Inverse correlation between urethral length and continence before and after native tissue pelvic floor reconstruction

Urethral length was evaluated retrospectively in patients with prolapse undergoing anterior native-tissue repair. Effects of age, prolapse stage, defect pattern, urodynamic and clinical stress test findings, and tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) surgery indication were analyzed using Mann–Whitney and Wilcoxon tests and linear and logistic regression. Of 394 patients, 61% had stage II/III and 39% had stage IV prolapse; 90% of defects were central (10% were lateral). Median pre- and postoperative urethral lengths were 14 and 22 mm (p < 0.01). Preoperative urethral length was greater with lateral defects [p < 0.01, B 6.38, 95% confidence interval (CI) 4.67–8.08] and increased stress incontinence risk (p < 0.01, odds ratio 1.07, 95% CI 1.03–1.12). Postoperative urethral length depended on prolapse stage (p < 0.01, B 1.61, 95% CI 0.85–2.38) and defect type (p = 0.02, B – 1.42, 95% CI – 2.65 to – 0.2). Postoperatively, TVT surgery was indicated in 5.1% of patients (median 9 months), who had longer urethras than those without this indication (p = 0.043). Native-tissue prolapse repair including Kelly plication increased urethral length, reflecting re-urethralization, particularly with central defects. The functional impact of urethral length in the context of connective tissue aging should be examined further.

Current situation of complications related to reconstructive surgery for pelvic organ prolapse: a multicenter study

Introduction and hypothesis This study aimed to investigate the evaluation and management of complications after pelvic floor reconstructive surgery for pelvic organ prolapse in China. Methods Complications of pelvic floor reconstructive surgery for pelvic organ prolapses from 27 institutions were reported from November 2017 to October 2019. All complications were coded according to the category-time-site system proposed by the International Urogynecological Association (IUGA) and the International Continence Society (ICS). The severity of the complications was graded by the Clavien-Dindo grading system. Four scales were used to evaluate patient satisfaction and quality of life after management of the complications: the Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I), the Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire Short Form (PFIQ-7), the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Symptom Score (POP-SS), and a 5-point Likert-type scale that evaluated the patient’s choice of surgery. Results Totally, 256 cases were reported. The occurrence of complications related to transvaginal mesh (TVM) and laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (LSC) had a significantly longer post-surgery delay than those of native tissue repair surgery (p < 0.001 and p = 0.010, respectively). Both PFIQ-7 and POP-SS score were lower after management of complications (p < 0.001). Most respondents (81.67%) selected very much better, much better, or a little better on the PGI-I scale. Only 13.3% respondents selected unlikely or highly unlikely on the 5-point Likert-type scale. Conclusions The occurrence of complications related to TVM surgery and LSC had a longer post-surgery delay than native tissue repair surgery. Long-term regular follow-up was vital in complication management. Patient satisfaction with the management of TVM complications was acceptable.

Comparison of treatment outcomes for native tissue repair and sacrocolpopexy as apical suspension procedures at the time of hysterectomy for uterine prolapse

Concomitant apical suspension should be performed at the time of hysterectomy for uterine prolapse to reduce the risk of recurrent prolapse. Native tissue repair (NTR) and sacrocolpopexy (SCP) are commonly used apical suspension procedures; however, it remains unclear which one is preferred. This study aimed to compare the treatment outcomes of NTR and SCP in terms of surgical failure, complication and reoperation rates. Surgical failure was defined as the presence of vaginal bulge symptoms, any prolapse beyond the hymen, or retreatment for prolapse. This retrospective cohort study included 523 patients who had undergone NTR (n = 272) or SCP (n = 251) along with hysterectomy for uterine prolapse and who had at least 4-month follow-up visits. During the median 3-year follow-up period, the surgical failure rate was higher in the NTR group (21.3% vs 6.4%, P < 0.01), with a low rate of retreatment in both groups. Overall complication rates were similar, but complications requiring surgical correction under anesthesia were more common in the SCP group (7.2% vs 0.4%, P < 0.01). As a result, the total reoperation rate was significantly higher in the SCP group (8.0% vs 2.6%, P = 0.02). Taken together, NTR may be a preferred option for apical suspension when hysterectomy is performed for uterine prolapse.