Anal incontinence and bowel dysfunction after sacrocolpopexy for vaginal vault prolapse

Cross-Cultural Validation of the Renzi Score for Obstructed Defecation Syndrome

Background The Renzi obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS) score is a validated and published method used for the diagnosis and staging of patients with ODS. It consists of a five-item score with a total score ranging from 0 to 20. This study aimed to cross-culturally validate the Renzi ODS score by translating it into Arabic. Methods This prospective study included 30 women who had undergone sacrocolpopexy for pelvic organ prolapse repair during the years 2021-2023. The Renzi ODS score was professionally translated from English to Arabic by native speakers, constructed, and validated by five professional and experienced individuals in the study domain for adequate content validity. Data were obtained through a face-to-face interview at baseline and by telephone four weeks later. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was calculated to determine the homogeneity of the items, item-total, and item-item correlations, and to assess the impact of each item on internal consistency separately. A simple kappa coefficient for each item was assessed to evaluate test-retest reliability. Results A total of 30 women aged 42-74 years who had undergone sacrocolpopexy were included in this study. Overall Cronbach's alpha coefficient for all items indicated that the five items have enough homogeneity in the Renzi ODS score. Inter-item correlations showed a high degree of correlation across all items, which indicates a strong association between each item and the total score of the Renzi ODS. For test-retest reliability, results indicated good to excellent reliability of the Renzi ODS score. Conclusions This study validated the Arabic Renzi ODS score, confirming its role as a reliable and consistent tool for evaluating ODS in patients after sacrocolpopexy.

Twelve Month Outcomes of Pelvic Organ Prolapse Surgery in Patients With Uterovaginal or Posthysterectomy Vaginal Prolapse Enrolled in the Multicenter Pelvic Floor Disorders Registry

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to compare 12-month subjective and objective outcomes between 3 approaches to apical pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgery in patients presenting with uterovaginal or posthysterectomy vaginal prolapse enrolled in the Pelvic Floor Disorders Registry for Research.

STUDY DESIGN

This was an analysis of a multicenter, prospective registry that collected both patient- and physician-reported data for up to 3 years after conservative (pessary) and surgical treatment for POP. Twelve-month subjective and anatomic outcomes for patients who underwent surgical treatment were extracted from the registry for analysis. Pelvic organ prolapse recurrence was defined as a composite outcome and compared between the 3 apical surgery groups (native tissue repair, sacrocolpopexy, colpocleisis) as well as the 2 reconstructive surgery groups (native tissue repair and sacrocolpopexy).

RESULTS

A total of 1,153 women were enrolled in the registry and 777 (67%) opted for surgical treatment, of whom 641 underwent apical repair and were included in this analysis (404 native tissue repair, 187 sacrocolpopexy, and 50 colpocleisis). The overall incidence of recurrence was as follows: subjective 6.5%, anatomic 4.7%, retreatment 7.2%, and composite 13.6%. The incidence of recurrence was not different between the 3 surgical groups. When baseline patient characteristics were controlled for, composite POP recurrence between the native tissue and sacrocolpopexy groups remained statistically nonsignificant. Concurrent perineorrhaphy with any type of apical POP surgery was associated with a lower risk of recurrence (adjusted odds ratio, 0.43; 95% confidence interval, 0.25-0.74; P = 0.002) and prior hysterectomy was associated with a higher risk (adjusted odds ratio, 1.77, 95% confidence interval, 1.04-3.03; P = 0.036).

CONCLUSION

Pelvic Floor Disorders Registry for Research participants undergoing native tissue apical POP repair, sacrocolpopexy, and colpocleisis surgery had similar rates of POP recurrence 12 months after surgery.

Midterm comparison of laparoscopic high uterosacral ligament suspension and sacrocolpopexy in the treatment of moderate to severe apical prolapse

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

The objective was to retrospectively analyze the midterm efficacy of laparoscopic high uterosacral ligament suspension (HUS) and sacrocolpopexy (SC) in the treatment of moderate to severe apical prolapse.

