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.