Long-term outcomes and predictors of failure after surgery for stage IV apical pelvic organ prolapse

Introduction and hypothesis

The aim of this study was to compare outcomes after uterosacral ligament suspension (USLS) or sacrocolpopexy for symptomatic stage IV apical pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and evaluate predictors of prolapse recurrence.

Methods

The medical records of patients managed surgically for stage IV apical POP from January 2002 to June 2012 were reviewed. A follow-up survey was sent to these patients. The primary outcome, prolapse recurrence, was defined as recurrence of prolapse symptoms measured by validated questionnaire or surgical retreatment. Survival time free of prolapse recurrence was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method, and Cox proportional hazards models evaluated factors for an association with recurrence.

Results

Of 2633 women treated for POP, 399 (15.2%) had stage IV apical prolapse and were managed with either USLS (n = 355) or sacrocolpopexy (n = 44). Those managed with USLS were significantly older (p < 0.001) and less likely to have a prior hysterectomy (39.7 vs 86.4%; p < 0.001) or prior apical prolapse repair (8.2 38.6%; p < 0.001). Median follow-up was 4.3 years [interquartile range (IQR) 1.1–7.7]. Survival free of recurrence was similar between USLS and sacrocolpopexy (p = 0.43), with 5-year rates of 88.7 and 97.6%, respectively. Younger age [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.55, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.12–2.13; p = 0.008] and prior hysterectomy (aHR 2.8, 95% CI 1.39–5.64; p = 0.004) were associated with the risk of prolapse recurrence, whereas type of surgery approached statistical significance (aHR 2.76, 95% CI 0.80–9.60; p = 0.11).

Conclusions

Younger age and history of prior hysterectomy were associated with an increased risk of recurrent prolapse symptoms. Notably, excellent survival free of prolapse recurrence were obtained with both surgical techniques.