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).

Comparison of urethral parameters in females presenting cystoceles with and without stress urinary incontinence based on dynamic magnetic resonance imaging: are they different?

PURPOSE: To compare urethral parameters between cystocele patients with and without stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and explore factors influencing SUI in cystocele patients via dynamic MRI. METHODS: The two-dimensional parameters evaluated included the paravaginal defects, levator ani muscle defects, urethral length, urethral funnel shape, bladder neck funnel width, bladder neck funnel depth, urethral angle, posterior vesicourethral angle, and anterior bladder protrusion. The three-dimensional parameters included the proximal urethra rotation angle, the distal urethra rotation angle, bladder neck mobility, urethral midpoint mobility, and external urethral meatus mobility. The independent samples t test was used for continuous variables, and the chi-square test was used for categorical variables. Binary logistic regression was used to identify factors independently associated with SUI in cystocele patients. RESULTS: The baseline parameters were similar between the 2 groups. Cystocele patients with SUI had a significantly higher point Aa (1.63 ± 1.06 cm vs. 0.81 ± 1.51 cm, p = 0.008); more anterior bladder protrusion (33.3% vs. 11.4%, p = 0.017); greater bladder neck mobility (36.38 ± 11.46 mm vs. 28.81 ± 11.72 mm, p = 0.005); mid-urethral mobility (22.94 ± 6.50 mm vs. 19.23 ± 6.65 mm, p = 0.014); and external urethral meatus mobility (22.42 ± 8.16 mm vs. 18.03 ± 8.51 mm, p = 0.022) than did cystocele patients without SUI. The other urethral parameters were similar in the groups (p > 0.05). Binary logistic regression showed that bladder neck mobility was independently associated with SUI in females with cystoceles (odds ratio, 1.06; 95% CI 1.015-1.107; p = 0.009). CONCLUSION: Cystocele patients with SUI have a higher point Aa, more anterior bladder protrusion, and greater urethral mobility than those without SUI. Bladder neck mobility is independently associated with SUI in females with cystoceles. REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT03146195.

Pubococcygeal Line Versus H-line as MR Defecography Reference for Bladder Descent.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Magnetic resonance defecography imaging techniques have been used widely to study pelvic floor function and diagnose pelvic organ prolapse (POP). The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of the H-line to detect bladder descent compared with the current landmark, the pubococcygeal line (PCL). METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, patients who underwent MR defecography in our medical center and were diagnosed with moderate to severe cystocele by radiological measurements were recruited. One rest image and one maximum evacuation image for each subject were used for the following measurements: bladder base perpendicular distance from the genital hiatus (GH), indicative of clinically significant bladder descent, PCL as the current radiological reference line, and the H-line, or minimal levator hiatus line, indicative of pelvic floor muscle and connective tissue support. Subjects were categorized as having clinically significant cystocele if the "bladder base" reached within 1 cm or lower of the GH (stage II or higher cystocele). A comparison was performed to assess differences and predictive capabilities of the reference lines relative to the GH measure. RESULTS: Seventy subjects were included, 30 with clinically significant bladder descent based on distance to GH. Women with bladder descent were older (64.0 ± 11.8 vs 51.2 ± 15.6, p < 0.001), had increased parity (3 [1-7] vs 2 [0-5], p = 0.009), and had a bladder that descended lower than the H-line at rest (1.9 ± 0.5 vs 2.2 ± 0.4, p = 0.003) and evacuation (-2.4 ± 1.6 vs -0.7 ± 1.1, p < 0.001). Multivariate regression analysis confirmed that age, length of the H-line at evacuation, the perpendicular distances between the H-line and the lowest bladder point at rest, and the PCL to the lowest bladder point at evacuation significantly correlated with bladder descent. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to identify a measurement threshold to diagnose clinically significant cystocele for both measurements, bladder base to the H-line: -1.2 (80.0, 72.5) area under the curve (AUC) 0.82, and bladder base PCL: -3.3 (77.8, 79.5) AUC 0.86. CONCLUSION: Our data support the application of using the minimal levator hiatus plane and specifically the H-line as a reliable landmark to diagnose bladder descent using MR defecography imaging.

