Permanent Suture Research Articles

Management of Sacrocolpopexy Mesh Complications-A Narrative Review and Clinical Experience from a Large-Volume Center.

Despite the reputation of sacrocolpopexy as a highly durable reconstructive surgery for pelvic organ prolapse, mesh-related complications remain a significant deterrent for patients. This review discusses the incidence, presentation, diagnosis, management and prevention of sacrocolpopexy mesh complications. We reviewed the literature on sacrocolpopexy focusing on long-term mesh complications and their management. As the literature is not specifically robust, we also give our recommendations based on experience from a large-volume center. Intraoperative videos and images are provided to illustrate findings and management techniques. Sacrocolpopexy mesh complications include vaginal mesh exposure; bladder or bowel erosions; inflammatory and infectious conditions including spondylodiscitis; and mesh-related pain. Presentation ranges from overt symptoms such as mesh palpated in the vagina to insidious-like spondylodiscitis manifesting as back pain and malaise. Diagnosis relies on methodical history taking, review of operative reports, and a physical examination, with office-based endoscopy studies and imaging as indicated. Various management options have been described in the literature. We recommend an expectant approach for asymptomatic patients; For symptomatic vaginal exposure, we encourage removal of entire mesh arm(s) via an abdominal approach; however, many prefer to utilize a transvaginal or partial excisional approach first. Spondylodiscitis is managed with long-term antibiotics and often requires mesh removal. Prevention strategies include using a lightweight polypropylene mesh attached to well- vascularized vaginal walls, avoiding direct placement on any sutured vaginotomy or cystotomy. Delayed absorbable monofilament suture is non-inferior to permanent suture. Sacrocolpopexy mesh complications can be challenging to diagnose and manage. Symptomatic cases often require a proactive approach; listening to patients when they describe persistent symptoms with postoperative onset; a low threshold for further evaluation; and upfront discussion of management options.

Laparoscopic Non-Mesh Cerclage Pectopexy with Uterine Preservation for Pelvic Organ Prolapse.

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) affects millions of women globally and carries a significant socioeconomic burden. Adequate apical support is essential for treating POP. Recent research has increasingly validated the efficacy and safety of laparoscopic pectopexy (LP) for addressing apical POP. However, the cost of synthetic mesh and associated complications restrict the widespread use of this technique. Our team previously published a study describing a novel, non-mesh procedure called laparoscopic non-mesh cerclage pectopexy (LNMCP), demonstrating successful outcomes with satisfactory objective and subjective success rates. Many patients express a preference for retaining their uterus during prolapse surgery due to considerations related to sexuality, partnership, and body image. The present research introduces a novel approach known as laparoscopic non-mesh cerclage pectopexy with uterine preservation (LNMCPUP) for POP, wherein the uterus is suspended to the iliopectineal ligament through the round ligament using permanent cerclage sutures. We successfully performed this procedure in 14 cases at our hospital, six of whom still had menstruation, and the remaining eight were postmenopausal, with a mean operation time of 54.43 min (± 10.18 min) and an average bleeding volume of 53.57 mL (± 48.77 mL). The mean follow-up duration was 19.71 ± 15.87 months. The objective success rate of LNMCPUP was 100%, with a subjective success rate of 92.86%. No significant complications were observed during or after surgery. LNMCPUP integrates cervical cerclage and shortening of the round ligament, as well as LP without using mesh, thereby eliminating the risk of mesh erosion and lowering healthcare costs. Moreover, this novel technique is relatively easy to master, making it accessible even in rural and underdeveloped areas where synthetic mesh is unavailable. Therefore, it is worthwhile to adopt LNMCPUP in POP patients who desire the preservation of their uterus.

Managing Complicated Nontuberculous Mycobacteria Infections in Plastic Surgery.

