Total transvaginal mesh (TVM) technique for treatment of pelvic organ prolapse: a 3-year prospective follow-up study

International Urogynecology Consultation Chapter 1 Committee 5: relationship of pelvic organ prolapse to associated pelvic floor dysfunction symptoms: lower urinary tract, bowel, sexual dysfunction and abdominopelvic pain

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

This article from Chapter 1 of the International Urogynecology Consultation (IUC) on Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) establishes the prevalence of lower urinary tract disorders, bowel symptoms, vulvo-vaginal/lower abdominal/back pain and sexual dysfunction in women with POP.

METHODS

An international group of nine urogynecologists/urologists and one medical student performed a search of the literature using pre-specified search terms in Ovid, MEDLINE, Embase and CINAHL from January 2000 to March 2019. Publications were eliminated if not relevant or they did not include clear definitions of POP or the symptoms associated with POP. Definitions of POP needed to include both a physical examination finding using a validated examination technique and the complaint of a bothersome vaginal bulge. Symptoms were categorized into symptom groups for ease of evaluation. The Specialist Unit for Review Evidence (SURE) was used to evaluate for quality of the included articles. The resulting list of articles was used to determine the prevalence of various symptoms in women with POP. Cohort studies were used to evaluate for possible causation of POP as either causing or worsening the symptom category.

RESULTS

The original search yielded over 12,000 references, of which 50 were used. More than 50% of women with POP report lower urinary tract symptoms. Cohort studies suggest that women with POP have more obstructive lower urinary tract symptoms than women without POP. Pain described in various ways is frequently reported in women with POP, with low back pain being the most common pain symptom reported in 45% of women with POP. In cohort studies those with POP had more pain complaints than those without POP. Sexual dysfunction is reported by over half of women with POP and obstructed intercourse in 37-100% of women with POP. Approximately 40% of women have complaints of bowel symptoms. There was no difference in the median prevalence of bowel symptoms in those with and without POP in cohort studies.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of lower urinary tract disorders, bowel symptoms, vulvo-vaginal/lower abdominal/back pain and sexual dysfunction in women with POP are common but inconsistently reported. There are few data on incidence of associated symptoms with POP, and cohort studies evaluating causality are rare or inconsistent. Obstructive voiding, lower abdominal and pelvic pain, and sexual dysfunction are most frequently associated with POP.

Transperineal pelvic floor ultrasound for analyzing the outcomes of pelvic floor surgery for the treatment of anterior compartment prolapse: A comparative study of transvaginal mesh and native-tissue repair

OBJECTIVE

To compare the outcomes of transvaginal mesh (TVM) and native-tissue repair (NTR) for the repair of anterior compartment prolapse.

METHODS

This retrospective study involved 90 patients with anterior compartment prolapse who underwent pelvic organ prolapse surgery between January 2018 and October 2020. A TVM was used to treat 53 patients and 37 underwent NTR. All patients underwent a standardized interview, clinical examination, and four-dimensional pelvic floor ultrasound (PFUS) before and after the surgery. The primary outcome was anatomic recurrence evaluated by ultrasonic parameters. The secondary outcomes were subjective recurrence and complications.

RESULTS

Subjective recurrence was 9.43% (5/53) for TVM and 16.22% (6/37) for NTR (P = .522). Significant recurrence of prolapse on ultrasound occurred in five patients (9.43%) after TVM and 12 (32.43%) after NTR; there was a significant difference between the TVM and NTR groups (P = .006). In the TVM group, the mesh was visible on ultrasound in each patient. The mesh exposure rate was 1.89% (1/53). The postoperative hiatal area reduction in the TVM group, compared with the NTR group, was statistically significant (5.55 ± 4.71 cm² vs 3.09 ± 5.61 cm² , P = .027). The incidence of de novo stress urinary incontinence was higher in the TVM group (20.75% vs 2.70%, P = .03). After surgery, there were significant differences between the two groups based on bladder descent (12.02 ± 8.64 mm vs 22.41 ± 13.95 mm, P = .000) and urethral rotation angle (25.26 ± 13.92° vs 40.27 ± 23.72°, P = .001).

CONCLUSION

PFUS is effective for evaluating postoperative outcomes. TVM facilitates a better anatomic cure than NTR for anterior compartment prolapse.

Current surgical management of pelvic organ prolapse: Strategies for the improvement of surgical outcomes

There are a variety of surgical management strategies to help surgeons repair pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Surgical treatment for POP includes native tissue repair, augmentation with mesh, and minimally invasive surgeries. Currently, laparoscopic or robotic techniques for POP repair are increasing in popularity and continuing to evolve. The aim of this review is to present an up-to-date review of surgical techniques used for POP repair and to discuss ways to optimize surgical outcomes.

No. 351-Transvaginal Mesh Procedures for Pelvic Organ Prolapse

OBJECTIVE

This guideline reviews the evidence related to the risks and benefits of using transvaginal mesh in pelvic organ prolapse repairs in order to update recommendations initially made in 2011.

INTENDED USERS

Gynaecologists, residents, urologists, urogynaecologists, and other health care providers who assess, counsel, and care for women with pelvic organ prolapse.

TARGET POPULATION

Adult women with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse considering surgery and those who have previously undergone transvaginal mesh procedures for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse.

OPTIONS

The discussion relates to transvaginal mesh procedures compared with other surgical options for pelvic organ prolapse (mainly about vaginal native tissue repairs and minimally about other alternatives such as biological and absorbable vaginal mesh and abdominally placed surgical mesh).

OUTCOMES

The outcomes of interest are objective and subjective success rates and intraoperative and postoperative complications, such as adjacent organ injury (urinary, gastrointestinal), infection, hematoma/bleeding, vaginal mesh exposure, persistent pain, dyspareunia, de novo stress urinary incontinence, and reoperation.

EVIDENCE

PubMed, Medline, the Cochrane Database, and EMBASE were searched using the key words pelvic organ prolapse/surgery*, prolapse/surgery*, surgical mesh, surgical mesh*/adverse effects, transvaginal mesh, and pelvic organ prolapse.

