Mid-term outcomes of moderate-severe cystocele repairing with autologous fascia lata harvested through a small incision

Introduction and hypothesis: To investigate the mid-term outcomes of transvaginal repair for moderate-severe cystocele using autologous fascia lata harvested through a single small incision.

Methods: Between February and October 2022, 35 patients with moderate to severe cystocele undergoing transvaginal repair with autologous fascia lata were included. Patient demographics and perioperative data were collected, with follow-ups through outpatient visits or phone calls. Patients were evaluated by subjective perception of vaginal bulging, physical examination, Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI-20) Questionnaire, patient satisfaction, Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I) scores, regret rate, willingness to recommend, complications, and harvesting site issue.

Results: The patient's mean age was 60.44 ± 6.01 years. Fascia lata harvesting took 32.92 ± 19.72 min, reconstruction surgery lasted 141.21 ± 37.89 min. Follow-up duration was 15.94 ± 2.46 months. 5.7% (2/35) of the patients reported a non-interfering vaginal bulge not requiring treatment. Objective recurrence rate was 4.26% (1/24, Aa or Ba>0) PFDI-20 was significantly improved (P < 0.0001). All 35 patients (100%) were highly satisfied, with PGI-I score very much improved or improved. No patient regretted. 97.14% (34/35) would recommend the procedure. One patient developed poor wound healing at the vaginal apex. One patient developed thromboembolic event. Harvest site: 2.86% (1/35) developed a non-bothersome thigh bulge, 17.14% (6/35) noted an impact on wound appearance, and 8.57% (3/35) reported mild paresthesia.

Conclusion: Autologous fascia lata for cystocele treatment shows promising mid-term outcomes, safely and effectively enhancing QoL with high satisfaction. Despite concerns about leg scarring, no patient regretted and would recommend the procedure. Long-term outcomes require larger follow-up studies.