The UK National Prolapse Survey: 10 years on

Introduction and hypothesis

To assess trends in the surgical management of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) amongst UK practitioners and changes in practice since a previous similar survey.

Methods

An online questionnaire survey (Typeform Pro) was emailed to British Society of Urogynaecology (BSUG) members. They included urogynaecologists working in tertiary centres, gynaecologists with a designated special interest in urogynaecology and general gynaecologists. The questionnaire included case scenarios encompassing contentious issues in the surgical management of POP and was a revised version of the questionnaire used in the previous surveys. The revised questionnaire included additional questions relating to the use of vaginal mesh and laparoscopic urogynaecology procedures.

Results

Of 516 BSUG members emailed, 212 provided completed responses.. For anterior vaginal wall prolapse the procedure of choice was anterior colporrhaphy (92% of respondents). For uterovaginal prolapse the procedure of choice was still vaginal hysterectomy and repair (75%). For posterior vaginal wall prolapse the procedure of choice was posterior colporrhaphy with midline fascial plication (97%). For vault prolapse the procedure of choice was sacrocolpopexy (54%) followed by vaginal wall repair and sacrospinous fixation (41%). The laparoscopic route was preferred for sacrocolpopexy (62% versus 38% for the open procedure). For primary prolapse, vaginal mesh was used by only 1% of respondents in the anterior compartment and by 3% in the posterior compartment.

Conclusion

Basic trends in the use of native tissue prolapse surgery remain unchanged. There has been a significant decrease in the use of vaginal mesh for both primary and recurrent prolapse, with increasing use of laparoscopic procedures for prolapse.

     

Pessary reduction and postoperative cure of retention in women with anterior vaginal wall prolapse

This study aimed to determine whether preoperative pessary reduction of anterior vaginal wall prolapse in patients with elevated postvoid residual (PVR) volumes relieves urinary retention, and if reconstructive pelvic surgery in these patients cures urinary retention. The records of all women with symptomatic anterior vaginal wall and urinary retention (PVR 100 cc) who underwent evaluation and surgical repair of the anterior vaginal wall at our institution between 1996 and 1999 were retrospectively reviewed. All patients underwent a detailed urogynecologic and urodynamic evaluation and had a pessary trial prior to surgery. Cure of urinary retention was defined as PVR <100 cc at 3 months postoperatively. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values for pessary reduction testing were calculated. Twenty-four patients met the inclusion criteria. Two patients (8%) had stage 2, eleven (46%) stage 3, and eleven (46%) stage 4 anterior vaginal wall prolapse. Preoperatively, the use of pessary was associated with relief of urinary retention in 75% patients. In predicting postoperative cure of urinary retention, pessary testing had a sensitivity of 89%, specificity of 80%, positive predictive value of 94%, and negative predictive value of 67%. Nineteen of 24 patients had a PVR <100 cc postoperatively, indicating a 79% cure rate for urinary retention. In women with symptomatic anterior vaginal wall prolapse and urinary retention, use of a pessary is associated with relief of retention in the majority of patients. Furthermore, pessary reduction testing has good sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value for postoperative voiding function. Editorial Comment: The authors attempt to address an interesting question, whether preoperative reduction of anterior vaginal wall prolapse with a pessary is predictive of improved bladder emptying following surgical correction of the prolapse. In their small retrospective study they found that a successful pessary test of cure was predictive of resolution of urinary retention following surgery with a positive predictive value of 94%. Interestingly, neither the type of pessary nor the type of surgery seemed to influence these results. In addition, the authors noted a higher rate of continued urinary retention in patients who had undergone a sling for correction of their urinary incontinence. This study supports the use of a pessary test of cure for urinary retention in the face of anterior vaginal wall prolapse prior to surgical correction of such prolapse     

Sulfated glycosaminoglycans of the vagina and perineal skin in pre- and postmenopausal women,according to genital prolapse stage