RESULTS

were restricted to English or French language and human research. Articles obtained through this search strategy were included until the end of June 2016. Pertinent new studies were added up to September 2016. Grey literature was not searched. Clinical practice guidelines and guidelines of specialty societies were reviewed. Systematic reviews were included when available. Randomized controlled trials and observational studies were included when evidence for the outcome of interest or in the target population was not available from systematic reviews. New studies not yet included in systematic reviews were also included. Only publications with study groups larger than 20 individuals were selected because this criterion was used in the largest meta-analysis referenced in this guideline. A total of 1470 studies were obtained; after selecting only applicable studies and excluding duplicates, 68 manuscripts were reviewed and included.

VALUES

The content and recommendations were drafted and agreed upon by the principal authors and members of the Urogynaecology Committee. The Board of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada approved the final draft for publication. The quality of evidence was rated using the criteria described in the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation methodology framework. The Summary of Findings is available upon request.

BENEFITS, HARMS, AND/OR COSTS

It is expected that this guideline will benefit women with pelvic organ prolapse by ensuring that health care providers are aware of outcomes related to transvaginal mesh procedures and steps in the management of related complications. This should guide patient-informed consent before such procedures are undertaken. The benefits clearly outweigh the potential harms or costs of implementation of this guideline, although no direct harms or costs are identified.

GUIDELINE UPDATE

Evidence will be reviewed 5 years after publication to decide whether all or part of the guideline should be updated. However, if important new evidence is published prior to the 5-year cycle, the review process may be accelerated for a more rapid update of some recommendations.

SUMMARY STATEMENTS

RECOMMENDATIONS.

Sexual activity and quality of life in Japanese pelvic organ prolapse patients after transvaginal mesh surgery

AIM

This study aimed to evaluate sexual activity and quality of life (QOL) after transvaginal mesh (TVM) surgery in Japanese patients with pelvic organ prolapse (POP). The objective cure rate and associated complications were also investigated.

METHODS

The cases of patients who underwent TVM surgery were retrospectively analyzed. QOL was assessed using the Prolapse Quality of Life Questionnaire (P-QOL), and sexual function was evaluated using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) before surgery and 12 months after surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 237 patients completed the planned follow-up examinations. All P-QOL domains were significantly improved after surgery. In total, 6 (2.5%), 5 (2.1%), 13 (5.5%), 4 (1.7%) and 1 (0.4%) patients developed recurrent POP, mesh extrusion, de novo stress urinary incontinence, inguinal pain and de novo dyspareunia, respectively. Before surgery, 124 of the 237 patients (52.3%) refused to complete the FSFI because they had not engaged in any sexual activity. Among the 113 patients who completed the FSFI, 13 (11.5%) were sexually active. After surgery, 79 patients completed the FSFI, and 14 (17.7%) were sexually active. The overall scores for sexual function and arousal were significantly improved after surgery.

CONCLUSION

Patients who underwent TVM surgery at our institution exhibited quite low sexual activity levels both before and after the operation. But TVM surgery achieved good QOL outcomes, a high success rate and a low complications rate at 12 months in Japanese POP patients. TVM implantation for POP is safe and effective in sexually inactive patients.

Efficacy and safety of Elevate® system on apical and anterior compartment prolapse repair with personal technique modification

AIM

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Anterior Elevate® mesh kit system (AES) in woman with symptomatic stage 3 or 4 anterior and/or apical pelvic organ prolapse (POP).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective, monocentric, single surgeon study enrolled between May 2010 and January 2013 fifty-six woman experiencing symptomatic anterior vaginal prolapse with or without apical descent (POP-Q stage 3 or 4). All women received a AES and 7 (12.5%) received a concomitant transvaginal hysterectomy. Primary endpoint was anatomic correction of prolapse; success was defined as POP-Q stage ≤ 1 or asymptomatic stage 2. Secondary endpoints were quality-of-life (QOL) results and patients' safety outcomes, which were assessed by 3 validated self-reporting questionnaires at baseline and annually: ICIQ-UI short form, ICIQ-VS and P-QOL. All patients completed 2-years and 28 women 3-years of follow-up. Surgical approach was modified in women with uterus, moving the two-propylene strips anteriorly around the cervix itself crossing one another, so the left will take place in the right side and the right on the opposite. This modification was made in order to better support the uterus.

RESULTS

Vaginal mesh exposure was present in 3 (5,3%) patients. Very good anatomical outcomes were seen, with one (1,8%) failure at 6-months, 4 (7,1%) at 1-year, 6 at 2-years (10,7%). Statistically significant improvements were seen in the ICIQ-VS and P-QOL questionnaires throughout follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that AES is a minimally-invasive transvaginal procedure to repair anterior and apical POP, with good evidence related to mid-term safety and efficacy.

The "Pelvic Harness": a skeletonized mesh implant for safe pelvic floor reconstruction

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the feasibility, safety and surgical results of skeletonized mesh implants to form a pelvic harness for pelvic floor reconstruction surgery.

STUDY DESIGN

Patients with advanced pelvic floor prolapse were enrolled to this study. Study model was a kit mesh, reduced to 75% of the original surface area by cutting out mesh material from the central mesh body. Patients were evaluated at the end of the 1st and 6th post-operative months and interviewed at the study conclusion.

RESULTS

Ninety-five women with advanced pelvic floor prolapse had this implant. Mean follow-up duration was 9 months (6-12 months). The POP-Q point's measurements showed marked and statistically significant improvements. Bladder over-activity symptoms, fecal incontinence, pelvic pain and constipation rates were all reduced as well. No adverse effects related to the dissection or mesh implantation were marked. The first and sixth post-operative month follow-up records as well as the study conclusion interview findings were satisfactory in terms of subjective and objective cure and adverse effects occurrence.

CONCLUSION

This study data proposes that skeletonizing meshes might be safely and successfully implanted for potentially improved pelvic floor reconstruction.

