The use of biological materials in urogynecologic reconstruction: a systematic review

Abdominal Sacrohysteropexy using Proline mesh versus Mersilene tape in apical prolapse: A randomized clinical trial

IMPORTANCE

uterine preservation is increasingly a common demand in surgical management of pelvic organ prolapse. Using Proline mesh in surgical repair of prolapse may have negative drawbacks.

OBJECTIVE

compare between using Polyproline mesh and Mersilene tape in abdominal Sacrohysteropexy repairing apical prolapse stage ӀӀ or more.

STUDY DESIGN

This RCT study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Menoufia and Ain Shams university hospitals, Egypt). Eligible population included women planned Sacrohysteropexy for uterine prolapse ≥ stage 2 assigned to two groups: Mesh group (n = 38), underwent Sacrohysteropexy with polyproline mesh, and Tape group (n = 38), underwent Sacrohysteropexy using Mersilene tape.

RESULTS

High statistically significant difference between TAPE group and MESH group concerning hysteropexy time was 50.4 min in TAPE group vs 90.6 min in MESH group (p < 0.001), need for post operative analgesia was14 in TAPE group vs 27 in MESH group (p < 0.005). The mean hospital stay was 2.8 days in TAPE group vs 5.2days in MESH group (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Using Mersilene tape in Sacrohysteropexy is a safe alternative to Polyproline Mesh with comparable efficacy with less complications. Tape is easier as it needs less dissection area for sacral fixation so less injury incidence.

Modular Bioreactor Design for Directed Tendon/Ligament Tissue Engineering

Functional tissue-engineered tendons and ligaments remain to be prepared in a reproducible and scalable manner. This study evaluates an acellular 3D extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffold for tendon/ligament tissue engineering and their ability to support strain-induced gene regulation associated with the tenogenesis of cultured mesenchymal stromal cells. Preliminary data demonstrate unique gene regulation patterns compared to other scaffold forms, in particular in Wnt signaling. However, the need for a robust bioreactor system that minimizes process variation was also evident. A design control process was used to design and verify the functionality of a novel bioreactor. The system accommodates 3D scaffolds with clinically-relevant sizes, is capable of long-term culture with customizable mechanical strain regimens, incorporates in-line load measurement for continuous monitoring and feedback control, and allows a variety of scaffold configurations through a unique modular grip system. All critical functional specifications were met, including verification of physiological strain levels from 1–10%, frequency levels from 0.2–0.5 Hz, and accurate load measurement up to 50 N, which can be expanded on the basis of load cell capability. The design process serves as a model for establishing statistical functionality and reliability of investigative systems. This work sets the stage for detailed analyses of ECM scaffolds to identify critical differentiation signaling responses and essential matrix composition and cell–matrix interactions.

Biologic Grafts for Use in Pelvic Organ Prolapse Surgery: a Contemporary Review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a common condition and there is a plethora of surgical techniques available to address this problem. We present a review of biologic grafts, including the latest literature to help guide a surgeon's choice on the type of biologic materials to augment repairs.

RECENT FINDINGS

Since the 2019 Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ban on mesh, including xenograft, there is a sparsity of biologic graft products available for POP repairs. This has led to a significant decrease in surgical application. Surgeons must be familiar with the biochemical properties, processing, and clinical application of biologic grafts prior to use. They should also be familiar with alternative operative techniques that utilize autografts, although there is limited outcome data on these techniques. With heightened awareness of mesh and its complications, biologic grafts have made a resurgence. Surgeons must be well versed on their available options. Current literature is limited, and studies have not demonstrated superiority of biologic graft over native tissue repairs for prolapse. Nevertheless, there is a role for these types of biologic graft material in specific patient populations. Future studies are warranted.

