The Manchester procedure versus vaginal hysterectomy in the treatment of uterine prolapse: a review

Treatment outcomes of Manchester procedure versus vaginal hysterectomy for mid-compartment prolapse: A systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

To compare the effectiveness and safety of Manchester procedure versus vaginal hysterectomy in the treatment of mid-compartment prolapse in women.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library for randomized controlled trials (RCTs), prospective, or retrospective studies comparing the Manchester procedure and vaginal hysterectomy up to July 2024. Primary outcomes included anatomical recurrence, subjective recurrence, overall complication rate, and reoperation. Secondary outcomes included estimated blood loss, operative time, and relevant subgroup analyses. This study has been registered in PROSPERO with the registration number CRD42024575874.

RESULTS

A total of 11 783 cases from 1 RCT, 1 prospective study, and 9 retrospective studies were included. For the primary outcomes, the Manchester procedure demonstrated significantly lower subjective recurrence rates (risk ratio [RR] = 0.85; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.73-0.98; I2 = 0%; p = 0.03) and reoperation rates (RR = 0.62; 95% CI: 0.43-0.89; I2 = 64%; p = 0.009) compared with vaginal hysterectomy, with no significant difference in anatomical recurrence rates (RR = 0.84; 95% CI: 0.58-1.21; I2 = 54%; p = 0.34) and overall complication rates (RR = 0.89; 95% CI: 0.79-1.00; I2 = 0%; p = 0.06) between the two groups. Secondary outcomes indicated that the Manchester procedure had a significantly shorter operative time and less estimated blood loss (p < 0.05). Subgroup analysis indicated that the Manchester procedure was associated with lower short-term (1-3 years) subjective recurrence rates (RR = 0.87; 95% CI: 0.78-0.98; I2 = 0%; p = 0.02) and reoperation rates (RR = 0.71; 95% CI: 0.55-0.92; I2 = 0%; p = 0.008). No significant differences were found between the two groups in terms of short-term anatomical recurrence rates or in mid- to long-term (>3 years) subjective recurrence rates, anatomical recurrence rates, and reoperation rates (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, the rates of anatomical recurrence and overall complications for Manchester procedure and vaginal hysterectomy are similar. Manchester procedure appears to have a lower subjective recurrence and reoperation rate in the short term, but this advantage was not observed in mid- to long-term follow-up. Further high-quality prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.

A novel technique for the measurement of cervical length in non-pregnant women

Introduction

Cervical elongation is considered a risk factor for pelvic organ prolapse treatment failure in uterine preservation surgery. Consensus has not been reached regarding what is considered a normal cervical length, or how to measure it. Our primary aim was to test a new technique for measuring cervical length.

Materials and Methods

We enrolled women undergoing hysterectomy, with or without pelvic organ prolapse (for all indications except cervical tumours/history of cervical operations). Their cervical lengths were measured both by ultrasound and anatomical measurement. The external length of the cervix was measured using Doppler location of the uterine artery near the cervical-uterine junction as the proximal point and compared to the ultrasound measurement of the cervical canal. The uterine specimen was used to record anatomical cervical measurements as well as uterine corpus length. Baseline characteristics such as age, body mass index and pelvic organ prolapse quantification were also collected.

Results

Twenty women were eligible for evaluation. We found the average anatomical cervical canal length was (ccAN) 33.95 mm (range ±  9.23) and by external measurement (ceAN) 36.80 mm (range ± 7.54). We found a significant, high-powered correlation between our ultrasound and anatomical measurements in both techniques, as well as between the two ultrasound techniques. We also found a negative correlation between cervical length and women's age (rp = -0.443, P = 0.05).

Conclusion

Transvaginal ultrasound measurement of cervical length using the location of the uterine artery was found to have a strong correlation to the anatomical cervical length and can be used for the measurement of normal cervical length.