Prospective long-term results, complications and risk factors in pelvic organ prolapse treatment with vaginal mesh

OBJECTIVE

To assess the long-term results and complications of pelvic organ prolapse treatment with transvaginal mesh.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective observational study of 75 women who underwent surgery between 2005 and 2008 by the same surgeon. 44 patients (58,7%) underwent concomitant treatment of stress urinary incontinence. Anatomical criterion for failure was prolapse grade >I in any compartment. Analysis of functional features consisted of an assessment of urinary, sexual, and defecation symptoms, and pelvic pain. Subjective global evaluation of the treatment was carried out through the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Analysis of the early and late complications and their medical or surgical management was performed. Evaluation of risk factors for failure of treatment and extrusion was carried out through logistic regression.

RESULTS

The median follow-up was 5,3 years. The anatomical results showed correction in 91,3% of the patients. Median subjective VAS evaluation: 9/10. Urinary symptoms improved after the surgery. Constipation and dyspareunia rates worsened. Pelvic pain improved. There were two early complications: one rectal perforation, repaired intraoperatively and one pulmonary embolism, managed medically. Late complications: 9 extrusions (3 managed with topical oestrogen, 3 with expectant management, and 3 reoperated, one twice), one cervix elongation and one forgotten gauze (both reoperated), 4 de novo pain managed successfully conservatively. 58,8% of the complications occurred after one year. Risk factors analyzed showed no statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONS

Vaginal mesh provides favorable anatomical, functional and subjective outcomes in long-term follow-up. The number of complications is relatively low, but many complications occurred a long-time after surgery.

Age-stratified analysis of long-term outcomes of transvaginal mesh repair for treatment of pelvic organ prolapse

OBJECTIVE

To investigate long-term outcomes after transvaginal mesh repair among patients with pelvic organ prolapse in different age groups.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted among women who underwent transvaginal mesh repair with polypropylene mesh for pelvic organ prolapse of stage II or higher between January 2007 and November 2011 at a center in Shanghai, China. Patients were invited to attend a follow-up appointment between July 2014 and May 2015. Surgical outcomes were compared among three age groups (≤59, 60-74, and ≥75 years), and quality-of-life questionnaires were evaluated. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify risk factors associated with recurrent prolapse and mesh exposure.

RESULTS

Among 158 patients, 143 (90.5%) were objectively cured and 149 (94.3%) were subjectively cured at follow-up. Surgical outcomes were similar across all age groups. Significant improvements were observed on the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory across all applicable subscales in all age groups (P<0.001 for all). Multivariate logistic regression showed that an active postoperative sex life significantly increased the risk of mesh exposure (odds ratio 11.89, 95% confidence interval 1.08-131.48; P=0.043).

CONCLUSION

Transvaginal mesh repair was found to be a safe and effective technique for treating pelvic organ prolapse among women of all ages. An active postoperative sex life increased the odds of mesh exposure.

3D finite element modeling of pelvic organ prolapse

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study is to develop a validated 3D finite element model of the pelvic floor system which can offer insights into the mechanics of anterior vaginal wall prolapse and have the ability to assess biomedical device treatment methods. The finite element results should accurately mimic the clinical findings of prolapse due to intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) and soft tissues impairment conditions.

METHODS

A 3D model of pelvic system was created in Creo Parametric 2.0 based on MRI Images, which included uterus, cervix, vagina, cardinal ligaments, uterosacral ligaments, and a simplified levator plate and rectum. The geometrical model was imported into ANSYS Workbench 14.5. Mechanical properties of soft tissues were based on experimental data of tensile test results from current literature. Studies were conducted for IAP loadings on the vaginal wall and uterus, increasing from lowest to extreme values.

RESULTS

Anterior vaginal wall collapse occurred at an IAP value corresponding to maximal valsalva and showed similar collapsed shape as clinical findings. Prolapse conditions exhibited high sensitivity to vaginal wall stiffness, whereas healthy tissues was found to support the vagina against prolapse. Ligament impairment was found to have only a secondary effect on prolapse.

Synthetic Graft Augmentation in Vaginal Prolapse Surgery: Long-Term Objective and Subjective Outcomes

OBJECTIVE

To report long-term objectives and subjective outcomes in women who underwent prolapse surgery with a synthetic graft augmentation.

DESIGN

Retrospective analysis (Canadian Task Force classification II-3).

SETTING

University hospital in the southeastern United States.

PATIENTS

Women with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse who underwent transvaginal graft augmentation using the Prolift mesh system between July 2006 and December 2008 for a minimum 5-year follow-up.

INTERVENTIONS

Subjects completed the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI-20), the Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire (PFIQ-7), the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Function Questionnaire (PISQ), and the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire. Subjects also underwent postoperative physical examination with Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) and vaginal pain/stricture assessment. Long-term postoperative findings were compared with preoperative baseline data.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Of 208 eligible subjects, 70 completed the questionnaires only, and 48 of these 70 provided both postoperative examination and questionnaire data. The mean duration of follow-up was 7.0 ± 0.7 years (range, 5.8-8.1 years). POP-Q measurements of Ba (point B anterior), Bp (B posterior), C (cervix), GH (genital hiatus), PB (perineal body), and overall pelvic organ prolapse stage were significantly improved (all p < .001 except for PB, p = .006). PFIQ-7 (total, Urinary Impact Questionnaire, and Pelvic Organ Prolapse Impact Questionnaire) and PFDI-20 (total, Urinary Distress Inventory, and Pelvic Organ Prolapse Distress Inventory) scores significantly improved (all p < .001). No differences were noted in the colorectal-anal subscales (Colorectal-Anal Impact Questionnaire and Colorectal-Anal Distress Inventory) and PISQ scores at >5-year follow-up (all p > .05). Satisfaction rates were 15.7% for not at all, 35.7% for somewhat, and 48.6% for completely satisfied. Complications included graft exposure (n = 3; 6%) and dyspareunia (n = 25; 36%).