The aim of this study was to analyze the amount and types of sulfated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in the posterior vaginal wall and perineal skin in menacme and postmenopausal women, according to genital prolapse stage. Samples of vaginal tissue and perineal skin were obtained from 40 women who underwent vaginal surgery. Sulfated glycosaminoglycans were extracted by extensive tissue maxatase digestion, submitted to electrophoresis on agarose gel, and their concentrations were determined by densitometry. Dermatan sulphate (DS) was the predominant GAG, followed by chondroitin sulfate (CS) and heparan sulfate (HS). In the vagina there was a significant decrease in total GAGs, CS, DS and HS in postmenopausal women with prolapse stage 2 and 3 compared to the premenopausal group, independent of the stage. In stage 2 and 3 postmenopausal patients there was a significant decrease of DS and HS compared to the stage 1 postmenopausal group. In perineal skin there was no significant difference between total GAG amount, DS and HS. However, the amount of CS in premenopausal stage 1 patients was significantly than that in postmenopausal patients stage 1 and stages 2 and 3. In conclusions, there are quantitative and qualitative differences in GAGs of the ECM in vaginal wall and perineal skin between women in menacme and the postmenopause, according to genital prolapse stage.Abbreviations CS Chondroitin sulfate - DS Dermatan sulphate - ECM Extracellular matrix - GAG Glycosaminoglycan - HS Heparan sulfate - PBS Phosphate-buffered salineEditorial Comment: The role of connective tissue metabolism in the pathophysiology of pelvic organ prolapse is poorly understood. This study noted that the posterior vaginal wall of postmenopausal women with pelvic organ prolapse had significantly less extracellular matrix sulfated glycosaminoglycans than in premenopausal women with pelvic organ prolapse. The studys limitations include lack of a control group, and small sample size. Ideally, women should be followed prospectively to see if these cellular changes truly coincide with the development of prolapse.     

Anatomical outcome and quality of life following posterior vaginal wall prolapse repair using collagen xenograft

The aim of this study was to evaluate quality of life, sexual function, and anatomical outcome after posterior vaginal wall prolapse repair using a collagen xenograft. Thirty-three patients were evaluated preoperatively and at 6 and 12 months follow-up (FU). Quality of life and sexual function were assessed using a self-reported questionnaire. Prolapse staging was performed using the pelvic organ prolapse quantification system (POPQ). Preoperatively 3 patients had stage I, 26 patients stage II, and 4 patients stage III prolapse of the posterior vaginal wall. Prolapse of the posterior vaginal wall stage II was observed in 7 patients (21%) at the 6-month FU and in 13 patients (39%) at the 12-month FU. Mean point Bp was reduced from –1.1 preoperatively to –2.5 at 6 months FU (p<0.01) and –1.8 at 12 months FU (p<0.01). Previous abdominal surgery was associated with a less favorable anatomical outcome (odds ratio: 2.0, 95% confidence interval: 1.5–3.8). There were no significant changes in sexual function or dyspareunia during the 1-year FU. Preoperatively 76% of the patients reported a negative impact on quality of life as a result of genital prolapse. There was a significant improvement in several variables associated with quality of life at 6 and 12 months FU. Posterior vaginal wall prolapse repair using a collagen xenograft was associated with an unsatisfying anatomical outcome at 1-year FU although several quality of life-associated variables affecting psychosocial function were improved. Improvement was not restricted to postoperative restoration of vaginal topography, and previous surgery had a negative effect on anatomical outcome.     

Follow-up after polypropylene mesh repair of anterior and posterior compartments in patients with recurrent prolapse

To retrospectively analyze the outcome of surgery in women followed up for 1 year after vaginal repair with the Apogee® (support of posterior vaginal wall) or Perigee® (support of anterior vaginal wall) system. A total of 120 patients with recurrent cystocele and/or rectocele or with combined vaginal vault prolapse were treated by either posterior or anterior mesh interposition depending on the defect. Follow-up after 1 year (±31 days) comprised a vaginal examination with prolapse grading using the POP-Q system, measurement of vaginal length, evaluation of the vaginal mucosa, and exploration for mesh erosions. Postoperatively, 112 (93%) women were free of vaginal prolapse, whereas 8 (7%) had level 2 defects. Erosions occurred significantly more often (p?=?0.042) in patients treated with the Perigee system. Our results suggest that the Apogee® and Perigee® repair systems (monofilament polypropylene mesh) yield excellent short-term results after 1 year.     

