Diagnosis and management of complications following pelvic organ prolapse surgery using a synthetic mesh: French national guidelines for clinical practice

Complications associated with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgery using a synthetic non-absorbable mesh are uncommon (<5%) but may be severe and may hugely diminish the quality of life of some women. In drawing up these multidisciplinary clinical practice recommendations, the French National Authority for Health (Haute Autorité de santé, HAS) conducted an exhaustive review of the literature concerning the diagnosis, prevention, and management of complications associated with POP surgery using a synthetic mesh. Each recommendation for practice was allocated a grade (A,B or C; or expert opinion (EO)), which depends on the level of evidence (clinical practice guidelines).

PREOPERATIVE PATIENTS' INFORMATION

Each patient must be informed concerning the risks associated with POP surgery (EO).

HEMORRHAGE, HEMATOMA

Vaginal infiltration using a vasoconstrictive solution is not recommended during POP surgery by the vaginal route (grade C). The placement of vaginal packing is not recommended following POP surgery by the vaginal route (grade C). During laparoscopic sacral colpopexy, when the promontory seems highly dangerous or when severe adhesions prevent access to the anterior vertebral ligament, alternative surgical techniques should be discussed per operatively, including colpopexy by lateral mesh laparoscopic suspension, uterosacral ligament suspension, open abdominal mesh surgery, or surgery by the vaginal route (EO).

BLADDER INJURY

When a bladder injury is diagnosed, bladder repair by suturing is recommended, using a slow resorption suture thread, plus monitoring of the permeability of the ureters (before and after bladder repair) when the injury is located at the level of the trigone (EO). When a bladder injury is diagnosed, after bladder repair, a prosthetic mesh (polypropylene or polyester material) can be placed between the repaired bladder and the vagina, if the quality of the suturing is good. The recommended duration of bladder catheterization following bladder repair in this context of POP mesh surgery is from 5 to 10 days (EO).

URETER INJURY

After ureteral repair, it is possible to continue sacral colpopexy and place the mesh if it is located away from the ureteral repair (EO).

RECTAL INJURY

Regardless of the approach, when a rectal injury occurs, a posterior mesh should not be placed between the rectum and the vagina wall (EO). Concerning the anterior mesh, it is recommended to use a macroporous monofilament polypropylene mesh (EO). A polyester mesh is not recommended in this situation (EO).

VAGINAL WALL INJURY

After vaginal wall repair, an anterior or a posterior microporous polypropylene mesh can be placed, if the quality of the repair is found to be satisfactory (EO). A polyester mesh should not be used after vaginal wall repair (EO).

MESH INFECTION (ABSCESS, CELLULITIS, SPONDYLODISCITIS)

Regardless of the surgical approach, intravenous antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended (aminopenicillin + beta-lactamase inhibitor: 30 min before skin incision +/- repeated after 2 h if surgery lasts longer) (EO). When spondylodiscitis is diagnosed following sacral colpopexy, treatment should be discussed by a multidisciplinary group, including especially spine specialists (rheumatologists, orthopedists, neurosurgeons) and infectious disease specialists (EO). When a pelvic abscess occurs following synthetic mesh sacral colpopexy, it is recommended to carry out complete mesh removal as soon as possible, combined with collection of intraoperative bacteriological samples, drainage of the collection and targeted antibiotic therapy (EO). Non-surgical conservative management with antibiotic therapy may be an option (EO) in certain conditions (absence of signs of sepsis, macroporous monofilament polypropylene type 1 mesh, prior microbiological documentation and multidisciplinary consultation for the choice of type and duration of antibiotic therapy), associated with close monitoring of the patient.

BOWEL OCCLUSION RELATED TO NON-CLOSURE OF THE PERITONEUM

Peritoneal closure is recommended after placement of a synthetic mesh by the abdominal approach (EO).

URINARY RETENTION

Preoperative urodynamics is recommended in women presenting with urinary symptoms (bladder outlet obstruction symptoms, overactive bladder syndrome or incontinence) (EO). It is recommended to remove the bladder catheter at the end of the procedure or within 48 h after POP surgery (grade B). Bladder emptying and post-void residual should be checked following POP surgery, before discharge (EO). When postoperative urine retention occurs after POP surgery, it is recommended to carry out indwelling catheterization and to prefer intermittent self-catheterization (EO).

