Posterior Vaginal Wall Prolapse Research Articles

Evaluation of Neuromuscular Morphometry of the Vaginal Wall Using Protein Gene Product 9.5 (Pgp 9.5) and Smooth Muscle α-Actin (Sma) in Patients with Posterior Vaginal Wall Prolapse.

Background and Objectives: This study aims to compare the neuromuscular structure of the vagina in women with posterior vaginal wall prolapse with the neuromuscular structure of the vagina in women without prolapse, to determine the difference, and to demonstrate the role of neuromuscular structure in the physiopathology of prolapse. Materials and Methods: In this prospective study, women aged between 40 and 75 years who had not undergone any vaginal surgery and had not undergone any abdominal prolapse surgery were included. Thirty-one women diagnosed with rectocele on examination were included in the study group. Thirty-one patients who underwent vaginal intervention and hysterectomy for reasons other than rectocele (colposcopy, conization, etc.) without anterior or posterior wall prolapse were included in the control group. Biopsy material was obtained from the epithelium of the posterior wall of the vagina, including the fascia that fits the Ap point. Immunohistochemical staining with Protein Gene Product 9.5 and smooth muscle α-actin was performed in the pathology laboratory. The epithelial thickness measurement and smooth muscle density parameters obtained with these immunohistochemical stainings were compared between the two groups. The collected data were analyzed using the SPSS 23 package program. p values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: In the control group, muscle thickness and the number of nerves per mm2 of fascia were statistically significantly higher than in the study group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: We found that smooth muscle tissue and the number of nerves per mm2 of fascia were decreased in posterior vaginal wall prolapse compared to the general population. Based on the correlation coefficients, age was the parameter that most affected the degree of prolapse, followed by parity, number of live births, and number of vaginal deliveries.

PRACTICE OF USING IMPLANTS IN GYNECOLOGICAL SURGICAL INTERVENTIONS (SCIENTIFIC LITERATURE REVIEW)

Introduction. The use of implants during surgical interventions in gynecology can contribute to the anatomical restoration of the genital organs. The most commonly used implants in gynecology are polypropylene meshes, which promote tissue ingrowth, thus restoring reproductive organs. One of the reasons for using implants in gynecology is pelvic organ prolapse, including uterine prolapse, anterior or posterior vaginal wall prolapse, and vaginal vault prolapse. Synthetic implants are often utilized to reinforce surgical interventions for gynecological disorders, with better indicators of anatomical success in the long term. The aim of the research is to investigate the biomechanical properties of implants in gynecology as effective means for the surgical restoration of female reproductive organs. Materials and methods. Bibliosemantic, comparative, and systematic analysis methods were employed. The proposed recommendations were developed based on the analysis of contemporary literature, results of randomized trials, and meta-analyses dedicated to studying the impact of implants in surgical interventions in gynecological practice. Results. The analyzed results indicate that the optimal supportive framework of implants for gynecological surgery, particularly in the treatment of prolapse, should aim to facilitate the formation of a new matrix for fascial reinforcement, thereby minimizing the development of scar tissue. Conclusions. The primary objective of using implants in gynecological surgical interventions is to search for optimal designs to complement vaginal surgery. This is essential for prolonging treatment outcomes, increasing patient satisfaction, and reducing complications.

The influence of the combined impairments and apical mesh surgery on the biomechanical behavior of the pelvic floor system.