CONCLUSION

Women undergoing transvaginal prolapse surgery using a synthetic graft continue to have positive objective and subjective outcomes, leading to significantly improved quality of life at a minimum 5-year follow-up.

Long term subjective cure rate, urinary tract symptoms and dyspareunia following mesh augmented anterior vaginal wall prolapse repair

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to assess patient-centered long term outcomes following anterior vaginal repair with mesh.

METHODS

In January 2015, we identified 124 women who underwent anterior pelvic floor repair with mesh between January 2006 and February 2009. Patient records were reviewed and demographic, clinical, intra-operative and post-operative follow-up data retrieved. Telephone interviews were conducted to access information on clinical outcomes. Associations between baseline characteristics and long term symptoms were assessed by multivariable logistic regression models.

RESULTS

Seventy-nine women were reached and consented to participate. Patients were interviewed 79-104 months after surgery. Their mean age at the time of surgery was 62.48 ± 9.53 years; all had stage III cystocele with a mean POP Q point Ba of 5.32 ± 1.47. Twenty-four (30%) had a previous hysterectomy and 26 (33%) had a previous pelvic organ prolapse or stress urinary incontinence operation. At telephone interviews, recurrence of prolapse symptoms was reported by 11 (13.9%) patients, mostly in the posterior compartment. Only 6 needed a corrective procedure. One patient had her mesh removed due to dyspareunia. Eleven (13.9%) reported lower urinary tract symptoms other than prolapse, as follows: stress urinary incontinence (1), overactive bladder (8) and dyspareunia (2).

CONCLUSION

Long term rates of recurrent prolapse, dyspareunia and lower urinary tract symptoms were low for patients who underwent anterior vaginal wall mesh augmentation surgery for symptomatic cystoceles.

Host reaction to vaginally inserted collagen containing polypropylene implants in sheep

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to characterize the effect of vaginal or abdominal mesh insertion and of different collagen augmentation of polypropylene mesh in a sheep model. Outcome measures were passive and active biomechanical properties and semiquantitative morphometry.

STUDY DESIGN

Forty-two Texel sheep were used: 6 were nonimplanted controls (n = 6), the rest were implanted with polypropylene mesh (n = 12; Avaulta Solo; Bard Medical, Covington, GA) or collagen-coated meshes: Avaulta Plus (n = 12; Bard Medical) and Ugytex (n = 12; Sofradim International, Trevoux, France). Through a single incision, the rectovaginal septum was dissected and a 35 × 35-mm mesh was sutured to the underlying tissues. Abdominally, a 50 × 50-mm mesh was laid over a primarily sutured full thickness 40-mm longitudinal incisional defect. Animals were explanted after 60 or 180 days (n = 6 per group). Outcome measures were passive biomechanics by biaxial tensiometry, active contractility of vaginal explants, and histologic evidence.

RESULTS

Vaginal explants were 2.4 times stiffer compared with native vaginal tissue (P < .001), but without differences in comfort zone stiffness or slope of the load-elongation in the physiologic range between the products that were tested. Collagen coating was associated with a 16-fold reduction in contractile force at 180 days, compared with native vaginal tissue, both for Avaulta Plus (P = .032) and Ugytex (P = .015). Abdominal explants were 1.3-times stiffer compared with native abdominal wall tissue (P < .001) and were 1.9-times stiffer compared with vaginal explants.

CONCLUSION

Vaginal mesh implantation yields less stiff explants compared with abdominal explants. Vaginal mesh implantation also alters the passive and active biomechanical properties compared with native vaginal tissues. Collagen matrices did not reduce the number of graft-related complications.

Outcomes and complications of trans-vaginal mesh repair using the Prolift™ kit for pelvic organ prolapse at 4 years median follow-up in a tertiary referral centre

PURPOSE

To evaluate the anatomical, functional and post-operative outcomes of polypropylene mesh (Prolift™) in the surgical management of pelvic organ prolapse (POP).

METHODS

A single-centre observational study of 106 successive patients, who underwent Prolift™ mesh repair (POP ≥ 2) with a median follow-up of 4 years, was performed. Outcomes of interest measured included patient demographics, intra and post-operative complications, concomitant procedures for POP or urinary incontinence. Using the Baden-Walker classification, grade ≥2 prolapses in the operated compartment were deemed as surgical failure. Validated questionnaires including ICIQ-VS and ICIQ-UI were used to assess functional outcome.

RESULTS

Of the 106 patients, 56 had an anterior, 36 a posterior and 14 a total Prolift™. 101 patients were available for follow-up (median 4 years). 82 women underwent a clinical follow-up whilst 19 underwent a telephonic follow-up. Peri-operative bladder injury was noted in 2 (1.9 %) cases. Six (5.6 %) patients developed mesh exposure post-operatively. Re-operation rates for recurrent prolapse in the operated compartment were 2.8 % (n = 3). At follow-up, prolapse recurrence in the operated compartment was noted in another 7.3 % (n = 6) patients. Combining re-operations for POP and recurrences noted during follow-up, the revised failure rate was 10.1 % (n = 9). De novo prolapse in the non-operated compartment occurred in 19.5 % (n = 16) women.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrates that Prolift™ vaginal mesh surgery offers anatomical cure rates of 89.9 %. A higher rate of de novo recurrence in the non-operated compartment was noted suggesting that surgical correction in one compartment may exacerbate recurrence in other compartments.

Complications of pelvic organ prolapse surgery and methods of prevention

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

The aim was to review complications associated with pelvic organ prolapse surgery.