Clinical impact of bowel symptoms in women with pelvic floor disorders

Introduction and hypothesis

The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlations between the POP-Q Bp point and the perineal body (Pb) and genital hiatus (Gh) measurements and constipation, anal incontinence, severity of symptoms and quality of life.

Methods

The patients were distributed into two groups according to the posterior vaginal wall Bp point: one group with Bp ≤?1 (without posterior vaginal wall prolapse, control group) and the other group with Bp ≥0 (with posterior vaginal wall prolapse, case group). Demographic data, defecatory dysfunction and SF-36 scores were compared between the groups. Correlations between severity of posterior prolapse (Bp, Gh, Pb and Gh?+?Pb) and severity of bowel symptoms were also calculated.

Results

A total of 613 women were evaluated, of whom 174 were included, 69 (39.7%) in the control group and 105 (60.3%) in the case group. The groups were similar in terms of anal incontinence, fecal urgency and/or constipation. There was no correlation between the severity of constipation and anal incontinence according to the Wexner score, and the severity of posterior vaginal wall prolapse measured in terms of point Bp. There were, however, statistically significant differences in Pb, Gh and Gh?+?Pb between the groups. The Pb and Gh?+?Pb measurements were positively correlated with symptoms of constipation, as well as with the scores of some SF-36 domains, but were not correlated with anal incontinence.

Conclusions

These results suggest that the severity of posterior vaginal wall prolapse is not correlated with constipation or anal incontinence, but Pb and Gh?+?Pb measurements are correlated with constipation and SF-36 scores.

     

Four-defect repair in women with symptomatic anterior compartment prolapse: a large cohort study

Introduction and hypothesis

We aimed to collect long-term follow-up data and report on both objective and subjective outcome, including morbidity, reinterventions, and sexual function following four-defect repair (FDR) as surgical correction of symptomatic anterior vaginal wall prolapse with or without stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

Methods

Consecutive patients who underwent FDR between 1999 and 2005 were included in this study. We performed a retrospective analysis to evaluate anatomical and functional outcome by reviewing medical charts and sending validated questionnaires (Urogenital Distress Inventory and Defecatory Distress Inventory) to all patients. We also sent a self-developed, nonvalidated questionnaire to assess sexual function and inform the patient about reinterventions for pelvic floor dysfunction.

Results

Two hundred and twenty-nine (60 %) of the 381 patients who underwent FDR participated. At a median follow-up of 40 months (range 5–88), 21 % of patients reported bothersome prolapse symptoms, and 11 % reported bothersome SUI. Temporary postoperative urinary retention occurred in 23 %. During follow-up, posterior vaginal wall prolapse was observed in 14 % of patients. Overall surgical reintervention rates were 15 % and 4 % for (all types of) pelvic organ prolapse and SUI, respectively; dyspareunia was reported by 30 %.

Conclusions

Functional cure rates of FDR as surgical treatment for anterior vaginal wall prolapse with or without SUI are satisfying. Nevertheless, given the negative side effects of FDR (urinary retention, high reintervention rate for posterior vaginal wall prolapse, high risk of sexual dysfunction), we question the superiority of FDR over standard anterior colporrhaphy in patients with anterior vaginal wall prolapse only.     

Relationship between intra-abdominal pressure and vaginal wall movements during Valsalva in women with and without pelvic organ prolapse: technique development and early observations

Objectives

To develop and test a method for measuring the relationship between the rise in intra-abdominal pressure and sagittal plane movements of the anterior and posterior vaginal walls during Valsalva in a pilot sample of women with and without prolapse.

