Colporrhaphy Group Research Articles

A pilot study to evaluate changes in pelvic floor muscle tone following pelvic organ prolapse surgery using a novel intra-vaginal pressure sensor device

Introduction and hypothesisPelvic floor muscle weakness is a common cause of pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence. Surgical repair of prolapse is commonly undertaken; however, the impact on pelvic floor muscle tone is unknown. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of anterior and posterior colporrhaphy on pelvic floor activation.MethodsPatients aged under 70 undergoing primary anterior or posterior colporrhaphy were recruited. Intra-vaginal pressure was measured at rest and during pelvic floor contraction using the Femfit® device (an intra-vaginal pressure sensor device [IVPSD]). Peak pressure and mean pressure over 3 s were measured in millimetres of mercury. The pre- and post-operative measurements were compared. The difference between the means was assessed using Cohen’s D test, with significance set at p<0.05ResultsA total of 37 patients completed pre- and post-operative analysis, 25 in the anterior colporrhaphy group and 12 in the posterior colporrhaphy group. Anterior colporrhaphy showed no significant change in pelvic floor tone. Change in peak pressure was −1.71mmHg (−5.75 to 2.33; p=0.16) and change in mean pressure was −0.86 mmHg (−4.38 to 2.66; p=0.31). Posterior colporrhaphy showed a significant increase in peak pelvic floor muscle tone of 7.2 mmHg (0.82 to 13.58; p=0.005) and mean pressure of 4.19 mmHg (−0.09 to 8.47; p=0.016).ConclusionsPosterior colporrhaphy significantly improves pelvic floor muscle tone, whereas anterior colporrhaphy does not. Improved understanding of the impact of pelvic floor surgery may guide future management options for other pelvic floor disorders. Further work is needed to confirm the association of this improvement in pelvic floor disorders.

Repair of recurrent rectocele with posterior colporrhaphy or non-absorbable polypropylene mesh\u2014patient-reported outcomes at 1-year follow-up

Introduction and hypothesisThe aim of this study was to compare the results of repair of isolated, recurrent, posterior vaginal wall prolapse using standard posterior colporrhaphy versus non-absorbable polypropylene mesh in a routine health care setting.MethodsThis cohort study was based on prospectively collected data from the Swedish National Register for Gynaecological Surgery. All patients operated for recurrent, posterior vaginal wall prolapse in Sweden between 1 January 2006 and 30 October 2016 were included. A total of 433 women underwent posterior colporrhaphy, and 193 were operated using non-absorbable mesh. Data up to 1 year were collected.ResultsThe 1-year patient-reported cure rate was higher for the mesh group compared with the colporrhaphy group, with an odds ratio (OR) of 2.06 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03–4.35], corresponding to a number needed to treat of 9.7. Patient satisfaction (OR = 2.38; CI 1.2–4.97) and improvement (OR = 2.13; CI 1.02–3.82) were higher in the mesh group. However, minor surgeon-reported complications were more frequent with mesh (OR = 2.74; CI 1.51–5.01). Patient-reported complications and re-operations within 12 months were comparable in the two groups.ConclusionsFor patients with isolated rectocele relapse, mesh reinforcement enhances the likelihood of success compared with colporrhaphy at 1-year follow-up. Also, in our study, mesh repair was associated with greater patient satisfaction and improvement of symptoms, but an increase in minor complications. Our study indicates that the benefits of mesh reinforcement may outweigh the risks of this procedure for women with isolated recurrent posterior prolapse.

Long-term efficacy follow-up of tension-free vaginal tape obturator in patients with stress urinary incontinence with or without cystocele.

