Apical Prolapse Research Articles

Comparison of clinical outcomes between tailored transvaginal mesh surgery and native tissue repair for pelvic organ prolapse

The most suitable surgical technique for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) remains undetermined. The aim of this study was to compare clinical outcomes of the tailored transvaginal mesh (TVM) surgery and vaginal native tissue repair (NTR) surgery for POP. Between November 2011 and August 2014, medical records of 339 women receiving POP surgeries were reviewed. Compared with the NTR group (n=169), the use of TVM surgery (n=170) was a predictor for longer operation time (coefficient=25.2min, P<0.001) and larger blood loss (coefficient=79.9mL, P<0.001) by multivariable analysis. However, a higher recurrence rate of cystoceles (log-rank test, P=0.001) was found in the NTR group, compared with the TVM group; but not apical prolapse (P=0.32) or rectocele (P=0.45). Multivariable analysis revealed that the TVM surgery (hazard ratio=0.24, 95% confidence interval=0.09-0.64, P=0.004) and old age (hazard ratio=1.07, 95% confidence interval=1.02-1.11, P=0.005) were independent predictors for the recurrence of cystoceles. Based on the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis, the cut-off age value was 64 years with an ROC area of 0.65. In women with intact uterus (n=162), the recurrence rate of cystoceles was lower in the TVM group (log-rank test, P=0.0001), compared with the NTR group. However, there was no between-group difference in the recurrence rate of cystoceles in women with prior or concomitant hysterectomy (n=177, P=0.17). In women with intact uterus, the TVM group has a lower recurrence rate of cystoceles than the NTR group. In addition, old age, especially more than 64 years old, is a risk factor for cystocele recurrence.

Sacrospinous hysteropexy versus vaginal hysterectomy with uterosacral ligament suspension in women with uterine prolapse stage 2 or higher: observational follow-up of a multicentre randomised trial

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness and success of uterus preserving sacrospinous hysteropexy as an alternative to vaginal hysterectomy with uterosacral ligament suspension in the surgical treatment of uterine prolapse five years...

The two new surgical techniques for vaginal cuff prolapse and uterine prolapse

Pelvic organ prolapse and vaginal cuff prolapse are clinical conditions that affect women’s quality of life and require surgical treatment. In this study, we aimed to present apical vaginal prolapse and uterine descensus treatment with two new techniques. The classical sacrospinous ligament fixation technique fixes only one or two corners of the vaginal apex to the sacrospinous ligament, but it does not support the upper anterior and posterior vaginal fascia. Since it expands the upper part of the vagina with a suture put on the sides of the vaginal apex, it may not only expose the anterior and posterior vaginal walls to greater intraabdominal pressure and cause cystocele and enterocele development, but lead to sexual problems, as well. Apart from this, if sacrospinous colpopexy is performed to one side only, the vaginal apex is deviated towards the fixation, thus spoiling the vaginal anatomy. With our following methods, we imitate the physiological anatomy: Transapical circular Sacrospinous colpopexy (TACSAC) and Transcervical apical circular Sacrospinous uteropexy (TACSU). TACSAC: Bilateral side walls of the vaginal apex are marked with a color pencil 2 cm medially to the right and left ischial spine and 2 cm in length. Vaginal apex walls are bilaterally and vertically incised until the submucosa layer. Two submucosal tunnels are opened by using a right-angle clamp between the tips of two vertical incisions on the vaginal apex. The vaginal apex is fixed with a TOT mesh through these channels. In TACSU, the same procedure is followed for the cervix. These methods are more likely to mimic normal anatomy, easier to perform, and lower risk of complications.

Standardizing abdominal sacrocolpopexy for the treatment of apical prolapse: One year on.

