The use of prostheses in pelvic reconstructive surgery: joy or toy?

The high recurrence rate of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) of up to 30% after pelvic reconstructive surgery makes a more refined surgery imperative, as well as the need for either biological or synthetic prostheses as adjuvant treatment. Patients with recurrence risks may benefit from the adjuvant treatment: (1) to substitute for the lack of supportive tissue; (2) to reinforce inadequate tissue; (3) to induce new supportive tissue; and (4) to consolidate and complement the insufficient surgical techniques. However, some debatable issues in use of the prosthetics remain. The use of prosthetics enables the simultaneous repair of all vaginal defects of POP and concomitant anti-incontinence surgery to be faster, easier and more precise. Nevertheless, great care should be devoted to the actual and theoretical short- and long-term risks, many of which have not been fully elucidated. Despite the lack of various ideal characteristics, the type I monofilament, macroporous polypropylene, has been suggested to have the lowest incidence of infection and erosion among the nonabsorbable prostheses. There is good evidence to support the use of nonabsorbable synthetic mesh for abdominal sacrocolpopexy, while the use of prostheses for repairing isolated anterior and posterior compartment defects remains controversial. There have been no long-term studies with sufficient patient numbers to prove whether synthetic or biological prostheses are superior during vaginal surgery. Tension-free vaginal mesh techniques with procedural kits are being adopted increasingly, despite the paucity of data. Although short-term follow-up studies have shown tension-free vaginal mesh to be a safe and effective technique to correct POP, anatomic and functional results of long-term follow-up studies, however, have not yet confirmed the effectiveness and safety. Mesh erosion remains a concern, with variable rates according to different materials and approaches. Newly developed prostheses offer an alternative option to pelvic reconstructive surgery. However, some questions remain: (1) Should prostheses be considered for primary repairs, secondary repairs, or solely in patients with risk factors for recurrence? (2) Which prosthetic material is better: synthetic or biological ones; absorbable or nonabsorbable ones? (3) Do the benefits of prosthetics in pelvic reconstructive surgery outweigh the risks of complications? These questions are explored and reports in the literature reviewed.     

Martius Graft for Management of Exposed Vaginal Prolapse Mesh

Although the use of vaginal mesh kits in treatment of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) has decreased the number of surgical failures, mesh exposure can occur. When conservative management fails, removing the exposed material is associated with the risk of recurrence of POP and could be challenging. We report a successful outcome of treatment of exposed mesh via use of a Martius bulbocavernosus fat pad. A 46-year-old woman had urinary incontinence and POP, which was treated using a vaginal mesh kit and tension-free vaginal tape. At 2 months after the procedure, the mesh was found to be exposed. After failed conservative management, use of a Martius graft was used, with preservation of the mesh. At 2-, 5-, and 10-month follow-up, the patient was completely asymptomatic and continent. This procedure may be a practical alternative in patients with synthetic mesh–induced vaginal erosion after failed conservative management.     

Assessment and initial management of mesh complications

Synthetic polypropylene mesh have been used in the surgical management of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI) since 1990's. However, following patients'-led campaign with concerns regarding the complications associated with mesh, their use in surgical management of SUI and/or POP has been controversial. Complications associated with these mesh implants include chronic pain, vaginal mesh exposure, perforation into organs, infections and sinus tract formation. In April, 2019, the NICE guideline (NG123) provided an evidence review for management of mesh complications. Following Independent Medicine and Medical Devices Safety Review (IMMDS) publication in 2020, a network of specialized complex mesh centres across the UK have been set up. All patients with mesh-related complications should receive specialist multidisciplinary care in these centres. In this review, we outline the assessment and initial management of patients who present with mesh-related complications. Assessment and management options should be tailored per individual cases. Assessment includes clinical assessment and investigations including radiological imaging. All management options including no treatment, conservative, medical and surgical treatment, including minimally invasive treatment with the pros and cons of every option should be offered and patient should be actively involved in their decision making in a “shared-decision making” manner.     

Vaginal mesh colpopexy for the treatment of concomitant full thickness rectal and pelvic organ prolapse: a case series

Objective

To present our case series of concomitant rectal and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) treated with vaginal colpopexy with synthetic mesh.