To assess the long-term outcomes of tension-free vaginal tape obturator (inside-out) (TVTO) with or without anterior colporrhaphy. The present prospective follow-up observational study included patients attending the 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aretaieio Hospital, University of Athens, Greece, between April 3 and December 20, 2017, for follow-up care after treatment for urodynamic stress urinary incontinence (USUI) with or without cystocele. Patients without cystocele had been treated with TVTO only; those with cystocele underwent TVTO with anterior colporrhaphy. The primary outcome was the objective cure rate assessed by the cough stress test during filling cystometry. Follow-up data were available for 70 patients who underwent TVTO only and 38 who underwent TVTO and anterior colporrhaphy. The mean follow-up period was 13years. Objective cure was achieved for 57 (81%) patients in the TVTO-only group and 32 (84%) patients in the TVTO and anterior colporrhaphy group. Regarding cystocele management, objective cure was recorded for 35 (92%) patients. At 13-year follow-up, anterior colporrhaphy demonstrated a cure rate of 92% in the management of cystocele, and 84% in the management of cystocele and USUI when combined with TVTO. TVTO alone for the management of USUI had an objective cure rate of 81%.

Cystocele recurrence after anterior colporrhaphy with and without mesh use

ObjectiveMesh reinforcement in cystocele repair has become popular in recent years, with some evidence of reduced recurrence rates. In this retrospective cohort series, we aimed to assess subjective and objective outcomes, including ultrasound quantification of prolapse, following anterior colporrhaphy with and without mesh use for anterior compartment prolapse. Study designWe assessed anatomical and functional outcomes of patients after cystocele repair in three tertiary urogynecology units. Outcome measures included either objective prolapse recurrence (defined as cystocele≥Stage 2 ICS POP-Q or bladder descent ≥10mm below the symphysis pubis on ultrasound) or subjective prolapse recurrence (defined as symptoms of vaginal lump, bulge or dragging sensation post-operatively). Comparisons between mesh use and anterior colporrhaphy-only groups were undertaken, adjusting for potential confounders (age, BMI, vaginal parity, previous prolapse repair, levator avulsion and length of follow-up) using multiple linear regression and logistic regression methods. Results183 patients were assessed at an average follow-up of 4 years. Eight-three patients had anterior colporrhaphy between January 2002 and December 2005, and 100 had an anterior mesh repair between March 2004 and October 2008. Forty-six (55%) patients in the anterior colporrhaphy group compared to 33 (33%) in the mesh use group were diagnosed with a recurrent cystocele (≥stage 2) (p=0.002). After adjustment for age, BMI, previous vaginal delivery, previous vaginal repair surgery, and length of follow-up, the benefit of mesh on prolapse recurrence was principally experienced by women with major levator trauma. ConclusionsAt a mean of four years’ follow-up, mesh augmentation was associated with reduced cystocele recurrence, but this effect was limited to patients with levator avulsion.

Anterior colporrhaphy compared with collagen‐coated transvaginal mesh for anterior vaginal wall prolapse: a randomised controlled trial

To investigate the anatomical cure rate and complications related to collagen-coated mesh for cystocele, compared with a conventional anterior colporrhaphy. A randomised controlled study. Six departments of obstetrics and gynaecology in Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark. Women aged 55 years or older, referred for surgery with a prolapse of the anterior vaginal wall of stage 2 or higher. Women scheduled for primary cystocoele surgery were randomised to either anterior colporrhaphy or a collagen-coated Prolene mesh. Power analysis indicated that 130 patients had to be randomised. All patients were evaluated using the Pelvic Organ Prolapse-Quantification (POP-Q) measurement. Quality of life, symptoms, and sexual function were evaluated using the Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire, the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory, and the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire. The primary outcome was objective cure, defined as prolapse below POP-Q stage 2 at the 12-months follow-up. Secondary outcomes were quality of life, symptoms, and presence (or not) of complications. In total, 161 women were randomised to either anterior colporrhaphy or mesh (participant ages 64.9 ± 6.4 years versus 64.7 ± 6.6 years, respectively; mean ± SD). The objective cure rate was 39.8% (95% CI 28.6-50.9%) in the anterior colporrhaphy group, compared with 88.1% (95% CI 80.7-95.6%) in the mesh group (P < 0.001). Vaginal mesh exposure occurred in ten women (13.3%) and dyspareunia occurred in two women (2.7%, not significant) in the mesh group at the 12-months follow-up. Questionnaires revealed no difference between the groups. Our study demonstrates a significantly improved objective cure rate associated with a high exposure rate among women with mesh surgery as opposed to conventional surgery.