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infections after cosmetic surgery have become an increasing concern. These infections are often initially misdiagnosed and treated with standard antibiotic regimens, which fail to resolve the underlying infection, leading to prolonged patient suffering. In this case study, we describe a chronic wound infection caused by Mycobacterium abscessus subsp. bolletii after a muscle-repair abdominoplasty. This case illustrates the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges plastic surgeons face in successfully treating such infections. Initial obstacles included the isolation of co-contaminating bacteria that masked the NTM infection, the use of antibiotics ineffective against the specific NTM species, and the failure to identify the infection source. In this instance, contaminated skin marker ink used to mark the rectus muscle, combined with a nonabsorbable (permanent) suture for muscle repair, led to the development of a biofilm that acted as a persistent reservoir for the infection, resistant to antibiotic treatments. Complete resolution was achieved only after evaluation by a plastic surgeon experienced in treating NTM infections and the subsequent removal of the permanent suture. The delayed suture removal contributed to a 15-month recovery period. This case underscores the importance of early recognition of NTM infections after cosmetic procedures. By sharing this case, we aim to raise awareness of NTM infections and help prevent future cases of misdiagnosis and prolonged antibiotic treatments. Key points regarding the diagnosis, sources of infection, and treatment options for NTM infections are highlighted in this article using "text boxes" to emphasize the most important information and provide concise summaries of critical insights.

Diagnosis and treatment of abdominally inserted (sacrocolpopexy/sacrohysteropexy) mesh complications for vault/uterine prolapse

Background:Sacrohysteropexy and sacrocolpopexy are established treatments of uterine or vaginal vault prolapse respectively and involve insertion of mesh abdominally, often using permanent sutures and fixation devices. Complications following these procedures may be serious, and there is lack of evidence about long-term functional outcomes in terms of pain, dyspareunia and development of lower urinary tract and bowel symptoms. Objective:A non-systematic review of the available literature was performed and recommendations on assessment and management were developed by expert consensus. Conclusion:The current evidence is limited in quantity and quality, and recommendations on assessment management of mesh-related complications were made by experts in the field. Assessment and treatment of complications following abdominally placed mesh for pelvic organ prolapse will often require a multidisciplinary approach. Assessment may require EUA, and/or cystourethroscopy, sigmoidoscopy, and laparoscopy. MRI is the most useful imaging modality. Surgery to remove meshcarries a risk of urinary tract and bowel injury, as well as development of recurrent pelvic organ prolapse. A joint decision between the surgeon and the patient should be made before embarking on a partial removal of mesh; removal of all the mesh may be a better option albeit with higher risk of surgical complications. Complete removal of mesh and tacks or sutures from the sacral attachment may not be possible and is associated with risk of major haemorrhage.

Bat Ear Correction Steps and Outcomes for Better Life Support.

An unusually projecting human ear is known as a prominent ear, otapostasis, or bat ear. It might be both bilateral and unilateral. The scapha and antihelix of the big concha are not well formed. It is the outcome of cartilage deformity that occurred during early ear development in utero. After the child reaches five years old, the abnormality can be corrected at any time. In order to prevent psychological suffering, the procedure should ideally be performed as soon as possible. Otoplasty correction is reshaping the ear cartilage to bring the ear closer to the side of the head. The cartilage is reshaped, but the skin is left in place. Hearing remains unaffected by the operation. It is mainly done for aesthetic reasons. Although they are uncommon, the post-operative consequences from the operation include hematoma development, keloid formation, infection, and asymmetry in the ears. Otoplasty is a cosmetic operation that involves permanent sutures to alter the size, shape, or location of the ear. The main purpose of otoplasty is to treat promin auris, or bulging ears. Promin auris, the principal indication for otoplasty, is the subject of this review. The indications, contraindications, and method utilized in otoplasty are reviewed in this exercise, which also emphasizes the need of pre- and post-operative care for patients having this surgery. Otoplasty results are generally lifelong and will improve the self-confidence. The goals of otoplasties are to make the ears appear more natural in comparison to the head and help with the overall contour of the ears. Final ear surgery results will be visible after a two week recovery period, with small improvements appearing for up to 12 months post-procedure. A proper understanding of the diagnosis, indications, and surgical techniques will lead to positive outcomes in otoplasty.

