Abdominal sacrocolpopexy for vault prolapse without burial of mesh: a case series.

OBJECTIVES

To audit the clinical outcome of abdominal vault suspension (sacrocolpopexy, hysteropexy or cervicopexy) using non-absorbable mesh, without burial by closure of the peritoneum.

DESIGN

A case series.

SETTING

Urogynaecology units of four hospitals.

POPULATION: One hundred and twenty-eight women having open or laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (121), hysteropexy (6) or cervicopexy (1) using non-absorbable mesh for vault prolapse.

METHODS

Patients had suspension of the vault, uterus or cervix from the sacral promontory using a monofilament polypropylene mesh. The pelvic peritoneum was not closed over the mesh. Patients were followed up every six months.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Incidence of bowel complications as a consequence of the mesh; cure rate of prolapse and incidence of other post-operative complications; rate of re-operation for prolapse or incontinence.

RESULT: After a median follow up of 19 months (1.5-62), there were no bowel complications as a result of non-burial of mesh. Three patients had asymptomatic vaginal mesh erosion, which required minor surgical intervention. Ninety percent of patients had good resolution of their prolapse symptoms while 10% of patients required further surgery.

CONCLUSION

Leaving the mesh uncovered by the pelvic peritoneum was not associated with complications. It appears safe to perform vault suspension without closing the peritoneum.