POSTOPERATIVE PAIN

Before POP surgery, the patient should be asked about risk factors for prolonged and chronic postoperative pain (pain sensitization, allodynia, chronic pelvic or non-pelvic pain) (EO). Concerning the prevention of postoperative pain, it is recommended to carry out a pre-, per- and postoperative multimodal pain treatment (grade B). The use of ketamine intraoperatively is recommended for the prevention of chronic postoperative pelvic pain, especially for patients with risk factors (preoperative painful sensitization, allodynia, chronic pelvic or non-pelvic pain) (EO). Postoperative prescription of opioids should be limited in quantity and duration (grade C). When acute neuropathic pain (sciatalgia or pudendal neuralgia) resistant to level I and II analgesics occurs following sacrospinous fixation, a reintervention is recommended for suspension suture removal (EO). When chronic postoperative pain occurs after POP surgery, it is recommended to systematically seek arguments in favor of neuropathic pain with the DN4 questionnaire (EO). When chronic postoperative pelvic pain occurs after POP surgery, central sensitization should be identified since it requires a consultation in a chronic pain department (EO). Concerning myofascial pain syndrome (clinical pain condition associated with increased muscle tension caused by myofascial trigger points), when chronic postoperative pain occurs after POP surgery, it is recommended to examine the levator ani, piriformis and obturator internus muscles, so as to identify trigger points on the pathway of the synthetic mesh (EO). Pelvic floor muscle training with muscle relaxation is recommended when myofascial pain syndrome is associated with chronic postoperative pain following POP surgery (EO). After failure of pelvic floor muscle training (3 months), it is recommended to discuss surgical removal of the synthetic mesh, during a multidisciplinary discussion group meeting (EO). Partial removal of synthetic mesh is indicated when a trigger point is located on the pathway of the mesh (EO). Total removal of synthetic mesh should be discussed during a multidisciplinary discussion group meeting when diffuse (no trigger point) chronic postoperative pain occurs following POP surgery, with or without central sensitization or neuropathic pain syndromes (EO).

POSTOPERATIVE DYSPAREUNIA

When de novo postoperative dyspareunia occurs after POP surgery, surgical removal of the mesh should be discussed (EO).

VAGINAL MESH EXPOSURE

To reduce the risk of vaginal mesh exposure, when hysterectomy is required during sacral colpopexy, subtotal hysterectomy is recommended (grade C). When asymptomatic vaginal macroporous monofilament polypropylene mesh exposure occurs, systematic imaging is not recommended. When vaginal polyester mesh exposure occurs, pelvic +/- lumbar MRI (EO) should be used to look for an abscess or spondylodiscitis, given the greater risk of infection associated with this type of material. When asymptomatic vaginal mesh exposure of less than 1 cm2 occurs in a woman with no sexual intercourse, the patient should be offered observation (no treatment) or local estrogen therapy (EO). However, if the patient wishes, partial excision of the mesh can be offered. When asymptomatic vaginal mesh exposure of more than 1 cm2 occurs or if the woman has sexual intercourse, or if it is a polyester prosthesis, partial mesh excision, either immediately or after local estrogen therapy, should be offered (EO). When symptomatic vaginal mesh exposure occurs, but without infectious complications, surgical removal of the exposed part of the mesh by the vaginal route is recommended (EO), and not systematic complete excision of the mesh. Following sacral colpopexy, complete removal of the mesh (by laparoscopy or laparotomy) is only required in the presence of an abscess or spondylodiscitis (EO). When vaginal mesh exposure recurs after a first reoperation, the patient should be treated by an experienced team specialized in this type of complication (EO).

SUTURE THREAD VAGINAL EXPOSURE

For women presenting with vaginal exposure to non-absorbable suture thread following POP surgery with mesh reinforcement, the suture thread should be removed by the vaginal route (EO). Removal of the surrounding mesh is only recommended when vaginal mesh exposure or associated abscess is diagnosed.

BLADDER AND URETERAL MESH EXPOSURE

When bladder mesh exposure occurs, removal of the exposed part of the mesh is recommended (grade B). Both alternatives (total or partial mesh removal) should be discussed with the patient and should be debated during a multidisciplinary discussion group meeting (EO).

Infectious complications of promontofixation, a systematic review of the literature

INTRODUCTION

Surgery for genitourinary prolapse may be complicated, with postoperative infections. While promontofixation is recommended and widely used, the impact of postoperative infections has received little study. We consequently decided to review the literature to identify risk factors for infection.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

We conducted a systematic review of the literature. PubMed, Medline and the Cochrane databases up until August 2019 were examined. The keywords were: "promontofixation", "colpopexy", "sacral colpopexy", "sacrocolpopexy". The primary outcome consisted in infectious complications. We also performed a meta-analysis using RevMan software.