At the Scrub Sink: Permanent Versus Absorbable Sutures for Sacrocolpopexy Vaginal Mesh Fixation.

Thirty years ago, open sacrocolpopexy was the main route for the procedure, and at that time, most surgeons used permanent sutures to attach the mesh to the vagina. With the changes to laparoscopic and robotic-assisted routes, some urogynecologists started using delayed absorbable sutures while others continued using permanent sutures. The current data suggest no increased failures with delayed absorbable sutures. Given that the risk of suture exposure is almost eliminated with delayed absorbable sutures, it is reasonable to use delayed absorbable sutures in attaching the mesh to the vagina over permanent sutures. Regardless of the suture selection, the 10% long-term mesh exposure rate after sacrocolpopexy should prompt us to continue discussing and working on solutions to lower the mesh exposure rate and improve prolapse surgery outcomes for our patients.

Rat Model of Right-Sided Cardiac Remodeling and Arrhythmia using Pulmonary Artery Banding.

Clinical conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), can lead to chronic right ventricle pressure overload and progressive right heart failure (RHF). RHF can be identified by right-sided cardiac hypertrophy and dilation associated with abnormal myocardial function affecting the RV and the right atrium (RA). We recently demonstrated that severe RHF is accompanied by an increased risk of atrial inflammation, atrial fibrosis, and atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common type of cardiac arrhythmia (CA). Recent studies have shown that RV and RA inflammation plays an important role in the arrhythmogenesis of CA, including AF. However, the impact of inflammation in the development of CA and AF in RHF is poorly described. Experimental models of RHF are required to better understand the association between right-sided myocardial inflammation and CA. The rat model of monocrotaline (MCT)-induced pulmonary hypertension (PH) is well-established to provoke RHF. However, MCT triggers severe pneumo-toxicity and pulmonary inflammation. Hence, MCT-induced RHF does not help to distinguish whether the subsequent myocardial inflammation originates from the RHF per se or circulating inflammatory signals secreted by the injured lung. In this article, a mechanical method involving pulmonary artery trunk banding (PAB) was used to provoke right-sided cardiac arrhythmogenesis. The PAB consists of performing a permanent suture of the pulmonary artery trunk for 3 weeks. Such an approach generates increased right-sided pressure overload. At D21 post-PAB, the suture results in hypertrophied, dilated, and inflamed RV and RA. The PAB-induced RHF is also accompanied by vulnerability to ventricular and atrial arrhythmias, including AF.

Hernia Recurrence and Complications After Abdominal Reconstruction With Reinforced Versus Nonreinforced Biologic Mesh.

