Mesh complications: best practice in diagnosis and treatment

Unilateral J-cut division versus partial and subtotal removal techniques in female patients with mesh-related urethral obstruction: Multicentric comparative study

Objective

To compare the functional (obstruction relieving) outcomes and complications of unilateral J-cut division, partial and subtotal vaginal removal techniques were performed for mesh-related urethral obstruction (MRUO) in females.

Methods

Patient review included demographics, a medical history and proforma with details of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), physical and urodynamic findings, detailed surgical reports and follow-up data. Variables were compared between the three groups.

Results

Out of 130 patients with sling revision surgery (SRS), 54 women underwent SRS for MRUO with a median follow-up of 48 (17-96) months. Unilateral J-cut division, partial and subtotal vaginal removal techniques were performed in 12, 31 and 11 patients with a median duration of surgery of 30 (25-34), 40 (35-56) and 60 (60-70) minutes, respectively (p = 0.001). Statistically significant increase in median maximum free urine flow rate and decrease in median post-void residual urine volume were found after SRS in the three groups, while de novo stress urinary incontinence (SUI) developed in 10%, 44% and 60% of the patients in the unilateral J-cut division, partial and subtotal removal groups, respectively (p = 0.007).

Conclusions

The unilateral J-cut division technique was as effective as the partial and subtotal vaginal removal techniques in relieving MRUO with a shorter duration of surgery time (p = 0.001) and lower risk of de novo SUI (p = 0.007). Comparative studies with a larger number of patients are needed.

Quality of life outcomes after transobturator tape full removal surgeries: A monocentric experience

Objective

The objective of this study is to describe a standardised technique of full TOT removal with groin dissection and to report clinical improvement, satisfaction, safety and long-term functional, quality of life (QoL) and sexual QoL outcomes.

Materials and methods

A retrospective review enrolling all women who had full TOT removal, in a tertiary referral centre from May 2017 to November 2020. Functional outcomes, satisfaction and QoL were assessed using a bespoke composite questionnaire (UDI-6, EQ-5D-5L and ICIQ-S) with additional questions on sexual QoL. Secondary outcomes were post-operative recurrent stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and complication rate according to the Clavien-Dindo classification.

Results

Full TOT removal using a vaginal approach and bilateral groin/para-labial incisions was performed in 67 patients. Chronic pelvic pain was the main indication for mesh removal (51% of cases, n = 34). QoL questionnaires were answered by 43 patients. The satisfaction rate was high 86% (n = 37), and 81% (n = 35) of the patients considered the surgery successful. Seventy per cent (n = 30) of patients returned to having a sexual life after surgery. Recurrent SUI was reported in 32% (n = 14) of cases. The complication rate was 10% (7/67), all of them Clavien-Dindo ≤2.

Conclusion

Despite a high rate of postoperative bothersome SUI, full TOT removal with bilateral groin dissection improves pain and QoL. It is associated with a high overall satisfaction rate and an acceptable rate of complications.

The double-edged sword of mesh use in pelvic organ prolapse surgery: a case report

Introduction

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a prevalent condition among parous women, often warranting surgical intervention. This case accentuates the complications associated with mesh in POP surgeries, iterating the imperative need for an evidence-based approach towards its utilization and exhaustive patient counselling.

Case presentation

A 60-year-old female, post-mesh-augmented POP repair, embarked on a 13-year journey characterized by persistent pelvic pain and multiple interventions. Despite undergoing several surgeries across different countries, involving mesh and stone removals, her symptoms, notably pelvic pain and dyspareunia, persisted. Clinical examinations revealed mesh erosion into the perivesical tissue, bladder, and associated stones, which were addressed through multiple interventions, albeit with transient success.

Discussion

The complex journey of this patient exemplifies the intricate challenges mesh poses in POP surgeries. While mesh application offers a minimally invasive approach and has proven successful in numerous cases, it simultaneously opens a Pandora's box of potential severe complications, necessitating thorough patient counselling and post-surgery management.

Conclusion

The case delineates the challenging path that clinicians and patients tread when navigating through mesh-associated complications post-POP repair. Although mesh has been heralded as a revolutionary approach in POP surgeries, its potential drawbacks necessitate judicious application, ensuring clinicians are well-versed with its associated risks and are adept in managing ensuing complications.

A comparative study in learning curves of laparoscopic lateral suspension vs. laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy: preliminary results

Background

Determination of the learning curve of new techniques is essential to improve safety and efficiency. Limited information is available regarding learning curves of different techniques in laparoscopic pelvic floor surgery.

Objective

The aim of this study was to compare the learning curve of two operative techniques, laparoscopic lateral suspension (LLS) and laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (LSC).