METHODS

Every 4 years and as part of the Fifth International Collaboration on Incontinence we reviewed the English-language scientific literature after searching PubMed, Medline, Cochrane library and Cochrane database of systematic reviews, published up to January 2012. Publications were classified as level 1 evidence (randomised controlled trials [RCT] or systematic reviews), level 2 (poor quality RCT, prospective cohort studies), level 3 (case series or retrospective studies) and level 4 (case reports). The highest level of evidence was utilised by the committee to make evidence-based recommendations based upon the Oxford grading system. Grade A recommendation usually depends on consistent level 1 evidence. Grade B recommendation usually depends on consistent level 2 and/or 3 studies, or "majority evidence" from RCTs. Grade C recommendation usually depends on level 4 studies or "majority evidence from level 2/3 studies or Delphi processed expert opinion. Grade D "no recommendation possible" would be used where the evidence is inadequate or conflicting and when expert opinion is delivered without a formal analytical process, such as by Delphi.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Transvaginal mesh has a higher re-operation rate than native tissue vaginal repairs (grade A). If a synthetic mesh is placed via the vaginal route, it is recommended that a macroporous polypropylene monofilament mesh should be used. At sacral colpopexy mesh should not be introduced or sutured via the vaginal route and silicone-coated polyester, porcine dermis, fascia lata and polytetrafluoroethylene meshes are not recommended as grafts. Hysterectomy should also be avoided (grade B). There is no evidence to recommend routine local or systemic oestrogen therapy before or after prolapse surgery using mesh. The first cases should be undertaken with the guidance of an experienced surgeon in the relevant technique (grade C). Expert opinion suggests that by whatever the surgical route pre-operative urinary tract infections are treated, smoking is ceased and antibiotic prophylaxis is undertaken. It is recommended that a non-absorbable synthetic mesh should not be inserted into the rectovaginal septum when a rectal injury occurs. The placement of a non-absorbable synthetic mesh into the vesicovaginal septum may be considered after a bladder injury has been repaired, if the repair is considered to be satisfactory. It is possible to perform a hysterectomy in association with the introduction of a non-absorbable synthetic mesh inserted vaginally, but this is not recommended routinely.

Perioperative complications in abdominal sacrocolpopexy, sacrospinous ligament fixation and prolift procedures

BACKGROUND

Pelvic organ prolapse is an important problem for women. To overcome this issue, different operational technics are in use, such as abdominal sacrocolpopexy, sacrospinous fixation, and the total Prolift procedure.

AIMS

This study assessed perioperative complications in abdominal sacrocolpopexy, sacrospinous fixation, and the total Prolift procedure.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective comparative study.

METHODS

Perioperative complications were defined as any complication occurring during surgery or the first 6 weeks postoperatively. Forty-five patients underwent abdominal procedures, 60 patients underwent sacrospinous fixation, and 43 patients underwent the total Prolift procedure.

RESULTS

In the abdominal group, one bladder injury, four hemorrhages, and three wound dehiscences occurred. In the sacrospinous group, one rectal injury and one postoperative vault infection occurred. In the Prolift group, one bladder injury and one hemorrhage occurred. Minor complications were more frequent in the abdominal group than the others. The operating time and hospital stay of the abdominal group were significantly longer than the others. The Pro-lift procedure had less operating time and hospital stay than other procedures.

CONCLUSION

The total Prolift may be a novel alternative for apical prolapse with low perioperative morbidities and complications.

The challenge of implementing laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy

Vaginal-vault prolapse is effectively treated using sacrocolpopexy (SCP). A randomized trial demonstrated that it can be performed as effectively via laparoscopy (LSCP) as via laparotomy and with less morbidity. This evidence begs the question of how units offering abdominal sacrocolpopexy will implement LSCP. Several limitations need to be overcome. LSCP initially requires longer operating time; however, that decreases with surgeon experience. To decrease operation time, suture training can be implemented ahead. Following a 15-h suturing lab, trainees achieved comparable operation times after 30 cases. Dissection is another critical time-consuming step and is difficult to model. Proficiency is more dependent on patient characteristics, though this component is poorly studied. One experience showed it takes 60 procedures to effectively limit complications. The large number of patients required for surgeon training for this relative infrequent operation creates a problem, thus limiting the number of centers available for training surgeons within a reasonable period.

Comparison of vaginal mesh repair with sacrospinous vaginal colpopexy in the management of vaginal vault prolapse after hysterectomy in patients with levator ani avulsion: a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy of two standard surgical procedures for post-hysterectomy vaginal vault prolapse in patients with levator ani avulsion.

METHODS

This was a single-center, randomized interventional trial, of two standard surgical procedures for post-hysterectomy vaginal vault prolapse: Prolift Total vs unilateral vaginal sacrospinous colpopexy with native tissue vaginal repair (sacrospinous fixation, SSF), during the period from 2008 to 2011. Entry criteria included at least two-compartment prolapse, as well as complete unilateral or bilateral levator ani avulsion injury. The primary outcome was anatomical failure based on clinical and ultrasound assessment. Failure was defined clinically, according to the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification system, as Ba, C or Bp at the hymen or below, and on translabial ultrasound as bladder descent to 10 mm or more below the lower margin of the symphysis pubis on maximum Valsalva maneuver. Secondary outcomes were evaluation of continence, sexual function and prolapse symptoms based on validated questionnaires.

RESULTS

During the study period, 142 patients who were post-hysterectomy underwent surgery for prolapse in our unit; 72 of these were diagnosed with an avulsion injury and were offered participation in the study. Seventy patients were randomized into two groups: 36 in the Prolift group and 34 in the SSF group. On clinical examination at 1-year follow-up, we observed one (3%) case of anatomical failure in the Prolift group and 22 (65%) in the SSF group (P < 0.001). Using ultrasound criteria, there was one (2.8%) failure in the Prolift group compared with 21 (61.8%) in the SSF group (P < 0.001). The postoperative POPDI (Pelvic Organ Prolapse Distress Inventory) score for subjective outcome was 15.3 in the Prolift group vs 21.7 in the SSF group (P = 0.16).

CONCLUSION

In patients with prolapse after hysterectomy and levator ani avulsion injury, SSF has a higher anatomical failure rate than does the Prolift Total procedure at 1-year follow-up.

Can the PFDI (Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory) or PFIQ (Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaires) be used to predict outcome in pelvic reconstructive surgery?

OBJECTIVE

To determine a syndrome score threshold on PFDI or PFIQ predictive of a significant improvement in post-operative functional results.

