed in both groups. RESULTS: Both groups showed anatomic (p < 0.0001) and symptomatic improvement (p < 0.001-p < 0.05). Voiding was significantly improved after surgery without postoperative incontinence (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between groups regarding duration of surgery (p = 0.06), hospital stay (p = 0.13), blood loss (0.83), Clavien-Dindo grade 3 (p = 0.87), and Clavien-Dindo grade 1-2 (p = 0.92) complications. CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive LSCP or LSHP combined with TOT and native tissue repair of the anterior and posterior vaginal compartment is a successful treatment for POP.

Surgical Repair of the Genital Hiatus: A Narrative Review.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: An enlarged genital hiatus (GH) is associated with the development of prolapse and may be associated with prolapse recurrence following surgery; however, there is insufficient evidence to support surgical reduction of the GH as prophylaxis against future prolapse. The objective of this review is (1) to review the association between GH size and pelvic organ prolapse and (2) to discuss the existing literature on surgical procedures that narrow the GH. METHODS: A literature search was performed in the PubMed search engine, using the keyword "genital hiatus." Articles were included if they addressed any of the following topics: (1) normative GH values; (2) associations between the GH and prolapse development or recurrence; (3) surgical alteration of the GH; (4) indications, risks or benefits of surgical alteration of the GH. RESULTS: An enlarging GH has been observed prior to the development of prolapse. Multiple studies show that an enlarged pre- and/or postoperative GH is associated with an increased risk of recurrent prolapse following prolapse repair surgery. There are limited data on the specific risks of GH alteration related to bowel and sexual function. CONCLUSIONS: GH size and prolapse appear to be strongly associated. Because GH size appears to be a risk factor for pelvic organ prolapse, the GH size should be carefully considered at the time of surgery. Surgeons should discuss with their patients the risks and potential benefits of additional procedures designed to reduce GH size.

Outside-In: Intraperitoneal Anterior and Posterior Plication During Prolapse Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate a novel technique of intraperitoneal vaginal wall plication combining the benefits of anterior and posterior colporrhaphy with laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy. DESIGN: Video demonstration of laparoscopic anterior and posterior colporrhaphy techniques, highlighting the various clinical scenarios in which they would be beneficial. SETTING: Sacrocolpopexy is recommended for the treatment of advanced-stage prolapse [1-3]. Frequently, these patients have significant vaginal elongation and laxity that can make reconstruction challenging. This case series performed at a tertiary care hospital highlights a series of women undergoing laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy whose repairs were optimized with the use of intraperitoneal vaginal wall plication. INTERVENTIONS: A series of plication stitches using delayed absorbable suture is placed on redundant anterior or posterior vaginal walls. This technique reduces excess vaginal tissue and reinforces the reconstruction. Stitches can be placed vertically or horizontally to narrow the vagina, depending on the repair needs. Vertical plication shortens the vaginal walls and provides additional traction to allow dissection extension to the trigone anteriorly or the rectovaginal septum posteriorly, thus optimizing mesh placement [4]. This plication also adds bulk to the vaginal tissue where the mesh is attached, potentially decreasing the risk of mesh exposure. CONCLUSION: Intraperitoneal vaginal wall plication is the outside-in version of anterior and posterior colporrhaphy. This novel technique can optimize dissection and mesh placement and provide support for attenuated vaginal walls. It also balances the ratio of mesh to vaginal tissue without increasing mesh burden.

Association between adjuvant posterior repair and success of native tissue apical suspension.