Study design

Charts of patients with full thickness rectal prolapse and POP were reviewed for presenting symptoms, physical examination with POP-Q including rectal prolapse evaluation, and perioperative complications and outcomes.

Results

Four patients aged 63-78 were identified with full thickness rectal prolapse and POP. All of them had symptoms related to both conditions. Rectal prolapse protrusion ranged from 2 cm to 3 cm outside the anus. All patients had vaginal mesh colpopexy; two of them with anterior and posterior vaginal mesh and 2 with posterior mesh only. At a follow-up of 6-44 months, all patients had resolution of both POP and rectal prolapse signs and symptoms.

Conclusion

Vaginal colpopexy with mesh may be a unique treatment to address both POP and full thickness rectal prolapse in selected patients. Further research is needed to determine the safety and efficacy of this method.     

Simple sling resection and a second, intermediate polypropylene mesh for treatment of vaginal tape protrusion concurrent with recurrent urinary stress incontinence after TVT procedure

The tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) procedure is a simple, effective and minimally invasive method for the surgical treatment of urodynamic stress incontinence (USI). Yet, complications such as mesh protrusion and recurrent urinary leakages after TVT have been reported. A case of recurrent USI complicated with vaginal mesh protrusion following a TVT procedure was referred. Video-urodynamics and introital ultrasonography confirmed that the recurrence of USI was secondary to mal-position of the protruded TVT. A simple salvaging procedure was carried out. The mal-positioned distal protruded TVT was resected and a second intermediate piece of polypropylene (Prolene) mesh was replaced at mid-urethra. The operation time was short and blood loss was minimal. The patient was objectively continent at 6 months follow-up with no defect of healing. Considering the cost-effectiveness and invasiveness of the surgeries, the method of inserting an intermediate mesh is clinically useful.     

A late complication of transobturator tape: abscess and myositis

The aim of the present study was to investigate a late complication of transobturator tape (TOT) implant: abscess and myositis. The case report included a 53 years-old vaginal multipara, subject to transobturator tape procedure in 2004, who came to the observation of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (University of Catania, Italy) with a late vaginal polypropylene mesh erosion. She reported growing pain at her left leg, walking difficulty, fever and persistent stress urinary incontinence (SUI). She also described a shooting pain originating from the left inguinal ligament radiating down her left leg. Obturator internus and adducent muscles of the left thigh were involved. Ultrasounds and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) clearly revealed the course of the mesh tape through the obturator muscles with myositis and abscess. The patient was treated by removing the polypropylene tape through the vaginal erosion. Her symptomatology improved within 3 weeks after the tape removal. Although developed to minimize surgical morbidity, the TOT procedure is not risk-free. Like for all the synthetic sling materials, the risk of erosion and resulting ascending infection from contamination exists. Because of the rarity of this complication, the Authors performed an assessment of this condition. Erosion may predispose the patient to secondary complications: abscess and myositis with great difficulty in deambulation. Imaging diagnosis is very effective. Ultrasound imaging is a useful method to investigate the whole pelvic floor condition. Moreover, MRI is a precise diagnostic procedure. This case not only proved the failure of the TOT for the treatment of stress incontinence, but also all the associated concerns. The study emphasizes the observation that abscess and symptomatic myositis may result into late disabling complications, although starting from a mini-invasive procedure.     

Suture Complication Rates and Surgical Outcomes According to the Nonabsorbable Suture Materials Used in Vaginal Uterosacral Ligament Suspension: Polyester versus Polypropylene

