Comparative analysis of early adverse events of pelvic organ prolapse repair with or without transvaginal mesh using Clavien-Dindo classification

Trends in patient characteristics, surgical techniques, and associated complications over time in pelvic organ prolapse repair

OBJECTIVE

To investigate trends in pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgical repair procedures and patient characteristics over the past decade, focusing on peri-operative and post-operative complications.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study analyzed POP surgeries and short-term complications among women over 18 at a tertiary medical center from 2014 to 2022. Exclusion criteria included pelvic radiation, malignancy, significant comorbidities, incomplete records, or loss to follow-up. Complications were assessed using the Clavien-Dindo Classification, focusing on infection rate, antibiotic use, blood transfusions, readmission within 30 days, and Intensive care unit admission. Univariate analysis and logistic regression were performed.

RESULTS

The study included 490 women, with 239 in 2014 and 251 in 2022. A decrease in invasive procedures, such as vaginal hysterectomy (25.1 % vs. 15.1 %, p < 0.01) and transabdominal hysterectomy (42.7 % vs 23.1 %, p < 0.01), alongside an increase in native tissue repairs like sacrospinous ligament fixation (SSLF) (2.1 % vs. 27.5 %, p < 0.01), anterior colporrhaphy (14.6 % vs. 24.7 %, p < 0.01), and posterior colporrhaphy (0.0 % vs. 2.4 %, p = 0.02), was noted. Additionally, the use of vaginal mesh decreased (4.2 % vs. 1.2 %, p = 0.04). Short-term complications significantly declined, including infection rate (10.9 % vs. 4.4 %, p < 0.01), post-operative antibiotics (10.9 % vs. 4.0 %, p < 0.01) and need for blood transfusion (16.7 % vs. 7.6 %, p < 0.01). SSLF was an independent protective factor against short-term complications (OR = 0.191, CI 0.044-0.826, p = 0.027), adjusted for year and patient age.

CONCLUSION

Our analysis suggests a shift toward less invasive POP surgeries, potentially contributing to improved short-term outcomes. The increase in native tissue repairs and reduction in hysterectomies may be associated with fewer short-term complications.

Clinical characteristic and risk factors for post-operative complications in women undergoing laparoscopy myomectomy

OBJECTIVE

To assess clinical characteristic and risk factors for post-operative complications in women undergoing laparoscopic myomectomy using the Clavien-Dindo classification system.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted at Soroka University Medical Center, Beer Sheva, Israel, between 2010 and 2020, including women who underwent laparoscopic myomectomy. Postoperative adverse events were classified using the Clavien-Dindo system. The study population was divided into two groups: those with complications (Clavien-Dindo classification ≥ 1) and those without complications (Clavien-Dindo classification = 0). Risk factors were compared between the groups and analyzed for statistical significance using univariate and multivariate logistic regression.

RESULTS

A total of 111 women who underwent laparoscopic myomectomy were included. Of these, 26 experienced complications (study group) and 85 did not (comparison group); all complications were minor. Women in the study group had a higher incidence of pre-operative symptoms (76.9 % vs. 55.3 %). Additionally, the duration of surgery was significantly longer in the study group (137 min vs. 97 min, p < 0.01), and estimated blood loss was higher, with more frequent use of anti-adhesive agents. There was no significant difference in preoperative anemia between the groups. Estimated blood loss > 100 mL was found to be independently associated with complications (aOR 4.4, 95 % CI 1.5-12.5).

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic myomectomy is a safe and effective surgical option for women, with a low rate of minor complications. Although longer surgeries and increased blood loss were associated with complications, the overall risk remains minimal. Proper identification of risk factors such as pre-operative symptoms and intraoperative blood loss can help optimize patient outcomes. Future research should further explore the relationship between anemia and surgical outcomes, as no significant differences in anemia were observed in this study.

The effect of advanced age on peri- and post-operative complications following pelvic floor repair surgeries

OBJECTIVES

To assess whether advanced age is a risk factor for complications following pelvic organ prolapse (POP) repair surgeries using the Clavien-Dindo classification system.

METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study, 260 women who had undergone POP repair surgery at the Soroka University Medical Center (SUMC) between the years 2014-2019 were included. A univariate analysis was conducted to compare the demographical, clinical, obstetrical and operative characteristics of patients by age group (younger or older than 70 years). We performed a similar analysis to assess for the possible association between several variables and post-operative complications. Variables that were found to be associated with post-operative complications (P < 0.2) were included in a multivariate analysis along with advanced age.

RESULTS

During the 12 months follow-up period, more than half of the women had experienced at least one post-operative complication. Minor complications (grades 1-2 according to the Clavian-Dindo classification system) were the most common. One woman had died during the follow-up period, and none had experienced organ failure (grade 4). Hysterectomy, as part of POP surgery, was found to be significantly associated with post-operative complications. Additionally, grandmultiparity (> 5 births) showed a tendency towards an increased risk for post-operative complications, however this reached only borderline significance. We found no association between advanced age and post-operative complications.

CONCLUSIONS

POP repair surgeries are safe for women of all ages. Major complications (grades 3-5) are rare in all age groups. Although advanced age was associated with a higher prevalence of comorbidity and a higher grade of prolapse, no significant difference in the post-operative complications was found between age groups. Concomitant hysterectomy at the time of POP repair surgery is a risk factor for post-operative complications.

Obesity is not an independent risk factor for peri- and post-operative complications following mid-urethral sling (MUS) surgeries for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI)

OBJECTIVE

To inquire whether obesity is a risk factor of peri- and post-operative complications following Mid-urethral sling (MUS) surgeries for SUI repair using the Clavien-Dindo classification system (CDcs).

METHODS

This retrospective cohort included 304 women who undergone a MUS in a 1000 beds tertiary University medical center between the years 2012-2018. Univariate analysis was conducted to compare clinical and operative traits by BMI group and to examine associations of obesity and complications rates and severity according to the CDcs. Multivariate analysis was conducted to assess the risk for post-operative complications and adjust to potential confounders.

RESULTS

The study group included 106 (34.9%) women with BMI 30 or higher and the comparison group included 198 (65.1%) women with BMI lower than 30. In the study group we found a significantly higher prevalence of hypertension (P = 0.019), previous abdominal surgeries (P = 0.012) including cesarean section (P = 0.025), previous pelvic floor surgeries (P = 0.005) and pelvic organ prolapse (P = 0.02). In the control group we found a significantly higher rates of concomitant hysterectomy which performed during the MUS (P = 0.005). Obesity was not associated with increased rates of peri and post-operative complications (P = 0.973).

CONCLUSIONS

In our study, obesity was not associated with peri- and post-operative complications following MUS.

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.

Short term complications in mesh augmented vaginal repair of pelvic organ prolapse are not higher when compared with native tissue repair

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Accumulating evidence regarding the negative long-term consequences of transvaginal mesh-based procedures for pelvic organ prolapse has led to a sharp decline in mesh-based procedures. We aimed to evaluate the short-term complications of mesh-based procedures for carefully selected patients with pelvic organ prolapse after Food and Drug Administration warnings.

METHODS

A retrospective database review of the ACS NSQIP database was completed to examine 30-day complications including re-operation, prolonged length of stay, blood transfusion, surgical site infection, urinary tract infection, readmission and wound dehiscence in mesh-augmented and native tissue-based transvaginal procedures for pelvic organ prolapse.

RESULTS

A total of 36,234 patients were included in the analysis, with only 7.1% (2574 women) having mesh-augmented repair. Using a multivariable logistical regression analysis adjusting for confounders, we found that the primary composite outcome (re-operation, hospital stay, blood transfusion and surgical site infection) was less common in the mesh group compared with the native tissue repair group (adjusted OR 0.80, CI 0.67-0.95, p = 0.009). The secondary outcomes (urinary tract infection, re-admission and wound dehiscence) were not different between the group.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that in well-chosen patients, short-term complications are not increased when using transvaginal mesh for pelvic organ prolapse repair.

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.

Complications of Pelvic Organ Prolapse Surgery in the 2015 Finnish Pelvic Organ Prolapse Surgery Survey Study

OBJECTIVE

To describe the major complications of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgery in Finland.

