Anatomic outcomes of sacrohysteropexy without posterior mesh placement in patients with asymptomatic grade 1 and 2 rectoceles: Is a rectouterine mesh really necessary?

Low Urin Tract Symptoms. 2023 Jul;15(4):122-128. doi: 10.1111/luts.12479. Epub 2023 Mar 30.

Abstract

Objectives: To present the anatomic outcomes of sacrohysteropexy surgery without posterior mesh placement in patients with asymptomatic grade 1 and 2 rectoceles.

Methods: The patients who underwent abdominal sacrohysteropexy without posterior mesh placement for the treatment of symptomatic grade 3 and 4 anterior/apical prolapse + asymptomatic grade 1 and 2 rectocele between May 2015 and January 2021 were evaluated retrospectively. The success rate, the anatomic outcomes (for anterior, apical, and posterior pelvic organ prolapse [POP]), and perioperative data of the surgical procedure were assessed. The objective failure criteria after surgery included the presence of grade 1 or higher in any compartment (anatomical criteria), recurrent POP requiring an operation, and/or usage of pessaries. Perioperative adverse events were categorized according to the Clavien-Dindo classification.

Results: Fifty-one patients underwent sacrohysteropexy without posterior mesh. The mean age of the patients was 56.8 ± 10 years. The success rates (anatomical outcomes) for the anterior/apical and posterior POP in the study group were 60.7%, 54.9%, and 58.8%, respectively, at a median follow-up time of 40.24 (24-71) months. The median hospital stay was 3.1 (2-6) days. The mean estimated blood loss was 127.6 (80-150) mL. The mean operation time was 114 (90-156) min. The mean urethral and catheter removal times were 1.3 (1, 2) and 2.1 (2-4) days, respectively. The mean recovery time of gastrointestinal motility was 14.4 h (11-35).

Conclusions: Sacrohysteropexy without posterior mesh placement might be associated with less pain, shorter operative time, and shorter recovery time of gastrointestinal motility, without compromising the anatomic success.

Keywords: prolapse; rectocele; sacrocolpopexy; surgery.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Pelvic Organ Prolapse* / surgery
  • Rectocele* / surgery
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Surgical Mesh
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Uterus