Prosthetic materials for treating posterior vaginal wall prolapse and rectocele - own experience.

OBJECTIVES: This report describes results of posterior vaginal wall prolapse and rectocele treatment performing tension free reconstruction method with polypropylene mesh implantation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In years 2001 to 20015, 71 female patients in age of 42-82 years were surgically treated. Besides difficult emptying they complained of feeling of heaviness in the pelvis (38%) and dyspareunia (16.9%). Defecography and magnetic resonance proved the presence of rectocele in 84.5%, enterocele in 38%, descending perineum in 28.2%, genital organ prolapse in 23.9%, and rectal prolapse in 22.5% cases. 37 patients with defects of low location have undergone implantation of prosthetic material from vaginal approach. In cases of high location and genital organ prolapse abdominal approach was done. RESULTS: Permanent reconstruction of the rectovaginal septum has been achieved in 70 patients (98%). Symptoms of dyschesia, pelvic plain, heavy straining were persisted in 4 patients (10.3%). 3 cases of mash erosions were diagnosed. One patient was reoperated. Among 6 other patients who needed futher surgical treatment only one was reoperated because of vaginal prolapse. 81.7% of patients was satisfied with their treatment. CONCLUSION: Using prosthetic materials in pelvic floor defects treatment is characterized by high efficacy and low complication percentage.

Laparoscopic ventral rectopexy using biologic mesh for the treatment of obstructed defaecation syndrome and/or faecal incontinence in patients with internal rectal prolapse: a critical appraisal of the first 100 cases.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy (LVR) is gaining wider acceptance as the preferred procedure to correct internal as well as external rectal prolapse associated with obstructed defaecation syndrome and/or faecal incontinence. Very few reports exist on the use of biologic mesh for LVR. The aim of our study was to report the complication and recurrence rate of our first 100 cases of LVR for symptomatic internal rectal prolapse and/or rectocele using a porcine dermal collagen mesh. METHODS: Prospectively collected data on LVR for internal rectal prolapse were analysed. Surgical complications and functional results in terms of faecal incontinence (measured with the Faecal Incontinence Severity Index = FISI) and constipation (measured with the Wexner Constipation Score = WCS) at 3, 6 and 12 months were analysed. It was considered an improvement if FISI or WCS scores were reduced by at least 25 % and a cure if the FISI score decreased to <10 and the WCS decreased to <5. RESULTS: Between April 2009 and April 2013, 100 consecutive female patients (mean age 63 years, range 24-88 years) underwent LVR. All patients had internal rectal prolapse (grade III [n = 25] and grade IV [n = 75] according to the Oxford classification) and rectocele. Mean operative time was 85 ± 40 min. Conversion rate to open technique was 1 %. There was no post-operative mortality. Overall 16 patients (16 %) experienced 18 complications, including rectal perforation (n = 1), small bowel obstruction (n = 2), urinary tract infection (n = 8), subcutaneous emphysema (n = 3), wound haematoma (n = 2), long lasting sacral pain (n = 1) and incisional hernia (1). Median post-operative length of stay was 2 days. Ninety-eight out of 100 patients completed follow-up. At the end of follow-up, the mean FISI score improved from 8.4 (±4.0 standard deviation (SD) p = 0.003) to 3.3 ± 2.3 SD (p = 0.04). Incontinence improved in 37 out of 43 patients (86 %), and 31 patients (72 %) were cured. Similarly, the mean WCS score improved from 18.4 ± 11.6 SD to 5.4 ± 4.1 SD (p = 0.04). Constipation improved in 82 out of 89 patients (92 %), and 70 patients (79 %) were cured. No worsening of continence status, constipation or sexual function was observed. Fourteen patients (14 %) experienced persistence or recurrence of prolapse. CONCLUSIONS: LVR using biologic mesh is a safe and effective procedure for improving symptoms of obstructed defaecation and faecal incontinence in patients with internal rectal prolapse associated with rectocele.

Laparoscopic Mesh Sacropexy for Voluminous Rectocele.

