Perioperative morbidity using transvaginal mesh in pelvic organ prolapse repair.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the perioperative morbidity associated with transvaginal mesh repair of pelvic organ prolapse.

METHODS

During a 6-month time period, 25 centers registered all surgical procedures using a commercially available mesh. The frequency and type of perioperative complications, during surgery and the associated hospital stay, were documented using a standardized protocol.

RESULTS

During the inclusion period, 248 women underwent transvaginal mesh surgery: anterior repair in 106 patients (43%), posterior repair in 71 (29%), combined anterior and posterior repair in 20 (8%), and total repair in 51 (21%). Mean age was 67.8 years (+/-10.3 standard deviation) and median parity was 2 (range 0-6). Surgery for prolapse recurrence was performed in 56% of the patients (n=140), and 91% (n=225) had undergone at least one previous pelvic floor surgical procedure. Serious complications occurred in 4.4% of patients (n=11) and were dominated by visceral injury (10 of 11 cases). One case of bleeding in excess of 1,000 mL occurred. Minor complications occurred in 14.5% of patients (n=36), and the majority were urinary tract infections, urinary retention, and postoperative fever. A multivariable risk analysis showed that concurrent pelvic floor surgery was associated with an increased risk for minor complications, odds ratio 2.8 (95% confidence interval 1.1-6.9). There were no other predictors of outcomes when assessing the association with age, parity, weight, previous pelvic floor surgery, previous hysterectomy, or concurrent hysterectomy.

CONCLUSION

Perioperative serious complications are uncommon after transvaginal mesh procedures although particular care should be taken to detect visceral injury at the time of surgery.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.