Mesh-augmented transvaginal repair of recurrent or complex anterior pelvic organ prolapse in accordance with the SCENIHR opinion

Precision in Practice: The Critical Role of Mesh and Procedure Type Specification in Urogynecological Surgeries and Research

Recently, the debate surrounding the use of mesh in urogynecological procedures has intensified, leading to FDA warnings and heightened safety concerns. This clinical opinion emphasizes the vital need to specify mesh types in these procedures, drawing attention to the risk profiles and clinical outcomes associated with various meshes and the procedures that utilize them. A significant issue identified in contemporary literature is the tendency to group diverse mesh types under the same umbrella, disregarding their unique characteristics and applications. We describe the range of mesh types, their application routes, and associated complications, highlighting the risks of this nonspecific approach to patient safety and informed decision making. We critically examine the generalization of mesh terminology in clinical and research dialogues. Concluding with specific recommendations for health care providers and researchers, the paper advocates for a more nuanced understanding and communication in the field, ultimately aiming to improve patient care and safety in urogynecological practice.

Anterior-apical Transvaginal Mesh (Calistar-S) for Treatment of Advanced Urogenital Prolapse: Surgical and Functional Outcomes at 1 Year

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Calistar-S is a single-incision synthetic mesh kit that addresses apical and anterior compartment prolapse. The aims of this study were to evaluate the short-term objective and subjective outcomes at the 1-year follow-up. The secondary objectives were to evaluate quality of life and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) outcomes, as well as surgical complications.

METHODS

Records of 108 patients with symptomatic advanced pelvic organ prolapse (stages III and IV) who underwent prolapse surgery using the Calistar-S system from June 2018 to August 2022 were reviewed. The primary outcome was the objective cure of anterior and apical prolapse < stage 1, and the subjective cure was the negative response to questions 2 and 3 of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Distress Inventory-6. Secondary outcomes measured quality of life, the presence of lower urinary tract symptoms, and complications.

RESULTS

A total of 101 patients were evaluated. The overall objective cure rate is 97% and the subjective cure rate is 92.1%. Good outcomes were seen in all three compartments. Secondary outcomes show significant improvement in all validated questionnaires. Persistence and de novo urinary incontinence were 15.2% and 18.2% post-operatively. There is one case of bladder injury and one case of vaginal mesh exposure.

CONCLUSIONS

The Calistar-S System is a safe and efficient method for treating advanced-stage POP. We observed good anatomical results and subjective relief with a minimal complication rate. LUTS have also been positively affected, showing a high success rate. Additional studies are needed to establish the long-term efficacy of this system.

Pressure-Volume Loop Analysis of Voiding Workload: An Application in Trans-Vaginal Mesh-Repaired Pelvic Organ Prolapse Patients

Although trans-vaginal mesh (TVM) offers a successful anatomical reconstruction and can subjectively relieve symptoms/signs in pelvic organ prolapse (POP) patients, its objective benefits to the voiding function of the bladder have not been well established. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic advantage of TVM on bladder function by focusing on the thermodynamic workload of voiding. The histories of 31 POP patients who underwent TVM repair were retrospectively reviewed. Cystometry and pressure volume analysis (PVA) of the patients performed before and after the operation were analyzed. TVM postoperatively decreased the mean voiding resistance (mRv, p < 0.05, N = 31), reduced the mean and peak voiding pressure (mPv, p < 0.05 and pPv, p < 0.01, both N = 31), and elevated the mean flow rate (mFv, p < 0.05, N = 31) of voiding. While displaying an insignificant effect on the voided volume (Vv, p < 0.05, N = 31), TVM significantly shortened the voiding time (Tv, p < 0.05, N = 31). TVM postoperatively decreased the loop-enclosed area (Apv, p < 0.05, N = 31) in the PVA, indicating that TVM lessened the workload of voiding. Moreover, in 21 patients who displayed postvoiding urine retention before the operation, TVM decreased the residual volume (Vr, p < 0.01, N = 21). Collectively, our results reveal that TVM postoperatively lessened the workload of bladder voiding by diminishing voiding resistance, which reduced the pressure gradient required for driving urine flow.