METHODS

Patients who underwent laparoscopic HUS and SC in our center from 2013 to 2019 with follow-ups were included, consisting of laparoscopic HUS (group A, n=72) or SC (mesh added, group B, n=54). The general data of patients, pelvic organ prolapse quantitative examination (POP-Q) score, Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory short form 20 score (PFDI-20) before and after operation, perioperative conditions, Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I), and postoperative complications were collected for statistical analysis and comparison between groups.

RESULTS

There was no statistical difference in preoperative data between groups. The median follow-up time was 48 months. The objective recurrence rate of group A was higher than that of group B, without statistical significance. One patient in group B had a second operation owing to recurrence. The exposure rate of mesh in group B was 3.70%. There was no significant difference in deviation of POP-Q and PFDI-20 pre- and post-operation. The proportion of new defecation abnormalities in group A was lower. The total hospitalization expenses and surgical consumables in group B were significantly higher than those in group A.

CONCLUSIONS

The midterm curative effect of laparoscopic HUS is similar to that of SC in the treatment of moderate to severe apical prolapse. The former has the advantages of less intraoperative blood loss, shorter postoperative hospital stay, lower cost, fewer new defecation abnormalities, and there were no complications related to mesh.

Transvaginal single-port versus multi-port laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy: a retrospective cohort study

Background

Sacrocolpopexy is the gold standard treatment for apical prolapse. With the development of minimally invasive surgical techniques, the new approach of transvaginal single-port laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (TS-LSC) has become available. However, its therapeutic effects remain unclear. The aim of this study is to compare the middle-term clinical outcomes of transvaginal single-port laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy with multi-port laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (LSC) for apical prolapse.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study. Patients with advanced apical prolapse who underwent either TS-LSC or LSC between May 2017 to June 2019 were enrolled. Baseline demographics, perioperative results, perioperative and postoperative complications, pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POPQ) scores, pelvic floor distress inventory (PFDI-20) score and pelvic organ prolapse/urinary incontinence sexual function questionnaire (PISQ-12) score were collected at 2 years.

Results

89 subjects were analyzed: 46 in TS-LSC and 43 in LSC group. Follow-up time was 38.67 ± 7.46 vs 41.81 ± 7.13 months, respectively. Baseline characteristics and perioperative outcomes were similar except that pain score was lower (2.37 ± 0.90 vs 3.74 ± 1.05) and cosmetic score was higher (9.02 ± 0.75 vs 7.21 ± 0.89) in TS-LSC group (P < 0.05). Complication rates did not differ between groups. 3 mesh exposure in each group were noted. Recurrence rate was 2.17% in TS-LSC and 6.98% in LSC, no apical recurrence occurred. Constipation was the most common postoperative symptom. Besides, patients in TS-LSC group had better POP-Q C point (− 6.83 ± 0.54 vs − 6.39 ± 0.62, P < 0.05), and similar Aa, Ap and TVL values. Bladder and pelvic symptoms were improved in both groups, but colorectal symptoms were not relieved. There were no differences of PISQ-12 scores between groups.

Conclusion

TS-LSC was not inferior to LSC at 2 years. Patients may benefit from its mild pain, better cosmetic effect and better apical support as well as good safety and efficacy. TS-LSC is a promising considerable choice for advanced vaginal apical prolapse.

Trial registration ChiCTR2000032334, 2020-4-26 (retrospectively registered)

Absorbable versus non-absorbable sutures for vaginal mesh attachment during sacrocolpopexy: a randomized controlled trial

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

The purpose of the study was to analyze anatomical and functional outcomes after sacrocolpopexy (SCP) for vaginal vault prolapse pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POPQ) II-III by random use of absorbable (Vicryl) and non-absorbable sutures (Ethibond) for vaginal mesh fixation.

METHODS

This study was designed as a two-center randomized controlled study (RCT). The primary objective was to evaluate the anatomical outcome. Success was defined when the vaginal apex (point C; POPQ) did not descend more than 50% of the total vaginal length (tvl) during Valsalva. Patients completed a pelvic examination incorporating the POPQ and questionnaires (the German pelvic floor questionnaire and the PISQ-12 questionnaire) at baseline and 6 months postsurgery. Perioperative adverse events (AE) were recorded. Sample size calculations, based on a 10% non-inferiority limit required 100 participants per group, with power = 90%.