Objective: The prolapse mechanism of multifactorial impairment of the female pelvic floor system and the mechanics of the pelvic floor after apical suspension surgery are not yet understood, so we developed biomechanical models of the pelvic floor for the normal physiological state (0°) and 90° pathological state. Methods: Under different types and levels of the impairments and uterosacral suspensions, the possible changes in the morphometric characteristics and the mechanical characteristics of suspension and support functions were simulated based on the biomechanical models of the pelvic floor. Results: After the combined impairments, the descending displacement of the pelvic floor cervix and the stress and displacement of the perineal body reached maximum values. After surgical mesh implantation, the stresses of the normal pelvic floor were concentrated on the uterine fundus, cervix, and top of the bladder and the stresses of the 90° pathological state pelvic floor were concentrated on the uterine fundus, uterine body, cervix, middle of the posterior vaginal wall, and bottom of the perineal body. Conclusion: After the combined impairments, the biomechanical support of the bladder and sacrococcyx in the anterior (0°) and 90° pathological state pelvic floor system is diminished, the anterior vaginal wall dislodges from the external vaginal opening, and the posterior vaginal wall forms "kneeling" profiles. The pelvic floor system may evolve with a tendency toward the cervical prolapse with anterior and posterior vaginal wall prolapse and eventually prolapse. After surgical mesh implantation, the cervical position can be better restored; however, the load of combined impairment of the pelvic floor is mainly borne by the surgical mesh suspension, the biomechanical support function of pelvic floor organs and sacrococcyx was not repaired by the physiological structure, and the results of uterosacral suspension alone may be poor.

Surgical management practice of pelvic organ prolapse among Ethiopian gynecologists, 2021: a descriptive study

IntroductionPelvic Organ Prolapse is the descent of one or more of the anterior vaginal wall, posterior vaginal wall, the uterus, or the apex of the vagina. Surgical intervention addresses both anatomical defect and associated symptoms. The landscape of prolapse surgery has been evolving constantly over years. Emerging evidences either support or challenge existing surgical treatment options, making urogynecology a dynamic field. In Ethiopia, the surgical management of pelvic organ prolapse has transitioned from abdominal to vaginal hysterectomy, supplemented later by McCall’s culdoplasty. Disparities exist in the national uniformity of surgical approaches, linked to the establishment of Urogynecology centers in certain institutions.ObjectivesThis study was done to assess the surgical management practice of Ethiopian gynecologists on pelvic organ prolapse.MethodsA cross-sectional study encompassing all Gynecologists in Ethiopia took place between January to June 2021. Information was gathered through online Google forms crafted in English. Subsequently, the collected data underwent verification, coding, and entry into Epi info 7 before being exported to SPSS version 22 software for descriptive statistical analysis.ResultsWe reached 280 gynecologists out of the 450 practicing in the Ethiopia making 62% response rate. Anterior colporrhaphy (98.6%), vaginal hysterectomy with McCall’s cul-do-plasty (51.8%), and Posterior colporrhaphy (97.5%) were the most commonly performed surgical procedures for anterior vaginal wall prolapse, apical prolapse (uterine/cervical), and posterior vaginal wall prolapse respectively. Only 3.2% and 0.7% of the gynecologists conducted abdominal and vaginal paravaginal repair for anterior vaginal wall prolapse. Sacrospinous ligament fixation and sacrocolpopexy for apical prolapse were carried out by 32.9% and 9.3% of the gynecologists respectively. Site-specific posterior repair for posterior vaginal wall prolapse was performed only by 23.9% of the gynecologists. The main reasons mentioned not to perform paravaginal repair, sacrocolpopexy, sacrospinous ligament fixation, and site-specific posterior repair were lack of skill and lack of appropriate materials.Conclusion and recommendationMost gynecologists in Ethiopian continue to perform vaginal hysterectomy and colporrhaphy procedures for treatment of pelvic organ prolapse due primarily to lack of skill and appropriate materials to perform the alternative procedures. Implementing short term training on alternative surgical treatment options of pelvic organ prolapse with provision of suitable materials and increasing the number of urogynecologists in the country in the long run holds the potential to enhance the standard of care of women with the condition.