The Outcomes of the Manchester Procedure Versus Sacrospinous Ligament Hysteropexy for Uterine Prolapse: A Study of the British Society of Urogynaecology Database

INTRODUCTION

The Manchester procedure (MP) and sacrospinous ligament hysteropexy (SSHP) have long been established as effective conservative surgeries for treating uterine prolapse. However, there have been limited studies on outcomes comparing these two techniques.

METHODOLOGY

This was a prospective cohort study of the British Society of Urogynaecology database between February 2007 and 2023 of MP and SSHP outcomes from 90 centres in the UK. The primary outcome was the Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I). The other outcomes compared were the absence of pelvic organ prolapse beyond the hymen in any compartment evaluated by the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q), complications, and the incidence of reported symptomatic prolapse within 1 year after the operation.

RESULTS

There were 718 women who underwent MP and 2,384 who had SSHP. The PGI-I score was significantly better in the MP group (p value <0.001). The rates of symptomatic prolapse within 1 year (odds ratio [OR] 0.36, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.18-0.69; p value 0.001), recurrence of prolapse beyond the hymen (OR 0.13, 95% CI 0.03-0.53; p value 0.001) and apical recurrence (OR 0.09, 95% CI 0.01-0.65; p value 0.003) during follow-up examination were lower in the MP group. The combined peri-operative and post-operative complications reported in both groups were comparatively similar.

CONCLUSION

The symptom improvement was better and recurrence was lower with the MP than with SSHP at short-term follow-up.

Old meets new: vNOTES retroperitoneal promontory fixation in conjunction with the uterus preserving Manchester procedure✰,✰✰

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

The Manchester procedure is a classic native tissue prolapse technique with low recurrence and low complication rate. vNOTES (vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery) is a vaginal approach to enter the intra or retroperitoneal space, with the guidance of endoscopic visualization. Different studies have shown women to prefer uterus-preserving correction of prolapse over hysterectomy, as they worry about complications, impact on sexual function and self- sense. At the same time, an increasing caution and awareness of mesh related complications has evolved, giving a need for the development of additional non-mesh uterus preserving surgical techniques for prolapse. The aim with the video is to show a new surgical technique for prolapse, combining the Manchester procedure with vNOTES retroperitoneal non-mesh promontory hysteropexy.

Long-term outcomes and quality of life after Manchester procedure for pelvic reconstructive surgery in women with cervical elongation

OBJECTIVE

Native-tissue techniques for Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) repairs, such as the Manchester Procedure (MP), have recently been revitalized. However, there are conflicting opinions regarding correcting cervical elongation support by the MP, and the risk of possible poor outcomes and postoperative complications. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate anatomical and patient-reported outcomes during one year after MP.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

SETTING

This study was conducted on women who underwent the MP for cervical elongation between 2010 and 2020.

PATIENTS

Women with apical compartment prolapse up to stage 3 due to cervical elongation.

INTERVENTIONS

Manchester Procedure.

MEASUREMENTS

Pre and postoperative evaluations by POP Quantification (POP-Q) system were performed, and patients filled out the quality-of-life questionnaires including Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory Short Form 20 (PFDI-20), and POP/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ-12) before and 12 months after the procedure. Anatomical outcomes were measured by POP-Q and the changes in POP-related symptoms were evaluated and reported.

MAIN RESULTS

33 participants were recruited in the study. Significant anatomical improvements were obtained in all compartments after the surgery. After 12 months in POP-Q examination, the mean (±SD) of Ba was changed from +1.82 (±1.71) to -1.18 (±1.50), C was changed from -1.25 (±2.81) to -6 (±1.82), and D from -6.30 (±1.42) to -7.1 (±1.25) respectively (P < 0.001). POP-Q stage 0-1 was obtained inof7% in the apical compartment (C <  -1), but only in 45.4% in the anterior compartment (Ba <  -1). A significant reduction in symptom scores was obtained for PFDI-20 (P < 0.01) and PISQ-12 (P = 0.011).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that the MP provides adequate apical support with improvement in anatomic and subjective findings for patients with cervical elongation.

