Horseshoe-shaped marlex mesh for the treatment of pelvic floor prolapse

Colpopexie infracoccygéale translévatorienne postérieure (IVS): faisabilité et premiers résultats d'une série continue de 108 cas

OBJECTIVE

We present a continuous series of 108 patients operated for genital prolapse by vaginal route using the Posterior Intravaginal Slingplasty (PIVS) technique (IVS 02 Tyco Healthcare, polypropylene multifilament band), associated to prosthetic repair of cystocele and/or rectocele if present by interposition of a mesh (Surgipro Mesh Tyco Healthcare).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Inclusion criteria were C and/or D point superior to -1 cm. The main criterion is the assessment of feasibility, morbidity and anatomical results obtained for the treatment of level 1 genital prolapse with an average follow-up of 19 months. The secondary criterion is to assess the same elements for the treatment of associated cystocele and rectocele.

RESULTS

Seventy-three patients presented with a cystocele (Ba>-1 cm) and eighty-seven with a rectocele (Bp>-1 cm). Nineteen patients had a hysterectomy, twenty had amputation of the cervix and forty-nine were treated for stress urinary incontinence by anterior IVS. Perioperative complications consisted of seven bladder injuries, one injury to the lower rectum during dissection. Postoperative complications were: a loss more than 2 g haemoglobin for seven patients, two haematomas in the cave of Retzius, one haematoma of the pararectal fossa with secondary superinfection requiring mesh removal. Three erosions occurred: two in front of the vesicovaginal prosthesis and one in front of the recto-vaginal prosthesis. The latter became secondarily super infected and had to be removed. With regard to the anatomical result, one failure was noted for the Posterior IVS excluding the two patients in whom the prosthetic material had to be removed. For the anterior compartment, eight failures occurred. From a functional perspective, we noted one case of dyspareunia due to fibrous retraction and seven patients complained of de novo stress urinary incontinence and eight of moderate voiding obstruction.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

The technical feasibility is excellent. Feasibility of level 2 repair, anterior or posterior, but results on cystocele are insufficient in case of lateral defect.

Use of grafts in pelvic reconstructive surgery

There has been growing interest in the use of grafts in pelvic reconstructive surgery. This article will address available graft materials and assess their clinical efficacy and safety. We conducted a Pubmed MEDLINE literature search for full-length English text studies with follow-up periods of at least one year. There are many reports on synthetic and biological graft materials; the majority are not well-designed, have short-term follow-up, small sample sizes, and poor outcome assessment. The use of non-absorbable synthetic grafts may offer excellent anatomical cure rates. However, it is associated with a high incidence of graft-related complications, including healing abnormalities and adverse bladder, bowel, and sexual function effects. These complications can be decreased with absorbable synthetic meshes, but efficacy is lower compared to non-absorbable ones. There is insufficient evidence in favor of biological grafts. In conclusion, based on current knowledge, routine application of grafts in pelvic reconstruction is not recommended. It is preferred that graft utilization be individualized, with close monitoring for complications.

Les prothèses synthétiques dans la cure de prolapsus génitaux par la voie vaginale : bilan en 2005