The rectocele represents a protrusion of the rectum through the rectovaginal fascia, which appears as a bulge in the posterior vaginal wall. Surgical treatment includes many procedures which can be performed by four types of approaches: transvaginal, transanal, transperineal and transabdominal.Voluminous rectocele cases are rare and often represent a surgical challenge. Only two types of approaches are proved to be feasible for the treatment of a voluminous rectocele, the transvaginal and the transabdominal approaches. To resolve these cases, the authors propose laparoscopic mesh sacropexy.The procedure implies retrorectal dissection and rectovaginal dissection down to the pelvic floor, followed by a rectovaginopexy to the sacral promontory, using an y-shaped polypropylene mesh. One arm of the mesh is fixed to the anterior rectal wall using four stitches and the other arm is sutured to the posterior vaginal wall. The end of the mesh is fixed to the promontory. Thus, the anchoring of the prolapsed rectum and the posterior vaginal fornix to the sacral ligamentis achieved, the damaged rectovaginal fascia being substituted by the polypropylene mesh. The main symptom that was tracked, difficulty in defecation, was significantly improved, none of the patients needed any longer digital maneuvers to empty the rectum. The good results of the first experience make us believe that this procedure is an attractive solution to resolve these difficult cases.

Transischioanal trans-sacrospinous ligament rectocele repair with polypropylene mesh: a prospective study with assessment of rectoanal function.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Despite good anatomical outcomes of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) repair by the vaginal route using synthetic mesh, complications limit their use. Clinical data are needed to generalize prolapse mesh repair by the vaginal route. The current study aims to evaluate midterm rectoanal function and clinical outcomes after transischioanal rectocele repair using a medium weight polypropylene mesh. METHODS: Between March 2003 and June 2004, 230 patients with stage II-IV anterior and/or posterior POP were included in a prospective multicenter study. The current study is based on the analysis of the 116 patients who underwent a rectocele repair via the infracoccygeal route through the sacrospinous ligament. Anatomical cure was defined when rectocele was at stage

Transvaginal perineal body repair for low rectocele.

We describe our technique of low rectocele repair which is based on the approximation and lifting of the laterally displaced perineal bodies (PBs) using the Tissue Fixation System, a 7-mm-wide tensioned macropore polypropylene sling. In low rectocele, the PB between the rectum and vagina is thinned and laterally displaced but still attached to the deep transverse perineal (DTP) muscle. Our technique is described with the aid of a video. The vagina and rectum are dissected off the laterally displaced PBs. The DTP attachment of each PB to the descending ramus is identified per rectum. A tunnel is created in the DTP on both sides to insert the polypropylene mesh attached to an anchor. The loop of tape between the anchors is shortened via the one-way system at the base of the anchor to elevate the inferolaterally displaced PBs to a more medial position. This is infiltrated by collagen over time, creating a "neo-central tendon." The musculofascial layer of the rectum, the vagina, and superficial layers of the PBs are approximated. Our cure rate for low rectocele repair was in excess of 90 %, even with an early version of this procedure. Our method differs from rectocele repair with large mesh in that it precisely mimics the damaged structure and uses only very short thin strips of tape to approximate and reinforce PBs weakened by birth injury and age.

[A new needle for colon-proctological surgery: personal experience]. / Un nuovo ago per la chirurgia colonproctologica: esperienza personale.