Methods

Mid-sagittal MRI images were obtained during Valsalva while changes in intra-abdominal pressure were measured via a bladder catheter in 5 women with cystocele, 5 women with rectocele, and 5 controls. The regional compliance of the anterior and posterior vagina wall support systems were estimated from the ratio of displacement (mm) of equidistant points along the anterior and posterior vaginal walls to intra-abdominal pressure rise (mmHg).

Results

The compliance of both anterior and posterior vaginal wall support systems varied along different regions of vaginal wall for all three groups, with the highest compliance found near the vaginal apex and the lowest near the introitus. Women with cystocele had more compliant anterior and posterior vaginal wall support systems than women with rectocele. The movement direction differs between cystocele and rectocele. In cystocele, the anterior vaginal wall moves mostly toward the vaginal orifice in the upper vagina, but in a ventral direction in the lower vagina. In rectocele, the direction of the posterior vaginal wall movement is generally toward the vaginal orifice.

Conclusions

Movement of the vaginal wall and compliance of its support is quantifiable and was found to vary along the length of the vagina. Compliance was greatest in the upper vagina of all groups. Women with cystocele demonstrated the most compliant vaginal wall support.     

Posterior colporrhaphy does not affect the urethral closure mechanism

Introduction and hypothesis

Studies have suggested that a posterior vaginal wall prolapse might compress the urethra and mask stress urinary incontinence (SUI), much like an anterior vaginal wall prolapse. A recent study with urethral pressure reflectometry (UPR) has shown that the urethral closure mechanism deteriorates after anterior colporrhaphy; this could explain the occurrence of postoperative de novo SUI. We hypothesized that urethral pressure would also decrease after posterior colporrhaphy.

Methods

This was a prospective, observational study where women with posterior vaginal wall prolapse ≥stage II were examined before and after posterior colporrhaphy. We performed prolapse staging according to the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification system, UPR measurements at rest, during squeezing and straining, and standardized stress tests with 300 ml saline. The women filled out International Consultation on Incontinence-Urinary incontinence (ICIQ-UI) short forms. The sample size was 18, with a power of 99.9% and a level of significance of 5%. Parameters were compared using paired t tests or Fisher’s exact test, where appropriate; p values <0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results

Eighteen women with posterior vaginal wall prolapse ≥stage II were recruited. One woman did not undergo surgery. There were no changes in urethral pressure at rest (p = 0.4), during squeezing (p = 0.2) or straining (p = 0.2), before and after surgery. The results of the stress tests and ICIQ-UI short forms were the same after surgery.

Conclusions

The urethral closure mechanism is not affected by posterior colporrhaphy. Our study does not support the theory that the posterior vaginal wall prolapse compresses the urethra and masks SUI.

     

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

Introduction and hypothesis

To compare the efficacy of a collagen-coated polypropylene mesh and anterior colporrhaphy in the treatment of stage 2 or more anterior vaginal wall prolapse.

Methods

Prospective, randomized, multicenter study conducted between April 2005 and December 2009. The principal endpoint was the recurrence rate of stage 2 or more anterior vaginal wall prolapse 12 months after surgery. Secondary endpoints consisted of functional results and mesh-related morbidity.

Results

One hundred and forty-seven patients were included, randomized and analyzed: 72 in the anterior colporrhaphy group and 75 in the mesh group. The anatomical success rate was significantly higher in the mesh group (89 %) than in the colporrhaphy group (64 %) (p?=?0.0006). Anatomical and functional recurrence was also less frequent in the mesh group (31.3 % vs 52.2 %, p?=?0.007). Two patients (2.8 %) were reoperated on in the colporrhaphy group for anterior vaginal wall prolapse recurrence. No significant difference was noted regarding minor complications. An erosion rate of 9.5 % was noted. De novo dyspareunia occurred in 1/14 patients in the colporrhaphy group and in 3/13 patients in the mesh group. An analysis of the quality of life questionnaires showed an overall improvement in both groups, with no statistical difference between them. Satisfaction rates were high in both groups (92 % in the colporrhaphy group and 96 % in the mesh group).