Since 1996, prosthetic meshes have become increasingly popular for transvaginal surgical cure of genital prolapse. In light of the growing number of proposed techniques and materials we reviewed the experience of the pioneers in order to provide surgeons with the most objective information available. We reviewed the literature indexed in Meline/PubMed and Current Contents retaining all work concerning resorbable and non-resorbable meshes. For the larger class of non-resorbable meshes we also reviewed articles by category of material, each type of mesh being carefully defined: different compositions of polypropylene, polyester, composite meshes and also insertion kits. Resorbable meshes were evaluated in two randomized studies which did not demonstrate better results than with simple folding known to have a high rate of recurrence. For polypropylene meshes, Marlex was studied in six trials which demonstrated a high rate of cure at one year but also a high rate of erosion which reached 25%. Use of Atrium was mentioned in three studies with a 6 to 12% recurrence rate and an erosion rate nearly reaching 20%. The majority of studies used Prolene and Gynemesh. Seventeen authors reported their experience, generally reviewing retrospective series, with recurrence rates of less than 10% for follow-up periods rarely greater than two years. A large variety of forms and sizes have been used, hindering comparisons. The rate of erosion was also quite variable, as high as 45%, demonstrating the need for a precise definition of erosion. Only recently have authors shown interest in the impact of prosthetic meshes on quality of life and sexual activity. An improvement is generally noted for defecation but the rate of dyspareunia has reached as high as 60%. Here again grades of prosthetic retraction should be better defined. Proposed to improve these phenomena, soft Prolene recently used by several authors does not appear to fulfil expectations. Since 2005, several precut polypropylene meshes have been proposed with an insertion kit. The Prolift kit has been followed prospectively in 100 patients undergoing regular surveillance. Surgipro has been used sporadically in small series but follow-up is still too short for proper assessment. Polyester meshes (Mersilene and Paritex) have been presented by three authors who have found them useful but reports have been vague concerning results and complications. Polytetrafluoroethylene has not been evaluated for transvaginal surgery, probably because of the poor tolerance of suburetral bands. For composite meshes, Vypro has been used by four authors who noted about 10% erosion but with a short follow-up insufficient to draw conclusions about the functional and anatomic outcome. Surfaced meshes, advocated for transvaginal treatments, have been studied in only two reports. Plevitex is a polypropylene mesh coated with collagen; another polyester composite with polyglactin 910. The rate of dyspareunia varied from 14 to 24%. Other composites with antiadherents or antiseptics are also proposed for transvaginal insertion but have not been studied. This work demonstrated the lack of sufficient evidence from prospective randomized trials and the lack of standardized techniques to draw any definite conclusions. While evidence is being accumulated on the lower rate of recurrence for anterior compartment prolapse, the lack of data on the rate of complications and patient quality of life is unacceptable for this functional surgery. We still have reservations about widespread use of synthetic meshes. A special chapter is detailed in appendix on post-operative complications. These new specific complications call to a new semiology, with a classification in 4 types and under-types, proposed by authors. Type 1: defects of healing. Type 2: the infection of the graft. Type 3: the shrinkage of the mesh. Type 4: erosions. Authors detail the symptoms of these 4 types as well as the prevention and the treatment of these complications.

[Use of prosthetic materials in reconstructive pelvic floor surgery. An evidence-based analysis]

Many surgical procedures for the repair of pelvic organ prolapse are used nowadays. Reconstructive pelvic surgery continues to evolve while surgeons continue to search the definitive surgical cure and have to choose the most appropriate procedures for their patients. Concerning the vaginal approach procedures, there is an increasing interest in the use of synthetic meshes which are at present widely used for surgical repair of pelvic organ prolapse. Prosthetic repair seems to be more reliable, especially when native tissues are of poor quality. The use of synthetic meshes may also simplify surgical procedures and reduce operative duration and morbidity. Material must be inert, permanent and resistant to infection. Based on authors' and other researchers' published experimental and clinical experience, polypropylene is assumed to be the most appropriate material for the vaginal repair of pelvic organ prolapse. However, since no standardized outcome measure is available, it is difficult to compare the results of surgical procedures. Only in recent studies, the subjective cure rates (patient satisfaction and outcome) have been assessed as well as the objective cure rates determined by the investigators. The subjective cure rate is probably more influenced by the functional outcome and sexual activity than by the anatomical result. Continuous evaluation is necessary to study replacement synthetic materials which should improve the rate of prolapse recurrence and reduce the risk of complications. Randomized controlled trials are required to determine which surgical procedures and type of prosthesis are most suitable. This review evaluates the properties of prosthetic materials, their complications and the most common procedures involved in the use of meshes for pelvic reconstructive surgery.

Scientific basis for use of grafts during vaginal reconstructive procedures

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The use of graft material and mesh in the setting of pelvic organ prolapse surgery has gained increasing popularity and attention in spite of lack of scientific evidence to support their use. The objective of this review is to discuss available synthetic and biologic graft materials, review operative techniques, and evaluate the anatomic and functional results of published data on graft augmented prolapse repairs and antiincontinence procedures.

RECENT FINDINGS

Natural biologic graft materials (such as fascia lata) have been used to augment prolapse surgery and have a theoretical advantage of causing less erosions; however, a renewed interest in the employment of synthetic mesh in the anterior and posterior segments has increased, partly due to the need to find improved materials with less inconsistent material strength. The insertion of 'tension-free' meshes for anterior and posterior vaginal wall prolapse may be promising, but studies with longer follow-up are necessary to determine their true efficacy and safety profile.