METHODS

The Finnish Pelvic Organ Prolapse Surgery Survey 2015 study is a prospective cohort of POP surgeries performed in Finland in 2015. Perioperative, postoperative, and late complications during 1 year of follow-up were compared among native tissue repair, transvaginal mesh, and abdominal mesh surgery. Major complications were assessed using the Clavien-Dindo grading system. Predictive factors for major complications were studied with logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Within 1 year after POP surgery, 396 (11.2%) of 3,515 women had at least one complication: 10.9% after native tissue, 11.7% after transvaginal mesh, and 13.5% after abdominal mesh repair. The majority of complications occurred within 2 months after surgery and postoperative infection (4.3%) and bleeding or hematoma (2.6%) were the most frequent. The incidence of organ injuries was low. Mesh-augmented surgery was associated with significantly higher rates of bladder and bowel injuries than native tissue surgery. Complication-related reoperations occurred significantly more often after abdominal mesh repair than native tissue surgery (5.2% vs 1.8%, P=.001). Mesh-related complications were diagnosed more often after transvaginal mesh repair. The overall rate of major complications (Clavien-Dindo grades III-V) was 3.3%. Abdominal mesh surgery was associated with the highest rate of major adverse events (8.8% vs native tissue repair 2.6% and transvaginal mesh 4.9%). The incidence of Clavien-Dindo grade IV or V complications was rare (less than 0.6%). Mesh surgery (transvaginal mesh adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.23, 95% CI 1.31-3.80, and abdominal mesh aOR 3.02, 95% CI 1.67-5.46), longer operating time (aOR 2.84, 95% CI 1.78-4.53), prior POP surgery (aOR 1.68, 95% CI 1.00-2.81) and difficult surgery (aOR 2.75, 95% CI 1.63-4.62) were associated with an increased risk for occurrence of major complications.

CONCLUSION

Serious adverse events were rare regardless of the operative approach. However, mesh-augmented surgery was associated with higher risk for major complications.

3 Year outcome after treatment of uterovaginal prolapse with a 6-point fixation mesh

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to describe the intermediate outcome of a single-incision 6-point fixation transvaginal mesh for the treatment of primary and recurrent pelvic organ prolapse (POP).

STUDY DESIGN

This was a prospective cohort study including consecutive patients undergoing POP repair with the InGYNious anterior transvaginal mesh. Inclusion criteria were women with symptomatic stage II POP or higher. Exclusion criteria were the unwillingness or inability to give written informed consent, malignant diseases, neuro-muscular disorders, chronic pain syndrome or previous radiation in the pelvis. Every study participant completed a structured questionnaire, a urogynecological examination according to the IUGA-ICS POP-Q staging system and the validated P-QoL questionnaire before the operation and three years postoperatively.

RESULTS

254 patients were included into the study, 179 were available for the three-year follow-up (70 %). Sixteen patients (8.2 %) had undergone reoperation for recurrent or de novo prolapse (12/16 patients underwent reoperation in the posterior compartment) and were excluded from the objective outcome analysis. In the final study group, all POP-Q measurements, urge urinary incontinence and voiding dysfunction were significantly improved. The de novo SUI rate was 27/ 120 (23 %) in women without reoperation for SUI and/ or POP and without primary SUI. No serious adverse events occurred. Four (1.5 %) patients had mesh exposure at the one-year follow-up and been treated with local oestrogen. At three-year follow-up, no new mesh exposure was seen. De novo dyspareunia rate was low (n = 5 (3 %)).

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, the objective outcome three years after anterior POP repair with the InGYNious transvaginal mesh was good. The reoperation rate both for mesh related problems or prolapse were rare.

Evaluating the use of Clavien-Dindo classification and Picker Patient Experience Questionnaire as quality indicators in gynecologic endoscopy

PURPOSE

Over the last few decades, laparoscopy has become a standard procedure within gynecological surgery. Validated quality indicators for the determination of the objective (perioperative complications) and subjective (patient satisfaction) quality of treatment as a surrogate parameter for the success of the treatment have so far found no regular application in the clinical routine. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of the Clavien-Dindo (CD) classification for postoperative complications and the Picker Patient Experience Questionnaire (PPE-15) as tools in the evaluation of endoscopic therapies in clinical routine.

