Advanced utero-vaginal prolapse and vaginal vault suspension: synthetic mesh vs native tissue repair

Purpose

To compare prosthetic and ligament vaginal vault suspension at vaginal hysterectomy in patients, with utero-vaginal stage III–IV pelvic organ prolapse quantification.

Methods

A retrospective case–control study was designed to compare 61 patients who had undergone Posterior intravaginal slingplasty (PIVS) with 61 patients in a matched control group who had undergone uterosacral ligament suspension (ULS). The primary outcome was to compare anatomic vaginal vault failure rate. The secondary outcomes were subjective cure and cure without adverse events.

Results

Follow-up mean duration for the PIVS and ULS groups was 56.2 and 57.7 months, respectively. Recurrent vault prolapse was observed more frequently in the ULS group with pre-intervention stage IV prolapse (0 vs 14.8 %; p = 0.04), while there was no difference in prolapse recurrence at any vaginal site. Although the subjective cure of PIVS and ULS was superimposable (91.8 vs 86.9 %; p = 0.25), there was a significantly higher cure rate, without adverse events, in the ULS group (90.2 vs 100 %; p = 0.01).

Conclusions

Non-mesh vaginal vault repair should be considered the first-line measure at vaginal hysterectomy; prosthetic repair should be used for therapeutic purposes in patients with vaginal vault recurrence and considered at vaginal hysterectomy only in selected subjects with complete utero-vaginal eversion.     

Risk factors of surgical failure following sacrospinous colpopexy for the treatment of uterovaginal prolapse

Purpose

Trans-vaginal sacrospinous colpopexy is one of the surgical procedures used to repair varying degrees of vaginal vault and uterovaginal prolapse. The purpose of this study is to analyse the potential risk factors of surgical failure following sacrospinous colpopexy.

Methods

A retrospective study of 114 women who underwent unilateral sacrospinous colpopexy at Jordan University Hospital from January 2005 to January 2008 were included. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics and concomitant pelvic organ prolapse surgery were assessed. The patients were evaluated at 6 weeks, and every 6 months thereafter. Twelve (11 %) had recurrent apical (vaginal cuff) prolapse, 26 (23 %) had recurrent prolapse at any compartment were compared with those who had successful surgery. Univariate and logistic regression analyses were used to assess the independent prognostic values of the variables associated with surgical failure.

Results

After a mean follow-up of 40 months, the statistically significant predictors of surgical failure included the presence of advanced pre-operative stages of prolapse (stages III and IV), the more distally located points Ba, Bp and C and a lack of mesh augmentation of the anterior vaginal wall during surgery (P = 0.01, 0.027, 0.024, 0.034 and 0.006, respectively). However, a history of prior vaginal repair, the more distally located point Ba and a lack of anterior vaginal wall mesh augmentation were defined as independent predictive variables based on logistic regression analyses (P = 0.04, 0.005 and 0.046, respectively).

Conclusions

The presence of advanced anterior vaginal wall prolapse, prior vaginal repair and a lack of mesh augmentation of the anterior compartment are significant risk factors for the surgical failure of sacrospinous suspension surgery.     

Mesh-Free Laparoscopic High Uterosacral Ligament Suspension during Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy for Uterine Prolapse

Study Objective

To demonstrate a mesh-free approach for uterine prolapse during a hysterectomy.

Laparoscopic sacral colpopexy versus total vaginal mesh for vault prolapse; comparison of cohorts

The surgical treatment of vaginal vault prolapse can either be performed by the vaginal or the abdominal (laparoscopic) route. The objective of this study was to compare the laparoscopic sacral colpopexy (LSC) and total vaginal mesh (TVM) for vaginal vault prolapse. This study compared a prospective cohort of LSC with bone-anchor fixation and mesh limited to the apex to a prospective cohort of TVM as treatment modalities in patients with a symptomatic vaginal vault prolapse (pelvic organ prolapse-quantification (POP-Q) point C?≥??3). Primary outcome was failure in the apical compartment after 6 month follow-up, defined as POP-Q stage?≥?II with prolapse complaints or re-treatment in apical compartment. Based on an overall failure in all compartments of 23 % in the LSC group and 57 % in the TVM group, 29 patients would be needed in each group with a power of 80 % and alpha 0.05. Ninety-seven women were included, 45 LSC and 52 TVM. The failure rate of symptomatic vault prolapse was 1 (2 %) in each group (p?=?0.99). The failure rate (POP stage?≥?II) in any compartment was 23 (51 %) in the LSC group and 11 (21 %) in the TVM group (p?=?0.002). Each technique had its own type of complications. Short-term failure rates in the apical compartment after TVM and LSC were similar. In case of anterior or posterior prolapsed, additional mesh insertion or additional vaginal colporrhaphy is indicated in LSC surgery.     