Cervical cancer after the Manchester procedure: a nationwide cohort study

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

The Manchester procedure is a successful operation to treat uterine prolapse. However, the influence on cervical cancer remains unknown. We hypothesized a lower risk of cervical cancer after the Manchester procedure.

METHODS

We included all Danish women undergoing the Manchester procedure during 1977-2018 (N = 23,935). Women undergoing anterior colporrhaphy (N = 51,008) were included as references due to comparable health-seeking behaviors. The study cohort is as previously described. We assessed the risk of cervical cancer mortality after the Manchester procedure versus anterior colporrhaphy using cumulated incidence plots and Cox hazard regressions. We applied Fisher's exact test to compare the distribution of histological subtypes after the operations.

RESULTS

Generally, few women were diagnosed with cervical cancer (0.1% after Manchester procedure and 0.2% after anterior colporrhaphy). After the Manchester procedure, the risk of cervical cancer was reduced (HR 0.60 [95% CI 0.39-0.94]). Furthermore, we found a slightly reduced risk of overall death (HR 0.96 [95% 0.94-0.99]), but no association regarding death due to cervical cancer (HR 0.66 [95% 0.34-1.25]). The distribution of histological subtypes was not changed.

CONCLUSIONS

Women undergoing the Manchester procedure are at lower risk of being diagnosed with cervical cancer, while the risk of cancer specific mortality is unchanged compared to women undergoing anterior colporrhaphy. Based on this study, we cannot recommend that women exit ordinary screening programs for human papillomavirus/cervical dysplasia after a Manchester procedure.

Stress Urinary Incontinence After Operations for Uterine Prolapse: A Nationwide Cohort Study

IMPORTANCE

Concomitant surgery for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) during pelvic organ prolapse (POP) operations are debated.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to assess the risk of an SUI operation after a uterine prolapse operation and compare the risk after the Manchester procedure versus vaginal hysterectomy.

STUDY DESIGN

We performed a nationwide historical cohort study including women with no history of hysterectomy undergoing the Manchester procedure (n = 6065) or vaginal hysterectomy (n = 9,767) for POP during 1998 to 2018. We excluded women with previous surgery for SUI and POP, concomitant surgery for SUI (n = 34, 0.2%), and diagnosed with gynecological cancer before or within 90 days from surgery. Women were followed up until SUI operation/death/emigration/diagnosis of gynecological cancer/December 31, 2018, whichever came first. Women undergoing the Manchester procedure were censored if they had undergone hysterectomy.We assessed the rate of SUI surgery with cumulative incidence plots. We performed Cox Regression to analyze the risk of SUI surgery, adjusting for age, calendar year, income level, concomitant surgery in anterior and posterior compartments, and diagnosis of SUI before POP operation.

RESULTS

We found that 12.4% women with and 1.6% without SUI diagnosed before the POP surgery who underwent SUI surgery within 10 years.During follow-up (median, 8.5 years), 129 (2.1%) underwent SUI surgery after the Manchester procedure and 175 (1.8%) after vaginal hysterectomy (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.06 [0.84-1.35]).

CONCLUSIONS

Of women diagnosed with SUI before POP operation 1 in 8 subsequently underwent SUI surgery. Few women not diagnosed with SUI subsequently underwent SUI surgery. There was no difference in risk of SUI after the Manchester procedure and vaginal hysterectomy.

The modified Manchester Fothergill procedure compared with vaginal hysterectomy with low uterosacral ligament suspension in patients with pelvic organ prolapse: long-term outcome

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

The objective of this study was to compare the long-term outcome between vaginal hysterectomy with low uterosacral ligament suspension (VH) and the modified Manchester Fothergill procedure (MF) as surgical treatment in patients with pelvic organ prolapse (POP). We hypothesize that MF is non-inferior to VH in the long term.

METHODS

In this single-center retrospective cohort study patients who underwent MF or VH for primary apical compartment prolapse between 2003 and 2009 were eligible for inclusion. The primary outcome was subjective recurrence of POP. Secondary outcomes included number and type of reinterventions, time to reintervention and the degree of complaints.