Both biologic and permanent (synthetic) meshes are used for abdominal wall reconstruction. Biologic mesh has the advantage of eventual incorporation, which makes it generally preferred in contaminated patients compared with synthetic mesh (Ann Surg. 2013;257:991-996). However, synthetic mesh has been shown to have decreased long-term hernia recurrence despite increased complications (JAMA Surg. 2022;157:293-301). Ovitex (TelaBio, Ltd, Auckland, New Zealand) is a combined reinforced biologic mesh with a permanent Prolene suture weave that theoretically combines incorporation with a long-term strength component. We hypothesize that a reinforced biologic will have a similar complication profile but decreased long-term hernia recurrence. A single-center retrospective review was performed from January 2013 to January 2022. Baseline patient characteristics and outcomes including 90-day complications and recurrence were compared. Categorical and continuous variables were analyzed with χ2 and Wilcoxon rank sum tests, respectively. Predictors of postoperative complications and hernia recurrence were analyzed via univariate logistic regression and multivariate logistic regression with backward stepwise selection with a threshold of P < 0.2. Two hundred fifty-four patients underwent abdominal wall reconstruction biologic mesh (Strattice, Allergan; FlexHD, MTF Biologics; Alloderm, Allergan; Surgisis Gold, Cook Biotech; Ovitex, Telabio) with retrorectus (66.5%) or intraperitoneal (33.5%) mesh placement. Sixty-six of these used reinforced biologic mesh (Ovitex, TelaBio). Baseline characteristics were comparable including preoperative hernia size measured on CT. The mean follow-up time was 343 days. The majority of patients underwent component separation (80.3% bilateral, 11.4% unilateral, 8.3% none). On univariate analysis, reinforced biologic mesh did not impact 90-day complication rates (P = 0.391) or hernia recurrence rates (P = 0.349). On multivariate analysis, reinforced mesh had no impact on complication or recurrence rates (P > 0.2). A previous history of infected mesh was an independent risk factor for hernia recurrence (P = 0.019). Nonreinforced biologics were more likely to be used in instances of previous mesh infection (P = 0.025), bowel resection (P = 0.026), and concomitantly at the time of stoma takedown (P = 0.04). Reinforced biologics were more likely to be used with a history of previous hernia repair with recurrence not due to infection (P = 0.001). Body mass index >35 was an independent risk factor across both groups for 90-day complications (P = 0.028). Reinforced versus nonreinforced biologics have similar risk profile and recurrence rate when placed primary fascial repair achieved. In abdominal walls with history of infection, or abdominal wall reconstruction performed concomitantly at the time of stoma takedown or bowel resection/anastomosis, nonreinforced biologics were used more commonly with no difference in negative outcomes. This implies that they may have a role for use in contaminated surgical cases. Reinforced biologics were more commonly used as a mesh choice in the setting of previous hernia repair with recurrence with no difference in outcomes. This implies that the reinforced nature may be useful in situations where extra reinforcement of already traumatized abdominal wall tissue is needed. Retrorectus or intraperitoneal placement of any biologic mesh is acceptable and should be chosen based off surgeon comfort and anticipated cost saving of individual mesh brands. There may be a role for reinforced mesh in the setting of previous failed hernia repair with weakened fascia, as well as nonreinforced in contaminated cases.

Long-Term Mesh Exposure 5 Years Following Minimally Invasive Total Hysterectomy and Sacrocolpopexy

Introduction and HypothesisThe objective was to assess long-term mesh complications following total hysterectomy and sacrocolpopexy.MethodsIn this second extension study, women from a multicenter randomized trial were followed for more than 36 months after surgery. Owing to COVID-19, participants were assessed through either in-person visits or telephone questionnaires. The primary outcome was the incidence of permanent suture or mesh exposure. Secondary outcomes included surgical success and late adverse outcomes.ResultsOut of the 200 initially enrolled participants, 82 women took part in this second extension study. Among them, 46 were in the permanent suture group, and 36 in the delayed absorbable group. The mean follow-up duration was 5.3 years, with the cumulative mesh or suture exposure of 9.9%, involving 18 cases, of which 4 were incident cases. Surgical success after more than 5 years stood at 95%, with few experiencing bothersome bulge symptoms or requiring retreatment. No serious adverse events occurred, including mesh erosion into the bladder or bowel. The most common adverse events were vaginal pain, bleeding, dyspareunia, and stress urinary incontinence, with no significant differences between suture types.ConclusionThe study found that mesh exposure risk gradually increased over time, reaching nearly 10% after more than 5 years post-surgery, regardless of suture type. However, surgical success remained high, and no delayed serious adverse events were reported.

Coarctation Duration and Severity Predict Risk of Hypertension Precursors in a Preclinical Model and Hypertensive Status Among Patients.

