Functional outcome after laparoscopic nerve-sparing sacrocolpopexy: a prospective cohort study

Two-Year Follow-Up on Surgical Outcomes of vNOTES High Uterosacral Ligament Suspension for the Prophylaxis and Treatment of Pelvic Organ Prolapse: A Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study

STUDY OBJECTIVE

We aimed to evaluate the medium-term outcomes of high uterosacral ligament suspension (HUSLS) with vaginal-assisted natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) in patients either having pelvic organ prolapse or undergoing routine prophylaxis to prevent posthysterectomy vaginal vault prolapse.

DESIGN

Multicenter prospective cohort study.

SETTING

Three tertiary care hospitals.

PATIENTS

Patients who received vNOTES-HUSLS between January 1, 2021, and January 1, 2023, were included in the study.

INTERVENTIONS

vNOTES-HUSLS.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The data collected included surgery duration, intraoperative and postoperative complications, postoperative visual analog scores, and Female Sexual Function Index pain subdomain scores. The changes in prolapse levels were measured using modified Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantifications System scores, including the C, Ba, and Bp scores recorded before surgery and during the postoperative follow-up examination. Patient satisfaction was assessed using the Patient Global Impression of Improvement questionnaire. The final analysis included 55 women. Of these, vNOTES-HUSLS was performed in 43 patients (78.2%) to treat apical prolapse, whereas the remaining 12 patients (21.8%) underwent prophylaxis after hysterectomy to prevent vaginal vault prolapse. The median follow-up period was 23.5 months, with a range of 12 to 37 months. Ba, C, and Bp points significantly improved in patients who underwent surgery for prolapse (p <.001). There was no recurrence in the apical compartment after vNOTES-HUSLS for both performed prophylactic and treatment purposes after hysterectomy. Two patients (3.6%) were diagnosed as having stage 3 anterior compartment prolapse. The overall vNOTES-HUSLS success rate was 96.4% at approximately 2-year follow-up. Bladder injury was detected as an intraoperative complication in 1 patient (1.8%). The overall satisfaction rate was 98.1% at the final follow-up.

CONCLUSION

vNOTES-HUSLS was effective in the treatment and prophylaxis of apical prolapse, demonstrating high anatomic success rates. The procedure demonstrated a low complication rate, with intraoperative and postoperative complications each observed in 1.8% of patients (n = 1).

Sacrocolpopexy: The Way I Do It

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Sacrocolpopexy (SCP) is an established surgical procedure for apical vaginal vault prolapse. There remains significant variation amongst surgeons in both the surgical steps and concomitant surgeries utilised when undertaking an SCP.

METHODS

This review article is aimed at summarising the evidence and providing a detailed update of SCP in modern practice, reviewing contemporary evidence behind its indications, efficacy, outcomes, surgical steps, and complications.

RESULTS

Sacrocolpopexy remains the gold standard for post-hysterectomy apical prolapse based on good long-term outcomes, patient satisfaction and low complication rates. SCP with concomitant total hysterectomy is not recommended owing to high rates of mesh exposure. The laparoscopic approach remains the preferred option in terms of low morbidity, quicker recovery and lower cost than alternative access options. For optimal outcomes an SCP should be performed with monofilament mesh, using absorbable sutures and with a paravaginal repair for cystocele.

CONCLUSIONS

Although SCP has become increasingly utilised for apical prolapse, its established efficacy regarding anatomical outcomes, patient satisfaction, and complications is in the context of post-hysterectomy prolapse. SCP with concomitant total hysterectomy has higher rates of mesh exposure. The efficacy and safety of SCP with sub-total hysterectomy or hysteropexy have not been clearly established and require further assessment through well-designed, rigorous randomised controlled trials.