Prevention of complications of surgical treatment of stage III-IV cystocele using light polypropylene mesh.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of study was to report the subjective and objective results of different methods of surgical treatment of cystocele using the transvaginal Mesh-system. METHODOLOGY: A prospective study was conducted from January 2017 to December 2020 comparing anterior colporrhaphy with vaginal mesh and two distinct types of vaginal wall repair sutures in the surgical treatment of cystocele. The primary endpoint was the incidence rate of vaginal wall erosion complications 12 months after surgery. Secondary endpoints were anatomic outcomes, TVM-related morbidity, and patient satisfaction measured using validated questionnaires. RESULTS: In total, 102 patients with stage III-IV cystocele and the average age of 67.2 ± 3.1 years (age range of 47-79 years old) took part in the study. Of the 102 women initially enrolled, 102 (100%) were successfully followed up 12 months after primary surgery. The primary result, the objective erosion development, was radically different in the comparison groups (1.6% against 23.5%, respectively). Analysis of the improved method of operative treatment showed a prominent level of positive, uncomplicated, surgery results of 98.4% (60/61). The anatomic success rate of recovery from cystocele was 99.9% (101/102) 12 months after surgery. CONCLUSION: The suggested method of restoring the anterior vaginal wall in stage III-IV isolated cystocele without signs of incomplete and complete prolapse of the uterus showed a radically positive result. The number of complications was relatively high in the comparison group, but no difference was observed in satisfaction with the anatomical results of the surgery. The percentage of the vaginal wall erosion when using a single-layer suture is 23.5%, when using a two-layer suture is 1.6.

Unilateral levator avulsion increases the risk of de novo stress urinary incontinence after cystocele repair.

INTRODUCTION: Patients without concurrent baseline stress urinary incontinence (SUI) can develop de novo SUI after transvaginal mesh surgery (TVM) for cystocele repair. Surgeons should be aware of de novo SUI risk factors after TVM. METHODS: A total of 1124 women who were underwent TVM surgeries were recruited and assessed for eligibility from January 1, 2012 to April 30, 2021. All data related to patients and surgeries was collected, which included general conditions, clinical examination, surgery records, and follow-up results. Patients were divided into three groups according to follow-up results and data were compared with each group. The relative risk (RR) of de novo SUI with levator avulsion was also calculated. RESULTS: Three hundred thirty-six patients were included in this study. They were divided into no complication group (n = 249), de novo SUI group (n = 68), and other complications group (n = 19). It seemed elder or obese women had a higher risk of de novo SUI after TVM (p < 0.05). In de novo SUI group, incidence of levator avulsion before surgery were higher than the other two groups (p = 0.001). TVM can significantly change a prolapse to point Aa and Ba on POP-Q quantification system (p < 0.05). RR ratios of de novo SUI with unilateral avulsion group is 2.60 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.39-4.87), and 2.58 (95%CI 0.82-8.15) for bilateral group. CONCLUSION: Unilateral levator avulsion, instead of bilateral levator avulsion, is a risk factor of de novo SUI after cystocele repair surgery.

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.

Maternal and neonatal consequences of cystocele and rectocele in the delivery process.

The study aimed to investigate the effects of cystocele and rectocele on the stages of vaginal birth and maternal and newborn outcomes. A total of 672 multiparous pregnant women between the ages of 18 to 40 who underwent normal vaginal delivery in our tertiary center between November 2022 and February 2023, were included in this prospective study. Among the participants, 348 (51.8%) had no abnormalities, 78 (11.6%) had rectocele only, 112 (16.7%) had cystocele only, and 134 (19.9) had both cystocele and rectocele. Patients with the coexistence of cystocele and rectocele experienced a notably extended duration for both the first stage and second stage of labor, although the extension in the second stage was not statistically significant. Among the maternal complications, the development of maternal laceration and chorioamnionitis was significantly more common in the patient group with cystocele and rectocele compared to the other groups. When the groups were assessed for postpartum bleeding, while the bleeding risk increased from the normal group to the rectocele + cystocele group, this increase was not statistically significant. There was no difference between the groups in terms of neonatal outcomes. The delivery time of pregnant women with cystocele and rectocele, in the absence of additional risk factors, was determined to be significantly longer than that of the control group. We think that these patients should receive more vigilant monitoring, and this criterion should be kept in mind when assessing the indication for a cesarean section.