To determine the safety and efficacy of a standardized bilateral abdominal sacrocolpopexy using polyvinylidene fluoride mesh 1-year post-operatively. In a retrospective observational study of women undergoing bilateral abdominal sacrocolpo/cervicopexy between July 2013 and October 2016 at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Norwich, UK, patients were assessed 1 year post-operatively using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Vaginal Symptoms (ICIQ-VS). The study involved 100 women, 93 of whom were followed up 1year post-operatively. The primary outcome was apical prolapse rate, of which there were none. Eight women had anterior and four had posterior wall prolapses; four women required vaginal repairs. Eleven women complained of urinary stress incontinence (six worsening and five de novo) and five had subsequent tension-free vaginal tape procedures. One woman had urethral pain and one had mesh exposure into the vagina. Pre-operatively, mean ICIQ-VS score was 27.87 (standard deviation [SD] 6.8), and at 1year post-operatively it was 5.82 (SD 3.8). Impact on quality of life score dropped by 83.4%, from 8.35 (SD 2.1) to 1.39 (SD 1.1). The modified technique used in the present study retained the advantages of traditional sacrocolpopexy, but required smaller volumes of mesh. We found it to be safe and effective with excellent patient satisfaction at 1year, and providing a promising treatment option for patients suffering from apical prolapse.

Correction to: Updates in Minimally Invasive Approaches to Apical Pelvic Organ Prolapse Repair

The original version of this article unfortunately contained mistake at Conflict of Interest. This section should be corrected and presented as follows:

Obesity and its long-term impact on sacrocolpopexy key outcomes (OBELISK).

Sacrocolpopexy is the preferred contemporary approach to managing significant apical pelvic organ prolapse. Obesity is an established risk factor for several surgical procedures and can have a negative impact on outcomes. Our goal was to evaluate the impact of BMI on the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy in women with pelvic organ prolapse. A single-center retrospective observational study of women undergoing laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2017. We found 299 procedures: 82 (27.4%), 147 (49.2%) and 70 (23.4%) in women with BMI <25 (normal weight), BMI ≥ 25 - < 30 (overweight) and BMI ≥ 30 (obese), respectively. Perioperative and early postoperative complications were generally low and not statistically significantly different between the groups. At 12months postoperatively, 81 (98.8%), 136 (92.5%) and 62 (88.6%) normal-weight, overweight and obese women attended their follow-up, respectively. All obese women attending the follow-up scored an overall Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I) of ≤ 3. The Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI) scores showed a significant improvement in all domains and were similar between the study groups. In total, there was one (0.4%) anatomical apical compartment failure, three (1.1%) anterior compartment failures and two (0.7%) posterior compartment failures with no significant differences between the groups. Similarly, there were no differences in functional outcomes or mesh position as assessed by ultrasound. There were no differences in surgical, short- and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy for pelvic organ prolapse in obese compared with non-obese women.

Medium-term outcomes after robotic-assisted lateral suspension with mesh for advanced multi-compartmental prolapse

Introduction and hypothesisRobotic abdominal lateral suspension (RALS) is an innovative mini-invasive surgical technique that allows treating apical and anterior prolapse. The safety and efficacy of this strategy have not yet been tested.MethodsWe completed a prospective case series of 115 RALS to treat apical and anterior prolapse stage III or IV, with no or minimal (stage I) posterior defect. Clinical evaluation was performed with a simplified POP quantification system (POP-Q). Mean follow-up was 28 ± 4 months. Primary outcomes were objective and subjective cure; secondary outcomes were reoperation rate for recurrence, erosion rate and complications. Objective cure was defined as POP-Q ≤ 1. Subjective cure was defined as absence of vaginal bulge. Patient’s satisfaction was measured using the Patient Global Impression of Improvement Scale (PGI-I).ResultsThere was a significant improvement in POP-Q score in all treated compartments with an objective cure rate of 88.7% for the anterior and 93.1% for the apical compartment (p < 0.0001). Subjective cure rate was 82%. The emergence of de novo high rectoceles was not significant in the cohort, as much as the development of de novo stress or urge urinary incontinence. Reoperation rate for POP was 11.3% (8 recurrent cystoceles without apical descent and 5 apical and anterior relapses). No postoperative complications of Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ 3a were seen. Mesh exposure rate was 0.9%; 58.2% patients compiled a PGI-I score at 18–24 months post-surgery, reporting high satisfaction rates.ConclusionsRALS is highly effective at a mid-term follow-up for the treatment of advanced apical and anterior POP.

