Arcus Tendineus Fasciae Pelvis Research Articles

Tissue Fixation System ligament repair cures major pelvic organ prolapse in ageing women with minimal complications - a 10-year Japanese experience in 960 women.

IntroductionJapan’s ageing crisis has brought major prolapse and incontinence problems. We hypothesized the problem was collagen leaching out of ligaments which support organs and could be corrected by the TFS (Tissue Fixation System) minisling which uses 7 mm wide tapes to create new collagen for ligament reinforcement.We analysed our 10-year experience (2009–2019) with TFS minisling prolapse repair with regard to one main question: “Is this technology of benefit to the ageing Japanese population?”.Material and methodsRetrospective analysis from two tertiary referral units; 3100 tapes were implanted (variously) into cardinal, uterosacral, arcus tendineus fascia pelvis (ATFP), perineal body ligaments of 960 Japanese women (mean age 69.6 years), to repair POPQ 3rd or 4th degree prolapse (918/960), 50% under local anesthesia/sedation, remainder general/spinal anesthesia.ResultsPatient discharge within 24 hours indicated minimal intra-operative problems. Prolapse cure at 12 months reached 90%. Complications requiring intervention were infected rectal perforation by tape, 3 delayed ileus complications. Eroded tapes (2.4–3.5%) were trimmed in the clinic. De novo long-term pain and major urine loss were virtually absent.ConclusionsThe TFS system works by restoring ligament support (pubourethral, ATFP, cardinal, uterosacral, perineal body), differently from mesh sheets which work by blocking organ descent, which can lead to fibrosis of the vagina, and may cause chronic pain and massive incontinence. We had no such problems, because tapes have small volume, are applied transversely, with little vaginal contact. Specific ligament reinforcement with collagenopoietic tapes seems to be an important new direction for aged women with major prolapse, with high cure rate, acceptable complications, low erosions and virtually no long-term pain.

Trans-obturator cystocele repair of level 2 paravaginal defect.

It is reported that almost one in five women will need some form of pelvic organ prolapse surgery in their lifetime, with anterior wall repair accounting for nearly half of these. Cystoceles occur secondary to defect(s) in one or more of the vaginal wall support mechanisms, including its lateral paravaginal attachments. Paravaginal defects are very common in women presenting with cystocele, thus highlighting the importance of paravaginal defect repair for optimal cystocele correction in the majority of cases. Although there are several paravaginal defect repair procedures, some entail complex techniques, whereas others rely on the use of transvaginal mesh, which is currently not permitted in many countries. In this video article we present a novel trans-obturator native tissue paravaginal defect repair for the management of cystocele. This procedure has the advantages of avoiding complex transabdominal paravaginal defect repair, the controversial use of transvaginal mesh, or a single-point fixation to an arcus tendineus fasciae pelvis that might be difficult to identify. We believe that the trans-obturator cystocele repair procedure offers several advantages over existing paravaginal defect repair alternatives.

A novel measurement of pelvic floor cross-sectional area in older and younger women with and without prolapse

