Laparoscopic sacral colpopexy approach for genito-urinary prolapse: experience with 363 cases

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the surgical outcome, complications and benefits of laparoscopic double promonto-fixation for patients with pelvic prolapse. METHODS: Women with genito-urinary prolapse underwent a transperitoneal placement of a 100% polyester mesh on the anterior vaginal wall and a posterior mesh on the levator ani muscle. Both of these were anchored to the sacral promontory. A TVT was placed simultaneously in patients who had concurrent stress urinary incontinence. RESULTS: A total of 363 patients were operated upon between 1996 and 2002. Their mean age was 63 (range 35-78), average follow-up was 14.6 months, the mean operating time was 97 minutes. There were 8 conversions due to anesthetic or surgical difficulties. Follow up was done by a postal questionnaire and physical examination at 6 months and then yearly. 96% were satisfied with the results of their operation and no patients complained of sexual dysfunction. There was a 4% recurrence rate of prolapse, 3 vaginal erosions, 2 urinary retentions that required TVT section, 1 bowel incarcerations, 1 spondylitis and 2 mesh infection. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic promonto-fixation is feasible and highly effective technique that offers good long-term results with complication rates similar to open surgery, with the added benefits of minimally invasive surgery.     

Laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy for recurrent pelvic organ prolapse after failed transvaginal polypropylene mesh surgery

Introduction and hypothesis

A prospective case series to assess the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy for the surgical management of recurrent pelvic organ prolapse (POP) after transvaginal polypropylene mesh prolapse surgery.

Methods

Between January and December 2010, women with post-hysterectomy recurrent prolapse (≥ stage 2 POP-Q) after transvaginal polypropylene mesh prolapse surgery were included. Perioperative morbidity and short-term complications were recorded and evaluated. Surgical outcomes were objectively assessed utilising the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification system (POP-Q), the validated, condition-specific Australian Pelvic Floor Questionnaire (APFQ) and the Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I) at 12 months.

Results

All 16 women in this study had undergone surgery with trocar-guided transvaginal polypropylene mesh kits. In 75% the recurrent prolapse affected the compartment of prior mesh surgery with the anterior (81%) and apical (75%) compartment prolapse predominating. At a mean follow-up of 12 months, all women had resolution of awareness of prolapse, had < stage 2 POP-Q on examination and high levels of satisfaction on PGI-I post surgery. There were no serious peri- or postoperative complications.

Conclusions

This preliminary study suggests that laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy for recurrent prolapse after failed transvaginal mesh surgery is feasible and safe. Further widespread evaluation is required.     

Pregnancy after laparoscopic sacral colpopexy: a case report

We report a case of a pregnancy and follow the delivery of a young woman who previously underwent a laparoscopic sacral colpopexy (LSC) for pelvic organ prolapse (POP). A 38-year-old woman with POP desires pregnancy who after unsuccessful medical treatment with pessary underwent a laparoscopic uterine ventrosuspension (LUV). However, this procedure also failed and there was an immediate relapse. Thus, LSC was then performed. After which, she became pregnant culminating in elective caesarean delivery. The LUV failure was documented by a POP-Q classification and dynamic pelvic magnetic resonance (PMR) which was carried out 1 month after the surgery. When the same assessment was conducted after the LSC, it showed an optimal POP correction. The short-term post-delivery follow-up exhibited a small prolapse relapse, which remained stable 48 months after surgery as confirmed by a new PMR. Surgical correction of POP is possible in women with pregnancy desires. The result is variable and links to the POP stage and other surgical interventions.     

The upside-down technique.: A novel method to correct posterior leaflet prolapse

The upside-down technique is a method for ‘in situ’ secondary cordae transposition for posterior leaflet lesions. The segmental prolapse of the posterior leaflet is corrected by rotating the resected segment upside-down and reattaching it to the annulus and adjacent leaflet segments. As the procedure is completed, the original annular attachment becomes the new free edge. The secondary chords, originally positioned at the base of the segment, become primary chordae. It is indicated in all cases when quadrangular resection is not feasible such as in case of calcified annulus, posterior leaflet hypoplasia, or when the prolapsing portion is wide.     