Conclusion

Trans-obturator Ugytex® mesh used to treat anterior vaginal wall prolapse gives better 1-year anatomical results than traditional anterior colporrhaphy, but with small a increase in morbidity in the mesh group.     

Midterm follow-up of high-grade genital prolapse repair by the trans-obturator and infracoccygeal hammock procedure after hysterectomy

OBJECTIVE: To prospectively assess the anatomic and functional outcome of high-grade genital prolapse repair using a nonabsorbable hammock placement with anterior trans-obturator and posterior infracoccygeal extensions after hysterectomy. METHODS: Forty-four women with stage III or IV prolapse underwent surgery between January 2002 and June 2005. Patients had physical examination for prolapse assessment according to the International Continence Society pelvic organ prolapse staging system and were evaluated for subjective prolapse symptoms preoperatively and postoperatively. Follow-up was done at 6 wk and 6 mo and then once a year. RESULTS: Median follow-up was 29.3 mo (range: 9-47 mo). Thirty-six (81.8%) women had optimal anatomic results and seven (15.9%) had persistent asymptomatic stage I prolapse. One patient (2.7%) had symptomatic recurrence of a posterior vaginal wall stage III prolapse. The subjective cure rate was 97.7% (43 of 44). All subjective symptoms of prolapse decreased after surgery. The only intraoperative complication was an uneventful rectal injury. The rates of vaginal erosions and mesh infections were 13.6% and 4.5%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that nonabsorbable hammock placement using anterior trans-obturator and posterior infracoccygeal extensions could be a safe and effective treatment for high-grade genital prolapse. Further studies are warranted to determine long-term outcome and to compare this approach with previously accepted surgical procedures.     

Technique of extraperitoneal uterosacral ligament suspension for apical suspension

Aim of the video/introduction

Vaginal vault prolapse can occur alone or in combination with anterior or posterior compartment prolapse. Apical prolapse has shown a strong correlation with anterior wall prolapse and a moderate correlation with posterior wall prolapse. The McCall culdoplasty uses the extraperitoneal vaginal approach to support the vault at the time of hysterectomy. Sacrospinous fixation and ileococcygeus suspension with or without mesh have also been used for the treatment of vaginal vault prolapse. The uterosacral ligaments can also be used to re-suspend the vaginal vault using the extraperitoneal or transperitoneal approach. With the extraperitoneal approach, the peritoneal sac, which can be difficult to access at times, especially when there are dense pelvic adhesions, does not need to be opened. The extraperitoneal approach also carries a lower risk of ureteric injury, as the ureters and the bladder can be retracted from the field using a Breisky–Navratil retractor.

Methods

This video, which documents the surgical treatment of a woman with a complete vaginal eversion and grade 3 pelvic organ prolapse (POP), was recorded in a live workshop during the 2015 Urogynaecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery Conference, held in Chennai, India, in January 2015. It is aimed at educating interested surgeons in the technique of extraperitoneal uterosacral suspension.

Conclusions

This video demonstrates the extraperitoneal approach to uterosacral ligament suspension for apical support in women with vaginal vault prolapse.

     

Comparison of Anterior Colporrhaphy versus Bologna Procedure in Women with Genuine Stress Incontinence

The aim of the study was to compare the anterior colporrhaphy and the Bologna operation for the treatment of anterior vaginal wall prolapse associated with genuine urinary incontinence (GSI). Sixty-two women undergoing surgery for GSI and concurrent grade 2–3 cystocele were the subjects of the study. Anterior colporraphy was performed on 31 women (group A) and the Bologna operation on another 31 (group B). The mean follow-up was 3 years (range 2–7). Perioperative complications, including urinary tract infections, occurred in 16% of group A versus 42% of group B (P<0.001). Anatomic success regarding the prolapse was, respectively, 92.9% (26/28) and 84.6% (22/26) (P= 0.25). Subjective cure rates of GSI (patient history) were 57.1% in group A (16/28) and 87% in group B (23/26) (P<0.05). Objective cure rates of GSI (negative stress test result) were 53.6% in group A (15/28) and 84.6% in group B (22/26) (P<0.02). We concluded that the Bologna operation was more effective for treating GSI associated with anterior vaginal prolapse than was anterior colporraphy, with an increased rate of morbidity and postoperative urinary retention.     

