A novel technique for complete laparoscopic excision of a transobturator sling with lower urinary tract mesh erosion

Early experience of transabdominal and novel transvaginal robot-assisted laparoscopic removal of transvaginal mesh

Background Mesh removal following transvaginal mesh placement has typically involved transvaginal, open pelvic, laparoscopic or a combination of approaches. Robotic pelvic mesh removal has been described in a small number of cases only. This study aims to determine the feasibility and safety of using robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery in removal of pelvic mesh via trans-abdominal and novel trans-vaginal approach. Materials and methods This is a prospective case series study on women who underwent transabdominal or transvaginal robot-assisted removal of pelvic mesh. Women were offered participation in this study if they were over the age of 18 with pelvic mesh and a clinical indication for mesh removal. Alternative surgical options including conventional open removal of mesh were discussed and offered to patients. The primary outcome of this study is the rate of successful removal of mesh and the 30-day complication rates. Ethics approval was obtained for this study. Results Thirty patients were included in this study. Median age was 62. Median operative and console time was 240 and 148 minutes, respectively. Concomitant reconstructive procedures were performed in 40% of patients. Complete or near-complete mesh removal was achieved in 83.3% of patients. For the remaining patients, partial removal of mesh was performed as planned pre-operatively. Three Clavien-Dindo grade 3b complications resulted from mesh removal: concomitant ureteric and bladder injury, omental bleed and groin wound infection. Conclusion This study presents the early experience of robotic-assisted removal of transvaginal mesh with a transvaginal or transabdominal approach and demonstrated feasibility of removal of both retropubic and transobturator MUSS as well as trans-vaginal prolapse meshes with transobturator and sacrospinous mesh arms. Further studies are required to expand understanding on the learning curve, operating times, complication rates and functional outcome of this operation.

Laparoscopic removal of intravesically inserted transobturator tape

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

The aim of this video is to provide a step-by-step description of our approach to the surgical management of intravesically localized transobturator tape after previous failure of repeated cystoscopic tape resection.

METHODS

This video presents a patient with tape erosion to the urinary bladder after repeated cystoscopic tape resection, recurrent stone formation, and repeated lithotripsy, with recurrent urinary tract infections and overactive bladder (OAB) with urgency incontinence.

RESULTS

During the laparoscopy procedure tape was identified in the left obturator muscle, cut near the obturator muscle, and dissected up to the bladder wall. Afterward, a vertical 2-cm incision was made in the bladder wall, the stone was removed, and the rest of the tape was dissected from the bladder wall. A two-layer suture of the bladder wall was performed. The postoperative course was uneventful. In follow-up visits 3 and 6 months after surgery the patient was continent with no symptoms of OAB.

CONCLUSIONS

Cystoscopic resection of protruded mesh is inadequate in many cases. In such cases the mesh should be removed from the urinary bladder wall completely. Laparoscopy allows minimally invasive complete removal of the tape, combining resection of the extravesical and intravesical parts of the tape.

Inability to walk and persistent thigh pain after transobturator tape procedure for stress urinary incontinence: surgical management

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Groin pain after transobturator tape is often a self-limiting situation, but can occasionally persist and be associated with serious neurological sequelae. The video is aimed at presenting the surgical management of persistent groin pain and inability to walk after transobturator sling placement and subsequent partial removal.

METHODS

The featured patient is a 31-year-old woman unable to walk after transobturator sling implantation 2 years before. She reported left thigh pain immediately after surgery that was not responsive to postoperative medication. Six months later, suburethral portion excision was performed but no pain relief was obtained. She was unable to walk, and needed a wheelchair. Electromyography showed axonal injury of the left obturator nerve. After providing proper informed consent, the patient was admitted for combined transvaginal and transcutaneous transobturator tape arm removal.

RESULTS

The featured procedure was completed in 120 min and blood loss was <100 ml. No surgical complications were observed. The patient is currently doing left leg rehabilitation, has regained the ability to walk with the aid of a crutch, and the need for chronic pain control medication is greatly reduced.

CONCLUSION

This represents a valid surgical approach for the late management of this mesh-related complication.