RESULTS

One hundred sixty of 398 patients (53 MF, 107 VH) returned the questionnaires (40%). The mean follow-up was 12.97 years for MF and 13.24 years for VH (p = 0.38). There were similar rates of subjective POP recurrence (51% in both groups). The reintervention rate in the MF group was higher but reached no statistical significance [19/53 (36%) versus 29/107 (27%), p = 0.26]. Kaplan-Meier curve showed no statistically significant difference in risk of reintervention after MF at the maximum follow-up of 16.5 years [HR 1.830 (95% CI 0.934-3.586), p = 0.08]. The mean time to reintervention was 3 years shorter in the MF group (p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

The subjective recurrence after MF is similar to VH in treatment of POP at the long term. MF appears to be non-inferior to VH when comparing the risk of reintervention. However, the small sample size precludes a definitive conclusion of non-inferiority, and future studies are needed.

Updated guideline for closure of abdominal wall incisions from the European and American Hernia Societies

BACKGROUND

Incisional hernia is a frequent complication of abdominal wall incision. Surgical technique is an important risk factor for the development of incisional hernia. The aim of these updated guidelines was to provide recommendations to decrease the incidence of incisional hernia.

METHODS

A systematic literature search of MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL was performed on 22 January 2022. The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network instrument was used to evaluate systematic reviews and meta-analyses, RCTs, and cohort studies. The GRADE approach (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) was used to appraise the certainty of the evidence. The guidelines group consisted of surgical specialists, a biomedical information specialist, certified guideline methodologist, and patient representative.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine papers were included covering seven key questions, and weak recommendations were made for all of these. Laparoscopic surgery and non-midline incisions are suggested to be preferred when safe and feasible. In laparoscopic surgery, suturing the fascial defect of trocar sites of 10 mm and larger is advised, especially after single-incision laparoscopic surgery and at the umbilicus. For closure of an elective midline laparotomy, a continuous small-bites suturing technique with a slowly absorbable suture is suggested. Prophylactic mesh augmentation after elective midline laparotomy can be considered to reduce the risk of incisional hernia; a permanent synthetic mesh in either the onlay or retromuscular position is advised.

CONCLUSION

These updated guidelines may help surgeons in selecting the optimal approach and location of abdominal wall incisions.

Endometrial cancer after the Manchester procedure: a nationwide cohort study

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

We aimed to investigate whether the Manchester procedure affects the risk and prognosis of endometrial cancer.

METHODS

All Danish residents have a personal number permitting linkage of nationwide registers on the individual level enabling epidemiological studies with lifelong follow-up. We performed a nationwide historical cohort study including Danish women born before 2000 undergoing the Manchester procedure (N = 23,935) during 1977-2018. We included women undergoing anterior colporrhaphy as a reference group (N = 51,008) because of comparable inclination to consult a doctor and clinical similarities. Main outcomes were the number of women diagnosed with endometrial cancer, the stage of endometrial cancer at time of diagnosis, and cancer-specific and overall mortality. We followed the cohort until endometrial cancer/death/emigration/hysterectomy/31 December 2018. We performed chi-square test for trend to compare the diagnostic stage and Cox regressions to analyze the risk of endometrial cancer and mortality. The models were adjusted for age, calendar year, income level, and parity.

RESULTS

During follow-up (median 13 years), 271 (1.13%) women were diagnosed with endometrial cancer after the Manchester procedure and 520 (1.05%) after anterior colporrhaphy. The adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for endometrial cancer was 1.00 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.86-1.16]. No difference in stage of cancer was found (p = 0.18) nor when stratifying for calendar year. The HR for cancer-specific mortality and overall mortality after the Manchester procedure was 0.87 (95% CI 0.65-1.16) and 0.93 (95% CI 0.77-1.12), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The Manchester procedure does not affect the risk or prognosis of endometrial cancer.