Study ObjectiveTo evaluate suture complication rates and surgical outcomes according to the nonabsorbable suture materials used in vaginal uterosacral ligament suspension (USLS) surgery. Multifilament polyester (polyethylene terephthalate [PET]) and monofilament polypropylene (PP) sutures were compared.DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingSingle teaching hospital.PatientsTotal of 229 patients who underwent transvaginal USLS and completed a 1-year follow-up.InterventionsUse of PET and PP sutures for transvaginal USLS procedures.Measurements and Main ResultsPP sutures were used in 149 patients, and PET sutures were used in 80 patients. The suture-related complication rates, including granulation tissue and suture erosion at the vaginal apex, were significantly higher in the PET suture group than in the PP suture group (46.3% vs 20.1%, p <.01). However, there was no significant difference in the rates of surgical failure (defined as the presence of vaginal bulging symptoms, apical descent ≥ half of the total vaginal length, anterior or posterior vaginal wall descent beyond the hymen, or retreatment for prolapse) between the 2 groups (p = .84).ConclusionCompared with the use of multifilament PET sutures, the use of monofilament PP sutures in transvaginal USLS may reduce suture-related complications without increasing surgical failure rates.     

Risk of mesh extrusion and other mesh-related complications after laparoscopic sacral colpopexy with or without concurrent laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy: experience of 402 patients

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To estimate the incidence of mesh-related complications including mesh erosion/extrusion rates in patients undergoing laparoscopic sacral colpopexy, with or without concurrent hysterectomy, using macroporous soft polypropylene mesh. DESIGN: Historical cohort study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING: Private urogynecology clinic. PATIENTS: A total of 446 consecutive patients with uterovaginal or vaginal vault prolapse underwent laparoscopic sacral colpopexy with use of macroporous soft polypropylene mesh from January 2003 through January 2007. In all, 402 consecutive patients met enrollment criteria. Two groups of patients were identified: (1) those receiving concurrent hysterectomy (n = 130); and (2) those with a history of hysterectomy (n = 272). INTERVENTIONS: Patients were treated with laparoscopic sacral colpopexy with use of macroporous soft polypropylene mesh in conjunction with other laparoscopic and/or vaginal procedures. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Data were collected in the form of chart reviews and patient questionnaires. Comparisons were made between groups 1 and 2. Patient demographics, history, mesh erosion/extrusion rates, and mesh-related complications were analyzed. Length of follow-up was 1 to 54 months with a median follow-up time of 12 months. No statistically significant differences existed between 2 groups in rates of mesh erosion/extrusion or other mesh-related complications. Overall vaginal mesh erosion/extrusion rate was 1.2% (95% CI 0.5%-2.7%) with an associated mesh revision rate of 1.2% (95% CI 0.5%-2.7%). Patients with concurrent hysterectomy had an erosion/extrusion rate of 2.3% (3/130) as compared with 0.7% (2/272) in patients with a history of hysterectomy, p = .18. No cases of mesh erosion through organs and tissues other than vaginal mucosa were observed. Cuff abscess occurred in 1 patient with concurrent hysterectomy, with an overall infection rate of 0.3% (95% CI 0.01%-1.2%). One more patient developed an inflammatory reaction to the mesh. Excision of exposed mesh was performed in all 5 patients with mesh extrusion. Vaginal approach to excision was uniformly used. Laparoscopic removal of the entire mesh took place in 4 patients with persistent pelvic pain, in 1 patient with cuff abscess, and in one patient with a questionable mesh reaction. An estimated 975 to 17 000 patients were required in each group to achieve power to detect a statistically significant difference in rate of mesh-related complications in this study. CONCLUSION: Risk of mesh extrusion or other mesh-related complications after laparoscopic sacral colpopexy using soft macroporous Y-shaped polypropylene mesh is about 1% in our study. No significant increase in risk of mesh-related complications was observed in patients receiving concurrent hysterectomy when compared with patients who had a previous hysterectomy. The sample size of almost 2000 patients was needed to detect a statistically significant difference in rate of mesh-extrusion in this study.     

