Laparoscopic Pelvic Floor Repair Using Polypropylene Mesh

Summary 

Objective

The purpose of this report is to present our experience in laparoscopic pelvic floor repair using polypropylene mesh for the treatment of advanced vaginal vault prolapse and enterocele.

Materials and Methods

A total of 40 patients with Baden-Walker System grade 3 or 4 vaginal vault prolapse and concurrent enterocele were recruited. Twenty patients had undergone at least one previous pelvic floor reconstructive procedure and were categorized as the recurrent prolapse group. The other 20 patients were categorized as the nonrecurrent group. All patients underwent a laparoscopic pelvic floor repair using a single piece of polypropylene mesh combined with uterosacral ligament suspension.

Results

The mean age of the study group was 60.7 years. The mean follow-up period was 26.6 months. The intraoperative major complication rate was 5% (two bladder perforations). No recurrent apical prolapse, anterior vaginal wall or posterior vaginal wall prolapse was observed at postoperative follow-up. The overall mesh erosion rate was 12.5% (5 of 40 patients), with four erosions (20%) in the recurrent prolapse group and one erosion (5%) in the nonrecurrent group. Mesh-related pain syndromes and dyspareunia was reported in 21.4% of patients in the recurrent prolapse group and 6.3% of patients in the nonrecurrent group.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic pelvic floor repair using a single piece of polypropylene mesh combined with uterosacral ligament suspension appears to be a feasible procedure for the treatment of advanced vaginal vault prolapse and enterocele. Fewer mesh erosions and postoperative pain syndromes were seen in patients who had no previous pelvic floor reconstructive surgery.

Key Words:  laparoscopy , pelvic floor , polypropylene , surgical mesh , vaginal prolapse

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