Rectocele and haemorrhoidal prolapse are two pathologies that in all cases entail partial excision of anorectal tissue possibly with less invasive surgical procedures. For these pathologies, the authors have recently improved their treatment procedures, introducing the sequential transfixed stitch technique (STST) for rectocele and the transfixed stitch technique (TST) for haemorrhoidal prolapse, and thereby obtaining a significant technical and clinical improvement in terms of both outcomes (complete correction of rectal prolapse and haemorrhoidal prolapse) and discomfort and quality of life in the postoperative period. Moreover, in the present study the authors propose a subsequent innovation of the technique developed recently for the treatment of rectocele and haemorrhoidal disease using a new curved siliconate needle, thinner than the traditional lanceolate needles, with a longer, more rigid needle-thread junction in order to achieve less invasiveness and mucosal trauma, enabling the surgeon to perform sutures in a simple, easy manner. Ten consecutive patients with a clinical and instrumental diagnosis of rectocele--6 type II and 4 type III--were treated with TSTS and 20 patients with third (12 patients) and fourth degree (8 patients) haemorrhoidal disease were treated with TST. The surgical procedures were the same for all patients, although patients were divided into two groups. To the first group (A) were allocated patients treated with traditional stitches with a cylindrical, half circle needle, (Hr 25.9 mm). To the second group (B) were allocated, for the same objective, patients treated with the new siliconate needle, with an ultrafine tip, manufactured by Assut Europe S.p.A. The mean duration of the TST surgical procedures was 16 minutes using the new siliconate needle, whereas the mean duration using the traditional lanceolate needle was 17 minutes (p = ns). The surgical team judged the TST performed with the siliconate needle to be easier in 90% of cases in comparison to 70% of cases treated with the traditional lanceolate needle (p < 0,05). In patients treated with TSTS using the traditional lanceolate needle the mean duration of the surgical procedures was 20 minutes as against 18 minutes in the cases treated with the siliconate needle (p = ns). The surgical team judged the TSTS performed with the siliconate needle to be easier in all cases, while in two cases treated with the traditional lanceolate needle there were technical difficulties related to the use of the needle. The use of the ultrafine siliconate siliconate needle is more effective for the treatment of rectocele with TSTS and for haemorrhoidectomy with TST, particularly with a view to improving the surgical procedures and limiting the extent of mucosal damage related to suture oedema.

Clinical, physiological and radiological assessment of rectovaginal septum reinforcement with mesh for complex rectocele.

BACKGROUND: Rectocele can be part of a more complex rectal prolapse syndrome including rectal intussusception and enterocele. This reflects insufficiency at different levels of support in the posterior pelvic compartment. A new technique involving reinforcement of the rectovaginal septum with mesh by a combined laparoscopic and perineal approach was evaluated. METHODS: The study included 18 patients with a complex rectocele and grade 2-3 rectal intussusception and enterocele (eight patients). Patients had clinical, physiological and radiological follow-up. RESULTS: There was no major perioperative morbidity and mean hospital stay was 4.5 (range 3-7) days. After a mean of 24.2 (range 13-35) months there was no clinical recurrence of rectocele. Symptoms of obstructed defaecation resolved in 14 of 17 patients. The Patient Assessment of Constipation Symptoms score decreased from a mean(s.d.) of 12.6(5.9) to 3.9(4.2), and a rectocele symptom score from 14.3(3.3) to 2.3(2.8). No new-onset constipation, urge or faecal incontinence nor new-onset dyspareunia was reported. Radiological investigation in eight patients revealed a sufficient anatomical repair at the different levels of support. A slight decrease in rectal compliance was measured, with no significant reduction in rectal capacity. CONCLUSION: Complete rectovaginal septum reinforcement with mesh corrected complex rectoceles, with good functional outcome.

A randomised controlled trial evaluating the use of polyglactin mesh, polydioxanone and polyglactin sutures for pelvic organ prolapse surgery.

To compare the effectiveness of polyglactin mesh, and polydioxanone or polyglactin sutures in women having pelvic organ prolapse surgery. Randomised controlled trial with a factorial 2(2 design of polyglactin mesh or not, and polydioxanone or polyglactin suture. Outcomes were assessed using questionnaires at baseline and on the third day and at 6 months after surgery. Women were also examined clinically 3 months after surgery. The primary outcome was the subjective improvement in prolapse symptoms and quality of life scores from baseline to 6 months. There was a subjective improvement in the prolapse symptom score from baseline to 6 months after surgery (mean difference of 9.2 (95% CI for difference 7.2-11.2, p < 0.001) and an improvement in the mean quality of life score over the same period with a reduction of 3.4 (95% CI for difference 2.4-4.3, p < 0.001). However, there were no significant differences in the mean difference in prolapse symptoms and quality of life (QoL) scores according to the randomised groups. The majority (86%) of women were satisfied with their surgery. Our study demonstrated that at short-term follow-up, there was no significant difference in the mean differences in prolapse symptoms and QoL scores after surgery using polyglactin mesh or not, polyglactin or polyglactin sutures, but the numbers were too small for a definitive conclusion. Longer-term follow-up and/or a larger trial are required.