The use of a xenogenic barrier to prevent mesh erosion with laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of a xenogenic barrier in preventing vaginal mucosal erosion and the use of a collagen-coated polypropylene mesh in preventing small bowel obstruction with laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy for the treatment of severe vaginal prolapse. DESIGN: Prospective longitudinal study (Canadian Task Force classification II-1). SETTING: Private urogynecology clinic. PATIENTS: A total of 31 consecutive post-hysterectomy patients with severe apical vaginal prolapse (pelvic organ prolapse quantification [POP-Q] stages 2-4). INTERVENTIONS: Laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy, in conjunction with other laparoscopic and/or vaginal procedures, was used to correct pelvic floor disease. A Y-shaped polyester multifilament mesh, with a resorbable collagen coating, was used for the implant. The inner surfaces of the Y-shaped synthetic mesh had porcine dermal strips attached to act as a buffer/barrier for the vaginal wall. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: A total of 29 (94%) of 31 patients were cured at 12 months (defined as POP-Q < stage II). There were no more failures in the 28 patients followed-up at 24 months. Two patients had recurrent apical prolapse (Point C = -1 and 0). There were no small bowel obstructions and no vaginal mesh erosions during the 2-year follow-up. There was significant improvement in the sexual and quality of life questionnaires after repair. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy is an effective treatment for apical vault prolapse. There were no cases of vaginal erosion in the first 2 years of follow-up with the "combination" biosynthetic mesh. It is suggested that the interposition of a collagen barrier between the synthetic mesh and the vaginal mucosa prevents erosion. Biosynthetic engineering appears promising in aiding the prevention of the most common complication in pelvic floor reconstructive surgery with permanent implants. The use of permanent synthetic mesh plays an important role in the success of sacrocolpopexy, removing the dependence on the use of poor in situ tissue seen in classic and site-specific repairs. The use of biologic barriers developed specifically for certain actions may be useful in minimally invasive vaginal repair surgery.     

Abdominal sacrocolpopexy for vault prolapse without burial of mesh: a case series

OBJECTIVES: To audit the clinical outcome of abdominal vault suspension (sacrocolpopexy, hysteropexy or cervicopexy) using non-absorbable mesh, without burial by closure of the peritoneum. DESIGN: A case series. SETTING: Urogynaecology units of four hospitals. POPULATION: One hundred and twenty-eight women having open or laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (121), hysteropexy (6) or cervicopexy (1) using non-absorbable mesh for vault prolapse. METHODS: Patients had suspension of the vault, uterus or cervix from the sacral promontory using a monofilament polypropylene mesh. The pelvic peritoneum was not closed over the mesh. Patients were followed up every six months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Incidence of bowel complications as a consequence of the mesh; cure rate of prolapse and incidence of other post-operative complications; rate of re-operation for prolapse or incontinence. RESULT: After a median follow up of 19 months (1.5-62), there were no bowel complications as a result of non-burial of mesh. Three patients had asymptomatic vaginal mesh erosion, which required minor surgical intervention. Ninety percent of patients had good resolution of their prolapse symptoms while 10% of patients required further surgery. CONCLUSION: Leaving the mesh uncovered by the pelvic peritoneum was not associated with complications. It appears safe to perform vault suspension without closing the peritoneum.     

Recurrent mesh erosion and retropubic abscess following anterior intravaginal slingplasty

Anterior intravaginal slingplasty (IVS), which utilizes multifilament polypropylene mesh is associated with significant risk of mesh erosion and infection. A case of mesh erosion occurred at 6 months following retropubic suburethral IVS sling was referred to our clinic. Complete removal of the protruded tape with primary closure of the vaginal defect was performed. However, repeat vaginal erosion was observed 2 years later. The undermined remaining tape further developed a retropubic purulent abscess. Thereafter, complete mesh removal and debridement in the retropubic space was carried out. The retropubic abscess resulted from the remains of the IVS tape. We emphasize that complicated sequel can develop after incomplete removal of IVS tape when tape erosion is encountered.     