Operation for recurrent cystocele with anterior colporrhaphy or non-absorbable mesh: patient reported outcomes

The aim of this study was to compare patient reported outcomes and complications after repair of recurrent anterior vaginal wall prolapse in routine health care settings using standard anterior colporrhaphy or non-absorbable mesh. The study is based on prospective data from the Swedish National Register for Gynaecological Surgery. 286 women were operated on for recurrent anterior vaginal wall prolapse in 2008-2010; 157 women had an anterior colporrhaphy and 129 were operated on with a non-absorbable mesh. Pre-, and perioperative data were collected from doctors and patients. Patient reported outcomes were evaluated 2 months and 12 months after the operation. After 12 months, the odds ratio (OR) of patient reported cure was 2.90 (1.34-6.31) after mesh implants compared with anterior colporrhaphy. Both patient- and doctor-reported complications were found more often in the mesh group. However, no differences in serious complications were found. Thus, an organ lesion was found in 2.3% after mesh implant compared with 2.5% after anterior colporrhaphy (p = 0.58). Two patients in the mesh group (1.2%) were re-operated compared with 1 patient (0.6%) in the anterior colporrhaphy group (p = 0.58). The infection rate was higher after mesh (8.5%) than after anterior colporrhaphy (2.5%; OR 3.19 ; 1.07-14.25). Implantation of synthetic mesh during operation for recurrent cystocele more than doubled the cure rate, whereas no differences in serious complications were found between the groups. However, mesh increased the risk of infection.

Comparison between trans-obturator trans-vaginal mesh and traditional anterior colporrhaphy in the treatment of anterior vaginal wall prolapse: results of a French RCT

To compare the efficacy of a collagen-coated polypropylene mesh and anterior colporrhaphy in the treatment of stage 2 or more anterior vaginal wall prolapse. Prospective, randomized, multicenter study conducted between April 2005 and December 2009. The principal endpoint was the recurrence rate of stage 2 or more anterior vaginal wall prolapse 12 months after surgery. Secondary endpoints consisted of functional results and mesh-related morbidity. One hundred and forty-seven patients were included, randomized and analyzed: 72 in the anterior colporrhaphy group and 75 in the mesh group. The anatomical success rate was significantly higher in the mesh group (89%) than in the colporrhaphy group (64%) (p = 0.0006). Anatomical and functional recurrence was also less frequent in the mesh group (31.3% vs 52.2%, p = 0.007). Two patients (2.8%) were reoperated on in the colporrhaphy group for anterior vaginal wall prolapse recurrence. No significant difference was noted regarding minor complications. An erosion rate of 9.5% was noted. De novo dyspareunia occurred in 1/14 patients in the colporrhaphy group and in 3/13 patients in the mesh group. An analysis of the quality of life questionnaires showed an overall improvement in both groups, with no statistical difference between them. Satisfaction rates were high in both groups (92% in the colporrhaphy group and 96% in the mesh group). Trans-obturator Ugytex mesh used to treat anterior vaginal wall prolapse gives better 1-year anatomical results than traditional anterior colporrhaphy, but with small a increase in morbidity in the mesh group.

Clinical efficacy of a trocar-guided mesh kit for repairing lateral defects

The optimal surgery for lateral defects is not well defined. Our objective was to assess the effects of anterior trocar-guided transvaginal mesh repair versus anterior colporrhaphy in women with lateral defects. This subanalysis from a randomized controlled trial of mesh kit versus anterior colporrhaphy assessed 99 patient diagnosed at baseline with lateral defects in the anterior vaginal wall. Thirty-nine patients underwent anterior colporrhaphy and 60 anterior trocar-guided transvaginal mesh surgery. One year after surgery, a persistent lateral defect was significantly more common after colporrhaphy compared with transvaginal mesh [11/32 (34.4 %) vs 1/42 (2.4 %), risk ratio (RR) 14.4, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 2.0-106.1; P < 0.001)] However, there were no significant differences between treatment groups with regard to subjective symptoms as reflected by the overall Urogenital Distress Inventory scores, with mean difference from baseline 37.3 ± 50.6 in the colporrhaphy group vs 39.0 ± 45.8 in the mesh group (p = 0.61). Use of a transvaginal mesh kit increases the odds for anatomical correction of lateral defects compared with anterior colporrhaphy but does not necessarily improve lower urinary tract symptoms.