Uterus-preserving Laparoscopic Lateral Suspension with Mesh Operation in Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Initial Experience in a Single Tertiary Center with a Median 24-Month Follow-up.

Introduction Laparoscopic lateral suspension with mesh (LLSM) is an effective and less invasive technique for the correction of pelvic organ prolapse. We discuss the primary objectives, subjective success rate and pelvic floor ultrasound outcomes of uterus-preserving LLSM operations. Patients and Methods Seventeen patients who underwent uterus-preserving LLSM (abdominocervicopexy) in a tertiary center were included in this prospective study. Anatomical cure was defined separately for the apical and anterior compartments as a Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) score of less than − 1 cm for each compartment. Subjective cure was defined as the absence of bulge symptoms. Patient satisfaction, sexual function, prolapse-related quality of life, voiding dysfunction, nocturia and constipation were assessed. Transperineal ultrasonography was used to measure anterior compartment mobility and hiatal anteroposterior diameter. Results The anatomical cure rate was 100% for the apical and 88.2% for the anterior compartment, with one symptomatic stage-II cystorectocele and one asymptomatic stage-II cystocele. The subjective cure and patient satisfaction scores were 94.12 and 100%, respectively. Ba and C points were significantly improved, and vaginal lengthening was 10.14 ± 4.19 mm. Bp ascent was 5.72 ± 11.27 mm (p = 0.053). Proximal urethral rotation and retrovesical angles were reduced by 6.24 ± 11.95° and 27 ± 47.2°, respectively (p1 = 0.047; p2 = 0.032). The hiatal anteroposterior diameter was shortened by 4.36% (p = 0.039). A significant improvement was seen with regard to nocturia episodes but not for constipation. No mesh exposure was observed. Conclusions Uterus-preserving LLSM (abdominocervicopexy) was found to be effective for the correction of apical and anterior prolapse with high levels of patient satisfaction. Significant improvements in urge symptoms and frequency of nocturia were observed. Pelvic floor ultrasound outcomes may be useful when comparing this procedure with other surgical techniques.

Long-Term Assessment of a Prospective Cohort of Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Sacrocolpopexy.

To report long-term outcomes after laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy. We conducted a prospective descriptive cohort study on 331 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy for symptomatic prolapse (Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification [POP-Q] system stage 2 or greater) at one center, with minimum 1.5 years of follow-up by April 30, 2014. Primary outcome measures were Patient Global Impression of Change score and failure at the apex (C≥-1 cm; POP-Q stage 2 or greater). Secondary outcomes were anatomical failure in other compartments, duration of follow-up, occurrence and time point of complications, reinterventions, and functional outcomes by response to a standardized 24-question interview on prolapse and bladder, bowel, and sexual function. Assessment was by an experienced clinician not involved in patient management. The follow-up rate was 84.6% (280/331); 185 of 331 (55.9%) patients were both physically examined and interviewed, and 95 of 331 (25.7%) were interviewed only. The median age at interview was 72 years (interquartile range 13 years), with a follow-up period of 85.5 months (interquartile range 46 months). Approximately 83% (231/280) reported improvement; 5.7% (16/280) were unchanged, 5.7% (16/280) felt slightly worse, and 6.8% (17/280) reported clear deterioration. Anatomical failure at point-C was 8.6% (16/185); anterior (22.2%, 41/185) and posterior (28.6%, 53/185) prolapse were more common than apical prolapse. Of those with level-I anatomical cure, 10.1% (17/185) felt worse; half of them (9/17) because of prolapse in another compartment. The others had urinary problems (41.2%, 7/17), obstructive defecation (11.8%, 2/17), or dyspareunia (11.8%, 2/17). Conversely, the majority of patients with recurrence at the vault (62.5%, 10/16) self-reported to be improved. The reoperation rate was 17.8% (48/270), including 19 (7.0%) for graft-related complications and nine (3.3%) for prolapse. More than four out of five patients (82.5%) felt improved 86 months after laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy. Of those not improved, two thirds had recurrent prolapse; however, typically mid-vaginal. The other third reported urinary or bowel problems or dyspareunia. Reintervention for prolapse was 3.3%. The most common reasons for reoperation were graft-related complications (7.0%) and urinary incontinence (6.7%).