An ambispective observational study in the safety and efficacy of posterior colporrhaphy with composite Vicryl-Prolene mesh

There is increasing evidence to show that the use of surgical meshes reduces recurrence rates of hernia repair and anterior vaginal wall prolapse. The aim of this study was to determine the safety and efficacy of posterior colporrhaphy with mesh in patients with posterior vaginal prolapse. An ambispective observational study involving 90 patients was conducted with retrospective chart review and prospective subjective and objective assessments at the end of a 1-year study period. Apart from 2 of 90 (2.2%) minor hematoma incidents, there was no other major perioperative morbidity. Prevalence of common prolapse complaints of vaginal lump sensation, constipation, defecation difficulty and dyspareunia all improved significantly postoperatively (p<0.001). Surgical correction was achieved in 27 of 31 (83.9%) at 6 months and beyond. There was no mesh infection but minor vaginal mesh protrusion was found in 7 of 90 (7.8%) patients at 6–12 weeks and 4 of 31 (12.9%) patients at 6 months and beyond. All these were treated easily with trimming without the need of mesh removal. We conclude that posterior colporrhaphy with mesh is effective in treating posterior vaginal prolapse in short term.Editorial Comment: This study reflects the authors experience in using a Vicryl-Prolene mesh, Vypro II, for treatment of rectocele in 90 patients. No serious operative or postoperative complications occurred. The most common minor complication was vaginal mesh protrusion, with a 9 of the 90 being found with this problem; all but 1 of these were resolved with a simple clinic procedure. In a group of 31 patients followed for at least 6 months, the authors note a 16% recurrence rate of rectocele. In a questionnaire given after the surgeries, comparing pre-op and post-op symptoms, 63–79% of the respondents felt improved, depending on the symptom. The authors feel that vaginal colporrhaphy with Vicryl-Prolene mesh will prove to be more efficacious than the existing popular approaches, including site-specific defect repair. Clearly, randomized controlled studies with longer follow-up comparing this method with other colporrhaphy techniques will be needed to validate this assumptionAn erratum to this article can be found at     

Short-term outcome analysis of total pelvic reconstruction with mesh: the vaginal approach

PURPOSE: We describe our experience with transvaginal total pelvic reconstruction using a mesh with 4-point fixation for patients with genitourinary prolapse with or without stress urinary incontinence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 29 consecutive patients who underwent sacrospinous fixation using mesh material since March 1999 for genitourinary prolapse were analyzed retrospectively. In all patients defect specific repair was done, including hysterectomy (in 13). For isolated vault prolapse a rectangular mesh was interposed between the peritoneum and vaginal vault, with each corner anchored to the sacrospinous ligament using a suture-capturing device. For vault prolapse associated with anterior vaginal wall prolapse an "H" shaped, 1-piece sling was used to support both entities. Additionally, posterior and perineal repairs were done through separate incisions if needed. RESULTS: Of the 29 patients 19 (65.5%), 7 (26.92%) and 11 (39.29%) had associated symptoms of stress urinary incontinence, urgency and frequency, respectively, and 79.31% had associated anterior and 44.8% had associated posterior prolapse. Average operative time was 175.6 minutes, blood loss was 340 cc and hospital stay was 2.46 days. Early adverse events following the procedure were perineal pain, vaginal discharge and irritative voiding symptoms. At 6 month followup (mean 25.14 months) mild constipation and dyspareunia were encountered in a small subset of patients. Two patients (6.89%) have genital prolapse recurrence and none has reported erosion or nonhealing to date. CONCLUSIONS: Transvaginal technique of 4-point vaginal vault fixation using mesh is a safe and effective procedure at 2 years.     