RESULTS

Fifty-two among 1624 articles were selected. Infectious complications following promontofixation are infrequent. While few factors have been definitively associated with the occurrence of postoperative infections, associated procedures such as rectopexia or hysterectomy increase the risk of the latter. However, type of approach does not seem to affect the rate of occurrence of infectious complications.

CONCLUSION

This review of the literature underscores a lack of descriptive, statistical and therapeutic data on post-promontofixation infections, which are certainly underestimated. On the other hand, it helps to identify the association of certain factors with the occurrence of postoperative infections.

Spondylodiscitis after minimally invasive recto- and colpo-sacropexy: Report of a case and systematic review of the literature

Background:

Rectopexy and colpopexy are established surgical techniques to treat pelvic organ prolapse. Spondylodiscitis (SD) after rectopexy and colpopexy represents a rare infectious complication with severe consequences. We presented a case of SD after rectopexy and performed a systematic review.

Methods:

A systematic literature search was performed to identify case reports or case series reporting on SD after rectopexy or colpopexy. The main outcomes measures were time from initial surgery to SD, presenting symptoms, occurrence of mesh erosion or fistula formation and type of treatment.

Results:

Forty-one females with a median age of 59 (54–66) years were diagnosed with SD after a median of 76 (30–165) days after initial surgery. Most common presenting symptoms were back pain (n = 35), fever (n = 20), pain radiation in the legs (n = 9) and vaginal discharge (n = 6). A mesh erosion (n = 8) or fistula formation (n = 7) was detected in a minority of cases. The treatment of SD consisted of conservative treatment with antibiotics alone in 29%, whereas 66% of the patients had to undergo additional surgical treatment. If a revision surgery was necessary, more than one intervention was performed in 40%. Mesh and tack excision was performed in most cases (n = 21), whereas a neurosurgical intervention was necessary in 10 patients.

Conclusion:

Although a rare complication, surgeons performing rectopexy and colpopexy must be aware of the potential risk of SD Careful suture or tack placement into the anterior longitudinal ligament at the level of the promontory while avoiding the disc space is of paramount importance. Prompt diagnosis and multidisciplinary management are the cornerstones of a successful treatment.

Ligament shortening compared to vaginal colpopexy at the time of hysterectomy for pelvic organ prolapse

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

The performance of a colpopexy at the time of hysterectomy for pelvic organ prolapse is a potential indicator of surgical quality. However, vaginal colpopexy has not been directly compared with the classic technique of ligament shortening and reattachment. We sought to test the null hypothesis that there is no difference in prolapse recurrence between the techniques.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective chart review of 330 vaginal hysterectomies performed for prolapse, comparing symptomatic and/or anatomic recurrence rates between patients having a vaginal colpopexy (uterosacral ligament suspension or sacrospinous ligament suspension) and those having ligament shortening and reattachment. Clinically relevant variables significantly associated with recurrence in a univariate analysis were used to create a multivariable logistic regression model to predict recurrence.

RESULTS

With a mean follow-up of 20 months, there was no significant difference between symptomatic and/or anatomic recurrence rates: 19.4 % of patients (41 of 211) having colpopexy vs. 11.8 % of patients (14 of 119) having ligament shortening (p = 0.07). Baseline prolapse stage was higher in patients having colpopexy (median 3, IQR 2 - 5) than in those having ligament shortening (median 2, IQR 1 - 3; p ≤ 0.0001). In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, the procedure performed was not associated with recurrence (OR 1.57, 95 % CI 0.79 - 3.12). A baseline prolapse of 4 cm or greater was associated with recurrence (OR 2.63, 95 % CI 1.32 - 5.22), as was the time since hysterectomy (OR 1.02 per month, 95 % CI 1.01 - 1.04).

CONCLUSIONS

When compared with vaginal colpopexy, selective use of the ligament shortening technique at the time of vaginal hysterectomy was associated with similar rates of prolapse recurrence. Preoperative prolapse size was the factor most strongly associated with recurrence.