An increase in size of the aperture of the pelvis that must be spanned by pelvic floor support structures translates to an increase in the force on these structures. Prior studies have measured the bony dimensions of the pelvis, but the effect of changes in muscle bulk that may affect the size of this area are unknown. To develop a technique to evaluate the aperture size in the anterior pelvis at the level of the levator ani muscle attachments, and to identify age-related changes in women with and without prolapse. This was a technique development and pilot case-control study evaluating pelvic magnetic resonance imaging from 30 primiparous women from the Michigan Pelvic Floor Research Group MRI Data Base: 10 younger women with normal support, 10 older women with prolapse, and 10 older menopausal women without prolapse. Anterior pelvic area measurements were made in a plane that included the bilateral ischial spines and the inferior pubic point, approximating the level of the arcus tendineus fascia pelvis. Measurements of the anterior pelvic area, obturator internus muscles, and interspinous diameter were made by 5 independent raters from the Society of Gynecologic Surgeons Pelvic Anatomy Group who focused on developing pelvic imaging techniques, and evaluating interrater reliability. Demographic characteristics were compared across groups of interest using the Wilcoxon rank sum test, χ2, or Fisher exact test where appropriate. Multiple linear regression models were created to identify independent predictors of anterior pelvic area. Per the study design, groups differed in age and prolapse stage. There were no differences in race, height, body mass index, gravidity, or parity. Patients with prolapse had a significantly longer interspinous diameter, and more major (>50% of the muscle) levator ani defects when compared to both older and younger women without prolapse. Interrater reliability was high for all measurements (intraclass correlation coefficient= 0.96). The anterior pelvic area (cm2) was significantly larger in older women with prolapse compared to older (60±5.1 vs 53 ± 4.9, P= .004) and younger (60 ± 5.1 vs 52 ± 4.6, P= .001) women with normal support. The younger and older women with normal support did not differ in anterior pelvic area (52 ± 4.6 vs 53 ± 4.9, P= .99). After adjusting for race and body mass index, increased anterior pelvic area was significantly associated with the following: being an older woman with prolapse (β= 6.61 cm2, P= .004), and interspinous diameter (β= 4.52 cm2, P= .004). Older women with prolapse had the largest anterior area, suggesting that the anterior pelvic area is a novel measure to consider when evaluating women with prolapse. Interspinous diameter, and being an older woman with prolapse, were associated with a larger anterior pelvic area. This suggests that reduced obturator internus muscle size with age may not be the primary factor in determining anterior pelvic area, but that pelvic dimensions such as interspinous diameter could play a role. The measurements were highly repeatable. The high intraclass correlation coefficient indicates that all raters were able to successfully learn the imaging software and to perform measurements with high reproducibility.

Anterior Colporrhaphy With and Without Dermal Allograft: A Randomized Control Trial With Long-Term Follow-Up.

The objective of this study was to determine whether anterior colporrhaphy plus insertion of anterior dermal allograft reduces anterior prolapse recurrence at 1 and 7 to 10 years postoperatively compared with anterior colporrhaphy alone. We present a nonblinded randomized controlled trial with 1- and 7- to 10-year follow-up. Subjects were randomized between 2005 and 2008 to anterior colporrhaphy or ultralateral anterior colporrhaphy plus insertion of a dermal allograft spanning the anterior compartment between the arcus tendineus fascia pelvis on each side. Eligible subjects had anterior prolapse to the hymen or beyond, were bothered by their prolapse, and were planning to undergo surgical correction. Subjects completed a pelvic organ prolapse quantification system (POPQ) examination and Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI)/PFDI-20 before surgery; a POPQ, PFDI, and Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire at 1 year postoperatively; and a POPQ, PFDI-20, Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire, Revised, and Patient-reported Global Impression of Improvement Inventory at 7 to 10 years postoperatively. Our primary outcome was anatomic anterior prolapse recurrence at 1 or 7 to 10 years defined as Aa or Ba greater than or equal to -1. Our secondary outcome was a composite score of anterior prolapse recurrence at 1 or 7 to 10 years defined as anatomic recurrence (Aa or Ba ≥ 0), retreatment for cystocele, or answering yes to PFDI-20 question 3 (subjective report of vaginal bulge). A total of 114 subjects were randomized, 70 to anterior colporrhaphy and 44 to anterior colporrhaphy plus dermal allograft. About 92% of subjects underwent concomitant apical suspension, 98% in the graft group and 89% in the nongraft group. Eighty-nine subjects (32 graft [73%], 57 nongraft [81%]) returned for 1-year follow-up. Fifty-three patients (19 graft [48%], 34 nongraft [49%]) returned for 7- to 10-year follow-up. The primary outcome was met by 8 (18%) graft and 22 (31%) nongraft subjects at 1 year postoperatively (P = 0.26) and by 10 (23%) graft and 24 (34%) nongraft subjects at 7 to 10 years postoperatively (P = 0.37). The secondary outcome was met by 8 (18%) graft and 15 (21%) nongraft subjects at 1 year postoperatively (P = 0.74) and by 13 (30%) graft and 21 (30.0%) nongraft subjects at 7 to 10 years postoperatively (P = 0.99). We cannot conclude whether there is a difference in anterior recurrence for anterior colporrhaphy with and without dermal allograft and do not recommend changes in clinical practice based on these results.