Material and methods

We conducted a prospective study to assess the learning curve of LLS and LSC by implementing a structured urogynecologic surgical training program with the use of pelvic trainers for our urogynecology fellow. The fellow was an experienced urogynecologic surgeon, but was laparoscopic suturing and dissection naive at the beginning of the study. She was required to assist in 20 laparoscopic urogynecologic surgeries and undertake laparoscopic suturing and knot tying training with mesh positioning on a laparoscopic trainer for 4 h/week during the trial period. After the completion of this structured training program, the fellow performed LLS and LSC under the supervision of an experienced subspecialist as the primary surgeon. Linear regression analysis was used to compare the data of LLS and LSC learning curves. Subjective pre- and post-operative evaluation of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and pelvic floor disorders was undertaken preoperatively and 12 months postoperatively using the PFDI-20-Quality of Life validated questionnaire. Follow-up was scheduled 12 months after the surgery and performed by a skilled urogynecologist. Objective cure was defined as Pelvic Organ Prolapse-Qualification (POP-Q) stage

Results

The mean operative times of laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy and lateral suspension were 168.26 and 160.33 min, respectively. According to linear regression analysis after 43 procedures, the learning curve for laparoscopic lateral suspension was shorter than for laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (OPTime 134.69 min). In both groups, there was a significant reduction in bothersome POP symptoms (p ≤ 0.005). Bladder injuries in two cases and lumbar pain in one case were recorded during the study. Overall objective success at 12 months was 90.7% for LSC and 89.1% for LLS.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic lateral suspension could be an alternative to laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy in the treatment of POP with its good objective and subjective outcomes. Lateral suspension has a shorter learning curve, and it is technically less demanding than LSC. Procedure-dedicated training can accelerate the move from a novice to a master laparoscopic surgeon.

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Key Words

• laparoscopic surgery
• lateral suspension
• learning curve
• prolapse
• sacropexy

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Affiliation(s)

Ewelina Malanowska-Jarema Department of Gynecology, Endocrinology and Gynecologic Oncology, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
Yana Osnytska Department of Gynecology, Endocrinology and Gynecologic Oncology, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
Andrzej Starczewski Department of Gynecology, Endocrinology and Gynecologic Oncology, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
Matteo Balzarro Department of Urology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata Verona, Verona, Italy
Emanuele Rubilotta Department of Urology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata Verona, Verona, Italy

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Endoscopic management of intraurethral mesh extrusion with the holmium:YAG laser is an acceptable treatment option in selected patients

INTRODUCTION

Extrusion of transvaginal mesh into the urethra is a rare but potentially serious complication. Our objective is to evaluate the efficacy and long-term outcomes of women who underwent an endoscopic laser procedure to treat intraurethral mesh.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective chart review identified women who underwent an endoscopic Holmium:YAG laser procedure to treat intraurethral mesh between September 2011-October 2021. Information about the procedure, symptoms, and level of incontinence was gathered from the medical records. Primary outcomes were the need for further procedures, and the Urinary Distress Index-6 score at last follow-up.

RESULTS

We identified a total of 29 women; mesh sling procedure included tension-free vaginal sling (19), transobturator sling (6), or other transvaginal mesh sling (4). Presentation of intraurethral mesh was a median of 6 (interquartile range [IQR]: 1-7) years after placement. After the endoscopic procedure, 18/29 (62%) women had no visible urinary mesh and complete resolution of their presenting symptoms. Retreatment was necessary in 3/29 women, and 6/29 (21%) reported new or worsening stress incontinence. The UDI-6 was completed by all patients at a median of 3.7 (IQR: 2.0-5.8) years after their endoscopic procedure. The median score was 22 (IQR: 11-44), and 18/29 (62%) women had scores in the asymptomatic range. UDI-6 scores were similar for the six women who had further mesh procedures and the ones who did not.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic laser treatment of an eroded transvaginal mesh sling is an acceptable treatment with minimal morbidity and satisfactory UDI-6 scores after a median follow-up of 3.7 years.

Use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in women with suspected complications following insertion of implants for pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence surgery

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in women presenting with suspected implant complications following surgery for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective single-centre cohort study in a designated tertiary referral centre. All women with vaginally and/or abdominally placed implants for POP or SUI who were referred with suspected mesh complications, and investigated with an MRI scan, between January 2018-October 2020 were included in the study.

RESULTS

97 women were identified over this time-period with a total of 123 implants, a median age of 55 years (Range: 34-79) and an average insertion to presentation time of 84 months (Range: 2-300). 78% (74) had one implant in situ, with the remainder having at least 2 in situ. Transobturator tapes (TVT-O/TOT) were the most common implants [35% (43)]. Chronic Pelvic or abdominal pain was the most common clinical symptom [73.2% (71/112 primary complaints)] with provoked tenderness on examination being the most common clinical finding [27.8% (32/115 clinical findings)]. MRI was more likely to detect abdominally placed implants [100% (all 30)] and Retropubic Tapes [89% (16/18)] when compared to Transvaginal POP implants [87.5% (28/32)] and TVT-O/TOT [67% (29/43)]. MRI identified both cases of Sacrocolpopexy mesh rupture as well as all 11 cases of infection (100%). In 91% (10/11) of these cases, MRI revealed the infection to be more widespread than clinical findings initially suspected. Cohen's Kappa demonstrated excellent correlation between MRI and surgical findings in cases with implant related infection, rupture and normal findings (κ = 1; z = 4.58; p = 0.00000459).

CONCLUSION(S)

MRI can be a useful tool in assessment and management of patients with complications from implants. MRI can detect infection that may be more extensive that is initially clinically apparent in the outpatient setting. Abdominal implants appear to be easier to detect than transvaginal meshes and trans obturator tapes.