Analysis of the Clinical Value of Laparoscopic Sacrocolpopexy to Support the Posterior Compartment in Women with Multicompartment Prolapse Including Rectocele

Background/Objectives: Laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy is regarded as the gold standard treatment for apical or multicompartment prolapse, predominantly with anterior compartment descent. However, the optimal surgical approach for concurrent rectocele is still debated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of nerve-sparing laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy in managing multicompartment prolapse with concurrent rectocele (≥stage II), analyzing the anatomical outcomes, the necessity for concomitant or subsequent posterior repair, and the impact on bowel function in women undergoing surgery. Methods: Data from all women who underwent laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy with or without posterior repair between 01/2017 and 07/2022 for symptomatic multicompartment prolapse, including apical and posterior compartment descent ≥ stage II, were retrospectively evaluated. All women underwent a standardized urogynecological examination, including assessment of genital prolapse using the POP-Q quantification system, and completed the German-validated Australian Pelvic Floor Questionnaire before and after surgery (6-12 weeks). Preoperative anatomic support and bowel symptoms were compared with postoperative values. Results: In total, 112 women met the criteria for surgical correction. The majority (87%) had stage II posterior descent, with only 10% undergoing concurrent posterior repair during laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy. Significant (p < 0.001) objective improvement was seen for all compartments post- compared with preoperatively (Ba: 0 (-1/2) vs. -3 (-3/-2), C: -1 (-2/0) vs. -8 (-12/-7), Bp: 0 (-1/0) vs. -3 (-2/-2); (median (25%/75% quartiles)). Subsequent surgery for persistent rectocele and/or stool outlet symptoms was required in 4% of cases. Most bowel-specific questions in the German-validated Australian Pelvic Floor Questionnaire showed significant improvement (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Nerve-sparing sacrocolpopexy alone appears to be a suitable surgical approach to correct multicompartment prolapse, including a rectocele ≥ stage II, and results in a reduction of objective signs and symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse.

Somatic and autonomic nerve density of the urethra, periurethral tissue, and anterior vaginal wall: an immunohistochemical study in adult female cadavers

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Retropubic procedures may disrupt nerves supplying the pelvic viscera; however, knowledge of pelvic neuroanatomy is limited. We sought to characterize somatic and autonomic nerve density within the urethra, periurethral tissue, and anterior vagina.

METHODS

Axial sections were obtained from pelvic tissue harvested from female cadavers ≤24 h from death at three anatomical levels: the midurethra, proximal urethra, and upper trigone. Periurethral/perivesical tissue was divided into medial and lateral sections, and the anterior vagina into middle, medial, and lateral sections. Double immunofluorescent staining for beta III tubulin (βIIIT), a global axonal marker, and myelin basic protein (MBP), a myelinated nerve marker, was performed. Threshold-based automatic image segmentation distinguished stained areas. Autonomic and somatic density were calculated as percentage of tissue stained with βIIIT alone, and with βIIIT and MBP respectively. Statistical comparisons were made using nonparametric Friedman tests.

RESULTS

Six cadavers, aged 22-73, were examined. Overall, autonomic nerve density was highest at the midurethral level in the lateral and middle anterior vagina. Somatic density was highest in the external urethral sphincter (midurethra mean 0.15%, SD ±0.11; proximal urethra 0.19%, SD ±0.19). Comparison of annotated sections revealed significant differences in autonomic density among the lateral, medial, and middle vagina at the midurethra level (0.71%, SD ±0.48 vs 0.60%, SD ±0.48 vs 0.70%, SD ±0.63, p=0.03). Autonomic density was greater than somatic density in all sections.

CONCLUSIONS

Autonomic and somatic nerves are diffusely distributed throughout the periurethral tissue and anterior vagina, with few significant differences in nerve density among sections analyzed. Minimizing tissue disruption near urethral skeletal muscle critical for urinary continence may prevent adverse postoperative urinary symptoms.

Modified Oxford technique of colpopexy for the treatment of uterine and vaginal vault prolapse: a retrospective pilot cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Pelvic organ prolapse is a common health issue that affects 30.8% of women. Laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy and colpopectopexy are two of the most common procedures to restore the pelvic anatomy. Mesh application on the other hand carries an increased complications risk over the short and long terms. The aim of this study is to provide a basis for meshless sacrocolpopexy and colpopectopexy.

METHODS

This study is a retrospective cohort pilot study that analyzed the data of patients with a pelvic organ prolapse according to the pelvic organ prolapse quantification system and underwent the modified technique for sacrocolpopexy and colpopectopexy. Descriptive statistics were used to express the different variables.

