Pelvic Organ Prolapse Mesh Graft Revision Surgery: Rates of Complication by Surgical Approach.

Abstract

Objective: To determine complication rates after surgery for revision of pelvic organ prolapse mesh grafts, and to compare complication rates by surgical approaches.

Methods: A retrospective, population-based cohort study was conducted using the American College of Surgeons National Quality Improvement Program database. Patients undergoing mesh revision by gynecology or urology were classified into vaginal, abdominal, or laparoscopic approaches. Patients having a revision of a midurethral sling were excluded. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was completed. The primary outcome was a composite of surgical complications excluding urinary tract infections. Severe Clavien-Dindo IV complications, rates of readmission, rates of reoperation and urinary tract infections were secondary outcomes.

Results: Of 1,849 patients, 1,706 underwent vaginal, 78 underwent abdominal, and 65 underwent laparoscopic approach. The composite complication rate, excluding urinary tract infections, was 12.8% in the vaginal group, 21.8% in the abdominal group and 16.9% in the laparoscopic group (P = .052). Compared to a vaginal approach, the abdominal and laparoscopic groups had higher odds of complications (abdominal: adjusted odds ratio [OR] 2.70, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.29-5.70; laparoscopic: adjusted OR 1.48, 95% CI 0.60-3.68). The abdominal and laparoscopic groups had higher odds of readmission compared to the vaginal group (abdominal: adjusted OR 2.36, 95% CI 0.81-6.90; laparoscopic: adjusted OR 4.12, 95% CI 1.49-11.40). Clavien-Dindo IV complications were rare and only seen after vaginal approach (0.4%, n = 6).

Conclusion: Complications were least common after vaginal mesh graft revision surgery, as compared to an abdominal or laparoscopic approach. Serious complications were rare.