Gross and histologic relationships of the retropubic urethra to lateral pelvic sidewall and anterior vaginal wall in female cadavers: clinical applications to retropubic surgery

Knowledge of the retropubic space anatomy is essential for safe entry and surgical applications within this space. The objectives of this study were to examine the gross and histologic anatomy of the retropubic urethra, paraurethral tissue, and urethrovaginal space and to correlate findings to retropubic procedures. Anatomic relationships of the retropubic urethra were examined grossly in unembalmed female cadavers. Measured distances included: lateral urethral wall to arcus tendineus fascia pelvis at the level of urethrovesical junction and at 1 cm distal. Other measurements included retropubic urethral length and distances from internal urethral opening to each ureteric orifice. Microscopic examination was performed at the same levels examined grossly in separate nulliparous specimens. Descriptive statistics were used for data analyses. In all, 25 cadavers were examined grossly. Median distance from lateral urethral wall to arcus tendineus fascia pelvis at the level of urethrovesical junction was 25 mm (range, 13-38 mm). At 1 cm distal, the median distance from aforementioned structures was 14 mm (10-26 mm). Median length of the retropubic urethra was 23 mm (range 15-30 mm). Four nulliparous specimens, ages 12 weeks, and 34, 47, and 52 years, were examined histologically. No histologic evidence of a discrete fascial layer between bladder/urethra and anterior vagina was noted at any level examined. Tissue between the urethra and the pelvic sidewall skeletal muscle was composed of dense fibrous tissue, smooth muscle bundles, scant adipose tissue, blood vessels, and nerves. The smooth muscle fibers of the vaginal muscularis interdigitated with skeletal muscle fibers in the pelvic sidewall at both levels examined. No histologic evidence of "pubourethral ligaments" within the paraurethral tissue was noticed. A 2-cm "zone of safety" exists between the urethra and arcus tendineus fascia pelvis at the urethrovesical junction level. Suture or graft placement within this region should minimize injury to the urethra, pelvic sidewall muscles, and bladder. Knowledge that the shortest length of retropubic urethra was 1.5 cm and shortest urethra to arcus tendineus fascia pelvis distance was 1 cm highlights the importance of maintaining dissection and trocar entry site close to pubic bone to avoid bladder and/or urethral injury. Histologic analysis of paraurethral tissue supports the nonexistence of pubourethral ligaments.