DESIGN

A retrospective case review (Canadian Task Force Classification II-2).

SETTING

University and research hospital.

POPULATION

Women diagnosed with pelvic organ prolapse and repaired with synthetic vaginal mesh.

METHODS

Quality of life was arbitrarily considered to have improved significantly if the score decreases by more than 50% between pre-operatively and 36 months post-operatively. We investigated the pre-operative cut-off score predictive of no quality of life improvement at M36 from a prospective trial for surgical pelvic organ prolapse treatment.

RESULTS

The most accurate pre-operative cut-off score predicting a failure to improve quality of life at 36 months post-operatively was 62/300 (PFDI Score). This cut-off value had a positive predictive value of 83.6% and specificity of 62.1%. No significant threshold was obtained from the PFIQ score.

CONCLUSION

The intensity of symptoms before surgery may interfere as a predictive factor for outcome.

Total transvaginal mesh (TVM) technique for treatment of pelvic organ prolapse: a 5-year prospective follow-up study

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

To evaluate clinical effectiveness and complication rates at 5 years following the total Trans Vaginal Mesh (TVM) technique to treat pelvic organ prolapse.

METHODS

Prospective, observational, multi-centre study in patients with prolapse of stage II or higher.

RESULTS

Of the 90 women enrolled in the study, 82 (91%) were available for the 5-year follow-up period. At the 5-year endpoint, success, defined as no surgical prolapse reintervention and leading edge <-1 (International Continence Society [ICS] criteria) or above the level of the hymen, was 79% and 87% respectively. A composite criterion of success defined as: leading edge above the hymen (<0) and no bulge symptoms and no reintervention for prolapse was met by 90%, 88% and 84% at the 1-, 3-, and 5-year endpoints respectively. Quality of life improvement was sustained over the 5 years. Over the 5-year follow-up period, a total of only 4 patients (5%) required re-intervention for prolapse, while a total of 14 patients (16%) experienced mesh exposure for which 8 resections needed to be performed. Seven exposures were still ongoing at the 5-year endpoint, all asymptomatic. Only 33 out of 61 (54%) sexually active patients at baseline remained so at 5 years. De novo dyspareunia was reported by 10%, but no new cases at the 5-year endpoint. One patient reported de novo unprovoked mild pelvic pain at 5 years, 5 reported pains during pelvic examination only.

CONCLUSIONS

Five-year results indicated that TVM provided a stable anatomical repair. Improvements in QOL and associated improvements in prolapse-specific symptoms were sustained. Minimal new morbidity emerged between the 1- and 5-year follow-up.

A decision-analytic Markov model to compare the cost-utility of anterior repair augmented with synthetic mesh compared with non-mesh repair in women with surgically treated prolapse

OBJECTIVES

To assess the cost-effectiveness of a mesh-augmented anterior vaginal wall repair compared with a non-mesh fascial plication repair.

DESIGN

Cost-utility analysis.

SETTING

Data for outcomes of different surgical techniques were derived from systematic reviews and recent publications.

METHODS

A decision-analytic Markov model, developed in TreeAge Pro 2007(®) , was used to compare the cost-utility of mesh and non-mesh anterior vaginal wall repairs. Sensitivity analysis was used to assess the impact of different scenarios and assumptions on results from the model.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Health outcomes were expressed in terms of quality-adjusted life years (QALYs).

RESULTS

Under base case assumptions at 5 years, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) for mesh-augmented anterior repairs was £15 million per QALY. Sensitivity analysis found no plausible model inputs that could make a mesh repair cost-effective by conventional criteria. This was mostly because of the extra costs associated with the price of the mesh, treating mesh erosion and difficulty finding data that support a lower reoperation rate for mesh anterior wall repairs.

CONCLUSIONS

This model suggests that the use of mesh is not cost-effective.

Where to for pelvic organ prolapse treatment after the FDA pronouncements? A systematic review of the recent literature

INTRODUCTION

With the publication of the updated US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) communication in 2011 on the use of transvaginal placement of mesh for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) it is appropriate to now review recent studies of good quality on POP to assess the safety and effectiveness of treatment options and determine their place in management.

METHODS

A systematic search for studies on the conservative and surgical management of POP published in the English literature between January 2002 and October 2012 was performed. Studies included were review articles, randomized controlled trials, prospective and relevant retrospective studies as well as conference abstracts. Selected articles were appraised by the authors regarding clinical relevance.

RESULTS

Prospective comparative studies show that vaginal pessaries constitute an effective and safe treatment for POP and should be offered as first treatment of choice in women with symptomatic POP. However, a pessary will have to be used for the patient's lifetime. Abdominal sacral colpopexy is effective in treating apical prolapse with an acceptable benefit-risk ratio. This procedure should be balanced against the low but non-negligible risk of serious complications. The results of native tissue vaginal POP repair are better than previously thought with high patient satisfaction and acceptable reoperation rates. The insertion of mesh at the time of anterior vaginal wall repair reduces the awareness of prolapse as well as the risk of recurrent anterior prolapse. There is no difference in anatomic and subjective outcome when native tissue vaginal repairs are compared with multicompartment vaginal mesh. Mesh exposure is still a significant problem requiring surgical excision in approximately ≥ 10 % of cases. The ideal mesh has not yet been found necessitating more basic research into mesh properties and host response. Several studies indicate that greater surgical experience is correlated with fewer mesh complications. In women with uterovaginal prolapse uterine preservation is a feasible option which women should be offered. Randomized studies with long-term follow-up are advisable to establish the place of uterine preservation in POP surgery.

CONCLUSION

Over the last decade treatment of POP has been dominated by the use of mesh. Conservative treatment is the first option in women with POP. Surgical repair with or without mesh generally results in good short-term objective and functional outcomes. However, basic research into mesh properties with host response and comparative studies with long-term follow-up are urgently needed.