A novel antibacterial biomaterial mesh coated by chitosan and tigecycline for pelvic floor repair and its biological performance

The biomaterials composed of mammalian extracellular matrix (ECM) have a great potential in pelvic floor tissue repair and functional reconstruction. However, bacterial infection does cause great damage to the repair function of biomaterials which is the major problem in clinical utilization. Therefore, the development of biological materials with antimicrobial effect is of great clinical significance for pelvic floor repair. Chitosan/tigecycline (CS/TGC) antibacterial biofilm was prepared by coating CS/TGC nanoparticles on mammalian-derived ECM. Infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, bacteriostasis circle assay and static dialysis methods were used to characterize the membrane. MTS assay kit and DAPI fluorescence staining were used to evaluate cytotoxicity and cell adhesion. The biocompatibility was assessed by subabdominal implantation model in goats. Subcutaneous antimicrobial test in rabbit back was used to evaluate the antimicrobial and repairing effects on the infected wounds in vivo. Infrared spectroscopy showed that the composite coating had been successfully modified. The antibacterial membrane retained the main structure of ECM multilayer fibers. In vitro release of biomaterials showed sustained release and stability. In vivo studies showed that the antibacterial biological membrane had low cytotoxicity, fast degradation, good compatibility, anti-infection and excellent repair ability.

Sacrocolpopexy: Patient Outcomes Support the Use of Non-Crosslinked Acellular Dermal Matrix as an Alternative to the Synthetic Polypropylene Mesh

Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the use of non-crosslinked acellular dermal matrix (ADM) in laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy by analyzing clinical outcomes and patient-satisfaction surveys.

Materials and Methods: Two hundred and eleven patients underwent laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) between January 6, 2012, and December 31, 2017. Each patient had her pelvic-floor measurements diagrammed with the POP-Q [Quantification] system using the interactive tool provided by the American Urogynecologic Society. The Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI-20) and Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire (PFIQ-7), used to make comprehensive assessments of women with urogynecologic problems, were mailed to all patients. If responses were not received, the patients were contacted by telephone. Patients who were not reached by either mail or telephone had their charts individually reviewed to extract the information. Trained surveyors scored the PFDI-20 and the PFIQ-7 questionnaires. The de-identified data were analyzed for patient satisfaction and outcomes. This information was obtained by a review of patient charts at 4-week postoperative and annual examinations; any phone calls with complaints and/or problem office visits were noted. Biopsies from the sacrocolpopexy area were taken if a patient had another incidental gynecologic procedure unrelated to the prolapse or at the time of repeat sacrocolpopexy for POP and the paraffin cell block was sent to McGowan Institute for Tissue Regeneration.

Results: One hundred and five patients responded to the survey. Charts were completed for 106. The majority of interviewed patients stated that they were doing a “little better” or “much better” (77/88; 87.5%). The third-quartile PFDI-20 score was 93 with a median of 60 and the PFIQ-7 score was 43 with a median of 29. Five patients underwent reoperations (4.76%). The most-common postoperative complaint was overactive bladder symptoms, followed by vaginal discharge. Histology showed either a lack of regenerative healing tissue at the failure site or good results showing neovascularization and a presence of connective and ligamentous tissue around the matrix. No intense fibrosis or neoplastic formation was reported.

Conclusions: A non-crosslinked ADM patch can be a good alternative to synthetic polypropylene mesh in patients undergoing sacrocolpopexy for POP.

Acellular Dermal Matrices: Applications in Plastic Surgery

Modern advances in tissue engineering have transformed the plastic surgeon's management strategies across a wide variety of applications. Comprehension of the fundamentals of biologic constructs is critical to navigating the available armamentarium. It is essential that plastic surgeons become familiar with some of the existing methods for utilizing biologics as well as the advantages and limitations to their use. In this article, the authors describe the basic science of biologics with a focus on acellular dermal matrices (ADMs), and review the recent evidence behind their use for a variety of reconstructive and aesthetic purposes. The review is organized by system and examines the common indications, techniques, and outcomes pertaining to the application of ADMs in select anatomic areas. The final section briefly considers possible future directions for using biologics in plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Recent advances in pelvic floor repair

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) are conditions which result in significant physical, mental and social consequences for women worldwide. The high rates of recurrence reported with primary repair for POP led to the use of synthetic mesh to augment repairs in both primary and secondary cases following failed previous POP repair. The widely reported, unacceptably high rates of complications associated with the use of synthetic, transvaginal mesh in pelvic floor repair have severely limited the treatment options that surgeons can offer. This article summarises the recent advances in pelvic floor repair, such as improved quantification and modelling of the biomechanics of the pelvic floor and the developing technology within the field of tissue engineering for treatment of SUI/POP, including biomaterials and cell-based therapies. Finally, we will discuss the issues surrounding the commercial introduction of synthetic mesh for use within the pelvic floor and what lessons can be learned for the future as well as the current guidance surrounding treatment for SUI/POP.