151 Use of Autologous Dermal Tissue Preserves Sexual Function after Pelvic Organ Prolapse Surgery

Established surgical methods for pelvic organ prolapse include use of tension-free vaginal mesh and laparoscopic sacrocopopexy. However, an alert by the US Food and Drug Administration has increased patient anxiety about foreign body insertion. We developed a method of autologous dermal tissue transplantation for treatment of pelvic organ prolapse. This technique improves operative safety and effectiveness and preserves sexual function. Because blood flow is supplied from the uterine and mucosal sides of the bladder, and the engraftment rate is high. To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of using autologous dermal tissue for surgical repair of pelvic organ prolapse. The procedure was performed by adding dermal transplantation to cystocele/uterine prolapse surgery, which does not use conventional mesh, under general anesthesia. First, we resected the epidermis of abdominal skin and defatted the dermis. Next, the mucosa of the vaginal posterior wall was longitudinally dissected, and 2-0 TiCron (nonabsorbable suture) was applied to the left and right sacrospinous ligament (two stitches a side; four stitches in total). A vertical incision was made in the anterior vaginal wall, and 2-0 TiCron was stitched to each side of the arcus tendineus fascia pelvis (two stitches in total). The bladder was sutured with a 3-0 Vicryl three-needle horizontal mattress suture. The dermis was implanted on the bladder and anterior wall of the cervix and was placed on the sacrospinous ligament and the arcus tendineus fascia pelvis. The posterior wall of the uterine cervix was lifted to the sacrospinous ligament. The patient was discharged on the fifth day after surgery and used an external pessary (FemiCushion) for 2 months postoperatively, until the graft was firmly engrafted. This external pessary supports the pelvic floor muscle and can be used before surgery after removing a vaginal pessary, thereby improving patient quality of life. Patients can also use the external pessary if they develop sexual dysfunction while using a vaginal pessary.

Clinical Evaluation of Urinary Incontinence.

Pelvic organ prolapse is the downward descent of the pelvic floor organs and has a prevalence of 3%–6% and can even reach to 50% if defined by a vaginal examination. The anatomical concepts of pelvic diaphragm, lateral attachment of vagina to arcus tendineus fascia pelvis, and intrinsic and extrinsic sphincter control mechanisms are elaborated. The anatomic and physiological mechanisms of autonomic and voluntary control of continence are discussed. The clinical and urodynamic tests and their implications in guiding the management are explained. Finally, uroflowmetry, cystometry, urethral pressure profile, postvoid urine measurement, leak point pressure (LPP) test, video urodynamic tests, and electromyography studies of pelvic floor are discussed as an integral part of the assessment.

Repair of damaged ligaments with tissue fixation system minisling is sufficient to cure major prolapse in all three compartments: 5-year data.

The ageing population in Japan brings problems of pelvic organ prolapse (POP), bladder and bowel incontinence, and fragility as regards major pelvic surgery. Existing data from tissue fixation system (TFS) surgery show high cure rates for these conditions, but long-term data are lacking. We aimed to elucidate the usefulness of TFS by assessing 5-year postoperative outcomes. A total of 68 patients, mean age 70years, underwent total pelvic floor repair. Cystocele, apical prolapse, and rectocele were variously addressed by TFS repair of pubourethral, arcus tendineus fasciae pelvis, cardinal, uterosacral, and perineal body ligaments using a mean 3.2 tapes per patient (n=216). Patients were followed up at 12months then yearly. We included patients with third- or fourth-degree uterine/vaginal prolapse (POP Quantification classification). We excluded patients with serious comorbid conditions. The mean operating time was 88min and the mean blood loss was 78 mL. There was minimal postoperative pain and urinary retention, as evidenced by a mean hospital stay of 0.8days and early return to normal activities. The 5-year cure rates for urinary stress incontinence, urgency, nocturia, and frequency were 82%, 91.7%, 58%, and 52%, respectively. The surgical cure rate for POP was 87.1% at 12months, falling to 79.0 at 60months. The cumulative 5-year erosion rate was 0% and 1.7% for all ligaments except the perineal body (25.7%), reducing to 2.6% by year 5 following anchor placement into deep transversus perinei. Two cases of ileus were attributed to incorrect technique. Reinforcing up to four ligaments with the TFS was sufficient for cure of third- and fourth-degree POP. The technique is minimally invasive, suitable for elderly women, and effective at 5years for both anatomical and symptom cure.

Treatment of total pelvic organ prolapse using a whole biological patch: A pilot study of 17 patients.