Iliococcygeus fixation or abdominal sacral colpopexy for the treatment of vaginal vault prolapse: a retrospective cohort study

Introduction and hypothesis

To compare the efficacy and safety of iliococcygeus fixation (ICG) and abdominal sacral colpopexy (SCP) in the treatment of vaginal vault prolapse.

Methods

Patients with symptomatic vaginal vault prolapse after hysterectomy were considered in this analysis. Surgical outcomes, i.e., the capacity to restore the anatomy of the vaginal cuff and improvement in the prolapse-related symptoms were compared. Continuous variables were compared using the Student’s t test, while non-continuous variables using a Chi-squared test or Fisher’s exact test.

Results

Sacrocolpopexy was performed in 41 patients, while ICG fixation was carried out in 36 patients. Operative time was significantly shorter (78 vs 140 min, p?<?0.001) and median blood loss higher in the ICG group (150 ml vs 100 ml, p=0.01). The rates of postoperative complications of the two groups were not statistically different. Relapse rate was similar in the two groups (15 % in the SCP and 22 % in the ICG group respectively, p=0.36). Considering the POP-Q score, both SCP and ICG achieved a significant and comparable correction of vaginal prolapse. The evaluation of postoperative subjective symptoms revealed a significant improvement in voiding and vaginal bulging related to pelvic organ prolapse in both groups.

Conclusions

Both ICG fixation and SCP are effective in restoring normal anatomy in patients with vaginal vault prolapse and in relieving associated symptoms. Owing to its lower morbidity and to the advantage of not using a synthetic device, ICG might be an excellent option for the treatment of recurrent vaginal vault prolapse following hysterectomy.     

单中心经自然腔道腹膜外骶骨子宫固定术临床研究

目的探讨经阴道自然腔道内镜手术(natural orifice transluminalendoscopic surgery,NOTES)腹膜外骶骨子宫固定术治疗子宫脱垂的可行性、安全性和短期临床结局。 方法2016年12月至2017年12月前瞻性纳入第三军医大学西南医院妇产科诊断为子宫脱垂的患者,行经阴道NOTES腹膜外骶骨子宫固定术。统计患者人口学特征、围手术期参数和临床疗效。 结果14例患者尝试手术,其中13例(93%)成功完成;1例因术中腹膜破裂,无法维持腹膜外腔压力转为多孔腹腔镜手术。患者中位年龄49岁,体质量指数23.6 kg/m²,中位手术时间156 min,中位术中出血量100 ml。1例骶前出血,于术中双极电凝成功止血。术前POP-Q评分为Aa：0分;Ba：1分;C：2分;Ap：－3分;Bp：－3分。术后平均随访10个月,POP-Q评分为Aa：－2分;Ba：－2分;C：－7分;Ap：－3分;Bp：－3分。相关症状消失或明显改善,无性生活不适及性交痛,无网片侵蚀、暴露、感染等并发症。客观治愈率100%。 结论NOTES可安全、有效地完成经阴道NOTES腹膜外骶骨子宫固定术,但需要进一步的进行临床研究,评估其完整的临床应用。     

Hybrid transvaginal cholecystectomy: a novel approach

Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES) allows cholecystectomy to be performed by means of a flexible scope introduced through the stomach, rectus, bladder, or vagina. However, available endoscopes have several limitations if used in the peritoneal cavity. The hybrid technique reported overcomes these limitations by using conventional 5-mm laparoscopic instruments through the umbilical scar and transabdominal sutures for retraction. After creating the pneumoperitoneum with a Veress needle, a 5-mm port is introduced into the umbilicus followed by a 5-mm, 30° scope. A culdotomy then is performed under direct and laparoscopic views. The flexible endoscope is inserted into the pelvis through the vagina and advanced to expose the gallbladder. Three or more transabdominal sutures are placed through the gallbladder wall for retraction. Cholecystectomy then is performed using conventional 5-mm laparoscopic instruments through the 5-mm umbilical port. Finally, stay sutures are removed and the specimen is retrieved through the vagina. Six patients successfully have undergone this new procedure. In our opinion this hybrid approach increases safety, overcomes the limitation of the current instrumentation, and maintains most of the advantages of Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery.     