Evaluation of the bioactivity about anti-sca-1/basic fibroblast growth factor-urinary bladder matrix scaffold for pelvic reconstruction

Introduction and hypothesis: Pelvic support structure injury is the major cause of pelvic organ prolapse. At present, polypropylene-based filler material has been suggested as a common method to treat pelvic organ prolapse. However, it cannot functionally rehabilitate the pelvic support structure. In addition to its poor long-term efficiency, the urinary bladder matrix was the most suitable biological scaffold material for pelvic floor repair. Here, we hypothesize that anti-sca-1 monoclonal antibody and basic fibroblast growth factor were cross-linked to urinary bladder matrix to construct a two-factor bioscaffold for pelvic reconstruction.

METHODS

Through a bispecific cross-linking reagent, sulfosuccinimidyl 4-[N-maleimidomethyl] cyclohexane-1-carboxylate (sulfo-smcc) immobilized anti-sca-1 and basic fibroblast growth factor to urinary bladder matrix. Then scanning electron microscope and plate reader were used to detect whether the anti-sca-1/basic fibroblast growth factor-urinary bladder matrix scaffold was built successfully. After that, the capacity of enriching sca-1 positive cells was measured both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, we evaluated the differentiation capacity and biocompatibility of the scaffold. Finally, western blotting was used to detect the level of fibulin-5 protein.

RESULTS

The scanning electron microscope and plate reader revealed that the double-factor biological scaffold was built successfully. The scaffold could significantly enrich a large number of sca-1 positive cells both in vitro and in vivo, and obviously accelerate cells and differentiate functional tissue with good biocompatibility. Moreover, the western blotting showed that the scaffold could improve the expression of fibulin-5 protein.

CONCLUSION

The anti-sca-1/basic fibroblast growth factor-urinary bladder matrix scaffold revealed good biological properties and might serve as an ideal scaffold for pelvic reconstruction.

Surgery for constipation: systematic review and practice recommendations: Results IV: Recto-vaginal reinforcement procedures

AIM

To assess the outcomes of recto-vaginal reinforcement procedures in adults with chronic constipation.

METHOD

Standardised methods and reporting of benefits and harms were used for all CapaCiTY reviews that closely adhered to PRISMA 2016 guidance. Main conclusions were presented as summary evidence statements with a summative Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (2009) level.

RESULTS

Forty-three articles were identified, providing data on outcomes in 3346 patients. Average length of procedures ranged between 20 and 169 min, and length of stay between 1 and 15 days. Complications typically occurred after 7-17% of procedures (range 0-61%). Post-operative bleeding was uncommon (0-4%) as well as haematoma or sepsis (0-2%). Fistulation did not occur in most studies. Two procedure-related deaths were observed for 3209 patients. Although inconsistent, 78% of patients reported a satisfactory or good outcome, with 30-50% experiencing reduced symptoms of straining, incomplete emptying or reduced vaginal digitation. About 17% of patients developed anatomical recurrence. Considering measures of harm and global satisfaction rating scales, there was insufficient evidence to prefer one type of procedure over another. There was no evidence to support better outcomes based on selection of patients with a particular size or grade of rectocoele.

CONCLUSION

Evidence supporting recto-vaginal reinforcement procedures is currently derived from observational studies and comparisons, with only one high quality study. Large trials are needed to inform future clinical decision making.

Strain gradient development in 3-dimensional extracellular matrix scaffolds during in vitro mechanical stimulation

This study analyzed strain variations in 3D ECM scaffolds using a membrane-adherent model (MM) and a direct elongation model (DM). Computational models were solved for target strains from 1 to 10% at varied scaffold thicknesses and intra-scaffold slices. DM strain profiles were uniform within the scaffold and independent of thickness. However, a wide range of strains developed with substantial volume experiencing significantly off-target strain. MM strain profiles varied throughout the scaffold, exhibiting significantly reduced average strain with increasing thickness. These findings are important for tissue engineering studies since biological responses are commonly attributed to a single strain level that only partially describes the mechanical condition, making it difficult to develop precise causal relationships. Spatial strain variations and reduced average strain may warrant targeted sampling for cell response and should be taken into consideration by investigators using large-volume 3D scaffolds when engineering mechanically sensitive tissues.