Medium-term outcomes of laparoscopic pubocervical fascia reconstruction and sacrospinous ligament fixation with posterior approach for a pelvic organ prolapse: A retrospective study of 124 cases

ObjectivePelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a common gynecological disease in middle-aged and older women that seriously affects patients' physical health and quality of life, increases the financial burden for patients, and becomes a major public health concern. The aim of this study was to investigate the medium-term outcomes of laparoscopic pubocervical fascia reconstruction and sacrospinous ligament fixation with a posterior approach for patients with severe POP. MethodsPatients with severe POP quantitation stage III–IV who underwent laparoscopic pubocervical fascia reconstruction and sacrospinous ligament fixation with a posterior approach at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine between September 2016 and December 2020 were enrolled in this study. The results and complications were recorded. Data were retrospectively reviewed. ResultsIn total, 124 patients were analyzed. Patients were followed up for 32.27 ± 12.90 months. The objective cure rate for patients who underwent hysterectomy was 91.7% (100/109), with 7 (6.4%) patients had anterior vaginal wall prolapse and 2 (1.8%) patients had posterior vaginal wall prolapse. The objective cure rate for patients who retained uterus was 66.7% (10/15). All 5 patients with recurrence had uterine prolapse, and 3 (20.0%) of them also had anterior vaginal wall prolapse. ConclusionsLaparoscopic pubocervical fascia reconstruction and sacrospinous ligament fixation with the posterior approach is a safe, minimally invasive, and effective method for patients with severe POP. Long-term follow-up is needed to confirm the clinical effects.

Sensory threshold for defecation and its correlation with pelvic organ prolapse: An exploration of related factors

ObjectivesThis research aimed to investigate changes in defecation sensory threshold and related factors in patients with posterior vaginal wall prolapse. MethodsA total of 214 patients with pelvic organ prolapse were recruited between October 2019 to January 2021. All patients underwent a defecation sensory threshold examination, physical examination, and pelvic floor ultrasound examination. Factors related to the defecation sensory threshold were analyzed. Results(1) Among the participants, 57 patients (26.6%) had a defecation sensory threshold of more than 90 ​ml. Patients with a threshold > 90 ​ml showed higher scores of defecation dysfunction in the Constipation Scoring System (CSS) score (p=0.003) and higher scores of constipation in the Colorectal-anal Distress Inventory 8 (CRADI-8) score (p=0.002). (2) The defecation sensation threshold positively correlated with the Ap point (r=0.448, p＜0.001), the Bp point (r=0.345, p=0.009), the area of the levator-ani hiatus measured by transvaginal ultrasound (r=0.403, p=0.002), and parity (r=0.355, p=0.007). ConclusionsPatients diagnosed with pelvic organ prolapse commonly experience an increased threshold of defecation sensation. Elevated thresholds were associated with more frequent constipation symptoms. Additionally, the severity of posterior pelvic prolapse positively correlated with the defecation sensory threshold.

Association of Levator Ani Avulsion and Anatomical and Functional Disorders

Abstract Objective: The purpose of this study is to investigate relationship between levator avulsion and anatomical &amp; functional disorders in women who had at least one parity. Methods: Women who complained of pelvic organ prolapse, urinary or defecatory dysfunction were recruited this cohort case-control study. Cases (women with levator defect, diagnosed by 3D translabial ultrasound) and controls (women without levator defect) were compared regarding anterior &amp; posterior vaginal wall prolapse, vaginal apex prolapse, stress &amp; urge urinary incontinence, defecatory dysfunction, increase in urogenital hiatus size, perineal body length, and PFDI-20 questionnaire. Results: The mean age, genital hiatus size, perineal body size, number of parities, normal vaginal deliveries, caesarean sections, measures of vaginal anterior and posterior wall prolapse, prolapse stages, paravaginal prolapse and defecatory disorder prevalence were significantly different between two groups. Body mass index, heaviest baby weight, measure of vaginal apex prolapses, urinary stress and urgency incontinence prevalence, and PFDI-20 questionnaire scores weren’t significantly different between two groups. Conclusion: Levator avulsions seem to increase the risk of vaginal anterior and posterior wall prolapse, voiding dysfunction, paravaginal prolapse and defecatory disorders. The higher age, genital hiatus size, number of parities &amp; normal vaginal deliveries may be associated with the risk of avulsions.

Rectocele: Correlation Between Defecography and Physical Examination.