Women's quality of life and sexual function after transvaginal anterior repair with mesh insertion

OBJECTIVE

Current evidence about the impact of pelvic floor surgery on sexual function is conflicting. Only a few studies have reported with validated questionnaires on sexual function after transvaginal mesh repair, with a discrepancy in reported outcomes. The aim of this study was to prospectively explore the impact of anterior repair (AR) with mesh insertion on sexual function, quality of life and dyspareunia.

STUDY DESIGN

69 women with symptomatic stage II or greater prolapse exclusively of the anterior compartment participated in a prospective study on safety and efficacy of two mesh implantation techniques for anterior vaginal wall prolapse repair between September 2007 and May 2009. They were invited to complete the validated condition-specific short form of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ-12) and quality of life (QoL) questionnaires (Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) Distress Inventory (POPDI), Urinary Distress Inventory (UDI), POP Impact Questionnaire (POPIQ), and Urinary Impact Questionnaire (UIQ)) pre-operatively and 6 months post-operatively. All data were processed and analyzed in Statistical Computing Environment R, version 2.9.1.

RESULTS

A significant decrease of Qol scores and a significant increase of PISQ-12 scores occurred after surgery. All sexually active women resumed sexual activity postoperatively. The majority of non-sexually active women remained sexually inactive. Postoperatively the frequency of pain during intercourse increased in 31% of cases and decreased or stayed unchanged in 69% of cases. The incidence of de novo dyspareunia after mesh repair was 4% while the incidence of dyspareunia slightly increased from 25% to 29% postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study suggest no deterioration in sexual function, a significant improvement in quality of life and a low incidence of de novo dyspareunia six months after AR with mesh insertion. Despite these findings, the majority of non-sexually active women remain sexually inactive postoperatively. These conclusions should be confirmed in a longer follow-up.

Vaginal Vault Suspension at Hysterectomy for Prolapse - Myths and Facts, Anatomical Requirements, Fixation Techniques, Documentation and Cost Accounting

Vaginal vault suspension during hysterectomy for prolapse is both a therapy for apical insufficiency and helps prevent recurrence. Numerous techniques exist, with different anatomical results and differing complications. The description of the different approaches together with a description of the vaginal vault suspension technique used at the Department for Urogynaecology at St. Hedwig Hospital could serve as a basis for reassessment and for recommendations by scientific associations regarding general standards.

[Utero-vaginal suspension using a bilateral vaginal anterior sacrospinous fixation with mesh. Preliminary results]

OBJECTIVE

To assess anatomical and functional preliminary results, and safety of a new surgical approach for a combined treatment of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) of anterior and medium compartments, using a mesh attached through the sacrospinous ligaments with the UpHold(®) system (Boston Scientific) and the Capio(®).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A longitudinal case series of 59 consecutive patients operated between October 2009 and January 2012, by five senior surgeons in a single tertiary unit.

RESULTS

Mean age was 66.9 years. Ten patients (17%) had previous pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgery. There was no intraoperative complication. Mean follow-up was 12 months. Anatomical success for both anterior and apical compartments, i.e. Ba and C/D point<1, was 93% (52/56). Anatomical results shown correction of cystocele with a mean Ba point from+0.79 cm (range -3 to +8) to -2.35 cm (range -3 to 0), correction of uterine/vaul prolapse with a mean C/D point from+0.14 cm (range -6 to+8) to -7.29 cm (range -9 to -1), and correction of rectocele with a mean Bp point from -0.68 cm (range -3 to 7) to -2.77 cm (range -3 to -1). Two patients required further surgery for mesh exposure (3.5%). One patient had a unilateral pudendal neuropathic pain postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

In the current series, utero-vaginal suspension using a bilateral vaginal anterior sacrospinous fixation with mesh was associated with good anatomical success rates. Prospective, comparative and long-term data are needed.

Prospective clinical assessment of the transvaginal mesh technique for treatment of pelvic organ prolapse-5-year results

OBJECTIVES

: The objective of the study was to assess the effectiveness and complication rates for the transvaginal (TVM) technique in the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse (POP).

METHODS

: Women with symptomatic POP (POP-Q stage II-IV) were invited to participate in this institutional review board-approved 5-year study at 3 US centers. All enrolled patients underwent prolapse repair surgery with GYNEMESH PS Prolene Nonabsorbable Soft Mesh using the TVM technique. Success was defined as International Continence Society (ICS) POP-Q stage I or less. The Prolapse-Specific Inventory and quality-of-life questionnaire was used as a subjective outcome measure.

RESULTS

: Eighty-five women were included. Sixty-six patients were available for follow-up at 5 years. Overall anatomic success rates were 88% (90% confidence interval [CI], 80%-93%), 69% (90% CI, 59%-78%), and 67% (95% CI, 56%-76%) at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively. Anatomic success rates in treated compartments were 89% (90% CI, 82%-94%), 76% (90% CI, 66%-84%), and 77% (90% CI, 67%-85%) at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively. When defined as treated side leading edge above the hymen, success rates were 89% at 5 years. Five patients required reoperation for prolapse by 5 years. Statistically significant improvements in quality-of-life and Prolapse-Specific Inventory scores were sustained over 5 years. Mesh exposure was observed in 16 of 85 patients over the 5 years. Nine required partial mesh excision. There were 3 patients with some degree of dyspareunia, reported between 3 and 5 years, whereas in 8, preexisting dyspareunia resolved. There was 1 rectovaginal fistula reported and 2 reported ureteral injuries, one of which resulted in a ureteral-vaginal fistula; all resolved after repair.

CONCLUSIONS

: Five-year results indicated that TVM provided a stable anatomic repair. Improvements in quality of life and associated improvements in specific prolapse symptoms were sustained over the 5-year period. Mesh exposure was the most common complication.