腹腔镜下经腹膜外阴道旁修补术治疗阴道前壁脱垂9例报告

目的探讨腹腔镜经腹膜外阴道旁修补术治疗阴道旁缺陷所致的阴道前壁脱垂的可行性及疗效。方法2010年7月～2011年10月行腹腔镜经腹膜外阴道旁修补术治疗阴道旁缺陷所致的阴道前壁脱垂9例（Ⅲ度4例,Ⅱ度1例,Ⅰ度4例;4例合并阴道后壁脱垂Ⅰ度）,腹腔镜下腹膜外暴露双侧盆侧壁盆筋膜腱弓（白线）及坐骨棘,阴道穹隆角缝合于同侧坐骨棘,将阴道侧壁缝合于同侧白线。需行子宫全切及阴道壁修补术的患者同时行相应手术,但行阴道壁修补时不去除阴道壁。结果同时行阴式全子宫切除及阴道前后壁修补术4例,阴式全子宫切除1例,阴道前壁修补1例。手术时间75～310 min,平均177 min。除1例术中出血500 ml外,其余患者出血量中位数60 ml（5～280 ml）。术中均无并发症发生。3例术后出现臀部及下肢痛,除1例下肢痛持续2个月外,其余患者持续5～7 d后缓解。术后住院2～11 d,平均6 d。9例术后随访6～15个月,平均8个月,7例主观治愈及客观治愈。1例术后6个月感觉阴道肿物脱出,妇科检查为子宫脱垂Ⅰ度、阴道前壁脱垂Ⅰ度;1例术后1年感觉阴道肿物脱出,妇科检查为阴道前壁脱垂Ⅰ度。所有患者术后阴道深度均〉7 cm。结论腹腔镜经腹膜外阴道旁修补术治疗阴道旁缺陷所致的阴道前壁脱垂安全、可行,能保留阴道的原有深度,近期疗效好。     

Changes in elastin density in different locations of the vaginal wall in women with pelvic organ prolapse

Introduction and hypothesis

The purpose of this study was to analyze the histomorphometric properties of the vaginal wall in women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP).

Methods

In 15 women undergoing surgery for POP, full-thickness biopsies were collected at two different sites of location from the anterior and/or posterior vaginal wall. Properties of the precervical area (POP-Q point C/D) were compared with the most distal portion of the vaginal wall (POP-Q point Ba/Bp) using histological staining and immunohistochemistry. The densities of total collagen fibers, elastic fibers, smooth muscle cells, and blood vessels were determined by combining high-resolution virtual imaging and computer-assisted digital image analysis.

Results

The mean elastin density was significantly decreased in the lamina propria and muscularis layer of the vaginal wall from the most distal portion of the prolapsed vaginal wall compared with the precervical area. This difference was statistically significant in the lamina propria for both anterior (8.4?±?1.2 and 12.1?±?2.0, p?=?0.048) and posterior (6.8?±?0.5 and 10.1?±?1.4, p?=?0.040) locations, and in the muscularis for the anterior (5.2?±?0.4 and 8.4?±?1.2, p?=?0.009) vaginal wall. There were no statistically significant differences in the mean densities of collagen fibers, smooth muscle cells or blood vessels between the two locations.

Conclusions

In this study, we observed changes in elastin density in two different locations of the vaginal wall from women with POP. The histomorphometric properties of the vaginal wall can be variable from one place to another in the same patient. This result supports the existence of most vulnerable locations within the vaginal wall and the potential benefit of site-specific prolapse surgery.     