There is a lack of consensus regarding the clinical applicability of fluoroscopic defecography in evaluation of pelvic organ prolapse. The aim was to evaluate the association between rectocele on defecography and posterior vaginal wall prolapse (PVWP) on physical examination. The secondary objective was to describe radiologic and clinical predictors of surgical intervention and outcomes. This was a retrospective review of patients enrolled in a large health maintenance organization who underwent defecography and were examined by a urogynecologist within 12 months. The electronic medical record was reviewed for demographic and clinical variables, including pelvic organ prolapse and defecatory symptoms, physical examination, and surgical intervention through 12 months after initial urogynecologic examination or 12 months after surgery if applicable. One hundred eighty-six patients met inclusion criteria. Of those, 168 (90.3%) had a rectocele on defecography and 31 (16.6%) had PVWP at or beyond the hymen. Rectocele size on defecography was poorly correlated with PVWP stage (spearman ρ = 0.18). Forty patients underwent surgical intervention. Symptoms of splinting, digitation, and stool trapping were associated with surgical intervention (odds ratio, 4.24; 95% confidence interval, 1.59-11.34; P < 0.01) as was advanced PVWP stage ( P < 0.01), while rectocele presence and size on defecography were not. Large rectocele size on defecography was correlated with persistent postoperative defecatory symptoms ( P = 0.02). We demonstrated a poor correlation between rectocele size on defecography and PVWP stage. Defecatory symptoms (splinting, digitation, stool trapping) and higher PVWP stage were associated with surgical intervention, while rectocele on defecography was not.

Native Tissue Posterior Compartment Repair for Isolated Posterior Vaginal Prolapse: Anatomical and Functional Outcomes.

Background and Objectives: Posterior compartment prolapse is associated with constipation and obstructed defecation syndrome. However, there is still a lack of consensus on the optimal treatment for this condition. We aim to investigate functional, anatomical, and quality-of-life outcomes of native tissue transvaginal repair of isolated symptomatic rectocele. Materials and Methods: We retrospective analyzed patients who underwent transvaginal native tissue repair for stage ≥ II and symptomatic posterior vaginal wall prolapse between January 2018 and June 2021. Anatomical and functional outcomes were evaluated. Wexner constipation score was used to assess bowel symptoms, while the Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I) score was used to evaluate subjective satisfaction after surgery. Results: Twenty-eight patients were included in the analysis. The median age was 64.5 years, and half of them underwent a previous hysterectomy for benign reasons. The median follow-up time was 33.5 months. A significant anatomical improvement in the posterior compartment was noticed compared with preoperative assessment (p < 0.001 for Ap and Bp), with only two (7.1%) anatomical recurrences. Additionally, obstructed defecation symptoms decreased significantly compared to baseline (p < 0.001), as well as vaginal bulging, with no new-onset cases of fecal incontinence or de novo dyspareunia. PGI-I resulted in 89.2% of patients being satisfied (PGI-I ≥ 2), with a median score of 1.5. Conclusions: Transvaginal native tissue repair for isolated posterior prolapse is safe and effective in managing bowel symptoms, with excellent anatomical and functional outcomes and satisfactory improvement in patients’ quality of life.

Current techniques used to perform surgery for anterior and posterior vaginal wall prolapse in South Korea.

ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the current surgical techniques for anterior and posterior vaginal wall prolapse repair in South Korea.MethodsA web-based questionnaire survey was sent to 780 members of the Korean Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology. The items assessed in the questionnaire were the demographic characteristics and current surgical techniques used for the correction of anterior and posterior vaginal wall prolapse.ResultsThe response rate was 16%. There were variations in the suture materials and methods used for anterior and posterior colporrhaphy. Most respondents used only rapid absorbable suture materials to plicate the fibromuscular layer and close the mucosal layer of the anterior and posterior vaginal wall. Simple interrupted sutures are the most popular suture method for both the fibromuscular and mucosal layers. Thirty-one and eleven percent of the respondents used mesh for surgical correction of anterior and posterior vaginal wall prolapse, respectively. Concomitant perineorrhaphy was routinely performed with posterior vaginal wall repair by 42% of the respondents, whereas 58% performed perineorrhaphy only in cases with perineal defects.ConclusionThere is considerable diversity in the current surgical techniques for anterior and posterior vaginal wall prolapse repair in Korea. Further research is required to standardize the surgical techniques.