RESULTS

In 190 out of 195 women (ETH group n = 96; VIC group n = 94) anatomical success was achieved. The relative risk of anatomical success failure in the VIC group versus the ETH group was 0.69, with a 95% confidence interval 0.12-4.02. The change in the symptom scores did not differ significantly between the ETH and the VIC group. In the ETH group, three suture penetrations into the vagina were observed, and none in the VIC group 6 months postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

Anatomical success after SCP for vaginal vault prolapse POPQ II-III is not affected by suture type for vaginal monofilament mesh attachment. Moreover, we did not see any differences in functional outcomes between the two groups. Three suture penetrations into the vagina were observed in the ETH group, and none in the VIC group 6 months postoperatively.

Tools for fecal incontinence assessment: lessons for inflammatory bowel disease trials based on a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Fecal incontinence is a disabling condition affecting up to 20% of women.

OBJECTIVE

We investigated fecal incontinence assessment in both inflammatory bowel disease and non-inflammatory bowel disease patients to propose a diagnostic approach for inflammatory bowel disease trials.

METHODS

We searched on Pubmed, Embase and Cochrane Library for all studies on adult inflammatory bowel disease and non-inflammatory bowel disease patients reporting data on fecal incontinence assessment from January 2009 to December 2019.

RESULTS

In total, 328 studies were included; 306 studies enrolled non-inflammatory bowel disease patients and 22 studies enrolled inflammatory bowel disease patients. In non-inflammatory bowel disease trials the most used tools were the Wexner score, fecal incontinence quality of life questionnaire, Vaizey score and fecal incontinence severity index (in 187, 91, 62 and 33 studies). Anal manometry was adopted in 41.2% and endoanal ultrasonography in 34.0% of the studies. In 142 studies (46.4%) fecal incontinence evaluation was performed with a single instrument, while in 64 (20.9%) and 100 (32.7%) studies two or more instruments were used. In inflammatory bowel disease studies the Wexner score, Vaizey score and inflammatory bowel disease quality of life questionnaire were the most commonly adopted tools (in five (22.7%), five (22.7%) and four (18.2%) studies). Anal manometry and endoanal ultrasonography were performed in 45.4% and 18.2% of the studies.

CONCLUSION

Based on prior validation and experience, we propose to use the Wexner score as the first step for fecal incontinence assessment in inflammatory bowel disease trials. Anal manometry and/or endoanal ultrasonography should be taken into account in the case of positive questionnaires.

Short term outcome of laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy for rectal and complex pelvic organ prolapse: case series

Objectives

Laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy (LVMR) is a technique gaining more recognition for the management of pelvic floor disorders, such as external rectal prolapse (ERP), high grade internal rectal prolapse (IRP) and rectocele. LVMR also allows correction of coexisted pelvic organ prolapse. This study aimed to evaluate the safety, efficacy and functional outcome of LVMR for rectal and complex pelvic organ prolapse.

Material and Methods

All patients who underwent LVMR from February 2014 to October 2017 were included into the study. The patients were evaluated preoperatively and three months postoperatively. Surgical complications and functional results in terms of fecal incontinence (measured with the Wexner Incontinence Score= WIS) and constipation (measured with the Wexner Constipation Score= WCS) were analyzed.

Results

Thirty (4 males) patients underwent LVMR. Seventeen (56.6%) patients had complex pelvic organ prolapse according to MRI findings. Median operative time and postoperative stay were 110 minutes and 4 days, respectively. No mesh-related complication and recurrence were observed. Before surgery, 21 (70%) patients had complained about symptoms of obstructed defecation. WCS decreased significantly from median 19 to 6 (p <0.001). Preoperative median WIS of 9 patients was 14 and went down to 6 postoperatively (p= 0.008). WCS significantly improved after LVMR in patients with symptomatic rectocele combined with enterocele or sigmoidocele (p= 0.005), and significant improvement was also observed in patients with symptomatic rectocele combined with gynecologic organ prolapse, preoperative median WCS was 18 and the postoperative value fell to 8 (p= 0.005).

