Hysteropexy with single-incision vaginal support system associated with a modified culdoplasty for enterocele prevention.

Our study assessed the safety and clinical outcomes of hysteropexy with a single-incision mesh associated with a modified culdoplasty, for the surgical management or prevention of enterocele, in women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP). We carried out a 1-year prospective single-cohort study, including 51 women with symptomatic, multi-compartmental POP. Anatomical outcome was assessed with a POP-Q system and the subjective outcomes were assessed using ICSQ-SF and PGI-I. One-year follow-up data were available for 48 out of 51 patients. The POP-Q cure rate was 91%, 83% of patients were satisfied or very satisfied (PGI-I ≤ 2). No major complications occurred; the most common minor complications were mesh erosion (6%) and pelvic pain (8%). Lower urinary tract dysfunctions arose in 16% of the patients. Anatomical prolapse recurrence (POP-Q stage ≥2) in anterior or apical compartments occurred in four patients (8%). No case of de novo prolapse occurred in the posterior compartment. None of the patients required further surgery for recurrent prolapse. This standardised procedure provided satisfactory 'restitutio ad integrum' of the vaginal anatomy and symptom relief.Impact statementWhat is already known on this subject? The post-surgical evidence of de novo prolapse in untreated compartments is well-known, especially in prosthetic surgery. The insertion of polypropylene mesh causes a vigorous support, consequently the forces on the pelvic floor are transmitted to the least consolidated vaginal compartment. A lack of simultaneous repair of all the segments involved in the POP increases the risk of surgical recurrence even in those areas that did not appear to be pre-operatively affected by the uterine descensus.What the results of this study add? Our prospective study showed that hysteropexy with a single-incision vaginal support system plus a modified culdoplasty was able to prevent the enterocele and the occurrence of prolapse in the posterior compartment, by closing the Douglas pouch and restoring the connection of the rectovaginal septum with the apical support.What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? This study may be relevant for clinicians in selecting the technique for pelvic floor surgery, and it may be of interest for researchers investigating the reasons for de novo occurrence of posterior segment prolapse.

A prospective study of pelvic floor dysfunctions related to delivery.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence and impact on quality of life of urinary incontinence (UI) and anal incontinence (AI) three months after first delivery; to identify risk factors involved in UI or AI; to evaluate possible changes in sexual behaviour and anatomical modifications of pelvic floor after childbirth. STUDY DESIGN: A multicenter prospective study, in six Italian Ob/Gyn departments, of nulliparous women who delivered at term (37-42 weeks of gestation) between April and September 2005. A structured questionnaire investigated several maternal and obstetric variables. UI and AI were assessed by administration of the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF) and according to Wexner's Continence Grading Scale, at 2-3 days post-partum and at 3 months after delivery. Changes in sexual behaviour, and pelvic floor condition after delivery, were also recorded. Statistical analysis included comparison of means (Mann-Whitney or Student's t-test) and proportions (Chi-square test). Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed including variables that were significant in univariate comparisons. RESULTS: Of 960 enrolled women, 744 were evaluated 3 months after delivery and included in final analysis. The prevalences of UI and AI at that time were 21.6% and 16.3%, respectively. Onset of incontinence during pregnancy was an independent predictor for persistent UI (Odds Ratio (OR) 4.6, Confidence Interval (CI) 3.1-6.8, p<0.001) and AI (OR 3.6, CI 2.2-6.1, p<0.001). Family history of urinary or anal incontinence were respectively associated with UI (OR 2.6, CI 1.6-4.0, p<0.001) and AI (OR 2.4, CI 1.4-4.0, p<0.001) 3 months after delivery. Among obstetric factors, vaginal delivery was a strong risk factor for UI (OR 3.3, CI 2.0-5.3, p<0.001). The sexual score improved 3 months after delivery in 72.4% of women. Urogynaecological evaluation showed a significant association between grade 1-2 anterior prolapse, urethral hypermobility and UI. CONCLUSION: New onset of UI or AI during pregnancy, positive family history and vaginal delivery are independent risk factors for the persistence of symptoms of UI and AI in the early postpartum period. Adequate counselling and the implementation of targeted strategies to prevent or early identify these conditions are therefore mandatory to improve the patient's quality of life.