Long-term outcomes of transvaginal mesh surgery for pelvic organ prolapse at a single center in Japan.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the long-term effectiveness and safety of transvaginal mesh surgery for pelvic organ prolapse at a high-volume center in Japan.

Methods: Patients who underwent transvaginal mesh surgery between March 2010 and August 2015 were included and followed up for 5 years. As no mesh kits were available in our country, we used a self-cut polypropylene mesh (Japanese-style transvaginal mesh) for the procedures. Objective anatomical restoration and complications were evaluated during outpatient examinations.

Results: Overall, 711 patients were included in this study. Over 5 years, the recurrence rate of stage 2 or higher prolapse at the operated compartment was 8.6% (61 cases), whereas that at the other compartments was 12.8% (91 cases). The frequency of recurrence was highest at 3 months and decreased with each passing year in both compartments. During the follow-up period, 28 patients (three at the operated compartment and 25 at the other compartments) required reoperation owing to recurrence. Overall, there were 13 cases of mesh exposure (1.8%), including two (0.28%) in the bladder, 10 (1.4%) in the vagina, and one (0.14%) in the rectum. Urinary incontinence surgery was performed in 69 patients (9.7%) during the follow-up period.

Conclusions: The frequencies of recurrence requiring reoperation and mesh-related complications were low, and vaginal mesh exposure was mostly asymptomatic. Therefore, the Japanese-style transvaginal mesh is safe and effective.