Anterior colporrhaphy versus repair with mesh for anterior vaginal wall prolapse: a comparative clinical study

To compare the clinical effectiveness of anterior colporrhaphy versus mesh repair as surgical management of anterior vaginal prolapse. Of 50 patients with ≥stage II anterior vaginal prolapse on Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POPQ) system who were initially approached, 44 consented and underwent surgery. They were randomly recruited into two groups. Group I (23 patients) received anterior colporrhaphy, while group II (21 patients) received soft polypropylene mesh (GYNEMESH*PS, Gynecare, Ethicon, France). Clinical assessment took place preoperatively and postoperatively at definite intervals. Functional and anatomical comparisons were based on comparison between preoperative and 24 months postoperative assessments of symptoms and POPQ stages, respectively. Four patients in total did not complete the follow-up assessments and were excluded. Both groups showed clinical improvement in their symptoms and POPQ staging at the end of the postoperative follow-up period. Improvement, however, was more significant in the repair with mesh group, as patients in this group reported better improvement of their prolapse symptoms, mainly vaginal bulge/pressure sensation (P < 0.05), and showed better improvement in the anatomical staging, individual POP-Q points Aa and Ba (P < 0.01), than the anterior colporrhaphy group. Group II also showed more satisfactory outcome with the general POP-Q staging (P < 0.05) than group I, reflecting a better quality of life of the patients in the repair with mesh group. Our data shows that repair with mesh is superior to anterior colporrhaphy with more satisfactory outcome to the patients. Due to the small size of our study and uncertainty of the long-term safety and resilience of the mesh, we recommend larger studies to confirm our preliminary results.

Effects of Vaginal Prolapse Surgery on Sexuality in Women and Men; Results from a RCT on Repair With and Without Mesh

In pelvic organ prolapse (POP) repair, the use of synthetic mesh is not only increasing but also a subject of discussion. The focus shifts from anatomical toward functional outcome, with sexual function being an important parameter. One of the concerns with mesh usage in POP surgery is the possible negative effect on sexual function. To compare and assess sexual function in women and men after primary cystocele repair with or without trocar-guided transobturator mesh. One hundred twenty-five women with a symptomatic cystocele stage ≥ II were included in this multicenter randomized controlled trial and assessed at baseline and 6-month follow-up. Female sexual function was measured by the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and male sexual function by the Male Sexual Health Questionnaire. A subgroup analysis of women with a participating partner was performed. In the mesh group, 54/59 women vs. 53/62 in the anterior colporrhaphy group participated. In men, 29 vs. 30 participated. After surgery, FSFI scores were comparable for both treatment groups. However, within group analysis showed significant improvement on the domains pain (effect size = 0.5), lubrication (effect size = 0.4), and overall satisfaction (effect size = 0.5) in the colporrhaphy group. This improvement was not observed in the mesh group. A subgroup of women with a participating partner reported significantly higher baseline domain scores as compared with other women and did not report a significant improvement of sexual functioning irrespective of treatment allocation. Worsening of baseline sexual function was reported by 43% of women in the mesh group compared with 18% in anterior colporrhaphy group (P = 0.05). Male sexual functioning did not change in either group. Women after an anterior colporrhaphy report a significant and clinically relevant improvement of their sexual functioning, whereas women after a mesh procedure did not.

