The effect of transvaginal prolapse surgery on anorectal function

Objective: Pelvic floor dysfunction can manifest as a spectrum including anorectal dysfunction, vaginal prolapse, and urinary incontinence. Sacrospinous fixation is a procedure performed by gynecologists to treat vaginal prolapse. The present study aims to evaluate the impact of transvaginal prolapse surgery on anorectal function. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of patients undergoing sacrospinous fixation surgery for vaginal prolapse between 2014 to 2020. Those with anorectal dysfunction who had also been evaluated by the colorectal service preoperatively and postoperatively were included for analysis. These patients were assessed with symptom-specific validated questionnaires. The effect of surgery on constipation and fecal incontinence symptoms was analyzed. Results: A total of 22 patients were included for analysis. All patients underwent transvaginal sacrospinous fixation, and 95.4% also had posterior colporrhaphy for vaginal prolapse. There were a statistically significant improvements in the Fecal Incontinence Severity Index (FISI), the St. Mark's Incontinence Score (Vaizey), the embarrassment and lifestyle components of the Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life Score, the Constipation Scoring System, the Obstructed Defecation Score, and components of the Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life score. Conclusion: Transvaginal prolapse surgery leads to a favorable effect on anorectal function, with improvements in both obstructed defecation and fecal incontinence scores in this small series. (AU)

Repair of the middle and posterior compartments of the pelvic floor via perineal and vaginal routes without the use of mesh - technique description and case series / Correção dos compartimentos médio e posterior do assoalho pélvico por vias perineal e vaginal sem uso de tela - descrição de técnica e série de casos

ABSTRACT Introduction: Currently, problems such as constipation due to outlet obstruction, rectal/vaginal prolapse and fecal and urinary incontinence have become increasingly more frequent because of the population aging process, with great impact on the quality of life. Objective: To describe a technique for surgical repair of middle/posterior pelvic floor compartments and extra-mucosal rectal wall treatment by transperineal and vaginal approach, using native tissues and present the results in twenty patients submitted to this surgical technique. Method: Patients with symptoms secondary to middle/posterior pelvic floor descent and anatomical changes confirmed by proctological exam and pelvic MRI defecography. Results were evaluated through the Agachan constipation score, using pre- and post-operative questionnaires. Results: Immediate repair of rectocele and musculature, with prompt improvement of constipation, sustained by 42 months. There were no severe complications in the postoperative period. Conclusion: This is an effective technique, with adequate anatomic repair, improvement of constipation scores and with low risk.

RESUMO Introdução: Problemas como constipação intestinal por obstrução de saída, prolapsos retal/vaginal e incontinências fecal e urinária são cada vez mais frequentes pelo envelhecimento populacional, com grande impacto na qualidade de vida. Objetivo: Descrever técnica para correção do compartimento médio/posterior do assoalho pélvico e tratamento extramucoso da parede retal, por vias perineal e vaginal, utilizando tecidos nativos. Apresentar os resultados da cirurgia em 20 pacientes submetidas à técnica. Método: Pacientes com sintomas secundários ao descenso de assoalho pélvico médio/posterior, submetidas à propedêutica - exame proctológico e defecografia por RNM de pelve que confirmaram as alterações anatômicas. A avaliação dos resultados foi feita com questionários no pré e pós-operatório, com a utilização do escore de Agachan para constipação intestinal. Resultado: Correção imediata da retocele e da musculatura, com melhora imediata da constipação intestinal, sustentada ao longo de 42 meses. Sem complicações graves no pós-operatório. Conclusão: Técnica eficaz, com correção anatômica adequada, associada a melhora significativa dos escores de constipação e de baixo risco.

The "Pelvic Harness": a skeletonized mesh implant for safe pelvic floor reconstruction

ABSTRACT Objectives To evaluate the feasibility, safety and surgical results of skeletonized mesh implants to form a pelvic harness for pelvic floor reconstruction surgery. Study design Patients with advanced pelvic floor prolapse were enrolled to this study. Study model was a kit mesh, reduced to 75% of the original surface area by cutting out mesh material from the central mesh body. Patients were evaluated at the end of the 1st and 6th post-operative months and interviewed at the study conclusion. Results Ninety-five women with advanced pelvic floor prolapse had this implant. Mean follow-up duration was 9 months (6-12 months). The POP-Q point’s measurements showed marked and statistically significant improvements. Bladder over-activity symptoms, fecal incontinence, pelvic pain and constipation rates were all reduced as well. No adverse effects related to the dissection or mesh implantation were marked. The first and sixth post-operative month follow-up records as well as the study conclusion interview findings were satisfactory in terms of subjective and objective cure and adverse effects occurrence. Conclusion This study data proposes that skeletonizing meshes might be safely and successfully implanted for potentially improved pelvic floor reconstruction.