A long-term cohort study of surgery for recurrent prolapse comparing mesh augmented anterior repairs to anterior colporrhaphy

Background

There are safety concerns regarding the use of mesh in vaginal surgery with a call for long-term follow-up data. This study was designed to evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy of vaginal repairs performed for recurrent cystocele using Perigee (non-absorbable trans-obturator) mesh.

Methods

A retrospective consecutive cohort of 48 women who underwent surgery for recurrent prolapse between March 2007 and December 2011 in a single centre was reviewed. Satisfaction was assessed using the patient global impression of improvement (PGI-I). Symptoms were assessed with the pelvic floor distress inventory (PFDI). Women were questioned regarding pain, sexual activity and pelvic floor surgery performed since the original procedure and examined for erosion. Women were compared to 25 controls from a consecutive cohort of repeat anterior colporrhapies.

Results

The mean length of follow-up was 6.5 years (78 months; range 48–106). Significantly more women in the mesh group reported that they were “much better” or “very much better” (69 vs 40% p?=?0.02). The rate of mesh erosion at follow-up was 11.6%. Two women in the mesh group required surgical excision of eroded mesh in the operating room (4%). The reoperation rate for a combination of de novo stress incontinence, recurrent prolapse and mesh exposure was similar in each group (33% mesh vs 32% native tissue).

Conclusions

A vaginal mesh repair using a non-absorbable trans-obturator mesh has improved satisfaction compared to an anterior colporrhaphy.

     

Prospective study of transobturator mesh kit (Prolift™) in pelvic reconstructive surgery with vaginal hysterectomy after 3 years’ follow-up

Introduction and hypothesis

This study is to analyze prospectively the anatomical and functional outcomes of transvaginal pelvic reconstructive surgery using the Prolift? system for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) with hysterectomy.

Methods

A prospective, observational, noncomparative study was conducted in 80 patients with prolapse ≥2. Postoperative pelvic organ prolapse quantification stage was the main outcome measure. Anatomical cure was defined as vaginal vault stage 0 and improvement as stage 1. Secondary outcomes include pelvic floor distress inventory-20, incontinence impact questionnaire short form-7, and pelvic floor impact questionnaire short form-7.

Results

A total of 80 patients were recruited. The cure and improvement rates were 96.3 % (77/80) and 3.7 % (3/80) respectively at 1 year. At the follow-up of 3-years, the cure rates were 93.3 % (70/75). Among the five patients, three had stage 2 anterior wall prolapse, two had stage 2 posterior wall prolapse. Only one patient with intraoperative adverse event (rectal perforation) was encountered. Postoperative complications included prolonged catheterization in three patients (3.7 %), postoperative stress urinary incontinence in five patients (6.25 %) and asymptomatic mesh extrusions in five patients (6.25 %). All of them occurred within 1 year follow-up. Significant improvements in quality of life were detected at 1 and 3 years compared with baseline.

Conclusion

The total Prolift? system surgery represents a safe, simple and useful treatment for severe POP with satisfactory objective clinical outcomes.     

Geriatric Pelvic Organ Prolapse Surgery: Going the Extra Mile

Background

To assess the quality of life in geriatric patients after reconstructive and obliterative vaginal surgery for advanced pelvic organ prolapse (POP).

Methods

Prospective observational study was conducted between January 2009 and December 2014 at the department of Urogynaecology, Government Kasturbha Gandhi Hospital. A total of 424 women (between the age group of 60 and 94 years) with advanced pelvic organ prolapse underwent vaginal hysterectomy along with vaginal apical suspension procedures which were McCalls culdoplasty (35.02%), sacrospinous ligament suspension (8.3%), high uterosacral ligament suspension (26.2%), iliococcygeus fixation (4.6%) for stage 3–4 POP. Abdominal sacrocolpopexy (3.2%) was done for stage 3–4 vaginal vault prolapse. Patients with medical comorbidities underwent Leeforts partial colpocleisis (8.1%) and total colpocleisis (2%) for stage 3 and 4 POP. Site-specific repair (12.5%) was done for stage 3/4 cystocele and rectocele. The main outcomes measured were subjective cure (no prolapse), subjective improvements in pelvic floor symptoms as per the pelvic floor impact questionnaire, and objective cure (no prolapse of vaginal segment on maximum straining).

