Transvaginal mesh in repair of pelvic organs prolapse as a minimally invasive surgical procedure

Abstract

Background/Aim. Prolapse of genital organs with or without urinary stress incontinention is the most often health problem in the elderly female population tending to increase with ageing. The aim of this study was to assess the perioperative complications and short-term outcomes of prolaps repair using transvaginal polypropylene mesh (Prolift system, Gynecare, Ethicon, USA). Methods. A retrospective study was conducted evaluating 96 women from September 2006 to January 2010 who undewent vaginal repair with implatation of a soft mesh manufactured by Gynecare, Ethicon, USA. Results. All the patients had a stage 3 or stage 4 prolapse according to the POP-Q system of ICS. Total mesh was used in 12 (13%) patients isolated anterior mesh in 52 (54%) patients and isolated posterior mesh in 32 (33%) patients. We reported one intra-operative bladder injury and no other serious complications. At 3 months, all 96 patients were available for follow-up. Vaginal erosion occured in 9 (9.3%) patients, shrinkage of mesh in 6 (6.2%) patients and de novo urinary incontinence in 5 (5.2%) patients. Failure rate was 6.25% (recurrent prolapse stage 3 or 4 even asymptomatic). Conclusion. Our study suggests that transvaginal polypropylene mesh applied with a tensionfree technique is a safe and effective method with low intraoperative complications and low morbidity rates. However, some complications are serious and require highly specialised management.