A comparison between the vaginal patch plastron associated with the anterior sacrospinous fixation and the Uphold™ LITE vaginal support system for the treatment of advanced anterior vaginal wall prolapse.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to compare efficacy and safety of the vaginal patch plastron (VPP) associated to the anterior sacrospinous fixation (SSLF-A) with a TVM procedure (Uphold™ LITE support-system) for the treatment of the advanced anterior vaginal wall prolapse. STUDY DESIGN: Single-center retrospective study. Women with symptomatic anterior prolapse ≥ III stage according to the POP-quantification (POP-Q) system and submitted to the VPP associated with the SSLF-A or to the Uphold™ procedure were included. Primary outcome was to compare objective and subjective cystocele relapse and reoperation rate at 6- and 12-month follow-up. Secondary outcome was to describe peri- and postoperative complications. Pearson chi-square test and exact Fisher test were adopted for categorical variables, while intergroup Mann-Whitney U test and intragroup Wilcoxon Rank Sum Test for continuous variables; the statistical analysis was conducted at 95 % confidence level. RESULTS: Fifty-five women in VPP-group and 118 women in Uphold-group were included. At 6-month follow-up, objective anterior relapse in VPP-group (3/55, 5.4 %) was like Uphold-group (5/118, 4.2 %; p = 0.71), as well as objective apical relapse (0/55, 0 % vs 3/118, 2.5 %; p = 0.55); no significant difference emerged in bulge symptoms (1/55, 1.8 % vs 5/118, 4.2 %; p = 0.67). At 12-month follow-up women were telephonically investigated; no significant difference emerged in bulge symptoms (1/55, 1.8 % vs 6/118, 5.1 %; p = 0.43). Reoperation rate for the composite outcome POP relapse, stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and remotion of the TVM resulted lower in the VPP group (1/55, 1.8 % vs 13/118, 11 %; p = 0.03). Post-operative buttock pain (32/55, 58.2 % vs 24/118, 20.3 %; p < 0.0001) and post-operative urinary retention (16/55, 29.1 % vs 6/118, 5.1 %; p < 0.0001) were higher in VPP-group, with a complete resolution between 2 and 3 weeks after treatment. CONCLUSION: VPP associated with SSLF-A was as effective as Uphold™ LITE support-system for both anterior and central compartment prolapse treatment at 6- and 12-month follow-up. VPP-group presented a lower reoperation rate for the composite outcome prolapse relapse repair, SUI, and removal of the mesh.

Anterior sacrospinous ligament fixation by the vaginal route in ten steps.

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a common condition affecting women, characterized by the descent of pelvic organs such as the vagina and uterus. While POP may not always cause symptoms, it can significantly impact a woman's quality of life. Diagnosis is typically made through clinical examination, and treatment options range from pelvic-floor physical therapy to surgery. Anterior sacrospinous ligament fixation (ASSLF) has emerged as a viable technique for treating apical prolapse vaginally. This procedure involves attaching the cervix or vaginal vault to the sacrospinous ligament, providing satisfactory results in the short term. Compared to the posterior approach, ASSLF shows similar efficacy, shorter operative time, and potentially fewer complications. Vaginal surgery offers advantages such as lower morbidity and cost, ability to address other pelvic conditions simultaneously, and suitability for managing recurrences. The presented case involves a 72-year-old woman with stage 3 cystocele, stage 3 hysterocele, stage 1 rectocele, and severe voiding dysfunction. After unsuccessful attempts with a pessary, surgical intervention becomes necessary. An instructive video article has been created to standardize the essential steps of ASSLF and facilitate resident education. The video demonstrates ten surgical steps, including installation/exposure, anterior vaginal wall infiltration, median anterior colpotomy, vesico-vaginal dissection, paravesical dissection, sacrospinous ligament suture, cystocele correction, colpotomy and vaginal wall repair, uterine anterior isthmus suture and sacrospinous ligament fixation, and colporrhaphy final closure. In conclusion, POP is a prevalent condition that can be effectively managed through techniques like ASSLF. Vaginal surgery offers several advantages, and proper training and standardization of surgical steps contribute to successful outcomes and resident education.

Sexual dysfunction in patients after cystocele surgery. Is the g-spot a myth or reality?

The anterior wall of the vagina is very rich in nerves, blood vessels, and exocrine glands. This anatomical region is related to female sexual desire. During the anterior colporrhaphy operation, dissection of the anterior vaginal wall causes damage to this area, which may lead to decreased sexual satisfaction. In the present study, we aimed to investigate sexual function after anterior vaginal wall surgery. METHODS: Totally 89 patients who had undergone the anterior colporrhaphy operation between May 2021 and December 2021 were included in the study. The patients' sexual function was investigated before surgery and six months after surgery. The effects on sexual function were determined according to the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire. RESULTS: According to our study results, orgasm and orgasm intensities decreased after anterior colporrhaphy surgery (p = 0.000; p = 0.000), while sexual desire or arousal did not change (p = 0.405; p = 0.052). In addition, an increase in pain was observed during sexual intercourse after surgery (p = 0.000). No statistically significant difference was observed in the PISQ-12 score before or after anterior colporrhaphy surgery (p = 0.675). CONCLUSION: Based on the results of our study, we found a remarkable decrease in orgasm in these patients. Furthermore, we think that it is appropriate to recommend conservative or alternative treatments for the early stages of cystocele. Nevertheless, larger-scale studies may be designed to reveal the importance of this region in sexual function.

