Mesh retraction correlates with vaginal pain and overactive bladder symptoms after anterior vaginal mesh repair: comment on Rogowski et al

Effect of anterior vaginal wall prolapse repair by modified transvaginal mesh surgery: a retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To explore clinical outcomes and complications of modified Transvaginal mesh (M-TVM) for advanced anterior vaginal wall prolapse in 1 year follow-up.

METHODS

574 patients underwent TVM surgeries from 2019 to 2020 were collected and divided into TVM group and M-TVM group, all preoperative and postoperative data was obtained and compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

285 women were involved eventually, including 181 in TVM group and 104 in M-TVM group. No significant difference of general conditions was found between these two groups. After long-term follow-up, patients in TVM group were more likely to suffer from pelvic pain than M-TVM group (P = 0.046). Meshes seemed much wider in M-TVM group (4.5 ± 0.69 cm) than in TVM group (3.0 ± 0.91 cm). No matter TVM or M-TVM, surgeries can significantly change point Aa and Ba when compared to preoperative data. Compared to TVM group, point C and D were significant changed in patients in M-TVM group after surgery (P < 0.001) CONCLUSION: M-TVM is a commendable procedure that can significant correct anterior prolapse with mesh extended wider, and also supply stable apical support at the same time.

Is pain relief after vaginal mesh and/or sling removal durable long term?

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

This study was to review our experience of pain relief durability in women who experienced initial pain resolution after vaginal mesh and/or sling removal (VMSR).

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of consecutive, nonneurogenic women who underwent VMSR for pain and reported persistent pain relief at the 6-month postoperative follow-up visit were assessed. Pre- and postoperative data collected were self-reported chief complaints, physical examination, other medical conditions associated with chronic pain, use of pain medications, Urogenital Distress Inventory-6 (in which question 6 specifically addresses pain), and the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). Success was defined by continued resolution of pain assessed by score of 0 on NPRS (0 none to 10 terrible), (0-1 on the Urogenital Distress Inventory-6 (UDI-6) question 6, subjective report of pain-free status, and/or no chronic use of pain medications other than those prescribed for non-mesh-related pain.

RESULTS

Between 2006 and 2015, 125 of 356 women met study criteria. Mean follow-up after VMSR was 3.5 (range 0.5-10) years. Among 25 women who did not meet success criteria by questionnaire answers or subjective report, 21 had causes unrelated to their original mesh/sling placement and were pain free after they were addressed. Four women experienced delayed mesh-related pain return at 28, 46, 47, and 54 months, respectively; two required mesh removal surgery. Involvement in lawsuits and chronic pain-related medical conditions did not affect the durability of pain relief.

CONCLUSIONS

At a mean follow-up of 3.5 years, the original pain relief noted after VMSR was durably maintained.