Autologous rectus fascia graft in the treatment of high-stage apical vaginal prolapse: preliminary results of a new surgical approach with native tissue

Abstract

Purpose: Since vaginal meshes in pelvic organ prolapse have been associated with more complications in the last decades, native tissue vaginal repair is still the mainstay of prolapse surgery. This study introduces a new transvaginal approach with bilateral sacrospinous ligament fixation augmented by autologous rectus fascia graft to repair high-stage apical vaginal wall prolapse.

Methods: Between December 2018 and June 2020, 13 patients with high-stage apical vaginal wall prolapse (point C ≥ + 1) accompanied by high-stage anterior vaginal wall prolapse (paint Ba ≥ + 1) were included. In this procedure, the central part of the anterior rectus fascia graft (6-8 cm in length and 1-1.5 cm in width) is sutured to the underlying tissue of the vaginal apex or cervix and the arms of the rectus graft augmented to the sacrospinous ligament with a Capio suture capturing device (Boston Scientific). The patients are evaluated by history taking, physical examination, Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire (PFIQ-7), and Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI-20) Questionnaire.

Results: The patient's mean age was 61.2 ± 2.7 years and they were followed up to 12 months. The anatomical success rate was 92.3%. The PFDI-20 and PFIQ-7 were significantly improved (P < 0.001). There were no significant perioperative complications. Three patients complained of unilateral groin or buttock pain which resolved gradually at the first post-operative month.

Conclusion: The transvaginal bilateral sacrospinous ligament fixation augmented by autologous rectus fascia graft is an effective and safe surgical approach in treating high-stage apical vaginal prolapse with short-term follow-up.

Keywords: Apical prolapse; Native tissue repair; Rectus fascia; Sacrospinous ligament fixation; Vaginal reconstruction.