Coarctation of the aorta (CoA) often leads to hypertension posttreatment. Evidence is lacking for the current >20 mm Hg peak-to-peak blood pressure (BP) gradient (BPGpp) guideline, which can cause aortic thickening, stiffening, and dysfunction. This study sought to find the BPGpp severity and duration that avoid persistent dysfunction in a preclinical model and test if predictors translate to hypertension status in patients with CoA. Rabbits (n=75; 5-12/group) were exposed to mild, intermediate, or severe CoA (≤12, 13-19, ≥20 mm Hg BPGpp) for ≈1, 3, or 22 weeks using dissolvable and permanent sutures with thickening, stiffening, contraction, and endothelial function evaluated via multivariate regression. Relevance to patients with CoA (n=239; age, 0.01-46 years; median 3.7 months) was tested by retrospective review of predictors (preoperative BPGpp, surgical age, etc.) versus follow-up hypertension status. CoA duration and severity were predictive of aortic remodeling and active dysfunction in rabbits, and hypertension in patients with CoA. Interaction between patient age and BPGpp at surgery contributed significantly to hypertension, similar to rabbits, suggesting preclinical findings translate to patients. Machine learning decision tree analysis uncovered that preoperative BPGpp and surgical age predict risk of hypertension along with residual postoperative BPGpp. These findings suggest the current BPGpp threshold determined decades ago is likely too high to prevent adverse coarctation-induced aortic remodeling. The results and decision tree analysis provide a foundation for revising CoA treatment guidelines considering the interaction between CoA severity and duration to limit the risk of hypertension.

Postoperative Incisional Complications in Gynaecologic Single-Incision Laparoscopic Surgery: Comparing Closure Techniques

ObjectivesSingle-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) and robotic SILS (rSILS) have been found to be safe, minimally invasive techniques in gynaecology. However, one major perceived drawback of these techniques is the increased risk of incisional hernia, compared to multiport laparoscopy or robotic surgery. This study’s aim was to determine the optimal technique to reduce postoperative incisional complications such as hernia. MethodsA retrospective cohort study was performed at an academic centre from November 2014 to June 2022 on 1036 women who underwent SILS and rSILS gynaecologic procedures with various closure techniques. Techniques included running absorbable sutures without tagging incision apices (standard closure) and tagging incision apices at the beginning of surgery with the use of permanent suture, absorbable suture, or a combination. ResultsRates of hernia (primary outcome) and incisional issues (secondary outcome) such as separation or infection were analyzed by technique. Hernia rates were lower when incision apices were tagged compared to when not tagged (P < 0.001). Cellulitis/abscess rates were not significantly different. Incision separation was higher when apices were tagged with absorbable and a combination of permanent and absorbable sutures than if apices were tagged with all permanent sutures or not at all. In multivariate analysis, hernia rate decreased in groups with tagged apices, although other incision complications did not vary. ConclusionsThe incidence of incisional hernia after SILS procedures is low, though it does vary by technique. Tagging apices for closure, regardless of suture type, can mitigate one of the biggest concerns of performing SILS by reducing postoperative incisional hernia risk.

Esthetic Outcomes of Primary Cleft Lip Repair Utilizing 2-Octyl Cyanoacrylate Liquid and a Self-adhesive Polyester Mesh Tape

Background: The method of epidermal closure during cleft lip repair is important to consider, as it may affect complication rates, cosmetic outcomes, and patient comfort levels. Historically, this has most commonly been performed with permanent suture that requires subsequent removal, which is not well tolerated in infants. The purpose of this study is to compare the outcomes between 2-octyl cyanoacrylate liquid with a self-adhesive polyester mesh tape (2-OPMT) and typical suture closure techniques, which to our knowledge has never previously been investigated. Methods: In nine consecutive cleft lip repairs, the epidermal closure was performed with permanent suture, and in the subsequent nine consecutive cleft lip repairs, the epidermal closure was performed with 2-OPMT. Complication rates were compared between the groups. Esthetic scar outcomes were investigated via post-operative photograph analysis utilizing the Manchester Scar Scale. Statistical significance was determined with Fischer Exact Tests and Wilcoxon Rank-Sum tests. Subsequently, scar scores for 30 cleft lip repairs performed with 2-OPMT in our practice were compared to previously reported scores in the literature for 30 cleft lip repairs performed with typical suture technique. Results: Three patients in the permanent suture group had documented scar-related complications and one patient in the 2-OPMT group had documented scar-related complications. No statistically significant difference was found in complication rates between the two groups. No statistically significant difference was found in esthetic scar scores between the two different closure techniques either within our practice or in comparison to reports in the literature. Conclusions: Overall, the use of 2-OPMT offers comparable esthetic outcomes and complication rates to the use of permanent suture in epidermal closure of cleft lip repairs.