BACKGROUND: Posterior repairs and perineorrhaphies are often performed in prolapse surgery to reduce the size of the genital hiatus. The benefit of an adjuvant posterior repair at the time of sacrospinous ligament fixation or uterosacral ligament suspension is unknown. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine whether an adjuvant posterior repair at transvaginal apical suspension is associated with improved surgical success. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This secondary analysis of Operations and Pelvic Muscle Training in the Management of Apical Support Loss (OPTIMAL) trial compared 24-month outcomes in 190 participants who had a posterior repair (posterior repair group) and 184 who did not (no posterior repair group) at the time of sacrospinous ligament fixation or uterosacral ligament suspension. Concomitant posterior repair was performed at the surgeon's discretion. Primary composite outcome of "surgical success" was defined as no prolapse beyond the hymen, point C ≤ -2/3 total vaginal length, no bothersome bulge symptoms, and no retreatment at 24 months. The individual components were secondary outcomes. Propensity score methods were used to build models that balanced posterior repair group and the no posterior repair group for ethnographic factors and preoperative Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification values. Adjusted odds ratios were calculated to predict surgical success based on the performance of a posterior repair. Groups were also compared with unadjusted χ2 analyses. An unadjusted probability curve was created for surgical success as predicted by preoperative genital hiatus. RESULTS: Women in the posterior repair group were less likely to be Hispanic or Latina, and were more likely to have had a prior hysterectomy and to be on estrogen therapy. The groups did not differ with respect to preoperative Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification stage; however, subjects in the posterior repair group had significantly greater preoperative posterior wall prolapse. There were no group differences in surgical success using propensity score methods (66.7% posterior repair vs 62.0% no posterior repair; adjusted odds ratio, 1.07; 95% confidence interval, 0.56-2.07; P = 0.83) or unadjusted test (66.2% posterior repair vs 61.7% no posterior repair; P = 0.47). Individual outcome measures of prolapse recurrence (bothersome bulge symptoms, prolapse beyond the hymen, or retreatment for prolapse) also did not differ by group. Similarly, there were no differences between groups in anatomic outcomes of any individual compartment (anterior, apical, or posterior) at 24 months. There was high variation in performance of posterior repair by surgeon (interquartile range, 15-79%). The unadjusted probability of overall success at 24 months, regardless of posterior repair, decreased with increasing genital hiatus, such that a genital hiatus of 4.5 cm was associated with 65.8% success (95% confidence interval, 60.1-71.1%). CONCLUSION: Concomitant posterior repair at sacrospinous ligament fixation or uterosacral ligament suspension was not associated with surgical success after adjusting for baseline covariates using propensity scores or unadjusted comparison. Posterior repair may not compensate for the pathophysiology that leads to enlarged preoperative genital hiatus, which remains prognostic of prolapse recurrence.

Does concurrent posterior repair for an asymptomatic rectocele reduce the risk of surgical failure in patients undergoing sacrocolpopexy?

PURPOSE: To determine if a concurrent posterior repair for an asymptomatic rectocele at the time of sacrocolpopexy reduces the incidence of surgical failure. METHODS: This is a retrospective chart review with a cross-sectional follow-up survey of all patients who underwent sacrocolpopexy from 2004 to 2014. Demographic and operative data were collected from the medical record. For the cross-sectional portion, patients were contacted to obtain information on symptoms and retreatment after surgery. In this study, we included patients with an asymptomatic rectocele on examination, defined as Ap or Bp ≥ -1 on POP-Q without defecatory dysfunction, which was defined as constipation based on the Rome III criteria, dyschezia, excessive straining and/or splinting to have a bowel movement. The primary outcome was a composite score of subjective bulge symptoms or retreatment for prolapse. RESULTS: Three hundred forty-four patients met the inclusion criteria: 185 (53.8%) had a sacrocolpopexy only (SCP) and 159 (46.2%) had a concurrent posterior repair (SCP + PR). The composite failure rate was 10.2% (95% CI = 7.4-13.8%), with a 13.5% (25) failure rate in the SCP group compared with 6.3% (10) in the SCP + PR group (p = 0.03). On multivariable logistic regression, the adjusted odds of failure was 2.79 in the SCP compared with the SCP + PR group (CI 1.25-6.23; P = 0.01). The rates of de novo defecatory dysfunction following surgery were low (SCP = 5.6% vs. SCP + PR = 7.5%, p = 0.55). CONCLUSIONS: For patients with asymptomatic rectoceles, a concurrent posterior repair at the time of sacrocolpopexy reduces the odds of composite patient-centered failure without an increased rate of dyspareunia or de novo defecatory dysfunction.