A complete and non-splice porcine small-intestine submucosa (SIS) patch was used for total pelvic anatomical repair of organ prolapse. This study included a total of 17 patients with severe total pelvic organ prolapse, including five patients with combined stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Panhysterectomy was performed, and then a porcine SIS patch was placed on the anterior (posterior) vaginal wall. The top of the vaginal wall was moved to the corresponding side of the vaginal wall, and the patch was sutured to bilateral uterosacral ligaments, the sacrospinous ligament, and arcus tendineus fasciae pelvis. SUI was addressed at the same time. 'Failure' was defined as anterior or posterior wall prolapse beyond the hymen. The mean follow-up duration was 11.6 ± 7.45 months (2-24 months). No symptom recurrence was observed in the five patients with combined SUI. One patient who underwent porcine SIS patch placement on the posterior wall experienced stage II anterior vaginal wall prolapse after surgery. The vaginal wall and fornix of the remaining patients with patches were restored to stable anatomical positions (92.85%). No organ damage, infection, erosion, or rejection was observed, and no blood transfusion was necessary. This study is the first to implement total pelvic anatomical repair using a complete and non-splice SIS. Our results suggest that this new surgical method is safe and can achieve satisfactory therapeutic effects, especially for patients with combined SUI.

Paravaginal defect: anatomy, clinical findings, and imaging.

The paravaginal defect has been a topic of active discussion concerning what it is, how to diagnose it, its role in anterior vaginal wall prolapse, and if and how to repair it. The aim of this article was to review the existing literature on paravaginal defect and discuss its role in the anterior vaginal wall support system, with an emphasis on anatomy and imaging. Articles related to paravaginal defects were identified through a PubMed search ending 1 July 2015. Support of the anterior vaginal wall is a complex system involving levator ani muscle, arcus tendineus fascia pelvis (ATFP), pubocervical fascia, and uterosacral/cardinal ligaments. Studies conclude that physical examination is inconsistent in detecting paravaginal defects. Ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have been used to describe patterns in the appearance of the vagina and bladder when a paravaginal defect is suspected. Different terms have been used (e.g., sagging of bladder base, loss of tenting), which all represent changes in pelvic floor support but that could be due to both paravaginal and levator ani defects. Paravaginal support plays a role in supporting the anterior vaginal wall, but we still do not know the degree to which it contributes to the development of prolapse. Both MRI and US are useful in the diagnosis of paravaginal defects, but further studies are needed to evaluate their use.

Cystocele and functional anatomy of the pelvic floor: review and update of the various theories.

We updated anatomic theories of pelvic organ support to determine pathophysiology in various forms of cystocele. PubMed/MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were searched using the terms pelvic floor, cystocele, anatomy, connective tissue, endopelvic fascia, and pelvic mobility. We retrieved 612 articles, of which 61 matched our topic and thus were selected. Anatomic structures of bladder support and their roles in cystocele onset were determined on the international anatomic classification; the various anatomic theories of pelvic organ support were reviewed and a synthesis was made of theories of cystocele pathophysiology. Anterior vaginal support structures comprise pubocervical fascia, tendinous arcs, endopelvic fascia, and levator ani muscle. DeLancey's theory was based on anatomic models and, later, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), establishing a three-level anatomopathologic definition of prolapse. Petros's integral theory demonstrated interdependence between pelvic organ support systems, linking ligament-fascia lesions, and clinical expression. Apical cystocele is induced by failure of the pubocervical fascia and insertion of its cervical ring; lower cystocele is induced by pubocervical fascia (medial cystocele) or endopelvic fascia failure at its arcus tendineus fasciae pelvis attachment (lateral cystocele). Improved anatomic knowledge of vaginal wall support mechanisms will improve understanding of cystocele pathophysiology, diagnosis of the various types, and surgical techniques. The two most relevant theories, DeLancey's and Petros's, are complementary, enriching knowledge of pelvic functional anatomy, but differ in mechanism. Three-dimensional digital models could integrate and assess the mechanical properties of each anatomic structure.