Wedge resection on recurrent pneumothorax,failed lung expansion after needle aspiration: A case report

BackgroundPneumothorax has several classifications, including based on etiology, location, extent, and degree of collapse as well as by mechanism and type.Case presentationA 61-years-old man with the main complaint of sudden shortness of breath after lifting a birdcage. The complaint worsened, and it was accompanied by nausea, sweating, and decreased vital signs. The patient was in a life-threatening condition with a tension pneumothorax and treated with needle aspiration (NA). On the second day of treatment, a clinical evaluation showed recurrent dyspnea. Lung physical examination and chest X-ray evaluation showed recurrent pneumothorax with subcutaneous emphysema. Installation of chest tube drainages (CTD) with active continuous suction of −20 cmH₂O. High-resolution CT (HRCT) showed right pneumothorax with multiple blebs, bullae, and bronchopleural fistula. Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) was carried out to repair bronchopleural fistula (BPF). However, pre-surgery found multiple bullae and multiple fistulas accompanied by adhesion to the chest wall, thus the procedure could not be conducted. As an alternative, thoracotomy was performed, followed by wedge resection and fistula reparation.DiscussionDiagnosis of pneumothorax is based on clinical manifestations. Conservative management by providing oxygen or NA/CTD insertion. Needle aspiration is a simple and alternative treatment and performed for an outpatient indication, whereas CTD requiring hospitalization and is performed by experts. Management aims to restore clinical symptoms, restore lung expansion and prevent a recurrence.ConclusionThe choice of thoracoscopy/VATS or thoracotomy needs to be considered according to the indications so that complications do not occur and have a good prognosis.     

Bilateral extraperitoneal uterosacral suspension: a new approach to correct posthysterectomy vaginal vault prolapse

Restoration of apical vaginal support remains a challenging problem for the pelvic reconstructive surgeon. The transvaginal use of the uterosacral-cardinal ligament complex is gaining increasing popularity in the surgical treatment of uterovaginal and posthysterectomy vault prolapse. We describe an extraperitoneal surgical approach using this ligamentous complex to reattach the vaginal apex in women with posthysterectomy vault prolapse and report our surgical experience with this procedure in 123 women over 5 years. The relevant anatomy related to the procedure and risk of ureteric injury with uterosacral suspension is also reviewed. Extraperitoneal vault suspension can be combined with the use of polypropylene mesh if required. The extraperitoneal approach is an alternative procedure in women with vault prolapse with or without concomitant enterocele or where access to the Pouch of Douglas is difficult particularly after previous pelvic surgery. We believe this procedure to have less risk of ureteral injury than the intraperitoneal approach.     

Enterocele manifesting as recurrent anterior rectal prolapse: A case report

Introduction and importanceAn enterocele is a true herniation of small bowel through the rectovaginal septum, most commonly occurring transvaginally. Although the prevalence of enterocele is not as low as previously thought, enteroceles manifesting transrectally or with rectal prolapse are exceedingly rare and without established surgical guidance.Case presentationA medically complex, oxygen-dependent patient presented with full fecal incontinence and transrectal enterocele associated with recurrent anterior rectal prolapse. This was diagnosed via defecography and repaired under regional anesthesia through an open transabdominal approach of posterior cul-de-sac obliteration, uterosacral ligament vaginal vault suspension and simplified ventral suture rectopexy. Surgical planning was determined through a multidisciplinary care-conference, with preference for an approach with minimal respiratory compromise and repair durability. Short-term, this patient has complete resolution of bulge symptoms, and improved fecal continence.Clinical discussionIn addition to history and examination, dynamic imaging of the pelvic floor, specifically defecography, is particularly useful in identifying enteroceles that present as a component of pelvic organ or anorectal prolapse. As there are no established standard surgical treatment approaches for these rare conditions, surgeons must consider several points prior to proceeding: the repair of the defect, the symptoms the repair targets, and repair durability.ConclusionsComplete assessment and specialist consultation should be pursued prior to surgical repair for anorectal pathology. For this patient, an open transabdominal native tissue repair under regional anesthesia was successful, emphasizing that approaches to surgical correction of such rare presentations must be individualized.     

