Three-Year Outcomes of a Multicenter Study of Japanese-Style Laparoscopic Sacrocolpopexy

Introduction and hypothesis: Laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy(LSC) is widely performed and has been reported to safe and effective. However, statistical data on this technique are unavailable. Therefore, we designed the Japanese-style LSC, a further evolution of the French-style LSC, and initiated this multicenter study to prospectively evaluate its efficacy and safety. If the Japanese-style LSC is successful, we may be able to propose a more reliable and standardized procedure.

Methods: This is a prospective study of Japanese-style LSC. The Japanese-style LSC is characterized by the dissection of the vaginal walls as distally as possible and fixation of the mesh with multiple sutures; fixation of the mesh on the promontory without traction; and closure of the peritoneum with high-level peritoneal sutures. We examined the primary (anatomical recurrence, adverse events, and quality of life) and secondary endpoints (voiding symptoms and sexual function) at 3 years postoperatively.

Results: In anatomical recurrence, 24 patients (9.2%) were ≥ stage2 in the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification system at 3 years postoperatively, of which 4 (1.5%) and 20 (7.7%) were stages III and II respectively. No mesh-related complications were observed, and each questionnaire showed predominant improvement, except for sexual and evacuation functions.

Conclusions: The Japanese-style LSC demonstrated superior anatomical and functional results and we propose it to be an effective procedure.