Surgery for women with apical vaginal prolapse.

Surgery for women with apical vaginal prolapse.

Hybrid double-dermal flap technique for vest-over-pants-closure correction of depressed abdominal scars.

Surgical procedures performed during neonatal period or childhood that result in vertical midline, transverse left upper quadrant, or central upper abdominal scars create significant psychological concerns in adulthood. Various surgical techniques correct depressed scars, including scar revision, Z- or W-plasty flaps, sub-incision tunnelling, fat grafting, and autologous or alloplastic dermal grafting. This article describes a novel technique for repairing depressed abdominal scars using hybrid double-dermal flaps. We included patients with psychosocial concerns who underwent abdominal scar revision because of wedding plans. Hybrid local de-epithelised dermal flaps were used to correct the depression of the abdominal scar. Superior and inferior skin flaps, medial and lateral to the depressed scar, were de-epithelised for 2 to 3 cm and sutured using the vest-over-pants technique with 2/0 nylon permanent sutures. Six female patients who want to marry were included in this study. Depressed abdominal scars were successfully fixed using hybrid double-dermal flaps, either from the superior-inferior aspect for transverse scars or from the medial-lateral aspect for vertical scars. No postoperative complications were noted, and the patients were satisfied with the outcomes. De-epithelialised double-dermal flaps in the vest-over-pants technique are an effective and valuable surgical technique for correcting depressed scars.

High Uterosacral Ligament Suspension with Nonabsorbable Sutures in Apical Prolapse: A 24-Month Follow-Up

Background: Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a common pathology affecting up to 60% of women. Transvaginal high uterosacral ligament suspension (HUSLS) is an alternative treatment for apical prolapse. HUSLS has short operative and recovery time, as well as low complication rate. Objective: To evaluate the objective and subjective success rates in patients with apical prolapse who underwent HUSLS at Quilpué Hospital over a 24-month follow-up. Materials: A retrospective, observational, descriptive study was carried out, and all symptomatic patients with apical prolapse ? stage 2 POP-Q classification who underwent HUSLS between September 2014 and October 2019 were included in the study. Data were obtained from the database of the Urogynecology Unit of Quilpué Hospital, after approval by the ethics committee. Objective success was defined as C-point at 1 cm above the hymen, while subjective success was defined as “better” or “much better” in the Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I) scale and/or a visual analog scale (VAS) greater than 80% at 24 months of follow-up. Results: Of the 46 patients included in the study, the objective success rate was 84%, while the subjective success rate was 70%. Conclusion: Transvaginal HUSLS with permanent sutures is an excellent alternative treatment for apical prolapse, with a success rate similar to the gold standard at 24 months follow-up.

Permanent or absorbable suture material for sacrospinous ligament fixation: Does it matter?