Results

Mean age of the patient was 64.29 years. The major complication rates were less than 1%. 85% were examined at 3 and 12 months. The subjective cure rate at 12 months is 92% and the objective cure rate is 94.5%.

Conclusion

The geriatric patients who underwent either reconstructive or obliterative procedures were relieved of their preoperative symptoms and their quality of life had greatly improved.

     

Laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy in the treatment of vaginal vault prolapse: 8 years experience

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term results of a laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy for the treatment of vaginal vault prolapse.

Study design

Between January 1999 and January 2007, 165 laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy procedures, using a polypropylene mesh, were performed on women affected by vaginal vault prolapse.Intraoperative complications included: 5 bladder injuries and 3 sigmoid perforations. Postoperative complications included: 10 cases of fever, 5 cases of lumbosciatica, 15 cases of detrusor overactivity, 2 cases of vaginal haematoma, and 5 cases of minimal dispareunia.At 1, 6 and 12 months after surgery, a clinical evaluation was carried out for all patients. After this period, we contacted the women annually.

Results

We treated 165 women, with an average age of 67 (range 58–76 years; S.D. 19.22), average parity of 3 (range 2–5), and average body mass index of 28 (range 24–30). In many of them, more than one additional procedure was performed.At a median follow-up of 43 months (range 6–96 months), out of a total of 138 patients (27 were lost at follow-up), we obtained successful treatment in 131 women (success rate of 94.9%), with a high rate of satisfaction from the procedure. Recurrent vaginal vault prolapse was registered in seven women (5.07%): in 3, the vaginal vault collapsed after a period ranging from 7 to 20 days, caused by the use of a Vyprol mesh (hence use of same was suspended), and in a further three women the mesh detached after less than 1 month. Finally, in one case, we reported an erosion between the first and the second follow-up and the mesh was visualized in the vagina.

Conclusions

Our study shows that laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy, in the hands of an expert surgeon, can be considered a safe, effective procedure for the treatment of vaginal vault prolapse, allowing long-term anatomical restoration (94.9% success rate).     

Evaluation of three different surgical approaches in repairing paravaginal support defects: a comparative trial

Objectives

Paravaginal defects have been shown to account for 60–80 % of anterior compartment prolapse and its repair offers the chance of a more effective cure of such defect. There is no good evidence to suggest the superiority of a particular route of paravaginal repair. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of abdominal (APVR), vaginal (VPVR) and laparoscopic (LPVR) approaches in the repair of such defects.

Study design

This is a prospective comparative study of patients, referred over a 2-year period, with symptomatic stage II–IV anterior compartment prolapse due to paravaginal support defects. Patients were assessed subjectively by direct verbal questioning, and objectively, using POP-Q system for staging, at 1, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Analysis of data was performed using SPSS for Windows (V9) software package.

Results

Forty-five patients were recruited to the study. There was no significant difference in the subjective and objective outcomes of APVR (n = 20) and VPVR (n = 20) groups. The laparoscopic approach had to be abandoned after five patients only, as the degree of improvement in prolapse stage was less than in the other two approaches.

Conclusion

The effectiveness of paravaginal repair procedure is similar whether the abdominal or vaginal approaches were adopted in patients with anterior compartment prolapse due to paravaginal support defects. In our experience, the laparoscopic approach was associated with the least favourable outcome.     

Combined anterior vaginal wall mesh with sacrospinous ligament fixation or with posterior intravaginal slingplasty for uterovaginal or vaginal vault prolapse

Objective

To evaluate outcomes of anterior vaginal wall mesh augmentation with concomitant sacrospinous ligament fixation (SSLF) or with concomitant posterior intravaginal slingplasty (IVS) for uterovaginal or vaginal vault prolapse.

Study design

Women with symptomatic uterovaginal or vaginal vault prolapse were randomly allocated to SSLF or IVS. All underwent concomitant anterior repair augmented with self-tailored multifilament polypropylene and polyglactin composite mesh. Before and 2, 12, 24 and 36 months after surgery, the outcome was assessed by examination and standard questions. The primary endpoint was anatomic recurrence of pelvic organ prolapse at stage II or beyond (−1 cm or greater) at any site of the vaginal wall. Secondary outcomes included perioperative and postoperative complications, symptom resolution, reoperation and mesh exposure.