Postoperative Voiding Dysfunction Following Posterior Colporrhaphy

The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the rate of postoperative urinary retention in patients undergoing posterior colporrhaphy. This is compared with the rate of postoperative urinary retention in patients undergoing suburethral sling placement. A retrospective analysis of women treated surgically for either a symptomatic posterior compartment defect or stress urinary incontinence was performed. The preoperative, operative, and postoperative records of women who underwent a sole procedure of a posterior colporrhaphy or tension-free suburethral sling by 2 fellowship-trained urogynecologists were reviewed and compared. Significantly more posterior colporrhaphy patients failed their voiding trial (32.4% ± 12%) than suburethral sling patients (15% ± 17%; P = 0.030). After replacement of a Foley catheter, the total length of catheterization was longer in the posterior colporrhaphy group (3.2 ± 0.9 days) than that in the suburethral sling group (1.8 ± 0.4 days; P = 0.007). No patients in either group demonstrated long-term voiding dysfunction, and no patients required further surgical management to reverse their transient voiding dysfunction. In this study, the rate of postoperative transient urinary retention following posterior colporrhaphy is 32.4%, which is significantly higher than the rate observed following suburethral sling placement. Although the reason for this higher rate is unclear, it may be related to postoperative pain. Although it is standard practice to assess voiding function after suburethral sling placement, the findings of our study suggest that physicians should also consider assessing postoperative voiding function following posterior colporrhaphy.

Sexual function after anterior vaginal wall prolapse surgery

OBJECTIVE:The aim of this study was to compare female sexual function after surgical treatment of anterior vaginal prolapse with either small intestine submucosa grafting or traditional colporrhaphy.METHODS:Subjects were randomly assigned, preoperatively, to the small intestine submucosa graft (n = 29) or traditional colporrhaphy (n = 27) treatment group. Postoperative outcomes were analyzed at 12 months. The Female Sexual Function Index questionnaire was used to assess sexual function. Data were compared with independent samples or a paired Student's t-test. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00827528.RESULTS:In the small intestine submucosa group, the total mean Female Sexual Function Index score increased from 15.5±7.2 to 24.4±7.5 (p<0.001). In the traditional colporrhaphy group, the total mean Female Sexual Function Index score increased from 15.3±6.8 to 24.2±7.0 (p<0.001). Improvements were noted in the domains of desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain. There were no differences between the two groups at the 12-month follow-up.CONCLUSIONS:Small intestine submucosa repair and traditional colporrhaphy both improved sexual function postoperatively. However, no differences were observed between the two techniques.

Anterior colporrhaphy versus transvaginal mesh for pelvic-organ prolapse

BACKGROUND The use of standardized mesh kits for repair of pelvic-organ prolapse has spread rapidly in recent years, but it is unclear whether this approach results in better outcomes than traditional colporrhaphy. METHODS In this multicenter, parallel-group, randomized, controlled trial, we compared the use of a trocar-guided, transvaginal polypropylene-mesh repair kit with traditional colporrhaphy in women with prolapse of the anterior vaginal wall (cystocele). The primary outcome was a composite of the objective anatomical designation of stage 0 (no prolapse) or 1 (position of the anterior vaginal wall more than 1 cm above the hymen), according to the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification system, and the subjective absence of symptoms of vaginal bulging 12 months after the surgery. RESULTS Of 389 women who were randomly assigned to a study treatment, 200 underwent prolapse repair with the transvaginal mesh kit and 189 underwent traditional colporrhaphy. At 1 year, the primary outcome was significantly more common in the women treated with transvaginal mesh repair (60.8%) than in those who underwent colporrhaphy (34.5%) (absolute difference, 26.3 percentage points; 95% confidence interval, 15.6 to 37.0). The surgery lasted longer and the rates of intraoperative hemorrhage were higher in the mesh-repair group than in the colporrhaphy group (P<0.001 for both comparisons). Rates of bladder perforation were 3.5% in the mesh-repair group and 0.5% in the colporrhaphy group (P=0.07), and the respective rates of new stress urinary incontinence after surgery were 12.3% and 6.3% (P=0.05). Surgical reintervention to correct mesh exposure during follow-up occurred in 3.2% of 186 patients in the mesh-repair group. CONCLUSIONS As compared with anterior colporrhaphy, use of a standardized, trocar-guided mesh kit for cystocele repair resulted in higher short-term rates of successful treatment but also in higher rates of surgical complications and postoperative adverse events. (Funded by the Karolinska Institutet and Ethicon; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00566917.).