ObjectiveTo evaluate success and safety of sacrospinous ligament fixation (SSLF) using permanent versus absorbable suture materials 12 months following surgery. Study DesignFollowing IRB approval, the electronic medical records of women who underwent SSLF in the gynecology department of a university-affiliated medical center from November 2012 to September 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. SSLF was carried out using Capio®and Digitex™, with either absorbable (polyglactin-910 or polydioxanone) sutures (group 1), or permanent (polypropylene) sutures (group 2), Pre-operative and post-operative assessment included prolapse staging using the pelvic organ prolapse quantification system and validated quality of life questionnaires (Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory and Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire-12). Patients with postoperative information on objective and subjective outcome at 12 months were included in final analysis. Anatomical success was defined as POP stage < 2 at 12-months following surgery. For statistical analysis, the Mann-Whitney test was used for continuous variables, Fisher’s exact test for dichotomous variables, and Chi-squared test of independence for variables with>2 categories. ResultsDuring the study period, 234 women underwent SSLF. One-hundred and forty-two patients (60.7 %) returned at the 12-month follow-up and were included in final analysis. Seventy-two (50.7 %) patients had absorbable suture and 70 patients (49.3 %) had permanent suture. Estimated blood loss was significantly higher in group 1 [100 (50–150) cc vs 50 (50–100) cc respectively, p =.016]. Moderate to severe pain on POD-1 was significantly higher in group 2 [VAS: 2.00 (0.00–4.00) vs 4.00 (3.00–5.75) respectively, p =.001]. Anatomical success, defined as POP ≤ stage 2 at 12 months, was similar between groups: 69 % in group 1 vs 67 % in group 2 (p =.77). Subjective cure was similar between groups, 97.2 % in group 1 vs 94.3 % in group 2 (p =.44). At the 12-month follow-up, none of the patients had gluteal pain. The rate of de-novo dyspareunia was similar between groups: 4 women (5.9 %) in the absorbable suture group versus 2 women (3.3 %) in the permanent suture group (p =.49). ConclusionsOur findings suggest that absorbable or permanent suture material does not affect outcome of SSLF. Permanent sutures may be related to increased immediate postoperative pain.

Long-Term Pain After Minimally Invasive Total Hysterectomy and Sacrocolpopexy.

There are limited long-term data on patient-reported pain after surgical treatment of uterovaginal prolapse. This study aimed to evaluate pain in women undergoing minimally invasive total hysterectomy and sacrocolpopexy with a lightweight polypropylene Y-mesh (Upsylon) >2 years after surgery. This is a planned secondary analysis of a 5-site randomized trial comparing permanent versus absorbable suture for vaginal attachment of a lightweight polypropylene Y-mesh during total laparoscopic hysterectomy and sacrocolpopexy in women with stage ≥2 uterovaginal prolapse. Our primary outcome was patient-reported pain or dyspareunia at >2 years. Of the 185 participants eligible for enrollment in the e-PACT study, 106 enrolled; 98 participants (96%) completed either in-person examinations or study questionnaires regarding pain and are included in this analysis. At >2 years, 28% reported any pain: 14% reported dyspareunia on questionnaires, 5% reported pelvic pain on questionnaires, and 14% of those who had an in-person examination reported pain. Of participants who reported pain or dyspareunia at baseline before surgery, 59% reported resolution of their symptoms >2 years. On multiple logistic regression controlling for age and baseline pain or dyspareunia, baseline pain or dyspareunia was associated with a nearly 3-fold increased risk of reporting any pain >2 years (adjusted odds ratio, 2.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-6.9). No women had repeat surgical intervention for pain. Although 60% of women report pain resolution >2 years after surgery, de novo pain was present in 1 of 5 women. Baseline history of pain or dyspareunia is the only factor associated with an increased likelihood of experiencing pain >2 years after surgery.

Small-bowel plication prevents ileostomy prolapse in young children with inflammatory bowel disease.

Young children with medically refractory very early-onset inflammatory bowel disease (VEO-IBD) sometimes benefit from ileostomy diversion alone or may be offered subtotal colectomy with ileostomy. Though generally well-tolerated, ileostomy complications are frequent. Prolapse is particularly frustrating as it can be difficult and painful to reduce, becomes a recurring problem is some patients, and often requires ostomy revision or bowel resection. Over the course of the past 6months, eight consecutive children with VEO-IBD underwent 10 creation or revision of a diverting ileostomy (two underwent subsequent colectomy with ileostomy revision). In each of these 10 cases, we plicated the ileum just proximal to the ileostomy for a distance of approximately 3cm using a running permanent monofilament suture. No patient who underwent plication of bowel has developed ileostomy prolapse. There were no cases of ileostomy retraction, parastomal hernia or ostomy-level obstruction. One patient required a lysis of a single band adhesion for a more proximal small bowel obstruction. The stomas have functioned well and there have been no complications. Simple bowel plication appears to be a quick and effective way to prevent ileostomy prolapse in young children with VEO-IBD with an ileostomy who are at high risk for prolapse.