Tension-free cystocele repair: an analysis after a follow-up of 24 months.

AIM: The aim of the study is to verify whether tension free cystocele repair is really a good choice for the correction of moderate or severe cystocele. The surgical approach is transvaginal and involves the use of nonabsorbable prolene mesh. METHODS: We enrolled 177 women with a combined genital prolapse, characterized by second degree cystocele, first degree hysterocele and first degree rectocele or more severe conditions. All the patients underwent a complete urologic and gynecologic work-up before the surgical treatment consisting in a Y-shaped mesh placed on the prevesical fascia. This technique was implemented providing a tension free prosthesis. RESULTS: Our results on a total of 169 patients after a follow-up of 24 months are the following: 19 patients (11%) reported a recurrent cystocele (grade II) of which 9 patients at 6 months follow-up presented a vaginal wall erosion that determined a surgical explantation of the mesh; 2 patients (1%) showed a persistent dyspareunia and were treated with estrogen therapy that gave an improvement of the symptomatology although it did not disappear; 10 (6%) patients, among the women treated only for cystocele repair (cystocele III ), complained of stress urinary incontinence of 1st degree; and, finally, 150 patients (89%) didn't report any recurrence of cystocele. CONCLUSION: Given the good results obtained after a follow-up of 24 months (89% of the cure rate), we can consider this procedure simple, mini-invasive, reproducible and efficient with low morbidity and good tolerance. It is a promising approach in the management of pelvic floor dysfunctions that induces minimal foreign body reaction.

[Posthysterectomy posterior compartment prolapse: Preliminary results of a novel transvaginal surgical procedure using polypropylene mesh via the low transobturator route]. / Prolapsus isolé de l'étage postérieur posthystérectomie: résultats préliminaires d'une technique utilisant les voies vaginales et transobturatrice basses.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is the description and anatomical and functional outcome assessment of a novel surgical procedure, based on rectovaginal fascia defect repair with polypropylene mesh using the tension-free transobturator and infracoccygeal route based on the integral theory developed by Petros. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Prospective, consecutive and single centre study performed between February 2003 and April 2005. Inclusion criteria were symptomatic posthysterectomy stage three to four regarding posterior compartment prolapse according to the Baden and Walker classification, with no anterior and/or apical prolapse. Principles and description of this new surgical procedure are described. RESULTS: Fourteen patients, with a mean age of 63.5 years and a mean body mass index of 29.2, were included in the study. All the patients had previous hysterectomy, 64.3% reported at least one previous surgery for pelvic organ prolapse, 44.5% reported at least one reoperation. All patients complained of rectocele and/or enterocele stage three. No perioperative or postoperative complication occurred. With a median follow-up of 13 months (range 3-32.9), no recurrence and no anterior or apical compartment prolapse occurred. No vaginal erosion an infection of the mesh was observed. The mean level of subjective satisfaction was 9.23 on a visual analogical scale (0-very disappointed, 10-very satisfied). CONCLUSION: This new surgical procedure is effective and safe for the repair of posthysterectomy large posterior compartment prolapse. A long-term follow-up is required to confirm these promising results.

Rectocele repair using biomaterial augmentation: current documentation and clinical experience.