Analysis of the anatomical and biomechanical characteristics of the pelvic floor in cystocele.

INTRODUCTION: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) occurs due to disruption of the pelvic floor anatomy; however, the complexity of the pelvic floor support structures and individual patient differences make it difficult to identify the weak points in the pelvic floor support that cause SUI to occur, develop, and recur. This study aimed to analyze the pelvic floor anatomy, structural features, and biomechanics of cystoceles to develop more effective treatment plans with individualized and precise healthcare. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this observational case-controlled study (clinical trial identifier BOJI201855L), 102 women with normal pelvic floor function and 273 patients diagnosed with cystocele degrees I-III were identified at Shanghai General Hospital from October 2016 to December 2019. We combined ultrasound and vaginal tactile imaging (VTI) to assess the anatomy and biomechanical functions of the anterior and posterior vaginal walls. Both examinations included relaxation and muscle tension tests. RESULTS: Of the 42 VTI parameters, 13 were associated with the degree of cystocele, six with an increase in the urethral rotation angle (pointing to the mobility of the urethra), and six with a decrease in the retrovesical angle (pointing to hypsokinesis and decrease in bladder position). According to these data, the strength of tissues, especially the muscles in both the anterior and posterior compartments, contributes to the stability of the pelvic floor structure. The strength of the levator ani muscle (LAM) is important for the degree of cystocele, mobility of the urethra, hypsokinesis, and decrease in bladder position. CONCLUSIONS: In general, the biomechanical status of the pelvic floor in patients with cystocele is complex and involves various muscles, ligaments, tendons, and fascia. Of these, repair and exercise of the LAM have not received much attention in the treatment of patients with cystoceles, which may be an important risk factor for the high recurrence rate.

4D Transperineal Ultrasound for the Diagnosis and Classification of Stress Urinary Incontinence in Postmenopausal Women.

OBJECTIVE: To explore 4D transperineal ultrasound (TPUS) parameters distinguishing urethral hypermobility (UH) and intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD) in stress urinary incontinence (SUI). STUDY DESIGN: Observational study. Place and Duration of the Study: The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, China, from January 2018 to January 2022. METHODOLOGY: According to valsalva leak point pressure (VLPP), postmenopausal SUI women were divided into UH and ISD groups, and healthy women were set as control group. Medical data and ultrasound parameters were analysed for their diagnostic values on SUI. RESULTS: In women with SUI, body mass index, parity, urethral funnel formation rate, bladder neck descent (BND), retrovesical angle (RVA) under the maximum valsalva manoeuver (MVM), urethral rotation angle (URA) and levator hiatus area (LHA) were higher, but bladder neck internal angle (BIA), urethral length (UL) at rest and UL under MVM were smaller than those in control (p<0.05). In the UH group, BIA, BND, and UL under MVM were higher, but ICIQ-SF score and urethral funnel formation rate were smaller than those in the ISD group, and Cystocele Green's type differed significantly (p<0.05). Smaller BIA, shorter UL under MVM, and higher ICIQ-SF score were more likely to diagnose ISD, while Cystocele Green's type II were likely to diagnose UH (p<0.05). The area under receiver operator characteristic curve of the logistic regression model was 0.864 with 90.6% sensitivity and 71.9% specificity. VLPP was positively correlated with BIA and UL under MVM but negatively correlated with the ICIQ-SF score. CONCLUSION: Parameters of 4D TPUS can differentiate UH and ISD in SUI. KEY WORDS: Stress urinary incontinence, Transperineal ultrasound, Valsalva leak point pressure, Urethral hypermobility, Intrinsic sphincter deficiency.

Total uterine prolapse: a rare cause of chronic obstructive uropathy associated with renal dysfunction (a case report).