Visualization of synthetic mesh utilizing optical coherence tomography

Introduction and hypothesis

Owing to the recent upsurge in adverse events reported after mesh-augmented pelvic organ prolapse (POP) repairs, our aim was to determine whether the location and depth of synthetic mesh can be measured postoperatively within the vaginal tissue microstructure using optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Methods

Seventeen patients with prior mesh-augmented repairs were recruited for participation. Patients were included if they had undergone an abdominal sacral colpopexy (ASC) or vaginal repair with mesh. Exclusion criteria were a postoperative period of <6 months, or the finding of mesh exposure on examination. OCT was used to image the vaginal wall at various POP-Q sites. If mesh was visualized, its location and depth was calculated and recorded.

Results

Ten patients underwent ASC and 7 patients had 8 transvaginal mesh repairs. Mesh was visualized in 16 of the 17 patients using OCT. In all ASC patients, mesh was imaged centrally at the posterior apex. In patients with transvaginal mesh in the anterior and/or posterior compartments, the mesh was visualized directly anterior and/or posterior to the apex respectively. Mean depth of the mesh in the ASC, anterior, and posterior groups was 60.9, 146.7, and 125.7 μm respectively. Mesh was visualized within the vaginal epithelial layer in all 16 patients despite the route of placement.

Conclusion

In this pilot study we found that OCT can be used to visualize polypropylene mesh within the vaginal wall following mesh-augmented prolapse repair. Regardless of abdominal versus vaginal placement, the mesh was identified within the vaginal epithelial layer.     

The surgical anatomy of rectocele and anterior rectal wall intussusception

The aim of the study was to analyse the dynamic anatomical supports of the posterior vaginal wall from the perspective of rectocele and rectal intussusception repair. Two groups of patients were studied. Group 1 (n = 24) with genuine stress incontinence but no major vault prolapse had vagino/proctomyograms and transperineal ultrasound examinations. Group 2 with vaginal vault prolapse, clinical rectoceles and obstructive defecation symptoms (n = 19 had single-contrast defecating proctography before and after posterior-sling surgery. The posterior vaginal wall is suspended between perineal body, which underlies half its length, and uterosacral ligaments, which also support the anterior wall of rectum. Muscle forces stretch the vagina and rectum against the perineal body and uterosacral ligaments, creating shape and strength, like a suspension bridge. Postoperative proctogram studies indicated that anterior rectal wall intussusception has the same etiology as rectocele, deficient recto-vaginal ligamentous support. Repair to uterosacral ligaments and perineal body should be considered with large rectoceles, anterior rectal wall intussusception and obstructive defecation disorders.     

阴式子宫切除术联合阴道前后壁修补术对子宫脱垂合并阴道壁膨出患者术后疼痛及复发的影响

目的探讨阴式子宫切除术联合阴道前后壁修补术对子宫脱垂合并阴道壁膨出患者术后疼痛及复发的影响。 方法选取2017年1月到2019年1月,安徽省马鞍山市中心医院收治的90例子宫脱垂合并阴道壁膨出患者。采用随机数字表法将其分为对照组和观察组。对照组45例采用单纯阴道前后壁修补术进行治疗,观察组45例采用阴式子宫切除术联合阴道前后壁修补术进行治疗,2组术后随访1年。比较2组治疗后的临床疗效及手术前后视觉模拟评分（VAS）;统计2组围手术期手术相关指标及并发症发生率和随访1年的复发率。采用SPSS 21.0统计软件进行数据分析。 结果观察组总有效率为93.33%,显著高于对照组的71.11%,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。与手术前相比,术后3～7 d,2组VAS评分均呈逐渐降低趋势,且术后3、7 d观察组显著低于对照组,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。与对照组相比,观察组术中出血量明显较少,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）;观察组的住院时间、肛门排气时间、手术时间等明显较短,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。观察组并发症发生率、随访1年复发率分别为6.67%、2.22%,显著低于对照组的26.67%、24.44%,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。 结论阴式子宫切除术联合阴道前后壁修补术治疗子宫脱垂合并阴道壁膨出,可显著改善患者围手术期相关指标的情况,减轻患者术后疼痛,并能降低患者并发症发生率及术后复发率,临床疗效显著。