UNLABELLED: Although the etiology of rectocele remains debated, surgical innovations are currently promoted to improve anatomic outcome while avoiding dyspareunia and alleviating rectal emptying difficulties following rectocele surgery. Use of biomaterials in rectocele repair has become widespread in a short time, but the clinical documentation of their effectiveness and complications is limited. Medline and the Cochrane database were searched electronically from 1964 to May 2005 using the Pubmed and Ovid search engines. All English language publications including any of the search terms "rectocele," "implant," "mesh," "biomaterial," "prolapse," "synthetical," "pelvic floor," "biological," and "compatibility" were reviewed. This review outlines the basic principles for use of biomaterials in pelvic reconstructive surgery and provides a condensation of peer-reviewed articles describing clinical use of biomaterials in rectocele surgery. Historical and new concepts in rectocele surgery are discussed. Factors of importance for human in vivo biomaterial compatibility are presented together with current knowledge from clinical studies. Potential risks and problems associated with the use of biomaterials in rectocele and pelvic reconstructive surgery in general are described. Although use of biomaterials in rectocele and other pelvic organ prolapse surgery offers exciting possibilities, it raises treatment costs and may be associated with unknown and potentially severe complications at short and long term. Clinical benefits are currently unknown and need to be proven in clinical studies. TARGET AUDIENCE: Obstetricians & Gynecologists, Family Physicians TARGET AUDIENCE: After completion of this article, the reader should be able to explain that the objective of surgical treatment is to improve anatomic outcome and alleviate rectal emptying difficulties, describe the efficacy of biomaterials in rectocele repair, and summarize the potential risks and problems associated with use of biomaterials in rectocele and pelvic reconstructive surgery.

[Tension free monofilament polypropylene mesh in cystocele and rectocele concomitant repair]. / Malla de polipropileno monofilamento libre de tensión en la reparación concomitante de cistocele y rectocele.

OBJECTIVE: We presented our experience in the concomitant correction of cystocele and rectocele with polypropylene monofilament mesh (Gynemesh PS), with transvaginal free tension technique. METHOD: During 2004 correction was made in 7 patients, Urogynecologic and Vaginal Surgery Unit of Gynecology and Obstetrics Department, Las Condes Clinic. Medium age 54 years old, weight 64 kgs. In four patients we used a third mesh for correction of urinary incontinence by TVT-O. RESULTS: They don't present intraoperative complications, neither in immediate or delayed postoperative time. We not observed hematoma, infection, erosion or exposition mesh. Cure of cystocele and rectocele was in the 100% of patients. Complications have not appeared, 4 cases completed three months of observation, 2 cases two months and 1 case one month. DISCUSSION: The use of protesic polypropylene multifilament macropore mesh in the concomitant correction of cistocele and rectocele, by transvaginal route with tension free technique seems to be a safe and effective surgery procedure.

The use of biological materials in urogynecologic reconstruction: a systematic review.

There are numerous randomized controlled trials examining biological materials in urogynecologic surgery. For prolapse surgery, the addition of a biological graft adds no benefit compared with native tissue repairs for rectocele repair. Conflicting data exist regarding cystocele repair. Synthetic mesh repairs provide superior anatomical support for sacral colpopexy and cystocele repair compared with biologic grafts. However, biological and synthetic mesh slings have equivalent success rates for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence. Contrary to prior assumptions that biologic grafts add tissue strength without graft-related complications, there appears to be no benefit to the use of biological materials for prolapse and incontinence surgery.

Comparative outcome of stapled trans-anal rectal resection and macrogol in the treatment of defecation disorders.

AIM: To prospectively assess the efficacy and safety of stapled trans-anal rectal resection (STARR) compared to standard conservative treatment, and whether preoperative symptoms and findings at defecography and anorectal manometry can predict the outcome of STARR. METHODS: Thirty patients (Female, 28; age: 51 ± 9 years) with rectocele or rectal intussusception, a defecation disorder, and functional constipation were submitted for STARR. Thirty comparable patients (Female, 30; age 53 ± 13 years), who presented with symptoms of rectocele or rectal intussusception and were treated with macrogol, were assessed. Patients were interviewed with a standardized questionnaire at study enrollment and 38 ± 18 mo after the STARR procedure or during macrogol treatment. A responder was defined as an absence of the Rome III diagnostic criteria for functional constipation. Defecography and rectoanal manometry were performed before and after the STARR procedure in 16 and 12 patients, respectively. RESULTS: After STARR, 53% of patients were responders; during conservative treatment, 75% were responders. After STARR, 30% of the patients reported the use of laxatives, 17% had intermittent anal pain, 13% had anal leakage, 13% required digital facilitation, 6% experienced defecatory urgency, 6% experienced fecal incontinence, and 6% required re-intervention. During macrogol therapy, 23% of the patients complained of abdominal bloating and 13% of borborygmi, and 3% required digital facilitation. No preoperative symptom, defecographic, or manometric finding predicted the outcome of STARR. Post-operative defecography showed a statistically significant reduction (P < 0.05) of the rectal diameter and rectocele. The post-operative anorectal manometry showed that anal pressure and rectal sensitivity were not significantly modified, and that rectal compliance was reduced (P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: STARR is not better and is less safe than macrogol in the treatment of defecation disorders. It could be considered as an alternative therapy in patients unresponsive to macrogol.