Effects of Full Inhalation of Sevoflurane and Total Intravenous Anesthesia on Hemodynamics, Serum Myocardial Enzymes, and Myocardial Markers in Elderly Patients Undergoing Hysterectomy

Objective

To compare the effects of sevoflurane inhalation and intravenous anesthesia on hemodynamics, serum myocardial enzymes, and myocardial markers in elderly patients undergoing hysterectomy.

Methods

Group A and group B were established randomly regarding a total of 126 elderly patients who underwent an elective hysterectomy. Patients in group A were given full anesthesia with sevoflurane, and patients in group B were given anesthesia with intravenous anesthesia. The operation time, anesthesia time, and recovery time in Postanesthesia Care Unit (PACU) were compared; plasma cortisol concentration, hemodynamics, serum myocardial enzymes, and myocardial markers were detected and compared between the two groups of patients before anesthesia (T₀), after anesthesia (T₁), and after surgery (T₂).

Results

Group A observed a longer extubation time and recovery time in PACU than group B (P < 0.05). Results show a lower systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate (HR), and plasma cortisol concentration of T₁ by comparison with those of T₀ (P < 0.05), but no significant difference remains in terms of intergroup SBP, DBP, and HR (P > 0.05), and there was no interaction effect of groups and time (P > 0.05). The two groups showed no great disparity in the levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate transaminase (AST), creatine kinase (CK), and CK-MB as a subtype of CK before surgery between the two groups of patients (P > 0.05). After surgery, LDH, AST, CK, and CK-MB levels in both groups were witnessed a surge, in which group A obtained higher levels of LDH, AST, CK, and CK-MB (all P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Total intravenous anesthesia will not increase the hemodynamic fluctuation of elderly patients undergoing hysterectomy and can reduce the damage to the myocardium of patients with surgical trauma, which can protect the myocardium of elderly patients to a certain extent, so it can be adopted as the optimal anesthesia protocol for surgery.

The Manchester-Fothergill technique: Browsing in the cutting-edge art gallery

BACKGROUND

No consensus regarding the surgical strategy for repairs of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) has existed since the writings of Hippocrates. Archibald Donald of Manchester, in 1888, quite independently began to treat cases of prolapsus uteri with a combined operation of anterior and posterior colporrhaphy and amputation of the cervix.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the surgical technique of Manchester-Fothergill and to chart its history.

SEARCH STRATEGY

A bibliographic search was performed of the PubMed and National Library of Medicine (NIH) databases.

SELECTION CRITERIA

The terms "Manchester-Fothergill" AND "History" AND "Pelvic Organ Prolapse" were searched from the first publication on this topic (1951) to December 2020.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Data were extracted from studies independently by two authors. All types of relevant abstracts were selected and analyzed due to the scarcity of studies (books and documents, clinical trials, meta-analysis, randomized controlled trial, review and systematic review).

MAIN RESULTS

Although this is a well-described procedure in historic texts, the practical application is not often employed, and modern surgical texts rarely describe how to perform this surgery. The advantages of the Manchester-Fothergill technique include maintenance of the pelvic anatomy, integrity, a reduction of intraoperative blood loss, and shortened operation times and hospital stays.

CONCLUSION

Many young gynecologists are not familiar with this operation; therefore, it is important to provide training and exposure to the Manchester-Fothergill technique in the practice of gynecological surgery.

A 27-year-old patient with congenital bladder exstrophy and recurrent pelvic organ prolapse: a case report

Bladder exstrophy (BE) is a rare congenital malformation estimated to occur in up to 1/250,000 female live births. The evidence supporting the incidence, uterine preservation and its overall fertility rate in patients with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and BE is not precisely determined. We report a case of BE and POP in a 27-year-old nulliparous Caucasian. Due to the patient’s strong fertility desire, considering her extensive surgical history background, our approach was to correct POP via the Manchester-Fothergill procedure. After 36 months, the patient was still asymptomatic with no evidence for prolapse recurrence. This case demonstrates diagnostic challenges and surgical dilemmas in treatment strategy for patients with BE and co-existent POP. Furthermore, routine long-term surveillance is necessary in terms of renal function, urinary continence, malignancy and possible obstetric issues.

