Synthetic Graft Augmentation in Vaginal Prolapse Surgery: Long-Term Objective and Subjective Outcomes.

Objective: To report long-term objectives and subjective outcomes in women who underwent prolapse surgery with a synthetic graft augmentation.

Design: Retrospective analysis (Canadian Task Force classification II-3). Setting: University hospital in the southeastern United States. Patients: Women with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse who underwent transvaginal graft augmentation using the Prolift mesh system between July 2006 and December 2008 for a minimum 5-year follow-up. Interventions: Subjects completed the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI-20), the Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire (PFIQ-7), the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Function Questionnaire (PISQ), and the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire. Subjects also underwent postoperative physical examination with Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) and vaginal pain/stricture assessment. Long-term postoperative findings were compared with preoperative baseline data. Measurements and main

Results: Of 208 eligible subjects, 70 completed the questionnaires only, and 48 of these 70 provided both postoperative examination and questionnaire data. The mean duration of follow-up was 7.0 ± 0.7 years (range, 5.8-8.1 years). POP-Q measurements of Ba (point B anterior), Bp (B posterior), C (cervix), GH (genital hiatus), PB (perineal body), and overall pelvic organ prolapse stage were significantly improved (all p < .001 except for PB, p = .006). PFIQ-7 (total, Urinary Impact Questionnaire, and Pelvic Organ Prolapse Impact Questionnaire) and PFDI-20 (total, Urinary Distress Inventory, and Pelvic Organ Prolapse Distress Inventory) scores significantly improved (all p < .001). No differences were noted in the colorectal-anal subscales (Colorectal-Anal Impact Questionnaire and Colorectal-Anal Distress Inventory) and PISQ scores at >5-year follow-up (all p > .05). Satisfaction rates were 15.7% for not at all, 35.7% for somewhat, and 48.6% for completely satisfied. Complications included graft exposure (n = 3; 6%) and dyspareunia (n = 25; 36%).

Conclusion: Women undergoing transvaginal prolapse surgery using a synthetic graft continue to have positive objective and subjective outcomes, leading to significantly improved quality of life at a minimum 5-year follow-up.