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Published in: International Urogynecology Journal 2/2014

01-02-2014 | Original Article

Is anatomical failure following anterior vaginal repair associated with weak native vaginal tissues? A biomechanical and immunohistochemical study

Authors: A. Khaja, P. Winlove, M. Waterfield, A. Oriolowo, O. A. Adekanmi, R. M. Freeman

Published in: International Urogynecology Journal | Issue 2/2014

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Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

This study was performed to determine whether anatomical recurrence of cystocoele 1 year after anterior vaginal repair is related to biomechanical properties and/or the content of collagen in the vaginal wall and epithelial tissues.

Methods

In this prospective, observational study in a UK teaching hospital, we assessed women undergoing surgery for symptomatic anterior compartment prolapse. Outcome measures were anatomical recurrence, biomechanical strength and collagen content in vaginal tissues. In part one of the study, 42 women underwent biomechanical testing of full-thickness anterior vaginal wall tissue samples to determine the elastic moduli and yield stress. In part two, 59 women underwent immunohistochemical testing of anterior vaginal wall tissue samples to determine tissue content of procollagen I; collagen types I, III, V; and matrix metalloproteinases 1 and 2 (MMP-1 and 2). Results were then compared with anatomical outcome at 1 year postsurgery.

Results

Differences in yield strain in all outcome groups (optimal, satisfactory and unsatisfactory) were not statistically significant. Considerable variation was found in collagen type I in both satisfactory and unsatisfactory groups. There was no difference or correlation with procollagen, collagen types III and V, and MMP-1 and recurrence of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) between groups. There was a weak correlation between collagen type I and higher yield stress in both groups.

Conclusions

Anatomical failure of anterior repair does not appear to be related to the biomechanical strength or collagen content of the anterior vaginal wall.
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Metadata
Title
Is anatomical failure following anterior vaginal repair associated with weak native vaginal tissues? A biomechanical and immunohistochemical study
Authors
A. Khaja
P. Winlove
M. Waterfield
A. Oriolowo
O. A. Adekanmi
R. M. Freeman
Publication date
01-02-2014
Publisher
Springer London
Published in
International Urogynecology Journal / Issue 2/2014
Print ISSN: 0937-3462
Electronic ISSN: 1433-3023
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-013-2237-1

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