Revisiting current treatment options for stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse: a contemporary literature review

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) affect many women in their lifetime. In this review, we describe and evaluate the latest treatment options for SUI and POP, including the controversy around transvaginal mesh (TVM) use. Growing evidence supports the utilization of pelvic floor muscle training as first-line treatment for both SUI and POP. Vaginal pessaries continue to be an effective and reversible option to manage SUI and POP symptoms. The midurethral sling remains the gold standard for surgical treatment of SUI, although patients and clinicians should acknowledge the potentially serious complications of TVM. Burch urethropexy and pubovaginal sling offer good SUI cure and may be preferred in women wishing to avoid mesh implants; however, their operative morbidities and more challenging surgical approach may limit their use. Site-specific cystocele or rectocele repairs may be indicated for isolated anterior or posterior vaginal compartment prolapse; however, in women with more severe POP, evidence supports using a vaginal native-tissue repair involving apical suspension as the primary surgical technique. Although abdominal and laparoscopic sacrocolpopexies are both effective in treating POP, their failure and mesh complication rates increase with time. There is insufficient evidence to support the widespread use of uterine-preserving surgical POP repairs at present due to the lack of long-term data. Routine TVM use is not recommended in POP surgeries and should only be considered on a case-by-case basis by trained surgeons, primarily in women with multiple risk factors for POP recurrence. In general, clinicians should individualize SUI and POP treatment options for women based on their symptoms, comorbidities, and risk factors for mesh-related complications.

Impact of levator muscle avulsions on Manchester procedure outcomes in pelvic organ prolapse surgery

INTRODUCTION

Levator ani muscle avulsions potentially increase recurrence after anterior colporrhaphies. We aimed at evaluating the impact of avulsions on anatomical and patient-reported outcomes 1 year after the Manchester procedure for primary anterior compartment pelvic organ prolapse.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Prospective cohort study of 189 women undergoing the Manchester procedure between October 2014 and January 2017. Avulsions were diagnosed by transperineal ultrasound. Women with and without avulsions were compared for 1-year postoperative outcomes; Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification measurements, subjective satisfaction (1-worse to 4-cured), failure (new prolapse treatment), response to validated questionnaires on pelvic floor distress and sexual function, and a composite outcome (subjectively cured and optimal anterior compartment outcome (stage 0-I)). Optimal mid-compartment outcome was defined as cervix ≥5 cm above the hymen. Factors potentially associated with poor anatomical outcomes (anterior compartment stage ≥II) or pelvic floor distress were analyzed using regression analyses.

RESULTS

Fewer women with avulsions (present in 50.8%) obtained optimal mid-compartment outcomes (88.2% vs 77.1%; P = 0.05). The groups were otherwise similar in terms of mid-compartment reduction, anterior compartment results, failure rate, subjective satisfaction, pelvic floor/sexual symptoms, and combined optimal subjective and anatomical outcome. Only preoperative anterior compartment stage ≥III was associated with poor anatomical outcome (P < 0.01). A high preoperative symptom score was associated with a high postoperative symptom score (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Although fewer women with avulsions obtained optimal mid-compartment results, avulsions had no impact on other anatomical or symptomatic outcomes 1 year after the Manchester procedure for primary anterior compartment prolapse.

Trends in apical prolapse surgery between 2010 and 2016 in Denmark

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Pelvic organ prolapse is a common diagnosis. Today there is no consensus on the ideal operation technique for apical prolapse. Vaginal hysterectomy with suspension of the vaginal cuff is the most frequently used, but the popularity of uterus-preserving techniques is increasing. The aim of this study was to describe trends in surgical techniques used to treat primary apical prolapse in Danish hospitals.

METHODS

Data were obtained from the Danish Urogynecological Database and included women with primary prolapse surgery in the apical compartment operated in Denmark 2010-2016. Public hospital departments were divided into three categories according to degree of urogynecological specialization: high level, moderate level, and no specialization.