Combined vaginal and laparoscopic surgical treatment of genito-urinary prolapse

BACKGROUND: A new combined technique for vaginal prolapse and cystocele using minimal access surgery is presented and evaluated. METHODS: Thirty-five patients (mean age 57.1) with genitourinary prolapse (II-IV degree Baden-Walker) without urinary incontinence underwent surgery between January 98 and December 99 with 4-24 months of follow-up (mean 14.6 months). The surgical stages include total vaginal hysterectomy with bilateral adnexectomy, wide opening of the vagina without excessive removal of the vaginal mucosa; the bladder is loosened and the polypropylene mesh (PPM) is lightly fixed to the bladder and stitched to the anterior and posterior vaginal wall. The PPM is introduced into the abdomen and laparoscopically fixed to the sacral promontory with titanium spirals having checked vaginally the right tension of the mesh. Accurately laparoscopic peritonization of the PPM ends the surgical procedure. RESULTS: The operation time was 90'-140' (mean 112') followed by 3-7 days of hospitalization (mean 4.3). Vaginal prolapse and cystocele were corrected in all cases. No surgical complications, de novo urinary incontinence, prolapse recurrence or inconvenience to sexual activity have been observed. There was one erosion of the vaginal wall by the PPM 45 days after the operation. CONCLUSIONS: Initial studies suggest that laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy and cystocele repair with PPM is an effective treatment for genitourinary prolapse. If subsequent studies will confirm these findings, the development of minimal access techniques for genitourinary prolapse will represent a significant surgical advance.     

Advanced Cystocele is a Risk Factor for Surgical Failure after Robotic-assisted Laparoscopic Sacrocolpopexy

Study ObjectiveTo assess the outcome of robotic-assisted laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (RALSCP) and to identify risk factors for surgical failure and long-term complications in patients at high risk for surgical failure.DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingA university hospital.PatientsSixty-seven women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) at high risk for surgical failure.InterventionsRALSCP from November 2012 to July 2020.Measurements and Main ResultsInformation was collected from the electronic medical records. Preoperative and postoperative assessment included urogynecologic history, prolapse staging, cough stress test, and validated quality of life questionnaires. Anatomic success was defined as POP stage < 2 at the last follow-up. Mean follow-up was 24.6 ± 17.9 months. Sixteen women (23.9%) reported bulge symptoms at the latest follow-up; upon POP Quantification staging, surgical failure or recurrence was observed in 35 patients (52.2%). On multiple logistic regression analysis, a preoperative POP Quantification point Ba measurement ≥3 cm beyond the hymen was independently related to surgical failure. Late postoperative complications included 3 cases (4.5%) of postoperative ventral hernia and 5 cases (7.5%) of mesh erosion, all in patients operated using Ethibond sutures.ConclusionsAnatomic success of RALSCP in POP patients at high risk for surgical failure is worse than previously reported. Advanced preoperative anterior vaginal wall prolapse is a risk factor for surgical failure. Delayed absorbable sutures for vaginal mesh fixation seem to be safer than multifilament, permanent sutures, in terms of the risk of mesh erosion.     

Laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy with two separate meshes along the anterior and posterior vaginal walls for multicompartment pelvic organ prolapse

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility and results of laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (LSC) with two separate meshes along the anterior and posterior vaginal walls in correcting multicompartment pelvic organ prolapse (POP). DESIGN: Prospective study (Canadian Task Force classification I). SETTING: Tertiary care university-affiliated teaching hospital. PATIENTS: Forty-six consecutive women with radiologic diagnosis of multicompartment POP with or without genuine stress urinary incontinence and no history of surgery for either disorder. INTERVENTION: LSC with or without laparoscopic Burch colposuspension or tension-free vaginal tape procedure. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: LSC was performed in 89% of patients. Mean operating and hospitalization times were 171 +/- 37 minutes and 4.0 +/- 2.1 days, respectively. Intraoperative complications were 7% of bladder injuries successfully treated by laparoscopic suture. The success rate for POP was 83%. The main recurrence was rectocele (12%), which occurred only among women undergoing LSC plus laparoscopic Burch colposuspension (P = 0.036). The LSC was effective in treating symptoms in 95% of women. Because of excessive mesh tension, one patient (2%) developed obstructed defecation, and two (5%) had de novo urinary incontinence. In no patient did occlusion or mesh infection and/or erosion in adjacent organs occur. CONCLUSION: LSC appears to be feasible and effective in treatment of multicompartment POP. Performing concomitant Burch colposuspension significantly enhances the risk of rectocele recurrence or development.     