Robot-assisted sacro(hystero)colpopexy with anterior and posterior mesh placement: impact on lower bowel tract function and clinical outcomes at mid-term follow-up.

Background:Robotic sacrocolpopexy (RSCP) is an established option for the treatment of apical, anterior, and proximal posterior compartment pelvic organ prolapses (POP). However, there is lack of evidence investigating how lower bowel tract symptoms (LBTS) may change after RSCP.Methods:Data from consecutive patients treated with RSCP for stage 3 or higher POP from 2012 to 2019 at a single tertiary referral center with at least 1 year of follow-up were prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed. RSCP was performed following a standardized technique which always employed both anterior and posterior hand-shaped meshes. Outcomes were collected at follow-up and analyzed. LBTS were evaluated through the Wexner questionnaire.Results:Overall, 114 women underwent RSCP. Eleven were excluded for missing data, whereas 12 had insufficient follow-up. Thus, 91 (79.8%) patients were included in this cohort. Median follow-up was 42 [interquartile range (IQR), 19–62] months. Mean age was 65 ± 10 years. In our series, RSCP was mainly performed for anterior and apical/medium stage 3 POP (in 95.6% of patients). Anatomic success rate of RSCP was 97.8%, with 89 patients with POP stage 0–1 at 12-month follow-up. Two patients (2.2%) experienced POP recurrence and were treated with redo-SCP. No patient experienced clinically significant posterior vaginal wall prolapse after RSCP. When analyzing LBTS, there was no significant change in postoperative total Wexner’s score as compared to the preoperative value (p > 0.05). However, the manual assistance subscore was statistically significantly lower within the first-year follow-up (p = 0.04), but it spontaneously improved during the follow-up (p = 0.12).Conclusion:RSCP with simultaneous placement of both anterior and posterior mesh is safe and successful to treat high-stage POP in carefully selected patients. Of note, LBTS appear unaffected by posterior mesh placement, supporting its routine use to prevent posterior POP recurrence. Larger prospective studies are needed to confirm our results.

Structural failure sites in posterior vaginal wall prolapse: stress 3D MRI-based analysis

The objective was to identify structural failure sites in rectocele by comparing women with and those without posterior vaginal wall prolapse and accessing their relative contribution to rectocele size based on stress MRI-based measurements. We studied three-dimensional stress MRI at maximal Valsalva of 25 women with (cases) and 25 without (controls) posterior vaginal prolapse of similar age and parity. Vaginal wall factors (posterior wall length and width); attachment factors (paravaginal posterior wall location, posterior fornix height, and perineal height); and hiatal factors (hiatal size and levator ani defects) were measured using Slicer 4.3.0® and a custom Python program. Stepwise linear regression was used to assess the relative contribution of all factors to the posterior prolapse size. We identified three primary factors with large effect sizes of 2 or greater: two attachment factors-posterior paravaginal descent and perineal height; and one hiatal factor-genital hiatus size. These were the strongest predictors of the presence and size of rectocele, the most common failure sites, found in 60-76% of cases; and highly correlated with one another (r = 0.72-0.84, p < .001). Longer vaginal length, wider distal vagina, lower posterior fornix, and larger levator ani hiatus had smaller effect sizes and were less likely to fall outside the norm (20-24%) than the three primary factors. When considering all the supporting factors, the combination of perineal height, posterior fornix height, and vaginal length explained 73% of the variation in rectocele size. Lower perineal and lateral posterior vaginal location and enlarged genital hiatus size were strong predictors of rectocele occurrence and size and correlated highly.