Evaluating sexual function among women after recurrent pelvic organ prolapse transvaginal mesh repair

We aimed to evaluate women's sexual function before and after pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgery utilising light transvaginal mesh after a prior hysterectomy. Only sexually active women with recurrent cystocele stage 3-4 according to POP-Q, who had previously undergone vaginal hysterectomy with anterior native tissue repair without apical fixation, were enrolled in the study. Women with previous mesh implant POP surgery, persistent vaginal infection or pelvic inflammatory disease were excluded. All patients were surgically treated between 2012 and 2015 using single-incision transvaginal mesh Calistar A. Sexual function was evaluated before a surgery and two years postoperatively. The assessment was accomplished via the standardised validated Czech translation of PISQ-12SF questionnaire. For each patient, age, BMI and parity were monitored. Out of all (89) eligible patients, 48 patients met inclusion criteria and were subsequently enrolled in our study. Two years postoperatively, 31 women (79.5%) improved their PISQ-12 score; five (12.8%) had equivalent scores, and three patients (7.7%) reported lower scores. Overall PISQ-12 score was 37.1 ± 2.6 postoperatively with a 2.9 ± 2.3 statistically significant positive difference compared to the score preceding surgery. The majority of patients undergoing surgery using Calistar A experienced a significant improvement in sexual function.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? Pelvic organ prolapse has a significant impact on women's sexual functioning in an adverse manner. Mesh implant repair is associated with lower rates of prolapse awareness and prolapse re-operation; however, it is linked with safety concerns. One of these concerns is the negative impact on women's sexual function. Evaluative study results following sexual function among women with mesh implant transvaginal repair are contradictory.What do the results of this study add? The results showed, that contrary to finding some of the previous studies, transvaginal mesh implant use could benefit patients with previous native tissue POP surgery failure with a low risk of sexual function deterioration.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? The study provides clinical data for vaginal mesh implants on women's sexual function in the mid-term outcome. These data can be crucial for selecting the right POP surgical technique and evaluating its benefits and risks.

Quality of Life Following Pelvic Organ Prolapse Treatments in Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Introduction: Quality of life (QoL) improvement is one of the main outcomes in the management of pelvic organ prolapse as a chronic illness in women. This systematic review aimed to investigate the impact of surgical or pessary treatment for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) on quality of life. Methods: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) was applied. Electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, were searched for original articles that evaluated the QoL before and after surgical interventions or pessary in pelvic organ prolapse from 1 January 2012 until 30 June 2022 with a combination of proper keywords. Included studies were categorized based on interventions, and they were tabulated to summarize the results. Results: Overall, 587 citations were retrieved. Of these, 76 articles were found eligible for final review. Overall, three categories of intervention were identified: vaginal surgeries (47 studies), abdominal surgeries (18 studies), and pessary intervention (11 studies). Almost all interventions were associated with improved quality of life. The results of the meta-analysis showed a significant association between the employment of surgical approach techniques (including vaginal and abdominal surgeries) and the quality of life (Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI) (MD: −48.08, 95% CI: −62.34 to −33.77, p-value < 0.01), Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire (PFIQ) (MD: −33.41, 95% CI: −43.48 to −23.34, p < 0.01)) and sexual activity of patients with pelvic organ prolapse (Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Function Questionnaire (PISQ) (MD: 4.84, 95% CI: 1.75 to 7.92, p < 0.01)). Furthermore, narrative synthesis for studies investigating the effect of the pessary approach showed a positive association between the use of this instrument and improvement in the quality of life and sexual activity. Conclusions: The results of our study revealed a significant improvement in the women’s quality of life following abdominal and vaginal reconstructive surgery. The use of pessary was also associated with increased patient quality of life.