RESULTS

A total of 36 patients met the inclusion criteria and provided consent for the participation in this study. The majority of patients were postmenopausal. 22 out of 36 patients received a previous prolapse surgery. All patients presented with reducible vaginal lump. Dyspareunia and sexual dysfunction were the most commonly reported symptoms. The intraoperative complications rate was 0%. Only one patient had a postoperative persistent urinary retention that was managed medically.

DISCUSSION

Sacrocolpopexy and colpopectopexy seems to be a safe alternative to the mesh-based pelvic surgeries with a very low rate of intraoperative complications and favorable follow up outcomes.

Contemporary Use and Techniques of Laparoscopic Sacrocolpopexy With or Without Robotic Assistance for Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy with or without robotic assistance is an effective approach for the treatment of any pelvic organ prolapse when apical involvement is present.

The past 4 years have been consequential in the world of surgery to correct pelvic organ prolapse. In 2018, results of a large, multicenter randomized trial demonstrated very disappointing cure rates of traditional native tissue repairs at 5 years or more. In 2019, a vaginal mesh hysteropexy kit was removed from the market by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration only to subsequently demonstrate it provided better cure rates and similar risk profile to vaginal hysterectomy plus native tissue repair in its own 5-year study published in 2021. Meanwhile, the use and techniques of laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy with or without robotic assistance have evolved such that it is commonly adapted to treat all support defects for patients with uterovaginal or posthysterectomy prolapse. This article is intended to provide an overview of the contemporary use and techniques of laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy based on the evidence and our clinical experience.

Medium term anatomical and functional outcomes following modified laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

We evaluated the anatomical and functional outcomes following modified laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (LSC) utilizing deep dissection of the vaginal walls and distal mesh fixation at the anterior and posterior compartments. We hypothesized that anatomical and functional outcomes improve after this modified LSC technique.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of all women (n = 240) who underwent LSC for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) from January to December 2017 in a tertiary center. POP-Q staging, validated questionnaires (International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form [ICIQ-SF] and Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory Questionnaire-Short Form), and uroflowmetry were used to evaluate the anatomical and functional outcomes. Statistical analyses were performed using McNemar test and repeated measures analysis of variance with Fisher's least significant difference post hoc (p < 0.05).

RESULTS

The anatomical success rate is 96%, with a prolapse recurrence rate of 3.8% at 3-year follow-up. Bulge symptoms and anatomical compartments were significantly improved after LSC. Clinically, there were significant improvements after LSC in voiding dysfunction and bowel symptoms. Also, there was a significant increase in stress urinary incontinence and non-significant decrease in mixed urinary incontinence and urge urinary incontinence. ICIQ-SF and Colorectal-Anal Distress Inventory 8 scores were significantly lower after LSC, signifying improvement in incontinence and bowel symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Our modified LSC technique is safe and effective in restoring level 1 and level 2 supports, without adverse effects on urinary and bowel function. Bladder and bowel symptoms have also been found to keep improving over time.

Impact of sacrocolpopexy for the management of pelvic organ prolapse on voiding dysfunction and uroflowmetry parameters: a prospective cohort study

PURPOSE

Voiding difficulties in the context of pelvic organ prolapse are often neglected or underestimated. To date, there are heterogeneous data available on the outcome of a surgical correction of pelvic organ prolapse and the impact on concomitant voiding dysfunction. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate whether laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy would resolve preoperative voiding dysfunction and the impact on objective uroflowmetry parameters.

METHODS

Data from 103 women undergoing sacrocolpopexy for prolapse stage ≥ II with concurrent objective and/or subjective voiding dysfunction were prospectively evaluated. All women underwent full urogynecological examination, and completed a validated questionnaire pre- and postoperatively. Objective uroflowmetry parameters and subjective outcome data regarding voiding functions were compared pre- and postoperatively.

RESULTS

All points of the POP-Q system improved significantly pre- to postoperatively (p < 0.001). Preoperatively, 42 of 103 women showed a postvoid residual ≥ 100 ml, whereas only six women had a relevant postvoid residual postoperatively. In total, the postoperative postvoid residual in all women decreased significantly (p < 0.001). Voiding time decreased significantly postoperatively (p < 0.001) with no significant change in the voided volume (p = 0.352). The maximum flow rate increased postoperatively, reaching no statistically significant change (p = 0.132). Subjective outcome measurements (weak or prolonged stream, incomplete bladder emptying, and straining to void) improved significantly (p < 0.001 for all the questions).