SUMMARY

The recent introduction of newer graft materials and minimally invasive surgical techniques for pelvic organ prolapse repair and stress incontinence has rapidly grown, despite the relative lack of evidence-based information to document their long-term efficacy and safety. Their current use must take into account the risk-benefit profile and be individualized for each surgical candidate. The ultimate goal is to correct both the anatomic and functional derangements seen in this patient population, while improving quality of life.

The use of graft materials in vaginal pelvic floor surgery

OBJECTIVE

To review recent literature on graft materials used in vaginal pelvic floor surgery.

METHODS

A Pubmed-search ("anterior vaginal wall" or "cystocele"), ("posterior vaginal wall" or "rectocele") and ("vaginal vault" or "pelvic prolapse") and ("mesh" or "erosion" or "graft" or "synthetic") from 1995 to 2005 was performed; recent reviews [Birch C. The use of prosthetics in pelvic reconstructive surgery. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2005;19:979-91 [1]; Maher C, Baessler K. Surgical management of anterior vaginal wall prolapse: an evidence-based literature review. Int Urogynecol J Pelvic Floor Dysfunct 2005 (May 25) [Electronic Publication] [2]; Maher C, Baessler K. Surgical management of posterior vaginal wall prolapse: an evidence-based literature review. Int Urogynecol J Pelvic Floor Dysfunct 2006;17:84-8 [3]; Altman D, Mellgren A, Zetterstrom J. Rectocele repair using biomaterial augmentation: current documentation and clinical experience. Obstet Gynecol Surv 2005;60:753-60 [4] were added.

RESULT

There are few prospective randomized trials that prove the benefit of implanting grafts in vaginal pelvic floor surgery. Many articles are retrospective case series with small sample sizes or incomplete outcome variables. Serious complications such as erosions are often not mentioned. Inconsistent or unclear criteria for anatomic cure make it difficult to compare outcomes. Quality of life issues such as dyspareunia, urinary or bowel symptoms are often ignored.

CONCLUSION

Due to a lack of well-designed prospective randomized trials, recommendations for using graft materials in vaginal reconstructive surgery cannot be made. At this time, grafts should have limited use in a carefully selected patient population.

Facteurs de risque des expositions prothétiques après cure de prolapsus génital par voie vaginale

OBJECTIVES

Prosthetic reinforcement in the surgical repair of pelvic prolapse by the vaginal approach is currently on the increase. However, this technique is not without tolerance-related problems. The most frequently described complication is prosthesis exposure, including erosion and delayed healing. It is independent of a granuloma and a major infection as pelvic cellulitis. Its mechanism is associated with defective vaginal healing. The purpose of our study is to define the risk factors for exposure of the prosthetic material.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Two hundred and seventy-seven medical records relating to patients undergoing surgery due to pelvic prolapse were included in our study. The treatment of genital prolapse was managed via the vaginal approach with polypropylene mesh. This is a continuous, retrospective study conducted over a period of 24 months.

RESULTS

Thirty-four cases of prosthesis exposure were observed in the 2 months following surgery, which represents an incidence of 12.27%. The risk factors are concomitant hysterectomy [odds ratio 5.17 (P = 0.001)] and inverted T colpotomy [odds ratio 6.06 (P = 0.01)]. The protective factors are preservation of the uterus and the performance of a minor colpotomy in patients who had already undergone a hysterectomy or in those whose uterus had been preserved [odds ratio 5.16 (P = 0.0001)].

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

In our study, we have only found risk factors of operative protocol. In fact, other information as age, menopause status or medical history of the patient is not significant. The uterus must be preserved and the number and extent of colpotomies needed to insert the prosthesis must be limited.

Prise en charge des expositions de prothèse après cure de prolapsus génitaux par voie vaginale

INTRODUCTION

Prosthetic reinforcement by the vaginal approach for surgical repair of pelvic prolapse is experiencing increasing popularity despite problems with tolerance. The most frequently described complication is prosthesis exposure, also known as erosion or granuloma. The mechanism is associated with defective vaginal healing and is independent of major infection such as pelvic cellulitis.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of our study was to define the course of this complication and the best therapeutic strategy for patients with prosthesis exposure.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

Our continuous and retrospective study conducted over a period of 24 months between January 2002 and December 2003 recorded 34 files. These patients underwent prosthetic treatment via the vaginal approach of genital prolapse associated with prosthesis exposure. The procedure, known as TVM (Tension free Vaginal Mesh), involves the insertion without fixing of a synthetic prosthesis in areas of bladder-vagina and rectum-vagina detachment.