Efficacy and safety of anterior vaginal prolapse treatment using single incision repair system: Multicentric study

OBJECTIVE

Up to 80% of all POP surgical procedures are due to anterior vaginal wall prolapse. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of transvaginal anterior mesh for POP surgical repair.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

153 consecutive patients with symptomatic or recurrent anterior vaginal prolapse undergoing surgical single-incision mesh (Calistar S) were prospectively enrolled in the study. Preoperative evaluation was performed collecting urogynecological history and performing a clinical exam, 3-day voiding diary and urodynamic testing. All incontinent patients completed the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Short Form (ICIQ-SF). Operative time, blood loss, perioperative and postoperative complications were prospectively recorded. Postoperative follow-up was scheduled at 1, 6, and 12 months with a urogynecological interview and examination. Success rate was assessed at 1, 6 and 12 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

The median follow-up was 16.4 months. None of patients had intraoperative complications. Eight patients (5%) required surgical intervention for complications (5 patients (3%) for haematoma and 3 (2%) for vaginal erosion). At 12 months of follow up 130 out of 140 patients (93%) gained the subjective cure criterion, while 129 out of 140 patients (92%) obtained the objective cure criterion. Eleven (7.8%) patients experienced stage 2 or higher prolapse recurrence and three of them with a stage ≥3 underwent reintervention. No significant differences were recorded in primary outcome at 1, 6 or 12 months postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

Anterior compartment prolapse repair by Calistar S (single-incision vaginal mesh) is an effective and safe procedure without significant complications.

Predictors of Clinical Outcome in Women with Pelvic Organ Prolapse Who Underwent Transvaginal Mesh Reconstruction Surgery

Background and Objectives: To identify the predictors of clinical outcomes in women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) who underwent transvaginal reconstruction surgery, especially with transobturator mesh fixation or sacrospinous mesh fixation. Materials and Methods: All women with POP who underwent transvaginal reconstruction surgery, especially with transobturator mesh fixation or sacrospinous mesh fixation, were reviewed. Results: Between January 2011 and May 2019, a total of 206 consecutive women were reviewed, including 68 women receiving POP reconstruction with transobturator mesh fixation and 138 women who underwent POP reconstruction with sacrospinous mesh fixation. The least experienced surgeon (hazard ratio = 804.6) and advanced stage of cystocele (hazard ratio = 8.80) were the predictors of POP recurrence, especially those women with stage 4 of cystocele. Young age (hazard ratio = 0.94) was a predictor for mesh extrusion, especially those women with age ≤67 years. Follow-up interval (odds ratio = 1.03, p = 0.02) was also an independent predictor of mesh extrusion. High maximum flow rate (Qmax, hazard ratio = 1.03) was the sole predictor of postoperative stress urinary incontinence, especially those women with Qmax ≥19.2 mL/s. Preoperative overactive bladder syndrome (hazard ratio = 3.22) were a predictor for postoperative overactive bladder syndrome. In addition, overactive bladder syndrome rate improved after surgery in the sacrospinous group (p = 0.0001). Voiding dysfunction rates improved after surgery in both sacrospinous and transobturator groups. Conclusions: Predictors of clinical outcome in women who underwent transvaginal POP mesh reconstruction are identified. The findings can serve as a guide for preoperative consultation of similar procedures.

Surgical treatment of advanced anterior wall and apical vaginal prolapse using the anchorless self-retaining support implant: long-term follow-up

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Following health notification by the FDA in 2008 of serious complications with transvaginal mesh for anterior pelvic organ prolapse, there has been a return to native tissue repairs. Earlier work with a self-retaining support (SRS) implant showed a high anatomical success rate with minimal implant-related complications over a medium-term follow-up. It is proposed that post-implant complications are more a consequence of the method of mesh anchoring rather than the implant itself. Our system incorporates an ultralight mesh with a frame that provides level I, II, and III support without the need for fixation. The first long-term outcomes of SRS implantation are presented.

METHODS

A prospective multicenter trial was conducted using two consecutive identical protocols of the use of the SRS implant in women with symptomatic anterior compartment prolapse extending their follow-up to 36 months. Anatomical success (Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification stage 0 or 1 or a Ba ≤ -2) was recorded along with subjective success as defined by regular quality-of-life (PFDI-20 and Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire) assessments.