Cystocele repair by vaginal approach with a tension-free transversal polypropylene mesh. Technique and results

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate mid term results, tolerance and efficiency of interposition of a tension-free polypropylene monofilament mesh by vaginal approach for the repair of cystoceles. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fourty consecutive women underwent this new procedure between March 2001 and September 2002. After complete dissection of the cystocele, the polypropylene mesh (Gynemesh), Gynecare, Ethicon, Johnson & Johnson, France), proper cut-out was positioned under the bladder without any fixation. The lateral extensions of the mesh where introduced in the para-vesical spaces in contact with the arcus tendinus fascia pelvis. RESULTS: Before surgery all patients had cystocele of more or equal than grade II according to the POP-Q classification. Eight had grade II cystocele (20%) and 32 had grade III cystocele (80%). Thirty women had associated posterior or median prolapse (82.5%). Thirty women had urinary incontinence (75%). Mean age was 63.9 years (51-78). The procedure was performed without any difficulty in all cases. Duration of a cystocele cure procedure was 20 min +/- 2.2 (16-24). Mean follow-up is 16.4 months +/- 4.7 (12-24). The early complication rate was 7.5% (two vaginal erosions and one complete exposition of the mesh which requires secondary ablation). There was no mesh infection. The success rate was 95%. The satisfaction index overpasses 80% in 95% of our patients 6 months after the cystocele repair. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The interposition of a sub-vesical transversal tension-free polypropylene mesh by the vaginal route seems to be an excellent procedure in the definitive surgical treatment of grades II and III anterior vaginal wall prolapse. This new procedure is simple, mini-invasive, reproducible and efficient with low morbidity and good tolerance.     

Application of unabsorbable polypropylene mesh in patients with vaginal prolapse after hysterectomy

OBJECTIVES: Vaginal prolapse is one of delayed complications of hysterectomy. DESIGN: The aim of this work is estimation of efficiency of the application of unabsorbable polypropylene mesh in patients with vaginal prolapse after a prior operation of hysterectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the work the authors have described the operation procedure. It was performed in 6 women aged 49-73. Patients were inspected in 1, 3 and 6 months after the operation. RESULTS: The authors have estimated anatomical relations and postsurgical complications. CONCLUSION: The operation with the use of unabsorbable polypropylene mesh is an easy and efficient method of treatment of vaginal prolapse in patients after hysterectomy.     

Concomitant trocar-guided transvaginal mesh surgery with a midurethral sling in treating advanced pelvic organ prolapse associated with stress or occult stress urinary incontinence

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of concomitant trocar-guided transvaginal mesh (TVM) surgery with a midurethral sling (MUS) for treating women with advanced pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI) or occult SUI (OSUI).Materials and methodsEighty-nine women with advanced POP and SUI or OSUI were retrospectively enrolled. The Total Prolift and Tension-free Vaginal Tape-Obturator Systems were used for trocar-guided TVM surgery and MUS. Patients received regular follow-up at 1 week, and 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively, and then annually thereafter. The endpoints were the success rate for POP, and perioperative and postoperative complications. Functional outcomes were the presence of voiding difficulty, persistent or de novo overactive bladder symptoms, postoperative SUI, and paresthesia.ResultsThe median follow-up period was 35 months (range, 12–50 months). Within the follow-up period, 84 patients (94.4%) were objectively cured, five patients (5.6%) had vaginal apical mesh exposure, 29 individuals (32.6%) had persistent or de novo overactive bladder symptoms, six individuals (22.5%) had de novo SUI (two were found by urodynamics), and nine individuals (10.1%) had voiding difficulties (two were found by urodynamics). In addition, the vaginal hysterectomy group had greater blood loss, longer operation times, and a higher mesh erosion rate compared to the uterine suspension group.ConclusionConcomitant trocar-guided TVM surgery and MUS with the use of total Prolift and Tension-free Vaginal Tape-Obturator offer good efficacy in treating women with advanced POP and SUI or OSUI. The vaginal hysterectomy group had more perioperative complications.     