[Three years results of transvaginal cystocele repair with polypropylene mesh using a tension-free technique]. / Resultados a los tres años de la reparación de un cistocele transvaginal con malla de propileno usando una técnica sin tensión.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the long term efficacy and safety of transvaginal implantation of a non-resorbable synthetic prosthesis (Gynemesh) for the treatment of cystocele using transvaginal free tension technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective study of patients that have been submitted to correction of cystocele between April 2004 and July 2007. A prolene mesh was cut to an appropriate size to cover the whole cystocele leaving two tabs on each side. The two tabs of the mesh were then placed in paravaginal spaces, tension free, without stitches. Mesh was used in 31 patients. All patients had a symptomatic cystocele >or= 2 according to Baden-Walker halfway classification. Patients were reviewed initially at 1 and 3 month and then every 6 months. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 58 years (range: 47-70 years). Mean parity was 5.8 (range 1-11), and mean weight was 75 kg (range 60-82Kg). All women were postmenopausal. The operation was combined with vaginal hysterectomy in 2 patients, Posterior colporraphy in 2 patients, Perineorrhaphy in 1 patient, Sacrospinous fixation in 2 patients, transobturator tape for stress urinary incontinence in 7 women. Average time of surgery was 23 minutes for cystocele. There were no major complications, such as trauma to the bladder, urethra, bowels, or large vessels in the patient group treated. There was no immediate postoperative complications (up to 7 days) recorded. No hematoma or infection was observed in the operative area. Mesh erosion was detected in one patient. It was treated by excision of the eroded part of the mesh. Mean follow-up was 36.4 months (18 to 52 months). Using our definition of success based on both anatomic and functional outcomes, the overall cure rate was 74.19% (asymptomatic with no or grade 1 cystocele). The improvement rate (asymptomatic with a grade 2 cystocele) was 19.35% and the overall failure rate (symptomatic or with a grade 3 or 4 cystocele) was only 6.4% (2 women). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The interposition of a sub-vesical transversal tension-free polypropylene mesh by the vaginal route seems to be an excellent procedure in the definitive surgical treatment of anterior vaginal wall prolapse. This procedure is simple, mini-invasive, reproducible and efficient with low morbidity and good tolerance. The results seem to be stable after three years of follow up.

Transperineal rectocele repair with polyglycolic acid mesh: a case series.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to evaluate the outcome of transperineal rectocele repair using polyglycolic acid mesh. METHODS: Eighty-three consecutive females with predominant, symptomatic Stage II or Stage III rectocele underwent transperineal rectocele repair using polyglycolic acid (Soft PGA Felt(R)) mesh and finished their six-month follow-up. No additional interventions, including levatoroplasty or perineorraphy, were performed. The preoperative and postoperative symptom scores and stages of the posterior vaginal wall prolapse were recorded. The end points were reassessed at six months, postoperatively. RESULTS: Preoperatively, 39 patients had Stage II and 44 patients had Stage III rectocele. The mean total symptom score was 9.87 +/- 1.93, which was reduced to 1.62 +/- 0.59 postoperatively (P < 0.0001). Objective evaluation of anatomic repair revealed that 74 patients (89.2 percent) had anatomic cure. Surgical complications were seen in a total of seven patients (8.4 percent), including hemorrhage (3.6 percent) and wound infection (4.8 percent). Mesh erosion, mesh infection, or worsening of sexual function was not noted. CONCLUSIONS: Transperineal repair of rectocele with the polyglycolic acid mesh is an efficient therapy for patients with rectocele. It is highly successful in eliminating symptoms of obstructed defecation, and it is free of significant complications.