RESULTS

The number of vaginal hysterectomies decreased and the number of uterus-preserving operations increased from 2010 to 2016. The proportion of uterus-preserving techniques versus vaginal hysterectomy differed substantially between different hospital types. At departments with high and moderate levels of specialization, uterus-preserving techniques increased during the period, accounting for nearly 90% and 40%, respectively, in 2016, while decreasing to < 35% for departments with no specialization. Three of the four departments with high-level specialization preferred the Manchester-Fothergill procedure, while one preferred sacrospinous hysteropexy. Only 2.3% of all procedures were performed at private hospitals.

CONCLUSIONS

The proportion of uterus-preserving techniques to treat apical prolapse increased from 2010 to 2016. However, there is a wide variation in practice at the different hospitals. An agreement on uterus-preserving techniques has not been reached.

Uterine preservation vs hysterectomy in pelvic organ prolapse surgery: a systematic review with meta-analysis and clinical practice guidelines

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to systematically review the literature on apical pelvic organ prolapse surgery with uterine preservation compared with prolapse surgeries including hysterectomy and provide evidence-based guidelines.

DATA SOURCES

The sources for our data were MEDLINE, Cochrane, and clinicaltrials.gov databases from inception to January 2017.

STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

We accepted randomized and nonrandomized studies of uterine-preserving prolapse surgeries compared with those involving hysterectomy.

STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS

Studies were extracted for participant information, intervention, comparator, efficacy outcomes, and adverse events, and they were individually and collectively assessed for methodological quality. If 3 or more studies compared the same surgeries and reported the same outcome, a meta-analysis was performed.

RESULTS

We screened 4467 abstracts and identified 94 eligible studies, 53 comparing uterine preservation to hysterectomy in prolapse surgery. Evidence was of moderate quality overall. Compared with hysterectomy plus mesh sacrocolpopexy, uterine preservation with sacrohysteropexy reduces mesh exposure, operative time, blood loss, and surgical cost without differences in prolapse recurrence. Compared with vaginal hysterectomy with uterosacral suspension, uterine preservation in the form of laparoscopic sacrohysteropexy improves the C point and vaginal length on the pelvic organ prolapse quantification exam, estimated blood loss, postoperative pain and functioning, and hospital stay, but open abdominal sacrohysteropexy worsens bothersome urinary symptoms, operative time, and quality of life. Transvaginal mesh hysteropexy (vs with hysterectomy) decreases mesh exposure, reoperation for mesh exposure, postoperative bleeding, and estimated blood loss and improves posterior pelvic organ prolapse quantification measurement. Transvaginal uterosacral or sacrospinous hysteropexy or the Manchester procedure compared with vaginal hysterectomy with native tissue suspension both showed improved operative time and estimated blood loss and no worsening of prolapse outcomes with uterine preservation. However, there is a significant lack of data on prolapse outcomes >3 years after surgery, the role of uterine preservation in obliterative procedures, and longer-term risk of uterine pathology after uterine preservation.

CONCLUSION

Uterine-preserving prolapse surgeries improve operating time, blood loss, and risk of mesh exposure compared with similar surgical routes with concomitant hysterectomy and do not significantly change short-term prolapse outcomes. Surgeons may offer uterine preservation as an option to appropriate women who desire this choice during apical prolapse repair.

The Manchester procedure: anatomical, subjective and sexual outcomes

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Classical native-tissue techniques for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) repairs, such as the Manchester procedure (MP), have been revitalized because of vaginal mesh complications. However, there are conflicting opinions regarding sufficient apical (mid-compartment) support by the MP and concerns about the risk of dyspareunia. The aims of this study were therefore to investigate anatomical and patient-reported outcomes 1 year after MP.

METHODS

Prospective cohort study of 153 females undergoing an MP for anterior compartment POP between October 2014 and June 2016. Pre- and 1-year postoperative evaluations included POP-Q measurements and the questionnaires Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory Short Form 20 (PFDI-20) and POP/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ-12).