RESULTS

Sixty-seven patients completed 36 months of follow-up. Mean Ba measurements improved from 3.1 (-1 to 6) cm to -2.8 (-1 to -3) cm and C point from 0.4 (-8 to 6) cm to -6.9 (-10 cm to 1) cm. accumulating to a significant anatomical success rate of 94.3%. Subjective success based on question #3 of the PFDI-20, analyzed for the index surgical compartment, reached 95.7%. Post-operative complications included 2 cases of urinary retention, 1 minor frame exposure, 1 case of delayed voiding dysfunction, and 2 cases of de novo stress urinary incontinence. Untreated pre-operative second-degree Bp measurements had increased in 27% at follow-up.

CONCLUSION

The long-term outcome of the SRS implant shows an excellent subjective and objective success with minimal risk of complications or need for reintervention.

Robotic mesh-supported pectopexy for pelvic organ prolapse: expanding the options of pelvic floor repair

Pelvic organ prolapse affects 30-50% of the female population. For definitive treatment surgery is unavoidable. Sacrocolpopexy has been the gold standard for anatomical correction of pelvic organ prolapse since the 1990s. Recently, pectopexy has been introduced as a new surgical procedure to correct apical prolapse. We have translated the laparoscopic pectopexy into a robotic procedure. The charts of the first 30 consecutive patients who underwent robotic pectopexy at the department for robotic and pelvic floor surgery were reviewed. All patients were analyzed for estimated blood loss, operation time, as well as complications. Treatment success was evaluated after 3-6 months using a composite endpoint including anatomical and subjective components. Of the 30 patients analyzed, 18 underwent hysteropectopexy (n = 18), 6 patients underwent vaginopectopexy and 6 patients underwent cervicopectopexy. Additional procedures were performed in 14 patients, and this influenced operation time and intraoperative blood loss. No intraoperative complications were noted and no conversions were necessary. Treatment success according to the primary composite endpoint was achieved in 30 (100%) patients. Furthermore, neither de novo urgency nor obstructive bowel symptoms were noted in any of the patients treated with robotic pectopexy. Similar to SCP, pectopexy is designed for prolapse repair. The robotic technique for pectopexy capitalizes on the advantages of robotic surgery as compared to conventional laparoscopy since it allows for anatomical preparation and simplification of applying sutures and mesh material, reducing operating time and minimizing surgical trauma. The technique is safe, and anatomical outcomes are excellent.

Update in Transvaginal Grafts: The Role of Lightweight Meshes, Biologics, and Hybrid Grafts in Pelvic Organ Prolapse Surgery

Transvaginal mesh/grafts have been popularized over the past 20 years in an attempt to improve the longevity of traditional vaginal pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgery. Several national bodies have concluded that the proposed benefits of mesh/graft implantation are outweighed by the significant increase in surgery complications related to these products. As a consequence mesh products for vaginal POP surgery have been withdrawn from use in many countries. This article is a narrative review of newer mesh and graft products including lightweight polypropylene mesh products, biological grafts, hybrid grafts, and tissue engineered grafts.

Quo Vadis Urogynecology 2020 - Innovative Treatment Concepts for Urinary Incontinence and Pelvic Organ Prolapse

The current treatment for urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse includes a wide range of innovative options for conservative and surgical therapies. Initial treatment for pelvic floor dysfunction consists of individualized topical estrogen therapy and professional training in passive and active pelvic floor exercises with biofeedback, vibration plates, and a number of vaginal devices. The method of choice for the surgical repair of stress urinary incontinence consists of placement of a suburethral sling. A number of different methods are available for the surgical treatment of pelvic organ prolapse using either a vaginal or an abdominal/endoscopic approach and autologous tissue or alloplastic materials for reconstruction. This makes it possible to achieve optimal reconstruction both in younger women, many of them affected by postpartum trauma, and in older women later in their lives. Treatment includes assessing the patient's state of health and anesthetic risk profile. It is important to determine a realistically achievable patient preference after explaining the individualized concept and presenting the alternative surgical options.