A multi-compartment 3-D finite element model of rectocele and its interaction with cystocele

We developed a subject-specific 3-D finite element model to understand the mechanics underlying formation of female pelvic organ prolapse, specifically a rectocele and its interaction with a cystocele. The model was created from MRI 3-D geometry of a healthy 45 year-old multiparous woman. It included anterior and posterior vaginal walls, levator ani muscle, cardinal and uterosacral ligaments, anterior and posterior arcus tendineus fascia pelvis, arcus tendineus levator ani, perineal body, perineal membrane and anal sphincter. Material properties were mostly from the literature. Tissue impairment was modeled as decreased tissue stiffness based on previous clinical studies. Model equations were solved using Abaqus v 6.11. The sensitivity of anterior and posterior vaginal wall geometry was calculated for different combinations tissue impairments under increasing intraabdominal pressure. Prolapse size was reported as pelvic organ prolapse quantification system (POP-Q) point at point Bp for rectocele and point Ba for cystocele. Results show that a rectocele resulted from impairments of the levator ani and posterior compartment support. For 20% levator and 85% posterior support impairments, simulated rectocele size (at POP-Q point: Bp) increased 0.29mm/cm H2O without apical impairment and 0.36mm/cm H2O with 60% apical impairment, as intraabdominal pressures increased from 0 to 150cm H2O. Apical support impairment could result in the development of either a cystocele or rectocele. Simulated repair of posterior compartment support decreased rectocele but increased a preexisting cystocele. We conclude that development of rectocele and cystocele depend on the presence of anterior, posterior, levator and/or or apical support impairments, as well as the interaction of the prolapse with the opposing compartment.

Creating a gold standard surgical device: scientific discoveries leading to TVT and beyond: Ulf Ulmsten Memorial Lecture 2014.

The discovery of tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) began in 1986 with two unrelated observations: pressure applied unilaterally at the midurethra controlled urine loss on coughing; implanted Teflon tape caused a collagenous tissue reaction. In 1987, Mersilene tape was implanted retropubically in 13 large dogs, with the aim of creating an artificial collagenous pubourethral neoligament. Extensive testing showed that the operation was safe and effective. In 1988-1989, human testing was carried out (n = 30). Mersilene tape cured 100 % of stress and mixed incontinence with a sling in situ; however, there was simultaneous recurrence of the two symptoms in 50 % on sling removal. X-rays showed no elevation of the bladder neck. In 1990-1993, collaboration with Ulf Ulmsten took place: a permanently implanted tape was required. Polypropylene was the ideal material. In 2003, the neoligament principle was applied as an adjustable "micro" sling to the arcus tendineus fasciae pelvis (ATFP), cardinal, uterosacral ligaments, and perineal body for cure of cystocele, rectocele, and apical prolapse. It was found that symptoms such as urgency, nocturia, chronic pelvic pain, obstructive defecation syndrome (ODS), and fecal incontinence were frequently cured or improved. The lecture concluded with advice to younger members. Without new paradigms, there are no randomized controlled trials, no meta-analyses, Cochrane. Indeed, no progress. Be open to new concepts. Read Kuhn's "The Structure of Scientific Revolutions" to understand the discovery process. Examine the relationship among symptoms, ATFP, cardinal, uterosacral ligaments, and the perineal body. This is the next paradigm. Don't disregard anomalies. Pursue them. They are the pathway to discovery. Innovation is born from challenge, not conformity. Persist, even when meeting resistance. Resistance is a sign that your discovery is important.

Early results of a novel technique for anterior vaginal wall prolapse repair: anterior vaginal wall darn.

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to describe the results of a 1-year patient follow-up after anterior vaginal wall darn, a novel technique for the repair of anterior vaginal wall prolapse.MethodsFifty-five patients with anterior vaginal wall prolapse underwent anterior vaginal wall darn. The anterior vaginal wall was detached using sharp and blunt dissection via an incision beginning 1 cm proximal to the external meatus and extending to the vaginal apex. The space between the tissues that attach the lateral vaginal walls to the arcus tendineus fasciae pelvis was then darned. Cough Stress Test, Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification, seven-item Incontinence Impact Questionnaire, and six-item Urogenital Distress Inventory scores were performed 1-year postoperatively to evaluate recovery.ResultsOne-year postoperatively, all patients were satisfied with the results of the procedure. No patient had vaginal mucosal erosion or any other complication.ConclusionsOne-year postoperative findings for patients in this series indicate that patients with stage II–III anterior vaginal wall prolapse were successfully treated with the anterior vaginal wall darn technique.