Pelvic organ prolapse is rarely associated with severe bilateral ureteral hydronephrosis and renal dysfunction. The etiopathogenetic mechanism has not been fully elucidated. Contemporary imaging methods of the urinary tract play a decisive role in assessing the morphological function of the kidneys. In cases of moderate and severe pelvic organ prolapse, surgery appears to be the main choice of treatment. Our case concerns a post-menopausal patient with three vaginal deliveries in her obstetric history and with a history of bilateral hydronephrosis and impaired renal function who was referred to the outpatient clinic for a gynecological examination due to complete uterine prolapse. Bilateral hydroureteronephrosis due to prolapse was assessed as the main cause of renal dysfunction. A surgical intervention was decided to the pelvic floor and a vaginal hysterectomy was performed with simultaneous correction of the cystocele and rectocele. The postoperative course was uneventful. Three months later, re-examination of the urinary tract showed complete remediation of kidney morphology and function. The present case report emphasizes the significant degree of bilateral hydroureteronephrosis and deterioration of renal function rarely seen in patients with complete uterine prolapse. At the same time, it is pointed out that the exclusion of renal dysfunction related to complete uterine prolapse should be the main concern of the modern gynecologist even for complex cases with coexisting etiological factors for renal disease, in order to avoid permanent renal parenchymal damage and ensure the best health and quality of life of these patients.

A serious consequence of pelvic organ prolapse: Hydroureteronephrosis.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: We aimed to determine the association between pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and hydroureteronephrosis (HUN), risk factors for developing HUN and resolution of HUN after surgery. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on 528 patients diagnosed with uterine prolapse. RESULTS: All patients with or without HUN were compared in terms of risk factors. The 528 patients were divided into five groups according to the POP-Q classification. A significant relationship was found between POP stage and HUN. The other risk factors for developing HUN were age, rural life, parity, vaginal delivery, smoking, body mass index and increased comorbidity. The prevalence of POP was 12.2% and the prevalence of HUN was 65.3%. All patients with HUN underwent surgery. After surgery, HUN resolved in 292 (84.6%) patients. CONCLUSION: POP is a multifactorial herniation of pelvic organs out of the urogenital hiatus due to pelvic floor dysfunction. The main etiological factors in POP are older age, grand multiparity, vaginal delivery and obesity. The most important problem in patients with severe POP is HUN due to urethral kinking or urethral obstruction, which is a result of the cystocele squeezing the urethra under the pubic bone. In low-income countries, the main aim is to prevent the development of POP, which is the most common cause of HUN. It is important to increase the level of knowledge about contraception methods and to increase screening and training to reduce other risk factors. Women should be made aware of the importance of gynecological examination in the menopausal period.

Transvaginal surgical treatment of stage III-IV cystocele using a light prolene mesh: Safety of use and 5-year follow-up results.

OBJECTIVE: The relevance of the article is due to the spread of the problem of genital prolapse in women. In order to solve this, the purpose of the presented work is to present and evaluate the 5-year experience of using light-weight polypropylene mesh, which is used in the transvaginal surgical treatment of stage III-IV cystocele. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at the Dnipro State Medical University at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in the period from 2010 to 2020. A total of 612 patients with an average age of 64.8 ± 8.2 years (range 47-79) were included in it. RESULTS: Long-term analysis of operative treatment in 374 patients (76.0%) after 60 months showed a high level of satisfaction with the results of the operation 99.2% (371/374). A significant level of elimination of pathological symptoms in the functioning of the pelvic organs and improvement of the quality of life was established, which were assessed using questionnaires: PFDI-20 (76.4-4.3 (p < 0.05)), PFIQ-7 (41-8.4 (p < 0.05)), before the operation and at the final stage of the study. In total, 12 months after the operation, 2.6% (12/467) of the patients were re-operated on due to erosion of the vaginal wall at the site of placement of the MESH-system. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed technique for restoring the front wall of the vagina in case of an isolated cystocele of the III-IV degree, without signs of incomplete or complete prolapse of the uterus, showed a recurrence-free result in the indicated segment of the vagina.

Non-invasive biomechanical assessment of the prolapsed vaginal wall: an explorative pilot study on cutometry and indentometry.