Permanent Compared With Absorbable Suture in Apical Prolapse Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

To explore how permanent compared with absorbable suture affects anatomic success in native tissue vaginal suspension (uterosacral ligament suspension and sacrospinous ligament suspension) and sacrocolpopexy with mesh. MEDLINE, EMBASE, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched through March 29, 2022. Our population included women undergoing apical prolapse surgery (uterosacral ligament suspension and sacrospinous ligament suspension and abdominal sacrocolpopexy). Our intervention was permanent suture for apical prolapse surgery, and our comparator was absorbable suture. We determined a single anatomic success proportion per study. Adverse events collected included suture and mesh exposure, surgery for suture and mesh complication, dyspareunia, and granulation tissue. Abstracts were doubly screened, full-text articles were doubly screened, and accepted articles were doubly extracted. Quality of studies was assessed using GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) criteria. In single-arm studies using either permanent or absorbable suture, random effects meta-analyses of pooled proportions were used to assess anatomic success. In comparative studies investigating both suture types, random effects meta-analyses of pooled risk ratios were used. Of 4,658 abstracts screened, 398 full-text articles were assessed and 63 studies were included (24 vaginal suspension [13 uterosacral ligament suspension and 11 sacrospinous ligament suspension] and 39 sacrocolpopexy). At 2-year follow-up, there was no difference in permanent compared with absorbable suture in uterosacral ligament suspension and sacrospinous ligament suspension (proportional anatomic success rate 88% [95% CI 0.81-0.93] vs 88% [95% CI 0.82-0.92]). Similarly, at 18-month follow-up, there was no difference in permanent compared with absorbable suture in sacrocolpopexy (proportional anatomic success rate 92% [95% CI 0.88-0.95] vs 96% [95% CI 0.92-0.99]). On meta-analysis, there was no difference in relative risk (RR) of success for permanent compared with absorbable suture for uterosacral ligament suspension and sacrospinous ligament suspension (RR 1.11, 95% CI 0.93-1.33) or sacrocolpopexy (RR 1.00, 95% CI0.98-1.03). Success rates were similarly high for absorbable and permanent suture after uterosacral ligament suspension, sacrospinous ligament suspension, and sacrocolpopexy, with medium-term follow-up. PROSPERO, CRD42021265848.

Comparative study of absorbable suture and permanent suture in sacrocolpopexy: a meta-analysis and systematic review.

The aim of this study was to compare the surgical results and the complications of absorbable suture (AS) versus permanent suture (PS) in sacrocolpopexy (SCP). We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the Cochrane Library Central Register of Controlled Trials for articles in which researchers compared AS with PS in SCP. The primary outcomes were the surgical success rate and suture-related complications (suture exposure/erosion, mesh erosion, and suture removal). All analyses were performed with Review Manager 5.3. Four articles involving 689 patients were ultimately included. Our findings demonstrated that AS had similar surgical success rates to those of PS (OR=1.34; 95% CI, 0.60-2.96) and no significant differences in failure rates were noted between the two groups (OR=0.75; 95% CI, 0.34-1.66). Subgroup analyses in patients with anatomical failure revealed no significant differences in recurrent posterior prolapse (OR=0.33; 95% CI, 0.05-2.10) or in recurrent apical (OR=0.64; 95% CI, 0.03-13.66) or anterior prolapse (OR=0.45; 95% CI, 0.13-1.57). However, the AS group were at a lower risk of suture exposure/erosion (OR=0.18; 95% CI, 0.06-0.58) and a lower suture removal rate (OR=0.14; 95% CI, 0.03-0.61) and retreatment (OR=0.36; 95% CI, 0.16-0.82), but the mesh erosion was not significantly different (OR=1.00; 95% CI, 0.49-2.08). The data showed that AS had a similar success rate, less exposure/erosion, and were less likely to be removed and require retreatment than PS, which supported the notion that AS is as effective as PS but safer.