Anatomical Position of Four Different Transobturator Mesh Implants for Female Anterior Prolapse Repair.

Purpose: Polypropylene mesh implants are frequently used for pelvic floor reconstruction in women. Yet they vary in size and fixation. The purpose of this study is to compare four mesh products with regard to their anatomical positioning and functionality within the pelvic floor, to determine whether each mesh fits equally well in a female cadaver. Methods: One female pelvis was dissected, opening the retropubic space exposing the endopelvic fascia and demonstrating the arcus tendineus fasciae pelvis (ATFP). Anatomical parameters were measured before and after implanting four meshes via the transobturator approach. Results: The anterior fixation of the ATFP was found to be 5 mm lateral to the symphysis in this cadaver. The endopelvic fascia covered 54.6 cm2. The obturator nerve was located 35 mm from the white line. The distance of the proximal and lateral points of mesh fixation from the ischial spine or ATFP varied from 0 to 25 mm. The meshes varied in size and anatomical positioning. Conclusion: These observations demonstrate the necessity of developing optimally sized meshes and appropriate introducer techniques that can provide sufficient vaginal support. Surgeons, furthermore, need profound knowledge of anatomy, the patient's pelvic floor defect and the meshes available on the market.

Laparoscopic Paravaginal Repair Incorporating Cooper's Ligament

Laparoscopic paravaginal repair is used for the correction of lateral vaginal defects and should be in the armamentarium of the advanced laparoscopic surgeon. The paravaginal repair involves the reattachment of the pubocervical fascia of the vagina to its correct anatomic attachment at the arcus tendineus fascia pelvis, or white line. Occasionally, however, the arcus is too weak to adequately repair the defect and additional reinforcement is needed. We have successfully used Cooper's ligament to add strength to our paravaginal repairs.

Anterior needle-guided mesh in advanced pelvic organ prolapse: apical fixation on sacrospinous ligaments

ObjectiveTo evaluate whether anterior–apical compartment mesh implants for pelvic floor reconstruction might be safely and effectively anchored to the sacro-spinous (SS) ligaments instead of the arcus tendineus fascia pelvis (ATFP). The SS ligaments as anchoring structures for centro-apical support mesh fixation are thought to be stronger than the ATFP and we presumed that anterior mesh fixation to the SS ligament might be feasible, safe and effective. Study designPatients with advanced anterior–apical pelvic floor prolapse, referred for mesh reconstruction and having poor ATFP were enrolled to this study. For these patients the posterior arms of the anterior mesh were fixed to the SS ligaments. Data regarding cure, complications and patient's satisfaction were collected prospectively: patients were interviewed and examined at the end of the first and third post-operative months, and interviewed again at the study conclusion. ResultsOf 72 patients who were asked to participate in this study, 44 had rather un-palpable ATFP, and SS ligament fixation was performed. The mean follow-up duration was 12 months (range: 10–43). No significant intra- or post-operative complications were recorded. The POP-Q points measurements showed marked improvements: the average delta for the Ba point was 7.4cm, for the Bp point 4.7cm, and for the C point 7.9cm. These differences were all statistically significant. Bladder overactivity symptoms, namely urgency, frequency and nocturia, were all found to be reduced significantly, and so was the sexual discomfort rate. Fecal incontinence, pelvic pain and constipation rates were reduced as well, but these did not reach statistical significance. ConclusionsThis rather small study suggests that anterior pelvic floor meshes might be anchored safely and successfully to the SS ligament, aiming to achieve improved centro-apical support of the vaginal apex and the anterior wall by an anterior pelvic floor approach.