The clinical assessment of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and associated treatment strategies is currently limited to anatomical and subjective outcome measures, which have limited reproducibility and do not include functional properties of vaginal tissue. The objective of our study was to evaluate the feasibility of using cutometry and indentometry for non-invasive biomechanical assessment of the vaginal wall in women with POP. Both techniques were applied on the vaginal wall of 20 women indicated for surgical correction of POP stage two or higher. The primary outcome was the measurement success rate. Measurements were considered successful if biomechanical parameters were generated after a maximum of three attempts. Secondary outcomes included acquisition time, number of attempts to obtain a successful measurement, and biomechanical parameters. Measurements were successfully performed on the anterior vaginal wall of 12 women with cystocele and the posterior vaginal wall of eight women with rectocele. The success rate was 100% for both techniques and acquisition time was under 1 minute for all 20 measurements. Tissue fast elasticity of the posterior vaginal wall (rectocele) was significantly higher than that of the anterior vaginal wall (cystocele) and negatively correlated with age (r = - 0.57, P < 0.05). In women with POP, measuring the biomechanical properties of the vaginal wall using cutometry and indentometry is technically feasible. Objective evaluation of biomechanical properties may help to understand the pathophysiology behind surgical outcomes, providing an opportunity for the identification of patients at risk for (recurrent) prolapse, and individualized treatment decisions.

Investigation of predictive factors for the presence of voiding dysfunction after transvaginal mesh surgery-Can the flow curve shape on uroflowmetry be a predictor?

PURPOSE: This study established the prognostic significance of the uroflowmetry flow curve shape in the presence of voiding dysfunction following transvaginal mesh surgery. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of 439 symptomatic cystocele patients who underwent anterior wall repair with transvaginal mesh surgery. Uroflowmetry and postvoid residual were used to evaluate voiding function both preoperatively and 12 months postoperatively. The patients were divided into two groups: those with and without postoperative voiding dysfunction, and the predictors of postoperative voiding dysfunction were analyzed. The shape of the urine flow curve was analyzed for its influence on the presence of postoperative voiding dysfunction. RESULTS: Thirty-five participants were in the voiding dysfunction group, while 404 were in the nonvoiding dysfunction group. Multivariate analysis was conducted by adding an interrupted-shaped curve to age, Qmax, and postvoid residual, which showed significant differences in univariate analysis, found that age 68 years or older (odds ratio [OR]: 7.68, 95%CI 1.02-58, p = 0.048), postvoid residual ≥110 mL (OR: 2.8, 95%CI 1.25-6.29, p = 0.013) and interrupted-shaped curve (OR: 2.47, 95%CI 1.07-5.69, p = 0.034) were discovered to be independent risk factors for the presence of voiding dysfunction after transvaginal mesh surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Following transvaginal mesh surgery for cystocele, three variables were found to be predictive of voiding dysfunction: the old age, excessive postvoid residual, and an interrupted-shaped flow curve. The uroflowmetry flow curve shape has the potential to be a new predictor of postoperative voiding dysfunction.

Long-term outcomes of cable-suspended suture technique versus conventional suture for anterior vaginal wall prolapse: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Anterior colporrhaphy (AC) is a conventional surgical repair technique for cystocele but with high recurrence rate. We present a novel technique: Cable-suspended structure (CSS) by non-absorbable suture combined with "bridge" formation in surgical treatment of cystocele. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the long-term outcome of CSS technique for anterior vaginal wall repair with AC. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed on patients who underwent anterior vaginal wall repair between January 2012 and March 2017 at our center. All the patients were under a follow-up survey. The primary outcomes were objective cure (anterior prolapse POP-Q ≤ stage 1) and subjective cure (no symptoms of bulge or retreatment for prolapse). Secondary outcomes included quality of life (QOL) and patients' satisfaction, outcomes of site-specific POP-Q points Aa, Ba and C, as well as postoperative complications. RESULTS: Of 91 included participants, 43 underwent AC and 48 underwent CSS. The proportion of sarcrospinous ligament fixation in the CSS group was higher than in the AC group (81.4% vs. 77.1%, P < 0.05). At a median follow-up of 69 months, the CSS group showed significantly higher objective cure rate compared with the AC group (72.9% vs. 51.2%, odds ratio 2.57, 95%CI 1.07-6.16). After adjusting for sarcrospinous ligament fixation, the CSS group still significantly showed higher objective cure rate (adjusted odds ratio 2.88, 95%CI 1.16-7.21). The proportion of the patients with POP-Q 0 stage in the CSS group was particularly higher than the AC group (25% vs. 7.0%, P = 0.025). There was no difference between the groups with respect to subjective cure, patients' satisfaction and postoperative complication. CONCLUSIONS: The CSS technique showed better objective outcome than AC, however, subjective cure rate did not significantly differ between the two. Future prospective trial with large-scale should confirm the effectiveness and safety of CSS in sexually active women.