Native Tissue Prolapse Repairs: Comparative Effectiveness Trials

This report reviews the success rates and complications of native tissue (nonmesh) vaginal reconstruction of pelvic organ prolapse by compartment. For apical prolapse, both uterosacral ligament suspensions and sacrospinous ligament fixations are effective and provided similar outcomes in anatomy and function with few adverse events. In the anterior compartment, traditional colporrhaphy technique is no different than ultralateral suturing. In the posterior compartment, transvaginal rectocele repair is superior to transanal repair. For uterine preservation, sacrospinous hysteropexy is not inferior to vaginal hysterectomy with uterosacral ligament suspension for treatment of apical uterovaginal prolapse.

Lumbosacral spondylodiscitis due to rectal fistula following mesh penetration 7 years after colpopexy

INTRODUCTION

The primary source of spondylodiscitis cannot always be identified. However, not treating the original focus might preclude successful healing due to further spread of the causative microorganisms.

CASE REPORT

An 80-year-old woman presented with lumbar spondylodiscitis. She received surgical debridement and stabilization with transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion and tailored antibiotic therapy after isolation of Enterococcus spp. Despite appropriate treatment, the patient's condition continued to worsen. An extensive search for the primary infection source finally revealed a rectal fistula caused by a synthetic mesh that had been inserted 7 years before for abdominal sacrocolpopexy. Only after removal of the fistula and protective ileostomy did the patient's condition improved, allowing successful healing of the spondylodiscitis. After a follow-up period of one year no infection relapse was observed.

CONCLUSION

In cases of spondyodiscitis that are resistant to adequate treatment, a search for infection source must be continued until the focus is found and treated. The presence of uncommon enteric microorganisms causing spondylodiscitis, such as Enterococcus spp., is suggestive of contiguous spread and should therefore be further investigated.

Pectineal ligament suspension of prolapsed vaginal vault

OBJECTIVE

To report on a collective pectineal ligament suspension experience acquired over 12 years in India with 119 women who presented with prolapsed vaginal vault. The feasibility and effectiveness of the procedure was assessed for the open and laparoscopic routes.

METHODS

The prolapsed vaginal vault was suspended unilaterally to the pectineal ligament using polyester tape at 3 urban and 3 rural hospitals. The procedure was done through a Cherney incision in 104 women. In the remaining 15 women, it was done laparoscopically at a single urban center.

RESULTS

There were no intraoperative complications. The mean follow-up was 5.5 years (range, 0.5-12 years). Only 2 women had vaginal prolapse recurrence, at 3 and 5 years. Two had asymptomatic tape erosion, at 2 and 5 years, and a mild cystocele appeared in 5 women and a low rectocele in 4. However, none of these women required further vaginal surgery during their follow-up period.

CONCLUSION

The present study demonstrates the long-term safety and effectiveness of pectineal ligament suspension for vaginal vault prolapse by the open and the laparoscopic routes. As it was done by surgeons of varying experience at centers with varying resources, the procedure can be readily mastered by any gynecologic surgeon.

A randomized trial of prophylactic uterosacral ligament suspension at the time of hysterectomy for Prevention of Vaginal Vault Prolapse (PULS): design and methods

The primary aim of this randomized trial is to evaluate whether a standardized uterosacral ligament suspension colpopexy (USLSC), added to a planned hysterectomy for an indication other than pelvic organ prolapse (POP), decreases the rate of subsequent vaginal vault prolapse in women without preoperative symptomatic POP. Secondary aims include comparison of perioperative complications, urinary, bowel and sexual functions between subjects with and without concomitant USLSC. If shown to be beneficial, the cost-effectiveness of prophylactic USLSC at the time of hysterectomy will be evaluated. This trial will be performed at 4 centers across the United States. The data will be analyzed by the data-coordinating center of the Southern California Kaiser Permanente. Standardized questionnaires and objective measurements will be obtained. The patients and providers performing assessments are masked to treatment assignment. The primary outcome, defined as absence of POP at/distal to the hymen on Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantitative examination, will be determined 12 months post-operatively. Secondary outcomes include: no prolapse symptoms by questionnaires, and no treatment for POP besides the prophylactic study intervention. Additional follow-up occurs annually for a total of 5 years. Accrual is projected to take 3 years. Given cost and morbidity of surgical repair of post-hysterectomy prolapse, preventive strategies are of outmost importance. The risks and benefits of prophylactic USLSC have never been studied prospectively. This trial is designed to determine if USLSC is an appropriate clinical adjunct at the time of hysterectomy, with subsequent reduction of symptomatic POP.