RESULTS

At 1 year, 97% (148/153) attended the follow-up. Significant anatomical improvements (p < 0.01) were obtained in all compartments. Mean Ba was -1.1 (± 1.4), mean C -5.9 (± 1.7) and mean D -7.0 (± 1.2) at follow-up. Point C ≤ -5 was present in 81.1%. POP-Q stage 0-1 was obtained in 99.3% in the mid-compartment (C < -1), but only in 48.6% in the anterior compartment (Ba < -1). A significant reduction in symptom scores was obtained for PFDI-20 (p < 0.01) and PISQ-12 (p = 0.01). No significant changes were seen in dyspareunia rates (q.5, PISQ-12), but 5.6% reported de novo dyspareunia. Concerning POP symptoms, 96.0% reported being cured or significantly improved.

CONCLUSIONS

The Manchester procedure provides adequate apical support, albeit inferior anatomical anterior compartment results, and 96.0% reported being subjectively cured or substantially better at 1-year follow-up, with no significant change in dyspareunia.

Manchester-Fothergill procedure versus vaginal hysterectomy with uterosacral ligament suspension: an activity-based costing analysis

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a common diagnosis that imposes high and ever-growing costs to the healthcare economy. Numerous surgical techniques for the treatment of POP exist, but there is no consensus about which is the ideal technique for treating apical prolapse. The aim of this study was to estimate hospital costs for the most frequently performed operation, vaginal hysterectomy with uterosacral ligament suspension (VH) and the uterus-preserving Manchester-Fothergill procedure (MP), when including costs of postoperative activities.

METHODS

The study was based on a historical matched cohort including 590 patients (295 pairs) who underwent VH or MP during 2010-2014 owing to apical prolapse. The patients were matched according to age and preoperative prolapse stage and followed for a minimum of 20 months. Data were collected from four national registries and electronic medical records. Unit costs were obtained from relevant departments, hospital administration, calculated, or estimated by experts. The hospital perspective was applied for costing the resource use.

RESULTS

Total costs for the first 20 months after operation were 3,514 € per VH patient versus 2,318 € per MP patient. The cost difference between the techniques was 898 € (95% confidence interval [CI]: 818-982) per patient when analyzing the primary operation only and 1,196 € (CI: 927-1,465) when including subsequent activities within 20 months (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

The MP is substantially less expensive than the commonly used VH from a 20-month time perspective. Healthcare costs can be reduced by one third if MP is preferred over VH in the treatment of apical prolapse.

The urethral closure mechanism is deteriorated after anterior colporrhaphy

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Urethral pressure reflectometry (UPR) has proven highly reproducible in women with pelvic organ prolapse. We hypothesized that urethral parameters would decrease after anterior colporrhaphy.

METHODS

A prospective, observational study where women with anterior vaginal wall prolapse ≥stage II were assessed before and after anterior colporrhaphy. Assessments consisted of prolapse staging according to the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification system, UPR measurements at rest, during squeezing and straining (at a standardized abdominal pressure of 50 cmH₂O, P_{O-Abd 50}), standardized stress tests with 300 ml saline, and answering the International Consultation on Incontinence - Urinary incontinence short form. Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) was defined as a positive stress test and a questionnaire with symptoms of SUI and a bother score > 1. Sample size was 30, power was 100% and the level of significance was 5%. We analyzed data with paired t-tests or non-parametric Wilcoxon signed rank tests; p-values <0.05 were considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight women who underwent anterior colporrhaphy completed the study. P_{O-Abd 50} decreased 12 cmH₂O after surgery (p < 0.0001). Five women developed postoperative SUI and one had persistent SUI; the six women's preoperative P_{O-Abd 50} was lower than the rest (p < 0.01). If preoperative P_{O-Abd 50} was ≤65 cmH₂O, the positive predictive value for postoperative SUI was 50%, and if P_{O-Abd 50} was ≥85 cmH₂O, the negative predictive value was 100%.

CONCLUSIONS

The urethral closure mechanism deteriorates after anterior colporrhaphy. Using UPR, we can calculate a woman's risk of SUI after anterior colporrhaphy.