Conclusion

LVMR is an effective surgical option for rectal and complex pelvic organ prolapse with short-term follow-up.

Outcomes of laparoscopic management of multicompartmental pelvic organ prolapse

BACKGROUND

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is an increasing medical problem with complex diagnostics and controversial surgical management. It causes a series of dysfunctions in the gynecological, urinary, and anorectal organs. Numerous procedures have been proposed to treat these conditions, but in recent years, ventral mesh rectocolposacropexy (VMRCS) has emerged as the procedure of choice for the surgical treatment of POP, especially by a laparoscopic approach. This surgical technique limits the risk of autonomic nerve damage, and the colpopexy allows the correction of concomitant prolapse of the middle compartment. However, symptoms derived from anterior compartment prolapse remain a major morbidity and sometimes require an additional procedure. The aim of this study is to evaluate the results of laparoscopic prosthetic rectocolposacropexy (LRCS) and colposacropexy (LCS) procedures performed to manage combined multicompartmental POP.

METHODS

Between November 2008 and December 2017, 38 patients with symptomatic POP underwent rectocolposacropexy (RCS) or colposacropexy (CS) by a laparoscopic approach. Demographics, mortality, morbidity, hospital stay, and functional outcomes were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

The median operating time was 200 min (IQR 160-220). Additional simultaneous surgery for POP was performed in nine cases: five suburethral slings and four hysterectomies were performed. No mortality was recorded. The conversion rate was 7.89%. There were two intraoperative complications (5.26%): one enterotomy and one urinary bladder tear. Late complications occurred in 5.26% of cases. After a mean follow-up of 20 months, constipation was completely resolved or improved in 83.33% of patients, urinary stress incontinence was resolved or improved in 52.94%, and gynecological symptomatology was resolved or improved in 93.75%. The recurrence rate was 5.26%.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic mesh rectocolposacropexy and colposacropexy are safe and effective techniques associated with very low morbidity. In the medium term, they provide good results for POP and associated symptoms, but urinary symptomology has a worse outcome.

Robot-Assisted Sacrocolporectopexy for Multicompartment Prolapse of the Pelvic Floor: A Prospective Cohort Study Evaluating Functional and Sexual Outcome

BACKGROUND

Pelvic floor disorders are a major public health issue. For female genital prolapse, sacrocolpopexy is the gold standard. Laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy is a relatively new and promising technique correcting rectal prolapse. There is no literature combining the 2 robotically assisted techniques.

OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to evaluate the safety, quality of life, and functional and sexual outcomes of robot-assisted sacrocolporectopexy for multicompartment prolapse of the pelvic floor.

DESIGN

This was a prospective, observational cohort study.

SETTINGS

The study was conducted in a tertiary care setting.

PATIENTS

All sexually active patients undergoing robot-assisted sacrocolporectopexy at our institution between 2012 and 2014 were included.

INTERVENTION

Robot-assisted sacrocolporectopexy was the study intervention.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Preoperative and postoperative (12 months) questionnaires using the Urinary Distress Inventory, Pescatori Incontinence Scale, Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire, and Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire were completed. In addition Wexner and Vaizey incontinence scores and the Wexner constipation score were recorded postoperatively.

RESULTS

Fifty-one patients underwent robot-assisted sacrocolporectopexy (median follow-up, 12.5 months). The simplified Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification improved significantly (p < 0.0005) for all 4 of the anatomic landmarks. Both median fecal (preoperative and postoperative Pescatori 4 vs 3, p = 0.002) and urinary incontinence scores (Urinary Distress Inventory, 27.8 vs 22.2; p < 0.0005) improved significantly at 12 months. Postoperatively median Wexner (3) and Vaizey incontinence (6) and Wexner Constipation (7) scores were noted. A positive effect on sexual function (Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire score 31.8 vs 35.9; p = 0.002) and quality of life for each compartment (p < 0.0005) was observed. One patient (2%) developed mesh erosion. No multicompartment recurrences were detected.