CONCLUSION

Our prospective study demonstrates that sacrocolpopexy to correct pelvic organ prolapse can successfully resolve voiding dysfunction, as both objective and subjective parameters improved significantly after surgery.

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.

Comparison of the Quality of Life and Female Sexual Function Following Laparoscopic Pectopexy and Laparoscopic Sacrohysteropexy in Apical Prolapse Patients

Objectives:

We sought to compare the surgical outcomes, safety, effectiveness, and mid-term outcomes in patients who had undergone laparoscopic hysterosacropexy and laparoscopic pectopexy due to apical prolapse.

Materials and Methods:

This prospective randomized study was conducted on a total of 62 women who underwent apical prolapse surgery (32 undergoing a pectopexy and 30 undergoing a sacrohysteropexy) between June 2015 and June 2017. Patients with symptomatic uterine or vaginal vault prolapse with stage 2 or worse were included in the sudy. Before and after the operation, we used the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification System (POP-Q) and questionnaires, which are the Prolapse Quality of Life Questionnaire (P-QOL) and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), to evaluated cases. Baseline characteristics, perioperative and postoperative complications, and follow-up results at 12 months were also evaluated.

Results:

All domains of POP-Q, P-QOL, and FSFI scores improved significantly after surgery both in pectopexy and sacrohysteropexy group. The postoperative complications of both procedures were similar except for constipation after surgery (3.2% in the pectopexy group and 20% in the hysterosacropexy group [P = 0.036]).

Conclusion:

Both sacrohysteropexy and pectopexy are effective surgical options for apical prolapse patients. The pectopexy is an acceptable alternative to laparoscopic sacrohysteropexy because of its less complexity and not reducing pelvic space for the rectum to exist. We suggest that the laparoscopic pectopexy may be widely used in clinical routine.

Short-term results of stress urinary incontinence in women undergoing laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy with and without midurethral sling

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to assess the short-term results of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in women undergoing laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (LSC) with and without midurethral sling (MUS).

METHODS

This retrospective study was conducted from July 2012 to December 2017. Women with stage 3 or 4 in the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) who underwent LSC were recruited. Multichannel urodynamic studies were performed in all women. Assessment included pre- and postoperative POP-Q stages, urodynamic parameters, peri- and postoperative complications, and symptoms.

RESULTS

One hundred and eighteen patients met the inclusion criteria in total. A total of 19.5% (23/118) of them had concomitant MUS. The mean follow-up duration was 16.9 ±  16.0 (range 3-69) months. Meanwhile, 33.9% (40/118) of the patients were diagnosed with overt SUI, and 50% (20/40) underwent MUS. In the concomitant MUS group, the rate of having postoperative SUI was only 5% (1/20). Patients diagnosed with SUI and without concomitant MUS had a 45% rate (9/20), and 25% of them (5/20) received MUS later. Preoperatively, 16.1% (19/118) of the patients were diagnosed with occult SUI. Among the patients without anti-incontinence sling during prolapse surgery, 25% (4/16) of them complained about having SUI during the follow-up. However, none of the women required subsequent anti-incontinence surgery. Postoperative de novo SUI occurred to 13.6% (16/118) of them. None of the patients received further operation. Based on the preoperative and postoperative urodynamic studies in the combination surgery group, a significant improvement was observed in the pad test.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of LSC with MUS procedure is likely to be beneficial in selected patients.

Nerve-sparing in Gynecologic Surgery: A Perspective

OBJECTIVE

To provide a perspective on nerve-sparing (NS) surgery in gynecology.

DATA SOURCES

Literature review, English language.

METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses studies were selected for review for oncology; comparative studies were selected for endometriosis, and 1 comparative and 1 prospective study were chosen for sacrocolpopexy.

TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS

Two tables summarize the results of systematic reviews and meta-analyses in oncology. Oncology, endometriosis, and urogynecology sections. Primary benefit of NS technique is decreased bladder dysfunction, and, to a lesser degree, vaginal and rectal dysfunc.

CONCLUSION

NS is preferable to conventional surgery for benign and malignant conditions to reduce postoperative bladder, rectal, and vaginal dysfunction.