A comparison of laparoscopic and abdominal sacral colpopexy: objective outcome and perioperative differences

The purpose of this study was to compare anatomic and perioperative outcomes following laparoscopic sacral colpopexy (LSC) and abdominal sacral colpopexy (ASC). The hypothesis is that the laparoscopic technique has similar anatomic outcomes as compared with the open technique. A retrospective comparative chart review was conducted consisting of 43 patients who underwent laparoscopic sacral colpopexy and 41 patients who underwent abdominal sacral colpopexy. Demographics were comparable between groups except mean follow-up time (LSC = 7.4 months, ASC = 10.6 months). Mean improvement at the apex was similar between the two groups. Hospital stay in hours was shorter for the LSC group (mean/median = 35.4/30.9) than the ASC group (mean/median = 63.3/54.1, p < 0.001). Mean operative time was similar (LSC = 183, ASC = 168 min, p = NS) and complication rates were comparable between the groups. Patients undergoing laparoscopic and abdominal sacral colpopexy have comparable anatomical outcomes and operative times. Laparoscopy affords a shorter hospital stay.     

An innovative approach to treating vaginal mesh exposure after abdominal sacral colpopexy: endoscopic resection of mesh and platelet-rich plasma; initial experience in three women

Introduction and hypothesis

Polypropylene mesh exposure is uncommon after abdominal sacral colpopexy (ASC), but in case of symptomatic vaginal mesh exposure, surgery is needed. When treating it, care must be taken to completely remove the exposed mesh (EM), saving as much vaginal tissue as possible to avoid a subsequent shortened and narrowed vagina. In this video, we present a minimally invasive technique for treating EM after ASC using endoscopic mesh resection and autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) technology.

Methods

Three women were referred to our outpatient clinic for vaginal vault mesh exposure after laparoscopic ASC with concomitant hysterectomy. All women underwent endoscopic bipolar PlasmaKinetic resection (BPR) of EM, and PRP gel was delivered in the surgical site to cover the gap left by the resection.

Results

Mean operative time was 39.6 min. Surgery was uneventful in all cases. All women recovered sexual function, and nobody experienced relapsed pelvic organ prolapse at 1-year follow-up.

Conclusions

Our preliminary results show that BPR and PRP are safe, effective, and feasible for treating vaginal mesh exposure with conservation of anatomy and sexual function.

     

Transverse sacral fractures: case series and literature review.

OBJECTIVES: To report experience with transverse sacral fracture, an uncommon injury frequently associated with neurologic deficit, and to perform a meta-analysis of the literature in order to define the role of decompression for the management of sacral fractures. DESIGN: A review of 7 cases. SETTING: A university-affiliated tertiary care centre. PATIENTS: Seven patients with transverse fractures of the sacrum. The mean follow-up was 13 months. INTERVENTIONS: A review of the clinical data and a search of the literature for studies that reported on 4 or more patients with a transverse sacral fracture. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Mechanism of injury, type of neurologic deficit and its management. RESULTS: The most common mechanism in the 7 study patients was a fall from a height. Six patients had neurologic deficits, mostly in the form of bowel or bladder disturbance. Five of these were treated with surgical decompression, and 4 of them had an improvement in neurologic function. The 7 original studies from the literature dealt with a total of 55 patients. As in the study patients, falls from a height and motor vehicle accidents predominated as the mechanisms of injury. In contrast to patients in this study, 20 of 48 patients in the literature review with neurologic deficits were treated conservatively. CONCLUSIONS: The outcomes in this study are similar to those reported in the literature. The place of surgical decompression for patients with neurologic deficit cannot be clearly determined from the evidence currently available.