Primary surgical repair of anterior vaginal prolapse: a randomised trial comparing anatomical and functional outcome between anterior colporrhaphy and trocar‐guided transobturator anterior mesh

To compare anterior colporrhaphy with a trocar-guided transobturator mesh procedure (Avaulta(®) anterior). Randomised, controlled trial. Three teaching hospitals. Women with a symptomatic cystocele at least stage II requiring primary surgical correction. A total of 125 women were assessed at baseline and 1-year follow up. A sacrospinous hysteropexy or posterior colporrhaphy was performed when indicated. The primary outcome was the difference in anatomical cure (defined as Pelvic Organ Prolapse-Quantification <stage II cystocele). Secondary outcomes were complications, self-reported urogenital symptom severity, and quality of life, as measured with validated questionnaires. In all, 64 women were allocated to the anterior colporrhaphy group and 61 to the mesh group; 58/64 women versus 56/61 completed 12 months of follow-up analysis. Compared with the anterior colporrhaphy group, the mesh reduced the risk of anatomical failure at 12 months follow up from 59 to 9% (risk reduction 50.3%, 95% CI 35.5-65.1). Only three (5%) re-operations for anatomical failure in the anterior colporrhaphy group were performed versus 0% in the mesh group. Functional outcome improved significantly at 12 months on almost all domains, with similar results between groups. Mesh exposure occurred in two (4%) women. Baseline dyspareunia disappeared significantly more often after an anterior colporrhaphy (80%) than in the mesh group (20%). There was a trend towards more de novo dyspareunia in the mesh group (15% versus 9%). Primary cystocele repair with trocar-guided transobturator mesh resulted in a statistically significant better anatomical outcome compared with the anterior colporrhaphy. However, functional outcome was similar between groups.

Outcomes After Anterior Vaginal Wall Repair With Mesh: A Randomized, Controlled Trial With a 3-year Follow-up

Objective The objective of the study was to compare anterior colporrhaphy with and without a mesh. Study Design Two hundred two women with anterior prolapse were assigned to undergo colporrhaphy alone or reinforced with a tailored polypropylene mesh. Before and 2, 12, 24, and 36 months after surgery, the outcome was assessed by examination and standard questions. The primary endpoint was anatomic recurrence of anterior vaginal prolapse. Secondary outcomes were symptom resolution, reoperation, and mesh exposure. Results Recurrences of anterior vaginal prolapse were noted in 40 of the 97 (41%) in the colporrhaphy group and 14 of 105 (13%) in the mesh group ( P Conclusion At 3 year follow-up, anterior colporrhaphy with mesh reinforcement significantly reduced anatomic recurrences of anterior vaginal prolapse, but no difference in symptomatic recurrence were noted and the mesh erosion rate was high. The use of mesh was not associated with an increase in dyspareunia.