Concomitant transobturator tape and anterior colporrhaphy versus transobturator subvesical mesh for cystocele-associated stress urinary incontinence.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and cystocele often occur concomitantly and thus may potentially be treated via a single surgical procedure. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of concomitant transobturator tape (TOT) with anterior colporrhaphy versus subvesical transobturator mesh (TOM) for cystocele-associated SUI. METHODS: This prospective, clinical trial included women with cystocele-associated SUI. Patients were randomly allocated into either group I (anterior colporrhaphy with concomitant TOT "in-out" fixation) or group II (implantation of a subvesical four-armed TOM). All patients were followed up at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months postoperatively. Statistical tests were performed to compare the group outcomes based on objective, subjective, and anatomical variables. RESULTS: There were 81 patients in group I and 83 in group II. Median follow-up duration was 12 months. The demographic data and baseline clinical characteristics of both groups were comparable. There were no significant differences between groups regarding the success rates of SUI and cystocele repair. Groups I and II had similar cure rates of SUI (82.9 and 88.4%, respectively; p = 0.369) and incidences of successful cystocele repair (85.4 and 97.7%, respectively; p = 0.055). No urethral or bladder injuries or mesh erosions were reported. Both groups had comparable postoperative complications, except the greater incidence of micturition difficulty in group I than group II, during the early follow-up (12.2% vs. 0.0%; p = 0.024). CONCLUSIONS: Transvaginal mesh was not superior to native tissue repair. Anterior colporrhaphy and TOT may be an appropriate alternative to four-armed TOM application for concomitant correction of SUI and cystocele.

A long-term comparative study of Uphold™ transvaginal mesh kit against anterior colporrhaphy.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Cystocele recurrence remains a major challenge. Anterior colporrhaphy (AC) offers variable success rates that are mostly poorer than native-tissue repairs in other compartments. We compared outcomes after the use of Uphold™ transvaginal mesh kit and AC. METHODS: A retrospective external audit including patients after Uphold™ mesh implantation (2010-2016) analysed against previously published data obtained in identical fashion after AC at the same hospital (2002-2005). Patients underwent an interview, clinical examination and 4D-translabial ultrasound. Offline analysis was performed blinded against all other data. RESULTS: Of 264 patients after mesh and 242 patients after AC, we saw 82 (31%) and 83 (34%), after a median interval of 3.9 years (range 0.4-7.3). Mean age was 64 years (34-86), mean body mass index was 27.7 kg/m2 (15-56) and median vaginal parity 3 deliveries (1-9). AC and mesh groups significantly differed with regard to median follow-up interval (4.3 vs 3.2 years), mean age (61.3 ± 12 vs 67.2 ± 7.5 years), vaginal parity (3 vs 2), past instrumental delivery (20 out of 83 vs 36 out of 82) and concurrent hysterectomy, other prolapse repair or midurethral sling (35 out of 83 vs 1 out of 82, 58 out of 83 vs 76 out of 82 and 12 out of 83 vs 29 out of 82 respectively). The mesh group had 9 cases of dyspareunia, 4 of chronic pelvic pain and 4 vaginal mesh exposures. Univariate comparison between groups for satisfaction and sonographic cystocele favoured mesh. However, point Ba, symptoms of prolapse and reoperation for prolapse were not significantly different. Associations were confirmed on multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis of two audit projects suggests that the transvaginal Uphold™ mesh kit may confer some advantages over AC for cystocele repair.