Recurrent apical prolapse after high uterosacral ligament suspension \u2013 in a heterogenous cohort characterised by a high prevalence of previous pelvic operations

BackgroundThe apical prolapse is probably the most complex form of pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Adequate apical support is essential in the treatment of POP, as it contributes to the support in all vaginal compartments. This study aimed to evaluate the rate of symptomatic recurrent apical prolapse after high uterosacral ligament suspension (HUSLS), in a cohort of women characterised by a high prevalence of previous pelvic operations and a significant degree of prolapse.MethodsThis is a retrospective chart review of 95 women who underwent HUSLS for symptomatic apical prolapse from 2002 to 2009 at Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark. Of these women, 97% attended a six-month clinical control. Recurrence was defined as symptomatic vaginal vault prolapse stage 2 or more (according to the International Continence Society (ICS) quantification system). Medical charts were reviewed for a mean period of 7.2 years. Any new contacts due to prolapse were noted.ResultsBefore the operation, 73% of the women were hysterectomised, and 52% had previous prolapse surgery. Stage 2 apical prolapse was reported in 71% of the women, whereas 26% had stage 3 or 4.At six-month follow-up, 19% of the women had recurrent symptomatic apical prolapse, and 9% of the women had symptomatic recurrent prolapse in other compartments 6 months after operation. In all, 35% of the women had a renewed prolapse operation during the long-term follow-up period.Perioperative adverse events were seen in 7%.Two women were re-operated due to postoperative complications.ConclusionsThis retrospective study of 95 women with a significant degree of prolapse and a high prevalence of previous pelvic operations demonstrates that the rate of recurrent prolapse associated with HUSLS might be higher than originally described. In conclusion, HUSLS may not be the optimal first choice of operation in this group of patients.

Novel Incision-free Device for Transvaginal Apical Pelvic Organ Prolapse Repair

Study ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to present the feasibility and potential clinical advantages of Apyx (Escala Medical, Israel), a minimally invasive incision-free anchoring device, for apical prolapse repair. DesignAn experimental prospective animal and cadaver study. SettingAnimal facility and a cadaver laboratory of a tertiary care teaching hospital. PatientsIncluded in this study were 7 ovine models, 2 porcine specimens, and 3 fresh unembalmed female human cadavers. InterventionsThe Apyx device for sacrospinous ligament (SSL) suspension was tested on ovine and porcine models. The pullout force needed to detach the Apyx anchor from the SSL was measured. Safety, reliability, and feasibility of this new incision-free procedure were also tested on an ovine model and human cadavers. The precision in deployment of the Apyx device to the SSL was tested via palpation by the surgeon, tissue dissection, and x-ray imaging. The efficacy was tested both by pullout forces and histologic analysis of the vaginal attachment to the SSL. Measurements and Main ResultsForty-two anchors were inserted into the SSLs on ovine and porcine models and on cadaver SSLs. No abnormalities or malfunctions were noted in the functional performance of the anchors or the retrieval device. Mean pullout force for the ovine animal model was 38.64 ± 2.80 N. Pullout force in the porcine model was found to be in correlation with the values observed in the ovine model. None of the measured forces was below 20 N. Accuracy and safety tests showed good consistency when deploying the Apyx device to the SSL with no damage to surrounding organs in the ovine or the human cadaver model. Histology demonstrated biologic adhesion characterized by a gross assessment of a newly formed, firm fibrotic tissue 12 weeks after anchor deployment. ConclusionThe Apyx anchoring system, a novel incision-free minimally invasive prolapse repair device, demonstrated an anatomically feasible, easy-to-use procedure for suspending the vaginal apex to the SSLs. Its clinical safety, efficacy, and impact on patient symptoms and quality of life should be further studied.