Sonomorphological evaluation of polypropylene mesh implants after vaginal mesh repair in women with cystocele or rectocele.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether the sonographically measured size of the mesh implant in women who had undergone vaginal polypropylene mesh repair 6 weeks previously correlates with the original size of the mesh and whether the mesh ensures complete support of the anterior or posterior compartment. METHODS: Forty postmenopausal women with anterior or posterior vaginal wall prolapse and sonographically proven cystocele (n = 20) or rectocele (n = 20) were evaluated preoperatively and 6 weeks after vaginal mesh repair. Introital ultrasound was performed to identify the polypropylene mesh and measure its distal to proximal length and configuration as well as its thickness. The initial mesh length was compared with that measured by ultrasound 6 weeks postoperatively. Vaginal length was measured pre- and postoperatively. RESULTS: The mean +/- SD age of the women was 68 +/- 7 years. The 20 women with cystocele underwent repair by means of anterior transobturator mesh implantation; the initial mesh length was 6.8 +/- 1.1 cm versus 2.9 +/- 0.6 cm postoperatively. The 20 women with rectocele underwent repair by posterior transischioanal mesh implantation; the initial mesh length was 9.9 +/- 0.8 cm versus 3.3 +/- 0.5 cm postoperatively. The mesh supported 43.4% of the length of the anterior vaginal wall and this value was 53.7% for the posterior wall (P = 0.016). CONCLUSION: Sonography is recommended for postoperative evaluation of the anterior and posterior mesh positions after prolapse surgery. There is a considerable discrepancy between the implanted mesh size and the length measured 6 weeks later by postoperative ultrasound. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Functional outcome after transperineal rectocele repair with porcine dermal collagen implant.

PURPOSE: Symptomatic rectocele results in obstructed defecation and constipation. Surgical repair may provide symptomatic relief. This study was designed to assess the safety and efficacy of transperineal rectocele repair with porcine dermal collagen (Permacol). METHODS: Ten females with symptomatic rectocele had a transperineal repair using Permacol. Median age was 51 (range, 33-71) years. Patients were followed with detailed interviews at a median time of 9 (range, 5-16) months. Objective preoperative and postoperative assessment was by outcomes for five symptoms: constipation, excessive straining, incomplete evacuation, vaginal bulging, and vaginal digitations (always, usually, occasionally, never), and Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 questionnaires. Subjective outcomes were assessed as excellent, good, moderate, and poor. RESULTS: All patients had an improvement in two or more symptoms and 70 percent of patients in three or more symptoms. Postoperatively 80 percent reported an improvement in excessive straining (P = 0.0078) and in incomplete evacuation (P = 0.0078); 70 percent reported an improvement in vaginal bulging (P = 0.0156). Improvements in vaginal digitations and Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 scores were not statistically significant. Subjective outcomes were reported as excellent or good by 80 percent of patients. No patients had rectal perforation or infection, and no Permacol has been removed. CONCLUSIONS: Rectocele repair with Permacol((R)) by the transperineal approach is a safe technique that avoids some of the complications associated with synthetic mesh use. Objective and subjective results are excellent in the majority of patients.

Rectovaginal fistula after Posterior Intravaginal Slingplasty and polypropylene mesh augmented rectocele repair.

Posterior Intravaginal Slingplasty and mesh augmented rectocele repairs are procedures promoted for correction of vaginal relaxation. There is little data on the complications of these procedures alone or in combination. The first report of rectovaginal fistula after Posterior Intravaginal Slingplasty with graft augmented rectocele repair is presented. A 60-year-old female developed a rectovaginal fistula 3 months after undergoing a Posterior Intravaginal Slingplasty and mesh augmented rectocele repair for prolapse. Two attempts at correcting the fistula failed and there was a recurrence of her vault prolapse. She may now require diverting colostomy and repeat repair of her vault prolapse. The case report highlights the difficulties in treating a rectovaginal fistula that developed after Posterior Intravaginal Slingplasty and mesh augmented rectocele repair for vaginal vault prolapse. More data regarding complications associated with use of these procedures is needed prior to widespread use.