The resurrection of sacrospinous fixation: unilateral apical sling hysteropexy.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The apical compartment is a keystone in POP treatment. Sacrospinous fixation, suggested half a century ago, today is still one of the most popular and efficient methods of colpo-hysteropexy. However, it has specific side effects: chronic pain syndrome, dyspareunia and а high rate of cystocele de novo. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of unilateral sacrospinous hysteropexy with a synthetic apical sling combined with anterior subfascial colporrhaphy. METHODS: Following the suggested technique, 174 women with anterior-apical prolapse underwent surgery. The follow-up period took 12 months. Pre- and postoperative examination included: urogynecological examination (POP-Q), uroflowmetry, ultrasound of the bladder and filling in of validated questionnaires (PFDI-20, PISQ-12). RESULTS: The mean surgery time was 26 ± 7.84 min. No cases of damage of the bladder or rectum or of intraoperative clinically significant bleeding were noted. At the 12-month follow-up, the recurrence rate in the apical compartment was 0.7% (1/147) and in the anterior compartment 7.4% (11/147). The efficacy of the surgery reached 96.5%. During 12 months of follow-up, no cases of mesh exposure or chronic pelvic pain syndrome were detected. The incidence of dyspareunia de novo was observed in just one patient. CONCLUSIONS: A unilateral sacrospinous fixation with a synthetic mesh (apical sling) combined with anterior subfascial colporrhaphy enhances the anatomical efficacy of surgery. It also helps to avoid specific side effects of traditional sacrospinous fixation.

Evaluation of suture material used in anterior colporrhaphy and the risk of recurrence.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The wide variety of suture material used in colporrhaphy shows a lack of consensus on the optimal choice. The evidence guiding the choice of suture material is scant. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of rapid versus slowly absorbable suture on risk of recurrence after native tissue anterior colporrhaphy. METHODS: This longitudinal cohort study was performed secondary to a previously published study on pelvic organ prolapse recurrence after the Manchester-Fothergill procedure versus vaginal hysterectomy. Data were collected from four Danish databases and corresponding electronic medical records. In this study, women having had anterior colporrhaphy performed were included. Suture materials were divided in three groups: rapid absorbable multifilament suture (RAMuS), rapid absorbable monofilament suture (RAMoS) and slowly absorbable monofilament suture (SAMoS). The main outcome was recurrence of prolapse in the anterior compartment. RESULTS: A total of 462 women were included in this study. No significant difference in recurrence was found among the three suture groups. However, a non-significant tendency towards a higher risk of recurrence in the RAMoS group [HR 2.14 (0.75-6.10) p = 0.16] compared to the RAMuS group was observed. CONCLUSION: In this study, the use of rapid absorbable multifilament suture compared to slowly absorbable monofilament suture does not seem to lead to a higher risk of recurrence after anterior colporrhaphy.

Factors involved in prolapse recurrence one year after anterior vaginal repair.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The aim of this study was to identify which factors are associated with anatomic and symptomatic prolapse recurrence in the anterior compartment 1 year after traditional anterior vaginal repair. Our study hypothesis was that major defects in pelvic floor support structures before surgery are associated with higher recurrence rates. METHODS: This was a prospective multicenter study including women with symptomatic anterior compartment prolapse who underwent primary vaginal surgery. Prolapse examination was performed using the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) system, prolapse symptoms were described using the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory short form (PFDI-20), and levator ani avulsion and hiatal area were identified by translabial 3D ultrasonography. RESULTS: During the inclusion period, 455 patients were recruited and 442 (97.1%) attended the 1-year follow-up. In three cases, ultrasound data were not available, and the remaining 439 formed the study group. Anatomic and symptomatic recurrence rates were 45.1% and 6.8%, respectively. Levator avulsion increased the risk of anatomic (OR: 1.96) and symptomatic (OR: 2.60) recurrence; abnormal distensibility of the levator hiatal area increased the risk of anatomic (OR: 2.51) and symptomatic (OR: 2.43) recurrence; advanced prolapse increased the risk of anatomic recurrence: POP-Q stage 3 (OR: 2.34) and POP-Q stage 4 (OR: 5.47). CONCLUSIONS: Major defects in pelvic floor support structures before surgery are associated with higher recurrence rates 1 year after native tissue vaginal repair. Advanced stage of prolapse increases the risk of anatomic recurrence, while levator avulsion and abnormal distensibility of the levator hiatus area increase the risk of both anatomic and symptomatic recurrence.