Anterior Colporrhaphy versus Transvaginal Mesh for Pelvic-Organ Prolapse

The use of standardized mesh kits for repair of pelvic-organ prolapse has spread rapidly in recent years, but it is unclear whether this approach results in better outcomes than traditional colporrhaphy. In this multicenter, parallel-group, randomized, controlled trial, we compared the use of a trocar-guided, transvaginal polypropylene-mesh repair kit with traditional colporrhaphy in women with prolapse of the anterior vaginal wall (cystocele). The primary outcome was a composite of the objective anatomical designation of stage 0 (no prolapse) or 1 (position of the anterior vaginal wall more than 1 cm above the hymen), according to the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification system, and the subjective absence of symptoms of vaginal bulging 12 months after the surgery. Of 389 women who were randomly assigned to a study treatment, 200 underwent prolapse repair with the transvaginal mesh kit and 189 underwent traditional colporrhaphy. At 1 year, the primary outcome was significantly more common in the women treated with transvaginal mesh repair (60.8%) than in those who underwent colporrhaphy (34.5%) (absolute difference, 26.3 percentage points; 95% confidence interval, 15.6 to 37.0). The surgery lasted longer and the rates of intraoperative hemorrhage were higher in the mesh-repair group than in the colporrhaphy group (P<0.001 for both comparisons). Rates of bladder perforation were 3.5% in the mesh-repair group and 0.5% in the colporrhaphy group (P=0.07), and the respective rates of new stress urinary incontinence after surgery were 12.3% and 6.3% (P=0.05). Surgical reintervention to correct mesh exposure during follow-up occurred in 3.2% of 186 patients in the mesh-repair group. As compared with anterior colporrhaphy, use of a standardized, trocar-guided mesh kit for cystocele repair resulted in higher short-term rates of successful treatment but also in higher rates of surgical complications and postoperative adverse events. (Funded by the Karolinska Institutet and Ethicon; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00566917.).

Outcomes after anterior vaginal wall repair with mesh: a randomized, controlled trial with a 3 year follow-up

The objective of the study was to compare anterior colporrhaphy with and without a mesh. Two hundred two women with anterior prolapse were assigned to undergo colporrhaphy alone or reinforced with a tailored polypropylene mesh. Before and 2, 12, 24, and 36 months after surgery, the outcome was assessed by examination and standard questions. The primary endpoint was anatomic recurrence of anterior vaginal prolapse. Secondary outcomes were symptom resolution, reoperation, and mesh exposure. Recurrences of anterior vaginal prolapse were noted in 40 of the 97 (41%) in the colporrhaphy group and 14 of 105 (13%) in the mesh group (P < .0001). The number needed to treat was thus 4. The proportion of symptomatic patients, including those with dyspareunia, did not differ between the groups. The mesh erosion rate was 19%. At 3 year follow-up, anterior colporrhaphy with mesh reinforcement significantly reduced anatomic recurrences of anterior vaginal prolapse, but no difference in symptomatic recurrence were noted and the mesh erosion rate was high. The use of mesh was not associated with an increase in dyspareunia.

Arcus-anchored acellular dermal graft compared to anterior colporrhaphy for stage II cystoceles and beyond

The aim of this study is to compare acellular dermal matrix to standard colporrhaphy for cystocele repair. One hundred two patients with greater than or equal to stage II anterior prolapse (Aa or Ba 0) who underwent anterior colporrhaphy with acellular dermal implant attached to the arcus between October 2003 and February 2007 were compared to 89 controls who received standard anterior colporrhaphy. Objective recurrence was defined as greater than or equal to stage II (Aa or Ba -1). The dermal graft and colporrhaphy groups were comparable in age, parity, body mass index, and concomitant surgeries except hysteropexy and hysterectomy. Regression was performed for possible confounders. Postoperatively, 14 (19%) recurrences were identified in the dermal graft group vs. 26 (43%) in the colporrhaphy group (p = 0.004). Two patients underwent reoperations for cystocele recurrence in the study group vs. four in the control group. Time to normal voiding, subjective stress urinary incontinence, estimated blood loss, and length of hospital stay did not differ between groups. Dermal acellular matrix provides benefit over standard colporrhaphy.

