Long-term pelvic organ prolapse recurrence and mesh exposure following sacrocolpopexy

Large, long-term studies are needed to compare pelvic organ prolapse (POP) recurrence and mesh exposure following all modes of sacrocolpopexy (open, robotic, and laparoscopic). We hypothesized that the prevalence of recurrent POP and mesh exposure does not differ between modes of sacrocolpopexy.

This is a retrospective cohort study with a cross-sectional, prospective survey. Participants were surveyed regarding complications, retreatments, and symptoms following sacrocolpopexy. Baseline characteristics, POP recurrence, mesh exposure, and survey responses were compared.

A total of 709 participants met the criteria. Median time from sacrocolpopexy to last follow-up for all participants was 0.5 years (2 days to 13.4 years). 15.0% experienced recurrent stage 2 or greater POP or underwent retreatment (open 11.7% [95% CI 7.8–17.2%]; robotic 21.1% [95% CI 15.6–27.9%]; laparoscopic 13.8% [95% CI 10.6–17.9%]; p = 0.03). After adjusting for baseline differences there was no significant difference among groups (p = 0.30). 5.3% experienced mesh and/or suture exposure (mesh n = 19, suture n = 10, mesh and suture n = 8) with no significant difference among groups (open 7.7% [95% CI 4.6–12.5%]; robotic 3.6% [95% CI 1.7–7.6%]; laparoscopic 4.9% [95% CI 3.1–7.7%]; p = 0.20). Median time from sacrocolpopexy to survey completion was 6.5 (1.6–13.4) years. 9.2% reported evaluation or treatment for recurrent POP (open 6.3% [95% CI 2.1–16.8%]; robotic 12.5% [95% CI 6.9–21.5%]; laparoscopic 8.5% [5.1–13.8%]; p = 0.44). 6.9% reported evaluation or treatment for mesh exposure (open 6.0% [95% CI 2.1–16.2%]; robotic 3.9% [95% CI 1.3–10.7%]; laparoscopic 8.6% [5.2–13.9%]; p = 0.38).

Objective and patient-reported long-term prevalence of POP recurrence and mesh exposure are low following all modes of sacrocolpopexy.