Long-term follow-up of patients treated by transvaginal mesh repair for anterior prolapse

The aim of the study was to assess 5 years outcome of transvaginal single incision mesh surgery (SIMS) for anterior pelvic organ prolapse (POP). This was a prospective study including all patients from January 2009 to December 2012 who underwent SIMS for symptomatic anterior prolapse stage ≥2, according to POP Quantification (POP-Q). Symptoms and quality of life were assessed using validated questionnaires: Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI-20), Pelvic Floor Impact questionnaire (PFIQ-7), and Prolapse/ Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ-12). Main outcome was subjective success (question 3 of PFDI-20 score = 0). Mesh-related complications, objective and functional outcomes were used as the secondary outcomes. 270 patients were included in the study. Median follow-up was 5,7 years [4,5–8,2]. Subjective success rate was 86,6% at 5 years. Objective success rate was 53,1% at 5 years. At 5 years, composite failure (subjective + objective) occurred for 17 patients (12%), 7 patients with direct recurrence and 10 with indirect recurrence. Re-treatment was performed in six patients (2,8%; 3 hysterectomies for apical recurrence and 3 posterior repairs for posterior recurrence). One case (0,4%) of asymptomatic mesh exposure occurred. The reoperation rate for mesh-related complications was 3,4%. At 5 years, de novo dyspareunia rate was 11,7%, 3,9% considered as mesh-related. A significant improvement was noted for symptoms and quality of life. Five-year results demonstrate that vaginal mesh surgery provides a durable and safe repair of anterior compartment prolapse with a low rate of mesh-related complications and reoperations. Between the 2- and 5-year follow-up, patient satisfaction and associated improvements in prolapse-specific symptoms were sustained and minimal new morbidity occurred.