Posterior repair versus no posterior repair for posterior vaginal wall prolapse resolved under simulated apical support at the time of native tissue apical suspension.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of an adjuvant posterior repair (PR) on treatment outcomes of native tissue apical suspension. This retrospective cohort study included 194 women who underwent iliococcygeus or uterosacral ligament suspension with or without PR for Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POPQ) stage 2-4 posterior vaginal wall prolapse that resolved under simulated preoperative apical support and who completed a 1-year follow-up. The primary outcome was composite surgical failure defined as the presence of vaginal bulge symptoms, descent of the vaginal apex more than one-third of the way into the vaginal canal (apical recurrence), anterior or posterior vaginal wall descent beyond the hymen (anterior or posterior recurrence), or retreatment for prolapse. Secondary outcomes included anatomical outcomes, perioperative outcomes, obstructed defecation, dyspareunia, and adverse events. One hundred thirty women underwent concomitant PR, and 64 did not. Surgical failure rates were significantly higher in the group not receiving PR than in the group receiving PR (29.7% vs. 12.3%, p < 0.01). Anatomically, anterior and apical recurrence was more common in the group not receiving PR (p < 0.05). Concomitant PR was associated with a longer operating time and more blood loss (p < 0.01). However, there were few adverse events related to PR, and the rates of de novo obstructed defecation and dyspareunia were low in both groups, with no significant difference between the groups. Concomitant PR at the time of native tissue apical suspension may reduce the recurrence of symptomatic anterior and apical prolapse without significant morbidity.

Vasocorrigating effect of general magnetotherapy and electromyostimulation with biofeedback in combination with fractional microablative co2 laser therapy in patients with posterior vaginal wall prolapse after surgery

Background. The high recurrence rate after surgical treatment of pelvic organ prolapse makes it necessary to improve therapeutic methods.&#x0D; Objective: to develop and scientifically substantiate the use of a rehabilitation complex, including general magnetotherapy, electromyostimulation with biofeedback in combination with fractional microablative therapy with a CO2 laser, in patients of different age groups with rectocele after surgery.&#x0D; Methods. The article presents the treatment data for 100 women of childbearing, peri- and menopausal age with rectocele IIIII degree, which were divided into 2 groups comparable in terms of clinical and functional characteristics (main and control), within each group they were divided by 2 subgroups: subgroup A included women of childbearing age, subgroup B included women of peri- and menopausal age. The patients of the main group in the early postoperative period after plastic surgery for rectocella (from 1 day) underwent a course of general magnetotherapy and in the late postoperative period (one month after the operation) they performed a set of measures consisting of a course of electromyostimulation with biological connection of the pelvic floor muscles and a special complex physiotherapy exercises and 2 intravaginal procedures of fractional microablative CO2 laser therapy with an interval of 45 weeks. Patients in the control group after surgical treatment of rectocele in the late postoperative period received symptomatic therapy, including painkillers and antispasmodics, which served as a backdrop for patients of the main group.&#x0D; Results. As a result of the studies, it was found that regardless of the age and severity of uterine blood flow disorders in the uterine arteries in patients with rectocele, the most pronounced dynamics was observed in patients of the main group, which, in our opinion, is associated primarily with the vasoactive effects of general magnetotherapy, manifested in the removal of spasm from arteries and arterioles, improving the contractility of the veins and increasing venous outflow, which in combination with electrical stimulation, exercises to strengthen the muscles of the pelvis bottom and fractional microablative therapy allowed to obtain such a pronounced vasocorrigating effect.&#x0D; Conclusions. Due to the pathogenetic effect of the developed complex (electrical stimulation, exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and fractional microablative therapy) on one of the main mechanisms of the development of the disease, a pronounced vasocorrecting effect was obtained.

Can we predict the evolution of untreated first stage posterior vaginal wall prolapse in women operated for anterior or apical prolapse?