Results

Twenty-two women were recruited from March 2003 to December 2005. At 3-year follow-up3 (2 posterior and 1 apical) out of 14 (21%) in the IVS group had anatomic recurrences of pelvic organ prolapse, and 1 anterior out of 8 (13%) in the SSLF group. Severe operative complications or reoperations did not occur. The proportions of symptomatic patients, including those with dyspareunia, did not differ between the groups. Erosion of the anterior multifilament mesh was found in 2 out of 22 cases (9%; 95% CI 3-28%).

Conclusion

At 3-year follow-up anterior repair reinforced with a composite mesh with concomitant sacrospinous ligament fixation or with concomitant posterior intravaginal slingplasty allowed feasible support in patients with severe pelvic organ prolapse.     

Outcomes and complications of trans-vaginal mesh repair using the Prolift™ kit for pelvic organ prolapse at 4 years median follow-up in a tertiary referral centre

Purpose

To evaluate the anatomical, functional and post-operative outcomes of polypropylene mesh (Prolift?) in the surgical management of pelvic organ prolapse (POP).

Methods

A single-centre observational study of 106 successive patients, who underwent Prolift? mesh repair (POP ≥ 2) with a median follow-up of 4 years, was performed. Outcomes of interest measured included patient demographics, intra and post-operative complications, concomitant procedures for POP or urinary incontinence. Using the Baden–Walker classification, grade ≥2 prolapses in the operated compartment were deemed as surgical failure. Validated questionnaires including ICIQ-VS and ICIQ-UI were used to assess functional outcome.

Results

Of the 106 patients, 56 had an anterior, 36 a posterior and 14 a total Prolift?. 101 patients were available for follow-up (median 4 years). 82 women underwent a clinical follow-up whilst 19 underwent a telephonic follow-up. Peri-operative bladder injury was noted in 2 (1.9 %) cases. Six (5.6 %) patients developed mesh exposure post-operatively. Re-operation rates for recurrent prolapse in the operated compartment were 2.8 % (n = 3). At follow-up, prolapse recurrence in the operated compartment was noted in another 7.3 % (n = 6) patients. Combining re-operations for POP and recurrences noted during follow-up, the revised failure rate was 10.1 % (n = 9). De novo prolapse in the non-operated compartment occurred in 19.5 % (n = 16) women.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that Prolift? vaginal mesh surgery offers anatomical cure rates of 89.9 %. A higher rate of de novo recurrence in the non-operated compartment was noted suggesting that surgical correction in one compartment may exacerbate recurrence in other compartments.     

Perioperative Complications in Vaginal Mesh Procedures Using Trocar in Pelvic Organ Prolapse Repair

Introduction and Hypothesis

This study aimed to document intraoperative and early postoperative complications associated with the use of vaginal mesh with trocar in pelvic organ prolapse (POP) repair.

Methods

This is a retrospective review of 120 cases of vaginal repair of POP using vaginal mesh. Of the 120 patients, 31 underwent anterior mesh repair (Light mesh 10, Avaulta 1, Perigee 1, and Prolift 19); 35 underwent posterior mesh repair (Light mesh 2, Posterior IVS 17, and Prolift 16); and 54 underwent anterior and posterior mesh (total) repair (Light mesh 8, Prolift 32, and Prolift M 14).

Results

Three bladder injuries (2.5%) and one distal rectal injury (0.8%) occurred during dissection. Three of four organ injuries (75%) had previous prolapse repair. Overall four patients (3%) required transfusion. Urinary retention exceeding 5 days occurred in four patients. Three of them (60%) also underwent TVT-O. Groin pain occurred in two patients one of whom underwent TVT-O. Gluteal pain occurred in one patient. Early mesh exposure occurred in the vaginal cuff of a patient who underwent hysterectomy.

Conclusions

The vaginal mesh procedures may be done with relatively few perioperative complications. However, there is a need for more randomized controlled trials with long-term follow-up to clarify its postoperative long-term complications and morbidities.     

Risk factors for surgical failure after posterior intravaginal slingplasty: a case series

Objective

The goal of this study was to analyze the potential risk factors of surgical failure after posterior intravaginal slingplasty for uterine or vaginal vault prolapse.

Study design

Women with symptomatic uterine or vaginal vault prolapse that extended to or beyond the introitus were eligible for inclusion. Each woman underwent a detailed history taking and a vaginal examination for staging of pelvic organ prolapse before treatment. Follow-up evaluations were at 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, and 30 months after the operation. Surgical failure is defined as the presence of symptomatic uterine or vaginal vault prolapse ≧stage 2 (higher than 0, at the hymen) after posterior intravaginal slingplasty.