PROSIMA修复系统在盆腔器官脱垂患者中的应用及疗效分析

目的通过PROSIMA盆底重建手术治疗症状性Ⅱ～Ⅲ期盆腔器官脱垂（pelvic organ prolapse,POP）,旨在寻找一种治疗POP的理想手术方式。方法对2010年9月至2011年12月郑州大学第一附属医院32例症状性POP-QⅡ～Ⅲ期盆腔器官脱垂患者施行PROSIMA修复系统盆底重建手术,采用盆底功能障碍影响问卷简要版（PFIQ-7）和盆腔器官脱垂/尿失禁性功能问卷（PISQ-12）评价其效果,并分析手术并发症情况。结果 32例患者症状均缓解,手术成功率为100%,术中平均出血量为（40.4±13.7）ml,平均手术时间为（65.1±33.5）min,无血管、神经、膀胱及肠道损伤。平均随访时间为（10.1±9.2）个月（3～18个月）,无不适、感染及排异情况。2例补片暴露,对症治疗。无新发急迫性及压力性尿失禁。术后3个月PFIQ-7评分（21.4±21.2）分较术前[（69.1±21.6）分]明显降低（P〈0.05）。20例患者术后有性生活,术后3个月PISQ-12评分[（26.7±11.7）分]较术前[（81.3±12.6）分]明显降低（P〈0.05）。结论 PROSIMA修复系统盆底重建手术创伤小、出血少、安全可行,近期疗效好,但其远期疗效及患者性生活质量有待进一步随访。     

Mesh-related infections after pelvic organ prolapse repair surgery

The use of vaginal meshes has been an advance in the surgical management of women with pelvic organ prolapse. We reviewed the literature to synthesize the evidence regarding the infectious complications related to this new type of foreign body. We searched PubMed, current contents, and references of initially identified relevant articles and extracted data regarding the incidence, clinical manifestation, and management of vaginal mesh-related infections. The incidence of mesh-related infections and erosion ranged from 0 to 8%, and 0 to 33%, respectively, in the published studies. Various factors influence the development of vaginal mesh-related infectious complications such as the kind of biomedical material (e.g. filament structure, pore size) of the mesh, the type of procedure, the preventive measures taken, and the age and underlying comorbidity of the treated women. Non-specific pelvic pain, persistent vaginal discharge or bleeding, dyspareunia, and urinary or faecal incontinence are the most common manifestation of vaginal mesh-related infection. Clinical examination may reveal induration of the vaginal incision, vaginal granulation tissue, draining sinus tracts, and prosthesis erosion or rejection. Various pathogens have been implicated, including Gram-positive and Gram-negative aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. The management of mesh-related infections in women who underwent pelvic organ reconstruction is combined surgical and medical treatment. Although the use of vaginal meshes has become a new effective method of pelvic organ prolapse surgery clinicians should be aware of the various post-operative complications, including mesh-related infections.     

Mesh-related complications in single-incision transvaginal mesh (TVM) and laparoscopic abdominal sacrocolpopexy (LASC)

ObjectiveFew studies have investigated the long-term impact of synthetic mesh reconstructive surgery for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) on patient outcomes. This study aimed to examine the incidence and risk factors of mesh exposure and the subsequent requirement for surgical interventions due to mesh-related complications.Materials and methodsThis retrospective study was conducted from November 2010 to April 2018. We recruited women with Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) stage 3 or 4 who underwent mesh reconstructive surgery for POP, and enrolled 487 women who received transvaginal mesh (TVM) and 110 women who received laparoscopic abdominal sacrocolpopexy (LASC). Assessments included mesh exposure rate and mesh-related complications requiring surgical interventions in both groups.ResultsIn the LASC group, the overall mesh-related complication rate was 8.18% over a mean follow-up period of 18 months. Concomitant laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy was associated with mesh exposure (OR = 9.240; 95% CI = 1.752–48.728). No patients in the concurrent supracervical hysterectomy group were exposed to mesh. In the single-incision TVM group, the overall rate of mesh-related complications was 3.29% over a mean follow-up period of 19 months. Concomitant total vaginal hysterectomy was also a risk factor for mesh exposure (OR = 4.799; 95% CI = 1.313–17.359).ConclusionPreserving the cervix or uterus decreased the rate of mesh exposure in those undergoing TVM and LASC surgery. The overall rate of mesh-related complications was low after up to 8 years of follow-up.