RESULTS

In 33 cases out of 34, the exposure site was located on the anterior colpotomy scar (97%). These prosthesis exposures were managed in two stages, using antiseptic treatment first. This treatment cured 9 patients (26.47%). In the event of failure, a procedure was carried out under brief general anesthesia on an outpatient basis or during a 24-hour hospital stay. This single resection was sufficient for 20 patients (88%). Two patients nevertheless required a second removal procedure (8%) and one patient a third procedure (4%). To notice, one patient presented with a bladder-vagina fistula after resection. This observation of a bladder-vagina fistula following partial removal led us to recommend a blue test and/or cystoscopy as routine practice for each procedure.

CONCLUSION

With this new vaginal approach for prolapse repair, it is important to monitor prosthesis exposure. To manage exposures, it is necessary to begin with antiseptic or estrogenic treatment. In the event of failure, a partial resection is warranted. We recommend careful prosthesis resection and systematic verification of the bladder.

Transvaginal mesh technique for pelvic organ prolapse repair: mesh exposure management and risk factors

Prosthetic reinforcement in the surgical repair of pelvic prolapse by the vaginal approach is not devoid of tolerability-related problems such as vaginal erosion. The purposes of our study are to define the risk factors for exposure of the mesh material, to describe advances and to recommend a therapeutic strategy. Two hundred and seventy-seven patients undergoing surgery due to pelvic prolapse with transvaginal mesh technique were included in a continuous, retrospective study between January 2002 and December 2003. Thirty-four cases of mesh exposure were observed within the 2 months following surgery, which represents an incidence of 12.27%. All the patients were medically treated, nine of whom were found to have completely healed during the check-up performed at 2 months. In contrast, 25 patients required partial mesh exeresis. Risk factors of erosion were concomitant hysterectomy [OR = 5.17 (p = 10(-3))] and inverted T colpotomy [OR = 6.06 (p = 10(-2))]. Two technical guidelines can be defined from this study as regards the surgical procedure required in order to limit mesh exposure via the vaginal route. The uterus must be preserved, and the number and extent of colpotomies needed to insert the mesh must be limited.

Pelvic floor reconstruction before orthotopic bladder replacement after radical cystectomy for bladder cancer

Female incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse have been defined as contraindications to orthotopic bladder substitution. A 75-old-year woman with slight stress incontinence, Stage III cystocele, and vaginal vault prolapse after subtotal hysterectomy underwent radical cystectomy for Stage T2 bladder cancer. After radical cystectomy, pelvic floor integrity was restored by colposacropexy with a rectangular polypropylene mesh and an ileal reservoir to urethra was constructed. After 1 year of follow-up, she had complete daytime continence and only needed to wear a pad during the night. Her postvoid residual urine volume was constantly less than 100 mL.

Surgical management of the apical vaginal defect

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To review the etiology, presentation, imaging techniques and current surgical management of the apical vaginal defect.

RECENT FINDINGS

Urologists are increasingly managing urinary incontinence and prolapse of the anterior and posterior compartment but most refer the management of the apical defect to gynecologists. A variety of abdominal and vaginal repairs are commonly utilized to repair the apical defect, often based on the surgeon's preference. Of the abdominal repairs, abdominal sacral colpopexy with mesh remains the gold standard. Laparoscopic techniques, although feasible, have not gained widespread acceptance. Of the vaginal restorative procedures there are proponents for uterosacral ligament vault suspension, iliococcygeus and sacrospinous ligament fixation. The uterosacral ligament vault suspension is the most anatomic of the repairs and hence least likely to create a predisposition to future anterior or posterior vaginal wall defects or compromise vaginal function. In rare instances where restorative procedures are discouraged and sexual function is no longer desired, obliterative procedures, which are better tolerated, may be more appropriate.

SUMMARY

The best approach for restoration of vaginal apical support remains controversial with abdominal and vaginal routes commonly utilized. A single approach or procedure based on the surgeon's preference is not always optimal. Procedure selection should be individualized based on the patient's age, comorbidities, prior surgical history and level of physical and sexual activity. The transvaginal uterosacral ligament vaginal vault suspension is increasingly our procedure of choice for management of the apical defect due to its versatility, reduced postoperative morbidity and excellent short-term results.