Objective: To prospectively evaluate the efficacy of a tension-free vaginal mesh (TVM) procedure for pelvic organ prolapse (POP).
Methods: Between December 2005 and April 2008, 310 female patients (mean age 67.2 years, range 42-84) with POP underwent TVM procedures at our institute. Fifty-six individuals were qualified as stage 2 according to the POP quantification system and 162 and 92 were stage 3 and 4, respectively. One hundred ninety-one patients underwent anterior TVM, and seven underwent posterior TVM. One hundred twelve cases underwent both anterior and posterior TVM procedures. Each patient was systematically assessed at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery. Quality of life (QOL) was also assessed by using the Short Form-36 and the prolapse-QOL questionnaires.
Results: Perioperative complications were the following: five bladder injuries (1.6%), no rectal injuries and three hemorrhages greater than 400 mL (1.0%). The anatomical cure rate (% stage 0 cases) at 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery were 94.1%, 93.5%, and 92.3%, respectively. Short Form-36 and prolapse-QOL parameters were significantly improved, and maintained during the follow-up period. Postoperative complications were the following: five pelvic hematomas (1.6%), one wound infection (0.3%), 10 vaginal mesh extrusions (3.2%), and three cases of pelvic pain (1.0%). Complications concerning lower urinary tract function were: eight cases of postoperative stress urinary incontinence (2.6%), three cases of transient urinary retention (1.0%), and two cases of de novo overactive bladder (0.6%).
Conclusions: The TVM procedure provides a good outcome at 1 year with a low incidence of surgical complications and recurrence. Further evaluation with a longer follow up is needed.