The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between pre-existing conditions and worsening of Stage I untreated posterior vaginal wall prolapse (PVWP) after vaginal hysterectomy and anterior repair at 12-month follow-up. This is a multicenter retrospective study. Women with symptomatic (vaginal bulging and low back pain) anterior and/or apical pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and I stage PVWP were enrolled. Patients were submitted to vaginal hysterectomy and native-tissue anterior vaginal wall repair. Risk factors for POP development were collected for each woman before surgery. At 12 month-follow-up after surgery, women were evaluated and divided into two groups depending on the anatomical finding of the posterior vaginal wall according to the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification System: women with Persistent I stage PVWP and patients with worsened PVWP more than or equal to II stage. Difference of distribution of risk factors for POP between the two groups was evaluated. Correlation between risk factors and development of PVWP more than I stage was assessed. Seventy women were submitted to POP surgery. Significant difference in constipation before surgery and degree of anterior and central vaginal compartments descent was observed (p < .01) between the two groups. Constipation before surgery resulted as an independent factor in worsening of PVWP at 12-month follow-up (p value = .01; odds ratio 1.99 [1.49-2.33]). Untreated Stage I PVWP, not included in the first surgical repair, can significantly get worse in women complaining of constipation at 12-month follow-up.

The use of 3D ultrasound in comparing surgical techniques for posterior wall prolapse repair: a pilot randomised controlled trial

The most appropriate method for repairing posterior vaginal wall prolapse is still debatable. Women with symptomatic prolapse scheduled to undergo surgical repair in the posterior compartment were randomised to standard posterior colporrhaphy (SPC) or fascial and vaginal epithelial plication (FEP). Participants were assessed with the Prolapse Quality of Life (P-QOL) questionnaire, pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP-Q) examination and three-dimensional ultrasound (3D US) prior to surgery and 6 months postoperatively. The research hypothesis is that 3D US of the pelvic floor is a reliable tool in comparing the anatomical outcomes of the two different surgical techniques. Differences in anatomical outcomes, assessed clinically and by ultrasonographic evaluation, were compared between the two groups using the Independent Mann–Whitney U-test and the Wilcoxon signed-rank sum test. Twenty-two women were included in the analysis. Six months postoperatively, women in the FEP arm had better anatomical outcomes compared to those who had undergone SPC (p = .02). Repeatability of the ultrasound technique was confirmed, showing moderate to very good agreement in all parameters and the 3D US evaluation was corroborated with the clinical examination, showing a greater reduction in the urogenital size in the FEP group. Impact statement What is already known on this subject? The low cost and universal availability of the ultrasound (US) makes it the most commonly used diagnostic modality. The ability to see beyond surface anatomy is important and useful in the assessment of the posterior vaginal wall prolapse and the obstructed defaecation, where this method may replace the defaecation proctography (Dietz 2019). Recent advances in pelvic floor ultrasonography (3D US) have achieved repeatability in the measurement of the levator hiatal (LH) dimensions, introducing a valid and readily available tool for researchers and clinicians (Dietz et al. 2005). Ultrasound may distinguish a true rectocele due to the weakening of the rectovaginal fascia from an enterocele, a rectal intussusception, or just a deficient perineum (Guzman Rojas et al. 2016). What do the results of this study add? Our study demonstrates that 3D translabial pelvic floor ultrasound is a useful and reliable tool in assessing the anatomical outcome of prolapse surgery. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Our study demonstrates that 3D translabial ultrasound of the pelvic floor is a useful and reproducible method in evaluating the anatomical outcomes of surgical repair for posterior wall prolapse. Genital hiatus (GH) and levator hiatus (LH) dimensions measured by ultrasound can be used as surrogate anatomical markers in comparing the efficacy of different surgical techniques.

Long-term outcomes after sacrocolpopexy with or without transobturator tape.

