Vaginal reconstructive surgery for severe pelvic organ prolapses: a 'uterine-sparing' technique using polypropylene prostheses

Comparison of UpholdTM Vaginal Mesh Procedure with Hysterectomy or Uterine Preservation for the Treatment of Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Hysterectomy is the empirical treatment for female pelvic organ prolapse (POP) without robust evidence to prove its efficacy. Uphold transvaginal mesh (TVM) system is an innovated device with smaller area, superior anterior/apical support with single incision to treat POP. The prospective cohort study aims to evaluate Uphold TVM's performance with or without concomitant hysterectomy. Inclusion criteria specify patients suffering from stage 2 or more anterior/apical prolapse without previous hysterectomy. Exclusion criteria specify those with contraindications to uterine preservation, such as leiomyomas, adenomyosis, endometrial hyperplasia, abnormal uterine bleeding, postmenopausal bleeding, cervical dysplasia, receiving tamoxifen treatment, family history of gynecology cancer, or colon cancer and incapability to be routinely followed. Thirty patients are recruited in the hysterectomy group and 66 patients in the hysteropexy group. The results demonstrate that patients with Uphold mesh only experience longer vaginal length, shorter operation duration, less blood loss and less post-operation pain. The performance in anatomical correction, lower urinary tract symptoms improvement, de novo dyspareunia, urodynamic study parameters and mesh extrusion rates are comparable with or without uterus preservation. The information is useful in pre-operation counseling, when the patient can make an educated choice whether or not to receive concomitant hysterectomy.

Outcome of transvaginal pelvic reconstructive surgery with Prolift after a median of 2 years' follow-up

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

This study seeks to analyze the medium- to long-term outcome of transvaginal pelvic reconstructive surgery using the Prolift™ system for pelvic organ prolapse.

METHODS

Sixty-five patients who underwent pelvic floor reconstruction using Prolift™ were followed for 1 to 3 years postoperatively. Assessment included pre- and postoperative Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) stage, Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6), and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7) scores.

RESULTS

The overall anatomic success rate was 97% after a median of 24.5 months and 94% for the 34 women followed for more than 2 years. POP-Q stage, UDI-6, and IIQ-7 scores all improved significantly after surgery. Complications included one bladder perforation (1.5%) and one bowel perforation (1.5%), prolonged catheterization in four patients (6%), and mesh erosion in one (2%). Eight received blood transfusion (12%).

CONCLUSIONS

Prolift™ surgery yielded a good anatomical outcome and satisfactory symptom improvement that appeared to be durable after 2 years.