Laparoscopic pectopexy for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse (POP): how, why, when: a narrative review of the literature.

Abstract

Background: Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a common gynaecological condition that can have an adverse impact on women's quality of life. Apical prolapse refers to the descending of the vaginal apex, uterus or cervix. Nowadays, laparoscopic sacropexy (LS) is the gold standard surgical method for the treatment of apical prolapse. However, defecation and urinary problems are often detected in patients who underwent LS. Laparoscopic pectopexy (LP) is a newer procedure for apical prolapse correction that uses the iliopectineal ligaments as fixation point for the surgical mesh.

Objectives: To review the current evidence of the effectiveness and safety of LP and compare outcomes with other commonly used techniques for apical prolapse treatment.

Methods: A literature search was carried out in MEDLINE, PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov databases. The search was restricted to humans, female patients and currently used surgical procedures.

Main outcome measures: The current recommendations from leading global scientific associations and prevailing trends in accepted clinical protocols.

Results: LP was found to have shorter learning curve and operating times, better improvement in quality of life scores including sexual function and low complication rates.

Conclusions: LP appears to be a viable alternative to LS. However, further prospective, comparative studies are necessary to evaluate its long-term effectiveness and morbidity.

What is new?: This review summarises the evidence and current role of LP in the treatment of POP.