Results

The surgical failure rate (8/61) following posterior intravaginal slingplasty was 13.1%. Using univariable logistic regression, C or D point stage IV before surgery was significantly associated with surgical failure of posterior intravaginal slingplasty for uterine or vaginal vault prolapse. Complications (11/61 = 18%) included vaginal erosion (9.8%), blood loss over 500 ml (4.9%), and perineal pain (3.3%).

Conclusion

Procidentia is a significant risk factor for surgical failure of posterior intravaginal slingplasty, and therefore this procedure should never be used alone in patients with complete uterine or vaginal vault prolapse.     

Mesh implantation for pelvic organ prolapse improves quality of life

Purpose

The use of alloplastic meshes for repair of female pelvic organ prolapse (POP) has recently been discussed for its indications and safety. Mesh exposure and chronic pelvic pain are among the risks that need to be addressed to the patients. The purpose of this prospective observational study is to investigate the effect of vaginal mesh implantation on pelvic floor-related quality of life (QoL).

Methods

55 patients were included in this prospective multicenter study. A validated QoL questionnaire comprising items on prolapse symptoms and bladder, bowel and sexual function was used. QoL data were acquired before and 1 year after POP surgery. Patients underwent POP surgery with implantation of either Prolift^® or Seratom^® mesh.

Results

Quality of life scores improved significantly after surgery. Prolapse complaints were reduced from 4.43 to 0.26 (p < 0.001), and bladder and bowel complaints improved from 3.03 to 1.46 (p < 0.001) and from 1.93 to 1.60 (p < 0.01) at follow-up. Furthermore, the sexual function score improved from 2.31 to 1.12 postoperatively (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Despite the risks discussed for vaginal mesh repair, we observed a statistically significant improvement of pelvic floor-related quality of life of POP patients.     

Vaginal sacrocolporectopexy for the surgical treatment of uterine and vaginal vault prolapses: confirmation of the surgical method and perioperative results of 101 cases

Purpose

In this study, we sought to confirm the surgical method of vaginal sacrocolporectopexy and previously reported positive perioperative results of this procedure in a large patient group. We describe the approach which offers a vaginal, safe alternative to sacrospinous repair, laparoscopic or open vaginosacropexy and the use of synthetic meshes to treat pelvic organ prolapse.

Methods

We conducted a monocentric, prospective, nonrandomized study for treatment of patients with uterine and vaginal vault relapse (grade 2–4). All patients underwent a preoperative urogynecological urodynamic examination. We focus on method, operative time, complications, blood transfusions, hospital stay and clinical data.

Results

Between March 2006 and March 2011, 101 consecutive patients of mean age 64 (40–89) years, with sub or total uterine prolapse (n?=?69, grade 2–4) and vaginal vault prolapse (n?=?32, grade 2–4) were treated with vaginal sacrocolporectopexy. Cystocele (grade 2–4) was found in 88 (87.1?%) and rectocele (grade 2–4) in 43 (42.5?%) patients. Mean duration of surgery with sacrocolporectopexy was 70?min (28–165) without hysterectomy, and 76?min (40–219) with hysterectomy. Regression analysis of all patients (n?=?101) showed a significant decrease of operative time in the group without hysterectomy after 40 cases. Three bladder lesions, two in patients with a history of hysterectomy, occurred during surgery and were corrected intraoperatively without further complications. No patient required a blood transfusion. Hemoglobin levels decreased slightly from a preoperative mean of 13.6?mg/dl (10.3–15.7) to a postoperative mean of 11.7?mg/dl (8.6–14.7).

Conclusion

Vaginal sacrocolporectopexy is a safe vaginal method for the treatment of sub-/total uterine/vaginal vault prolapse.     

Laparoscopic vaginal vault suspension using uterosacral ligaments: a review of 133 cases

The objective of our study was to describe the surgical technique of laparoscopic vaginal vault suspension using the uterosacral ligaments. In addition, we performed a retrospective analysis of this laparoscopic technique on 133 patients with advanced symptomatic vaginal vault prolapse to evaluate the efficacy and durability of this laparoscopic technique. Efficacy and anatomic outcome were assessed by the Baden-Walker halfway scoring system before and after the surgical procedure. Preoperatively, all patients showed evidence of grade 2 or greater prolapse (descent to the level of the hymen). Fifty-one patients (38.4%) had uterovaginal prolapse, and 82 patients (61.6%) had vaginal vault prolapse. The patients were reevaluated at 1, 6, and 12 months postoperatively and yearly thereafter. The postoperative follow-up ranged from 2.0 to 7.3 years. Postoperatively, 116 patients (87.2%) had no recurrence of prolapse, and 17 patients (12.8%) had recurrence of prolapse. The major complication rate was 2.25%. We conclude that laparoscopic vaginal vault suspension is a safe, efficacious, and durable alternative for the management of vaginal vault prolapse.     

