Wide genital hiatus is a risk factor for recurrence following anterior vaginal repair

Objective

To determine if a wide genital hiatus is a risk factor for recurrence of anterior vaginal wall prolapse following anterior vaginal repair.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed on patients who had undergone an anterior vaginal wall repair. Patients were placed into 1 of 2 groups: wide genital hiatus (≥ 5 cm) or normal genital hiatus (< 5 cm). The wide genital hiatus group (n = 35) was compared with the normal genital hiatus group (n = 30) for surgical failure.

Results

There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in demographic data, additional operative procedures, or apical suspensions. The rate of postoperative anterior vaginal wall prolapse was greater in patients with a wide genital hiatus compared with those with a normal genital hiatus (34.3% vs 10% respectively; odds ratio 4.7 [95% confidence interval, 1.0-24.1]; P = 0.02).

Conclusion

The rate of recurrent anterior vaginal wall prolapse is higher in patients with a wide genital hiatus.