LIMITATIONS

This was a observational study with a limited follow-up, no control group, and no preoperatively validated constipation score.

CONCLUSIONS

Robot-assisted sacrocolporectopexy is a safe and effective technique for multicompartment prolapse in terms of functional outcome, quality of life, and sexual function.

Laparoscopic Nerve-Preserving Colposacropexy for Surgical Management of Neovaginal Prolapse

BACKGROUND

Neovaginal prolapse occurs rarely, and a standard treatment has not yet been defined.

CASE

We report 2 cases of patients with vaginal agenesis with a symptomatic neovaginal prolapse; one occurring 25 years after self-dilation and another occurring 24 years after sigmoid vaginoplasty. At 48 and 18 months after surgical treatment with laparoscopic nerve-preserving colposacropexy using 2 types of mesh and 2 kinds of sutures to anchor the mesh at the neovaginal wall, both women are asymptomatic and highly satisfied with the result, without prolapse recurrence or mesh/suture erosion.

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

For the surgical management of neovaginal prolapse after sigmoid vaginoplasty and vagina creation after self-dilation, we recommend the nerve-preserving sacrocolpopexy as a safe method to achieve durable functional outcomes and good anatomic vaginal level I and II support.

Laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy: demonstration of a nerve-sparing technique

Laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy is a well-established technique to treat apical vaginal prolapse. De novo micturition disorders, pelvic pain, and defecation disorders have been reported and may be due to intraoperative compromise of the superior hypogastric plexus. The video demonstrates our technique for nerve-sparing laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy. The patient is a 62-year-old woman with symptomatic stage III posthysterectomy vaginal vault prolapse. Key steps of the procedure are opening the peritoneum at the level of the promontory, identification of the fibers of the superior hypogastric plexus, deep anterior and posterior dissection with attachment of the mesh to the vagina, displacement of the nerve fibers to the left side during suturing of the mesh to the longitudinal ligament, and complete peritonealization. This technique of the identification and protection of relevant nerve structures appears to be reproducible and can be considered by surgeons who perform laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy.

Bowel and bladder dysfunction following surgery within the presacral space: an overview of neuroanatomy, function, and dysfunction

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

The presacral space contains a dense and complex network of nerves that have significant effects on the innervation of the pelvic viscera and support structures. The proximity of this space to the bony promontory of the sacrum has lead to its involvement in an array of corrective surgical procedures for pelvic floor disorders including sacrocolpopexy and rectopexy. Other procedures involving the same space include presacral neurectomy which involves intentional transection of the contained neural plexus to relieve refractory pelvic pain and resection of retrorectal or presacral tumors. Potential complications of these procedures are postoperative constipation and voiding dysfunction.

METHODS

Our aim was to review the current published literature on outcomes following a variety of procedures involving the presacral space and review postoperative bowel and urinary function. We also include an overview of the functional and structural anatomy of the presacral space and its corresponding neural plexi.

RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that quality data are lacking on the short-term and long-term rates for bowel and bladder dysfunction following surgical procedures involving the presacral space.

[Laparoscopic promontofixation: defining early morbidity using a standardized method]

OBJECTIVE

Adverse event reporting for laparoscopic promontofixation is highly variable and non-standardized in the literature. The aim of this study was to better characterize early postoperative complications of laparoscopic promontofixation for genital prolapse using a standardized reporting methodology.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted on 174 women with genital prolapse undergoing laparoscopic promontofixation from January 2008 to January 2013. Complications arising during the first month after surgery were reviewed according to the Clavien and Dindo classification.

RESULTS

At least one postoperative adverse event was reported in 57 out of 174 (33 %) women, grade 1 in 22 patients (13 %), grade 2 in 31 patients (18 %) and grade 3 in 4 patients (2 %). No patient experienced a grade 4 or 5 complication. Fifty-three out of 57 (93 %) complications were grade 1 or 2. The most frequently reported adverse event (n=24; 14 %) was constipation (grade 2).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic promontofixation is a safe procedure with almost exclusively benign (grade 1 or 2) early complications. The hypothesis of induction or increasing constipation by this type of genital prolapse surgery should be further evaluated.