Pectineal ligament suspension of prolapsed vaginal vault

Objective

To report on a collective pectineal ligament suspension experience acquired over 12 years in India with 119 women who presented with prolapsed vaginal vault. The feasibility and effectiveness of the procedure was assessed for the open and laparoscopic routes.

Methods

The prolapsed vaginal vault was suspended unilaterally to the pectineal ligament using polyester tape at 3 urban and 3 rural hospitals. The procedure was done through a Cherney incision in 104 women. In the remaining 15 women, it was done laparoscopically at a single urban center.

Results

There were no intraoperative complications. The mean follow-up was 5.5 years (range, 0.5–12 years). Only 2 women had vaginal prolapse recurrence, at 3 and 5 years. Two had asymptomatic tape erosion, at 2 and 5 years, and a mild cystocele appeared in 5 women and a low rectocele in 4. However, none of these women required further vaginal surgery during their follow-up period.

Conclusion

The present study demonstrates the long-term safety and effectiveness of pectineal ligament suspension for vaginal vault prolapse by the open and the laparoscopic routes. As it was done by surgeons of varying experience at centers with varying resources, the procedure can be readily mastered by any gynecologic surgeon.     

LigaSure vessel sealing system in vaginal hysterectomy: safety, efficacy and limitations

Purpose

The aim of this study is to compare vaginal hysterectomy performed with standard technique versus the one performed with LigaSure.

Methods

Observational-longitudinal-cohort study on 42 women candidates to vaginal hysterectomy because of benign uterine pathology. Outcome variables, methods of analysis, inclusion and exclusion criteria were determined prospectively. Eligible patients were subdivided in Group-A (LigaSure-21 patients), or in Group-B (classical-21 patients). Group-A was divided into Subgroup-A1 (10 patients) and Subgroup-A2 (11 patients), depending on the point where the stump of the uterosacral-ligament was transfixed: Subgroup-A1 at cervical portion, Subgroup-A2 at intermediate portion. For all patients were reported: pre-post surgery haemoglobin and hematocrit, number of sutures, duration of intervention and blood loss, NRS-score on first/third post-operative days. All patients underwent gynaecological examination 30 and 180 days after surgery.

Results

General characteristics did not show significant differences between the two groups. Statistically significant differences emerged from the comparison between Group-A versus Group-B in terms of: intraoperative bleeding, post-operative value of haemoglobin, Δ-Hb, number of sutures, surgical time, pain at first and third post-operative day. The 180 days follow-up demonstrated four cases of vaginal vault prolapse, only in the Subgroup-A1 related to thermal damage of the uterosacral ligament.

Conclusion

LigaSure vessel sealing system is a safe alternative for securing pedicles in vaginal hysterectomy with significant improvement in patients outcome. Following vaginal vault prolapse, we determined the optimal fixation-site to perform the colposuspension in the intermediate portion of the uterosacral-ligament, especially if the cervical portion received a thermal damage, as occurs during the LigaSure use.     

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.     

Laparoscopic myomectomy: a 6-year follow-up single-center cohort analysis of fertility and obstetric outcome measures

Purpose

To evaluate fertility, pregnancy and delivery outcomes after laparoscopic myomectomy (LM) during long-term follow-up.

Methods

In this single-center retrospective observational study, data were analyzed from 59 women aged 23–42 years with the desire to have children and who underwent LM for symptomatic uterine leiomyoma between January 2001 and December 2006 and subsequently delivered at our hospital.

Results

During a mean follow-up period of 73.55 months, the post-LM conception rate was 68 %. The proportion of miscarriages (n = 16) among all pregnancies (n = 55) was lower after (24 %) than before (43 %) LM. Thirty-nine (46 %) deliveries were primary cesarean sections (CSs). CS was performed due to patients’ preference, placental complications, and uterine rupture (UR). Labor was successful in 62 % of all vaginal delivery trials. UR and placental complications occurred in 10 and 13 % of all pregnancies, respectively.

Conclusions

LM reduced the abortion rate and increased the CS rate in our cohort. UR risk may have been affected by suturing technique, the size and location of myomas removed.