ASSESSMENT OF COLLAGEN COATED POLYESTER FOUR-ARMED TRANSOBTURATOR MESH IN REPAIR OF ANTERIOR PELVIC ORGAN PROLAPSE. A PILOT STUDY

Background: Numerous techniques have been used during the last century to treat Pelvic organ prolapse, with varying success rates both for the abdominal and the vaginal route. Vaginal route for treatment of anterior POP using native tissue repair is associated with high relapse rates. Aim of the work: To assess safety and efficacy of four-armed transobturator collagen coated polyester mesh in repair of cystocele. Patients and Methods: 20 patients with stage II or more cystoceleaccording to Baden Walker classification system with or without SUI or apical prolapse were evaluated. They underwent cystocele repair trans-vaginally via tailored four-armed transobturator collagen coated polyester mesh.Results: The mean follow-up time was 15.50 ± 3.43 month (Range, 12-24 month). The anatomical success rate was 100% according to our definition to successful surgery which implies stage 1 or absence of anterior prolapse at follow up according to Badenwalker classification system. None of our patients developed mesh exposure all through their period of follow up. Conclusion: Our study emphasizes that collagen coated polyester mesh use in transvaginal repair of anterior pelvic organ prolapse is safe and effective at least over a period of 12 month follow up.

Evidence-Based Review of Vaginal Native Tissue Hysteropexy for Uterovaginal Prolapse.

As surgical techniques evolve in the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse and patient preferences are better understood, more studies are investigating uterine-sparing procedures for efficacy, safety, and potentially improved quality of life. Much of the literature reflects the use of mesh material in uterine-sparing procedures, and there is a paucity of data regarding the safety and efficacy of native tissue uterine-sparing procedures for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse. To summarize existing evidence regarding objective and subjective outcomes of uterine-preserving procedures including the Manchester procedure (MP) as well as native tissue uterovaginal hysteropexy with repairs, namely, uterosacral hysteropexy (USH) and sacrospinous hysteropexy (SSH), compared with outcomes of total vaginal hysterectomy (TVH) with repairs for the management of uterovaginal prolapse. A review of the literature included MEDLINE, Cochrane, and clinicaltrials.gov databases. Few level 1 data exist comparing outcomes of native tissue hysteropexy to vaginal hysterectomy for management of uterovaginal prolapse. In general, outcomes of the MP for the management of uterovaginal prolapse revealed that compared with TVH it is associated with shorter operative times, lower estimated blood loss and risk of blood transfusion with no difference in hospital stay, and similar quality of life and sexual function outcomes. Retrospective data suggest no difference with respect to recurrent prolapse of any compartment between USH and TVH with repairs. Level 1 data reveal that SSH has been shown to have similar 1-year outcomes and safety compared with TVH with native tissue suspension. Women with stage 4 prolapse who undergo an SSH may be at higher risk of recurrence and may benefit from an alternative method of apical prolapse repair. More level 1 data are needed in order to robustly understand long-term differences in outcomes between native tissue uterine-conserving versus vaginal hysterectomy surgical approaches in women with uterovaginal prolapse.

Pain and activity after vaginal reconstructive surgery for pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence

Little is known about short- and long-term pain and functional activity after surgery for pelvic organ prolapse. The objectives of the study were to describe postoperative pain and functional activity after transvaginal native tissue reconstructive surgery with apical suspension and retropubic synthetic midurethral sling and to compare these outcomes between patients receiving 2 common transvaginal prolapse repairs, uterosacral ligament, and sacrospinous ligament vaginal vault suspension. This planned secondary analysis of a 2× 2 factorial randomized trial included 374 women randomized to receive uterosacral (n= 188) or sacrospinous (n= 186) vaginal vault suspension to treat both stages 2-4 apical vaginal prolapse and stress urinary incontinence between 2008 and 2013 at 9 medical centers. Participants were also randomized to receive perioperative pelvic muscle therapy or usual care. All patients received transvaginal native tissue repairs and a midurethral sling. Participants completed the Surgical Pain Scales (0-10 numeric rating scales; higher scores= greater pain) and Activity Assessment Scale (0-100; higher score= higher activity) prior to surgery and at 2 weeks, 4-6 weeks, and 3 months postoperatively. The MOS 36-item Short-Form Health Survey was completed at baseline and 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery; the bodily pain, physical functioning, and role-physical subscales were used for this analysis (higher scores= less disability). Self-reported pain medication use was also collected. Before surgery, average pain at rest and during normal activity were (adjusted mean ± SE) 2.24 ± 0.23 and 2.76 ± 0.25; both increased slightly from baseline at 2 weeks (+0.65, P = .004, and+0.74, P= .007, respectively) and then decreased below baseline at 3 months (-0.87 and -1.14, respectively, P < .001), with no differences between surgical groups. Pain during exercise/strenuous activity and worst pain decreased below baseline levels at 4-6 weeks (-1.26, P= .014, and -0.95, P= .002) and 3 months (-1.97 and -1.50, P < .001) without differences between surgical groups. Functional activity as measured by the Activity Assessment Scale improved from baseline at 4-6 weeks (+9.24, P < .001) and 3 months (+13.79, P < .001). The MOS 36-item Short-Form Health Survey Bodily Pain, Physical Functioning, and Role-Physical Scales demonstrated significant improvements from baseline at 6, 12, and 24 months (24 months:+5.62,+5.79, and+4.72, respectively, P < .001 for each) with no differences between groups. Use of narcotic pain medications was reported by 14.3% of participants prior to surgery and 53.7% at 2 and 26.1% at 4-6 weeks postoperatively; thereafter use was similar to baseline rates until 24 months when it decreased to 6.8%. Use of nonnarcotic pain medication was reported by 48.1% of participants prior to surgery, 68.7% at 2 weeks, and similar to baseline at 3 months; thereafter use dropped steadily to 26.6% at 2 years. Uterosacral ligament suspension resulted in less new or worsening buttock pain than sacrospinous suspension at 4-6 weeks postoperatively (4.6% vs 10.5%, P= .043) but no difference in groin or thigh pain. Pain and functional activity improve for up to 2 years after native tissue reconstructive surgery with uterosacral or sacrospinous vaginal vault suspension and midurethral sling for stages 2-4 pelvic organ prolapse. On average, immediate postoperative pain is low and improves to below baseline levels by 4-6 weeks.

Cure of Underactive and Overactive Bladder Symptoms in Women by 1,671 Apical Sling Operations Gives Fresh Insights into Pathogenesis and Need for Definition Change

Introduction:To check evidence that symptoms identical with those constituting “underactive bladder” (UAB) and “overactive bladder” (OAB) are caused by apical prolapse and cured by repair thereof. Material and Methods: After repair of apical prolapse by mesh tape reinforcement of lax uterosacral ligaments (USL) data form 1,671 women were retrospectively examined to determine the presence of OAB and UAB symptoms and to check, how many were cured surgically. Thereby 3 different techniques were performed: elevate (n = 277), “Posterior IVS” (n = 1,049), and TFS cardinal (CL)/USL (n = 345). Results: Symptoms identical with those comprising UAB and OAB were cured in up to 80% of cases following surgical repair of the CL/USL complex. Conclusions: These symptoms may be consistent with symptoms of the posterior fornix syndrome, which comprises 4 main symptoms: micturition difficulties, urge/frequency, nocturia, chronic pelvic pain, all consequent on USL laxity. Surgical cure of OAB and UAB is inconsistent with existing definitions, which imply pathogenesis of the detrusor muscle itself. A reconsideration and reformulation of existing definitions may be required. Altering UAB definition to “bladder emptying difficulties” and return to former definitions for OAB such as “detrusor” or “bladder instability” may help to restore compatibility with surgical cure of these conditions.

The relationship of defecation symptoms and posterior vaginal wall prolapse in women undergoing pelvic organ prolapse surgery