METHODS

Retrospectively, perioperative complications using the CD classification and patient satisfaction utilizing the PPE-15 were reviewed for a total of 212 consecutive patients at a gynecologic endoscopic referral center (Agaplesion Diakonie Kliniken, Kassel, Germany) in September 2018.

RESULTS

An overall complication rate of 13.21% (28 out of 138 patients) was observed. Five patients (2.36%) had complications grade III and above according to the CD classification system. 138 patients out of 212 chose to answer the PPE-15 (return rate 65.01%). 112 patients (81.16%) reported about problems during their treatment in our hospital in their PPE-15. "Purpose of medicines not explained" was the most mentioned item (28.99%) by patients during their hospital stay.

CONCLUSION

CD classification and PPE-15 may be helpful instruments to evaluate the quality of care in gynecology. The application of both instruments for the assessment of treatment quality in clinical routine should be further investigated in prospective studies.

Long-term results of genital prolapse surgery with polypropylene mesh

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE

The risk of intervention due to urogenital prolapse in a woman's life is 11.1%. Recurrences after classic surgery reach up to 38%. With the aim of improving these results, transvaginal mesh kits are used. The purpose of the study is to describe the results of efficacy and long-term safety of vaginal prolapse surgery with polypropylene mesh, assess subjective symptoms before and after surgery and the level of satisfaction.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A descriptive, retrospective study of 58 women with symptomatic genital prolapses operated with polypropylene mesh between September / 2011-November / 2016. Mean age: 66.53 years, 98.27% menopausal women, 77.59% overweight/obesity, 29.31% with previous gynaecological surgery and 55.17% with combined prolapse. 46 Elevate anterior and 12 posterior were inserted. The mean follow-up period was 34.02 months. The PFDI questionnaire was used pre and post-surgery, as well as the satisfaction questionnaire.

RESULTS

Healing rate of 91.38%. Recurrences were associated with a higher BMI and with background of recurrence of previous surgery. Mean length of stay: 2.5 days. 70.69% did not need analgesia at discharge. Clavien-Dindo complications: 1 type I (urinary retention), 5 type II (urinary tract infection) and 1 type IIIa (erosion). De novo stress urinary incontinence occurred in 3.44%, while de novo dyspareunia 14.28%. 89.36% patients improved subjective symptoms, and 95.92% were satisfied.

CONCLUSION

This surgery achieves high healing rates, with few complications, improvement of subjective symptoms and high level of satisfaction of the patients.

1-year outcome after treatment of uterovaginal prolapse with a 6-point fixation mesh

Introduction

The aim of this study was to describe the safety and anatomical results of a surgical approach with a single‐incision 6‐point fixation vaginal mesh for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse at perioperatively and at 1‐year follow‐up.

Materials and Methods

This was a prospective observational study of patients who underwent operation receiving an InGYNious anterior transvaginal mesh. All patients with symptomatic stage II prolapse or higher were included in the study. Exclusion criteria were the unwillingness or inability to give written informed consent, neuromuscular disorders, malignant diseases, previous radiation in the pelvis, or chronic pain syndrome. Every patient completed a structured questionnaire and a full physical examination according to the IUGA‐ICS POP‐Q staging system before the operation and at 1‐year follow‐up.

Results

Two hundred fifty‐four patients (91%) were included in the study. The intraoperative complication rate was 7% with hemorrhage being the most common complication. Six patients (2.4%) had undergone reoperation for prolapse (four out of the six patients had reoperation in the posterior compartment) and were excluded from the objective outcome analysis. In the remaining 248 patients all POP‐Q measurements were significantly improved in the anterior and apical compartments. Similarly, urge urinary incontinence and voiding dysfunction improved significantly.

Conclusions

In this series, the objective outcome one year after the InGYNious mesh was good with low numbers of mesh‐related problems or reoperation for prolapse.