Transvaginal rectocele repair with human dermal allograft interposition and bilateral sacrospinous fixation with a minimum eight-year follow-up

BACKGROUND

Human dermal allografts have been used for over a decade for interpositional repair of rectoceles. How do dermal allografts perform with regards to success rate and complications with 8 years' minimum follow-up?

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 41 consecutive patients undergoing dermal allograft interposition procedures between October 2001 and December 2005 (Repliform, Boston Scientific, Natick, MA, USA) for stage two, three, and four International Continence Society (ICS) symptomatic rectocele repairs with bilateral sacrospinous fixation. Failure was defined as recurrent stage two International Continence Society prolapse (Ap ≥ -1 and/or Bp ≥ -1). All questionnaires were completed 1 week before surgery and at follow-up (September 2014 through December 2014).

RESULTS

The mean preoperative and postoperative A(p) were 0.95 ± 0.70,-1.90 ± 0.52 and B(p) 1.30 ± 0.84,-2.13 ± 0.51 (p < 0.001). With a mean follow-up of 116.5 ± 18.9 months, a success rate of 73 % (30/41) was achieved, with anatomical reduction of prolapse. For splinting and digitations, an 82 % cure rate was realized. The Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI) pre- and post-operative results showed significant improvement (p < 0.001). There were two incisional exposures (5 %). Seventy percent of patients were secondary repairs while 30 % were primary repairs (81 % success rate, p < 0.36). One patient experienced nerve entrapment and subsequent unilateral takedown. Patient satisfaction was 77 %.

CONCLUSIONS

Our retrospective study approaching long-term results demonstrated that symptomatic rectocele procedures with human dermal allograft interposition provide an effective anatomical and functional repair with acceptable complication rates.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse---Vaginal and Laparoscopic Mesh: The Evidence

This report summarizes the current literature on abdominal, laparoscopic, and transvaginal mesh for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse. This article reviews objective and subjective cure rates as well as complications associated with synthetic mesh use for pelvic organ prolapse repair. The focus is on the latest literature that provides evidence for when synthetic mesh use is most appropriate. The use of mesh for the repair of urinary incontinence is not reviewed in this article.

Three-dimensional analysis of implanted magnetic-resonance-visible meshes

OBJECTIVE

Our primary objective was to develop relevant algorithms for quantification of mesh position and 3D shape in magnetic resonance (MR) images.

METHODS

In this proof-of-principle study, one patient with severe anterior vaginal wall prolapse was implanted with an MR-visible mesh. High-resolution MR images of the pelvis were acquired 6 weeks and 8 months postsurgery. 3D models were created using semiautomatic segmentation techniques. Conformational changes were recorded quantitatively using part-comparison analysis. An ellipticity measure is proposed to record longitudinal conformational changes in the mesh arms. The surface that is the effective reinforcement provided by the mesh is calculated using a novel methodology. The area of this surface is the effective support area (ESA).

RESULTS

MR-visible mesh was clearly outlined in the images, which allowed us to longitudinally quantify mesh configuration between 6 weeks and 8 months after implantation. No significant changes were found in mesh position, effective support area, conformation of the mesh's main body, and arm length during the period of observation. Ellipticity profiles show longitudinal conformational changes in posterior arms.

CONCLUSIONS

This paper proposes novel methodologies for a systematic 3D assessment of the position and morphology of MR-visible meshes. A novel semiautomatic tool was developed to calculate the effective area of support provided by the mesh, a potentially clinically important parameter.

Management of pelvic organ prolapse

Quality of life is adversely affected by pelvic organ prolapse, the prevalence of which is increasing because of the persistently growing older population. Today, the tension-free vaginal mesh kit has grown in popularity owing to its comparable cure rate to traditional reconstructive surgery and the feasibility of an early return to normal life. However, significant debate remains over the long-term cure rate and the safety of tension-free vaginal mesh in the United States. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends obtaining informed consent about the safety and cure rate when the patient chooses surgery using the tension-free vaginal mesh kit or meshes before surgery. The goal of surgery for pelvic organ prolapse is the restoration of anatomic defects. This review article provides an overview of basic surgical techniques and the results, advantages, and disadvantages of surgery for pelvic organ prolapse.