Defecation symptoms are common among women with pelvic organ prolapse. However, the relationship between posterior vaginal wall prolapse and defecation symptoms remains debatable. Even though there is a plausible biomechanical rationale for posterior wall prolapse to cause obstructed defecation, previous studies have drawn contradictory conclusions regarding the association. We aimed to examine the association between posterior vaginal wall prolapse and defecation symptoms by assessing the following: (1) does prevalence of defecation symptoms increase along with posterior wall prolapse severity, (2) is postoperative symptom improvement greater in women who underwent posterior compartment procedures in comparison with those who did not, and (3) is symptom improvement related to the symptom's correlation with the degree of prolapse? We used data from a nationwide longitudinal cohort study with 3515 women undergoing pelvic organ prolapse surgery. We measured the prevalence of 9 defecation symptoms at baseline and at 6 and 24 months after surgery using the short form of the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory. Baseline degree of prolapse was categorized in stages as defined by the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification System. The relationship between the degree of posterior wall prolapse and prevalence of bothersome defecation symptoms was studied with logistic regression and adjusted for patient characteristics and severity of anterior wall and apical prolapse. Generalized estimating equations were used to assess the longitudinal change in symptom prevalence in groups of participants with and without repair for posterior vaginal compartment. Correlations between symptom improvement and symptom dependency on the degree of prolapse was assessed by calculating Pearson's correlation coefficient. The stage of posterior wall prolapse (stage 2 vs stage 0) correlated with splinting, straining, incomplete evacuation, fecal incontinence of liquid stool, pain during defecation, fecal urgency, and anorectal prolapse (adjusted odds ratios, 2.7, 2.1, 2.0, 1.5, 2.1, 1.4, and 2.2, respectively; P ≤ .007 for all). Flatal incontinence and fecal incontinence of solid stool were not associated with the severity of posterior vaginal wall prolapse. Obstructed defecation symptoms (splinting, straining, and incomplete evacuation) improved more in women undergoing posterior compartment surgery compared with women undergoing repair for other compartments. The greatest improvement at follow-up was observed for those symptoms that showed strongest association with the degree of prolapse at baseline. Obstructed defecation symptoms are dependent on the posterior wall anatomy. Women presenting with posterior wall prolapse, and these symptoms can expect to improve after surgery. Other defecation symptoms also improve after pelvic organ prolapse surgery, but they are not as specific to posterior wall anatomy as obstructed defecation symptoms.

Prophylactic McCall Culdoplasty by a Vaginal Approach during Mini-Laparoscopic Hysterectomy.

Background In gynecological surgery, one particular area of concern after hysterectomy is the risk of developing an enterocele or vaginal apical prolapse. The aims of this study were to evaluate the safety and efficacy of prophylactic McCall culdoplasty (MC) performed during mini-total laparoscopic hysterectomy (mini-TLH), as well as to compare the differences in apical support, total vaginal length (TVL), and sexual function at one and two years postoperatively. Methods Data were retrospectively reviewed for all women who underwent mini-TLH and mini-TLH + MC at a tertiary care center between August 2012 and January 2016 were from the hospital database. There were 18 women who underwent mini-TLH + MC and were considered as the study group, while 20 women who were treated with mini-TLH were considered as the control group. The primary outcome measures were the differences in apical support and TVL and impact on sexual function. Results After mini-TLH + MC, the apical vaginal support difference was improved by 2.2 cm. The mean difference in C point was 1.03 cm in the mini-TLH group, which was not significant at two years after the operation. The vaginal vault descent at two years after operation was more prominent in the mini-TLH group than the mini-TLH + MC groups. Apical support changes at two years after the operation were more prominent in the mini-TLH group (0.5 ± 0.6 cm) than the mini-TLH + MC group (1.9 ± 1.2 cm). Conclusion Prophylactic MC by a vaginal approach during mini-TLH is safe, satisfactory, and efficient for apical support without severe morbidity.

Robot-assisted surgery for the management of apical prolapse: a bi-centre prospective cohort study.

