Analysis of outcomes of single polypropylene mesh in total pelvic floor reconstruction.

Aims: A 2.5-year outcome analysis was performed on patients who underwent transvaginal repair of total pelvic organ prolapse with single polypropylene mesh. A description of the repair technique using a tension-free 4-point fixation is also reviewed.

Methods: After proper vaginal dissection, a specially fashioned "H" shaped polypropylene mesh is positioned and fixed at 4-points. With a single piece of mesh, the anterior arms provide mid-urethral and bladder neck support, the mid-portion of the mesh corrects anterior compartment defects, and the posterior arms aid in vaginal vault suspension. Initially, bone anchors were utilized for anterior fixation, but currently a tension-free method is used. A retrospective analysis using chart review was performed on 96 patients who underwent this procedure from January 2000 to June 2005. Additional information was gathered by a telephone survey using a questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using Student's t-test, with Sigma Stat(R).

Results: Seventy-six patients (79%) were available with a mean follow-up time of 30.7 +/- 1.7 months and mean age of 69.3 +/- 11.3. Among those with follow-up, 36 patients (47.4%) underwent concurrent hysterectomies. Recurrence of prolapse was reported by four patients (5.2%). Sixty-eight patients (89%) were completely dry or almost dry, defined as an occasional leak. For those with preoperative incontinence (n = 36), average pad use per day decreased significantly from 2.1 +/- 0.4 to 0.8 +/- 0.2 (P < 0.005) postoperatively. Twelve patients (15.7%) reported of de novo urgency. Six patients required reoperation including excision of vaginal mesh erosion (2), uretholysis for obstruction (1), removal of palpable vaginal suture (1), and recurrent SUI (2). Among the 21 patients who are sexually active, 19 denied any dyspareunia (90.4%). Patient satisfaction was high, as the mean value was 7.9 +/- 0.3 on a scale of 1 (least satisfied) to 10 (most satisfied).

Conclusions: Transvaginal repair of complete pelvic prolapse using polypropylene mesh is a safe and efficacious option, with minimal recurrence of prolapse and SUI. While two patients had vaginal erosions, no urethral or bladder erosions occurred. Patient satisfaction was overall favorable.