Outcome After Anterior Vaginal Prolapse Repair

To report 1-year outcomes of a randomized controlled trial comparing polypropylene mesh-reinforced anterior vaginal prolapse repair with anterior colporrhaphy. Seventy-six patients with stage II or greater anterior vaginal prolapse were randomly assigned to either colporrhaphy or polypropylene mesh repair. The primary outcome was recurrent stage II anterior vaginal prolapse, and secondary outcomes were effects on quality of life and sexual symptom scores, operative time, blood loss, length of hospitalization, and adverse events. Thirty-eight women had anterior colporrhaphy, and 37 had polypropylene mesh repair. One patient allocated to mesh repair withdrew from the study before surgery. Clinical and demographic data did not differ significantly between the two treatment groups. One year after surgery, optimal and satisfactory anterior vaginal support were obtained in 21 of 38 (55%) of the colporrhaphy group and 33 of 38 (87%) of the mesh group (P=.005). Patients in both groups reported less bother after surgery in both prolapse and urinary symptoms. The rates of de novo dyspareunia were 4 of 26 (16%) and 2 of 23 (9%) in the colporrhaphy and mesh groups, respectively. Two of 37 (5%) patients had vaginal mesh extrusion. Nine anterior colporrhaphy patients would have to have recurrent anterior vaginal prolapse to prevent one vaginal mesh extrusion. Neither serious adverse events nor deaths occurred in either group. Anterior vaginal prolapse repair with polypropylene mesh reinforcement offers lower anatomic recurrence than anterior colporrhaphy at one year. However, quality of life and sexual symptoms scores improved in both groups.

Poster 57: Adjuvant Dermal Graft for Advanced Anterior Compartment Prolapse: Comparison to Standard Anterior Repair

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare preliminary outcomes for patients receiving an anatomically anchored acellular dermal matrix (Repliform) with age-matched controls receiving standard anterior colporrhaphy for the repair of cystoceles to the hymenal ring or beyond. METHODS: Fifty-nine patients with ≥ stage II anterior prolapse (Aa or Ba 0) underwent anterior colporrhaphies augmented with an acellular dermal implant from November 2003 to November 2004. Forty-two patients completed 12-week follow up at the time of this assessment. The dermal graft (4 × 7 cm) was placed longitudinally and attached at 3 levels to ATFP, reestablishing bilateral paravaginal supports. The proximal graft was anchored to the vaginal apex across the midline, restoring level I fascial continuity. Proximal graft corners were sutured to either the ipsilateral proximal ATFP (n=31) or sacrospinous ligament (n=11) for women undergoing concomitant apical suspension. Forty-two age matched controls (Aa or Ba 0), who underwent standard anterior colporrhaphy alone, were identified for comparison of outcomes at 12 weeks. POP-Q staging was performed preoperatively and 6 and 12 weeks postoperatively. Objective recurrence was defined as ≥ stage II (Aa or Ba-1). Secondary outcomes included incontinence, dyspareunia, EBL, and time to normal voiding. The PFDI, PISQ-12, and IIQ-7 were administered to graft patients pre- and postoperatively. Chi-squared, McNemar's, and Student t tests were used for comparison. RESULTS: Mean age (60.6 vs 62.8, P=0.54), parity (2.5 vs 2.8), body mass index (26.4 vs 25.5), prior recurrences (P=0.69), prior SUI surgery (P=0.29), and concomitant surgeries with the exception of more bladder neck slings in the colporrhaphy group (P=0.002) did not differ between the 2 groups. Postoperatively, 5 recurrences (12%) were identified in the dermal graft group versus 12 (29%) in the colporrhaphy group (P=0.05). Of these, recurrence to the hymenal ring or beyond occurred in 2 (5%) versus 7 (17%) patients (P=0.06). One patient in each group underwent repeat surgery; additionally, 2 patients in the control group are considering surgery. Time to normal voiding (9 vs 8 days), retention (P=0.57), stress (P=0.35), and urge (P=0.37) urinary incontinence, detrusor overactivity (P=0.20), EBL (287 vs 302 cc), and hospital stay (1.5 vs 1.7 days) did not differ between groups. QOL scores improved significantly postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Few comparative trials evaluate the efficacy of adjuvant graft materials for anterior compartment prolapse repair, and we present the first comparative trial of a biologic adjuvant material attached to the ATFP. These findings suggest that anchored acellular dermal grafts result in markedly improved outcomes for patients with prolapse extending to the hymenal ring or beyond without significant complication or discomfort. We believe that anatomically based fixation of the grafts results in the restoration of fascial continuity at all levels and may represent an important aspect of their success. Longer-term follow up of this observational cohort is ongoing at our center.