Robot-assisted surgery is a recognised treatment for pelvic-organ prolapse. Many of the surgical subgroup outcomes for apical prolapse are reported together, leading to a paucity of homogenous data. Prospective observational cohort study (NCT01598467, clinicaltrials.gov) assessing outcomes for homogeneous subgroups of robot-assisted apical prolapse surgery. Two European tertiary referral hospitals. Consecutive patients undergoing robot-assisted sacrocolpopexy (RASC) and supracervical hysterectomy with sacrocervicopexy (RSHS). Anatomical cure (simplified Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification, sPOPQ, stage1), subjective cure (symptoms of bulge), and quality of life (Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire, PFIQ-7). Primary outcome: anatomical and subjective cure. surgical safety and intraoperative variables. A total of 305 patients were included (RASC n=188; RSHS n=117). Twelve months follow-up was available for 144 (RASC 76.6%) and 109 (RSHS 93.2%) women. Anatomical success of the apical compartment occurred for 91% (RASC) and in 99% (RSHS) of the women. In all compartments, the success percentages were 67 and 65%, respectively. Most recurrences were in the anterior compartment [15.7% RASC (symptomatic 12.1%); 22.9% RSHS (symptomatic 4.8%)]. Symptoms of bulge improved from 97.4 to 17.4% (P<0.0005). PFIQ-7 scores improved from 76.7±62.3 to 13.5±31.1 (P<0.0005). The duration of surgery increased significantly for RSHS [183.1±38.2 versus 145.3±29.8 (P<0.0005)]. Intraoperative complications and conversion rates were low (RASC, 5.3 and 4.3%; RSHS, 0.0 and 0.0%). Four severe postoperative complications occurred after RASC (2.1%) and one occurred after RSHS (1.6%). This is the largest reported prospective cohort study on robot-assisted apical prolapse surgery. Both procedures are safe, with durable results. European bi-centre trial concludes that robot-assisted surgery is a viable approach to managing apical prolapse.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse Repair Using the Uphold Vaginal Support System: 5-Year Follow-Up.

This study aimed to assess the long-term (5 years) outcomes of the Uphold Vaginal Support System for symptomatic vaginal apical prolapse with or without anterior colporraphy. In total, 164 (81.2%) of 202 women operated on in 24 centers were reached for follow-up. Outcomes were assessed by using the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification, the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory 20, and the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire questionnaires. Pain on pelvic area was evaluated using a visual analog scale. Adverse events and secondary procedures were recorded. An optimal outcome at the apical compartment (Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification stage <2) was achieved in 83.3% of patients (94% at 1 year). Quality of life improved in 78.8% of the women, with a significant decrease of bother in all domains (pelvic organ prolapse, rectoanal, urinary) compared with that preoperatively. Overall sexual satisfaction improved after 1 year, but the number of sexually active women was low. In total, 19.7% of patients had undergone repeat pelvic surgery during follow-up, most common of these were midurethral sling (38.4%), followed by prolapse-related operations. Mesh removal due to pain was performed in 3 women. Number of women with any pain decreased overall from 1 to 5 years, but 3 women had persistent severe pain despite treatment efforts (visual analog scale ≥7). Apical objective and subjective outcomes were sustained after 5 years in women operated on for apical compartment prolapse by the Uphold Vaginal Support System.

Identification of Modifiable and Non-Modifiable Factors Associated With Mid-Urethral Sling Revision Surgery [40S

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to identify modifiable factors and urodynamic parameters predictive of mid-urethral sling (MUS) revision surgery that can be used for counseling patients and individualizing risk prediction. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 56 sling revisions performed during the 12-year study period. Those with complete medical records (n=40) were matched to 123 control cases that did not require revision, randomly selected from a total of 946 procedures to obtain a 3:1 control: case ratio. Demographic, history, patient reported symptoms, urodynamic study results, intraoperative data, and post-operative data were collected. RESULTS: Significant demographic findings predictive of sling revision included younger age (52.95 vs. 64.48 years, p<0.001) and greater than two previous cesarean deliveries (OR 13.556, 95% CI 1.468-125.137, p=0.013). Presence of posterior pelvic organ prolapse (OR 0.302, 95% CI 0.163-0.803, p=0.011), retropubic sling (OR 2.685, 95% CI 1.037, 6.955, p=0.037) and concomitant apical prolapse repair procedure (OR 3.086, 95% CI 1.299-7.332, p=0.009) was significantly associated with the revision group. Urodynamic factors were not predictive, except a maximum urethral closure pressure less 40 cm H2O was found to be protective (OR 0.0394, 95% CI 0.159-0.978). After multiple regression analysis, younger age, increasing number of cesarean deliveries, and concomitant apical prolapse repair retained statistical significance. CONCLUSION: Urodynamic studies were not useful in determining revision risk as compared to patient age, previous surgical history, and concomitant procedures.