The aim of this study was to report the long-term outcomes after sacrocolpopexy (SCP) with or without transobturator tape (TOT). We conducted a planned secondary analysis of a prospective, observational study comparing urinary outcomes in women who underwent SCP with or without TOT based on the results of a prolapse-reduction stress test. Patients were enrolled between November 2008 and December 2011 and were followed up 5years after surgery. The primary outcomes were 5-year success rates for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. SUI success was defined as a negative cough stress test, no bothersome SUI symptoms, and no additional anti-incontinence surgery. POP success was defined as no vaginal bulge symptoms, no apical descent greater than one-third of the total vaginal length or anterior or posterior vaginal wall prolapse beyond the hymen, and no retreatment for prolapse. Of 240 women enrolled, 175 (73%) completed 5years of follow-up. The estimated SUI success rate was 91.1% in the TOT group and 56.5% in the no TOT group (difference, 34.6%; 95% confidence interval, 24.1 to 45.1). The estimated POP success rate was 90.0% in the TOT group and 92.9% in the no TOT group (difference, -2.9%; 95% confidence interval, -10.7 to 4.9). The advantage of concomitant TOT for SUI after SCP that was seen at 2years remained at 5years. Long-term POP failure rates after SCP are low and not affected by concomitant TOT.

Preoperative POPQ versus Simulated Apical Support as a Guideline for Anterior or Posterior Repair at the Time of Transvaginal Apical Suspension (PREPARE trial): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

IntroductionTransvaginal reconstructive surgery is the mainstay of treatment for symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse. Although adequate support for the vaginal apex is considered essential for durable surgical repair, the optimal management...

Outcomes of Surgery with Vaginal Native Tissue for Posterior Vaginal Wall Prolapse Using a Special Technique.

There are several techniques for repairing prolapse in the posterior vaginal compartment, yet there is no general agreement on the best surgical procedure. This study was performed to investigate the outcomes of the common vaginal route technique for posterior vaginal wall prolapse repair in the first Iranian fellowship teaching center for female pelvic floor disorders. This prospective cohort study was performed on women with posterior vaginal wall prolapse with or without prolapse of other vaginal compartments who underwent surgery between 2014 and 2018 in a referral center for female pelvic floor disorders. A follow-up period of 12 months was considered. Patients subjected to the transvaginal technique by attachment of the rectovaginal fascia to the pericervical ring using vaginal native tissue were included. Among the 107 patients, the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20 (PFDI-20) scores were 141.87 ± 34.48 and 100.87 ± 26.48 before and after surgery, respectively, showing the significant improvement of patient’s symptoms after surgery in the 12-month follow-up. Comparing Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) results before and after surgery, a significant improvement in patients’ conditions was seen at the 12-month follow-up. Based on the results of the present study, the surgical procedure of the rectovaginal fascia attachment to the pericervical ring in posterior vaginal wall prolapse repair seems an effective surgical intervention without significant morbidity in the short-term follow-up.

Comparison of cervical length measured by POP-Q C-D and MRI: Why is POP-Q C-D not accurate?

ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between the cervical length evaluated by Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) point C minus D (C–D; ECL) and the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based cervical length (MCL). Study designThis was a retrospective study of patients with POP II-IV who underwent MRI. The ECL was calculated based on the absolute value of C–D according to POP-Q. The MCL was defined as the distance between the internal and external cervical os on MRI. Intraobserver reliability using the Bland-Altman method. Continuous variables were compared by paired 2-tailed t-tests. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to analyse the factors influencing differences between the ECL and MCL. ResultsAmong 105 eligible patients, 89 patients were eventually included in the study. The Bland-Altman scatter plots show that the intraobserver reliability of MCL was excellent. Furthermore, the mean ECL was significantly longer than the mean MCL (48.15 mm ± 27.46 vs. 28.25 mm ± 10.27, P = 0.000).Body mass index, parity, menopausal status or total vaginal length did not affect the difference between ECL and MCL. However, The larger the point Ba, the larger the difference between the ECL and MCL. The larger the point Bp, the smaller the difference between the ECL and MCL. ConclusionIn general, POP-Q C–D was longer than the cervical length measured by MRI. Deep analysis found that when uterine prolapse is combined with larger anterior vaginal wall prolapse, the difference between ECL and MCL is greater; when uterine prolapse with larger posterior vaginal wall prolapse, the difference between ECL and MCL is smaller.