Anatomie Fonctionnelle Du Plancher Pelvlen

The pelvic floor is the support of the pelvic viscera. The levator ani muscle (LA) with its two bundles (pubo- and iliococcygeus) is the major component of this pelvic floor. LA is formed essentially by type I fibers (slow twitch, with high oxidative capability and presence of slow myosin) as in postural muscles. The aerobic metabolism makes LA fragile to excentric contraction and to mitochondrial dysfunction. The innervation of the pelvic floor comes from the 2nd, 3rd, 4th anterior sacral roots; denervation affects pelvic dynamism. Perineum includes the musculofascial structures under the LA: ventrally the striated sphincter of urethra and the ischiocavernosus and bulbospongiosus, caudally the fatty tissue filling the ischioanal fossa. Pelvic fascia covers the muscles ; it presents reinforcements : the uterosacral and cardinal ligaments, the arcus tendineus fascia pelvis (ATFP) and the arcus tendineus levator ani (ATLA). The pelvis statics is supported by the combined action of all this anatomical structures anteriorly forming the perineal "hammock," medially the uterosacral and cardinal ligaments, posteriorly the rectovaginal fascia and the perineal body. The angles formed by the pelvic viscera with their evacuation ducts participate to the pelvic statics. During the pelvic dynamics the modification of these angles expresses the action of the musculofascial structures.

Tailor-Made Mesh for Pelvic Organ Prolapses: Correlation between Patient’s Height and Mesh Size

Tension-free vaginal mesh (TVM) surgery is a common and minimally invasive procedure for pelvic organ prolapses. Since commercial kits are not readily available in Japan, we have planned tailor-made mesh by information of each patient before every TVM surgery. The aim of this report is to inform methods to design mesh for individual patients with pelvic organ prolapses. We also investigated the correlations among mesh size and height, weight, and body mass index (BMI). Before the operation, we obtained a KUB (abdominal X-ray). Three factors were measured from this X-ray: the first was the distance between the bilateral ischial spine, the second was the distance between the obturator foramen, and the third was the length of the arcus tendineus fascia pelvis (ATFP). These three factors always should be considered for designing of mesh. The correlations among the bilateral ischial spine distance, obturator foramen distance, ATFP length, height, weight, and BMI were assessed using the Pearson correlation coefficient. Although these three factors described above are necessary to design a mesh for individual patients, the bilateral ischial spine and obturator foramen distance correlated with the height of the patient. On the other hand, since the length of ATFP differs in each patient and is not correlated with height, we should consider this length when we design the mesh. Well-designed, tailor-made mesh will probably fit each pelvic organ prolapsed patient very well.

A Novel Technique for Anterior Vaginal Wall Prolapse Repair: Anterior Vaginal Wall Darn

Aim. The aim of this study is to introduce a new technique, anterior vaginal wall darn (AVWD), which has not been used before to repair the anterior vaginal wall prolapse, a common problem among women. Materials and Methods. Forty-five women suffering from anterior vaginal wall prolapse were operated on with a new technique. The anterior vaginal wall was detached by sharp and blunt dissection via an incision beginning from the 1 cm proximal aspect of the external meatus extending to the vaginal apex, and the space between the tissues that attach the lateral walls of the vagina to the arcus tendineus fascia pelvis (ATFP) was then darned. Preoperation and early postoperation evaluations of the patients were conducted and summarized. Results. Data were collected six months after operation. Cough stress test (CST), Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) evaluation, Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7), and Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6) scores indicated recovery. According to the early postoperation results, all patients were satisfied with the operation. No vaginal mucosal erosion or any other complications were detected. Conclusion. In this initial series, our short-term results suggested that patients with grade II-III anterior vaginal wall prolapsus might be treated successfully with the AVWD method.