Prevention of complications related to the use of prosthetic meshes in prolapse surgery: guidelines for clinical practice

The objective of the study was to provide guidelines for clinical practice from the French College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (CNGOF), based on the best evidence available, concerning adverse events related to surgical procedures involving the use of prosthetic meshes. French and English-language articles from Medline, PubMed, and the Cochrane Database were searched, using key words (mesh; pelvic organ prolapse; cystocele; rectocele; uterine prolapse; complications; adverse event; sacral colpopexy; extrusion; infection). As with any surgery, recommendations include perioperative smoking cessation (Expert opinion) and compliance with the prevention of nosocomial infections (regulatory recommendation). There is no evidence to recommend routine local or systemic estrogen therapy before or after prolapse surgery using mesh, regardless of the surgical approach (Grade C). Antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended, regardless of the approach (Expert opinion). It is recommended to check for pre-operative urinary tract infection and treat it (Expert opinion). The first procedure should be undertaken under the guidance of a surgeon experienced in the relevant technique (Grade C). It is recommended not to place a non-absorbable synthetic mesh into the rectovaginal septum when a rectal injury occurs (Expert opinion). Placement of a non-absorbable synthetic mesh into the vesicovaginal septum may be considered after suturing of a bladder injury if the suture is considered to be satisfactory (Expert opinion). If a synthetic mesh is placed by vaginal route, it is recommended to use a macroporous polypropylene monofilament mesh (Grade B). It is recommended not to use polyester mesh for vaginal surgery (Grade B). It is permissible to perform hysterectomy associated with the placement of a non-absorbable synthetic mesh placed by the vaginal route but this is not routinely recommended (Expert opinion). It is recommended to minimize the extent of the colpectomy (Expert opinion). The laparoscopic approach is recommended for sacral colpopexy (Expert opinion). It is recommended not to place and suture meshes by the vaginal route when a sacral colpopexy is performed (Grade B). It is recommended not to use silicone-coated polyester, porcine dermis, fascia lata, and polytetrafluoroethylene meshes (Grade B). It is recommended to use polyester (without silicone coating) or polypropylene meshes (Grade C). Suture of the meshes to the promontory can be performed using thread/needle or tacks (Grade C). Peritonization is recommended to cover the meshes (Grade C). If hysterectomy is required, it is recommended to perform a subtotal hysterectomy (Expert opinion). Implementation of this guideline should decrease the prevalence of complications related to surgical procedures involving the use of prosthetic meshes.

Laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy versus transvaginal mesh for recurrent pelvic organ prolapse

Both expert surgeons agree with the following: (1) Surgical mesh, whether placed laparoscopically or transvaginally, is indicated for pelvic floor reconstruction in cases involving recurrent advanced pelvic organ prolapse. (2) Procedural expertise and experience gained from performing a high volume of cases is fundamentally necessary. Knowledge of outcomes and complications from an individual surgeon's audit of cases is also needed when discussing the risks and benefits of procedures and alternatives. Yet controversy still exists on how best to teach new surgical techniques and optimal ways to efficiently track outcomes, including subjective and objective cure of prolapse as well as perioperative complications. A mesh registry will be useful in providing data needed for surgeons. Cost factors are also a consideration since laparoscopic and especially robotic surgical mesh procedures are generally more costly than transvaginal mesh kits when operative time, extra instrumentation and length of stay are included. Long-term outcomes, particularly for transvaginal mesh procedures, are lacking. In conclusion, all surgery poses risks; however, patients should be made aware of the pros and cons of various routes of surgery as well as the potential risks and benefits of using mesh. Surgeons should provide patients with honest information about their own experience implanting mesh and also their experience dealing with mesh-related complications.

Central compartment and apical defect repair using synthetic mesh

Pelvic organ prolapse is an increasingly common condition for women that has been challenging to treat due to high recurrence rates after surgical repair. The introduction of mesh-augmented prolapse repairs as a means to achieve more robust repairs had great initial promise. As more data emerge on outcomes and novel mesh complications, the when and where of mesh augmentation has become much less clear. This article reviews the relevant literature on the use of mesh in central and apical repairs. This includes a detailed look at the available data for vaginal mesh kits and several recent trials comparing mesh kits to traditional repairs. The article ends with a discussion of the recent U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) safety communication on the use of transvaginal mesh in pelvic organ prolapse and the authors' views of how practice may change in this new environment.

Current Developments and Perspectives on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Urinary Incontinence and Genital Prolapse in Women

As a key area of gynaecology, urogynaecology has undergone impressive changes in the past few years. Together with the high prevalence of functional pelvic floor disorders, modern anaesthesia procedures and the introduction of new, innovative minimally invasive operation techniques have led to a dramatic increase in the number of operations for incontinence and prolapses. The increasingly subtle diagnostic options, such as, e. g., 2D and 3D sonography of the pelvic floor provide unambiguous findings and facilitate decision making. Tension-free vaginal slings in retro-pubic, trans-obturator or single-incision techniques show a high success rate with few complications and have almost completely replaced the more invasive abdominal surgical techniques for the operative management of stress incontinence. Especially for recurrent prolapse the use of alloplastic nets leads to a markedly improved anatomic and functional outcome. In spite of the euphoria about modern operation techniques and novel net materials, in-depth knowledge of pelvic floor anatomy, sufficient surgical experience and unequivocal guideline-conform indications are mandatory for satisfactory treatment outcomes. The afflicted women must be informed in detail about alternative procedures and more emphasis should be placed on conservative therapy. Novel surgical techniques should be monitored by registers or clinical trials. The professional society is called upon to improve the training curricula for pelvic floor surgery.

Fluoroscopic imaging of needle position in the tension-free vaginal mesh procedure for pelvic organ prolapse: two case reports

The tension-free vaginal mesh (TVM) procedure has become one of the commonly used treatments for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) due to good clinical outcome. However, there are several technical difficulties associated with this procedure. We performed fluoroscopy for imaging of the surgical procedure on the TVM to resolve the technical problems regarding needle penetration. Fluoroscopic imaging with rectogram and cystogram demonstrated the positions of the needle, pelvic organs and index finger for needle guidance in the TVM procedure. Fluoroscopic imaging may be useful to understand the movement of surgical devices in the blind space, objectively evaluate the surgeon's skill, avoid injury to the pelvic organs, and detect any such injury immediately should it occur.