Prospective ultrasonographic follow-up of synthetic mesh in cohort of patients after vaginal repair of cystocele

Abstract

Objective: We sought to validate a sequence of ultrasonographic mesh measurements to determine the relevant time points in the postoperative monitoring of mesh size.

Methods: Mesh was measured preoperatively ex vivo, prior to insertion, in 25 patients scheduled to undergo vaginal repair of cystocele involving insertion of a Ugytex™ transobturating polypropylene mesh. A 2D/3D perineal ultrasound scan was performed at the end of the surgical procedure (D0), then on third day after surgery (D3) and 6 weeks (W6) after the operation. Medio-sagittal view was used to measure mesh total length and the sagittal arc (length between the most distant points of the mesh).

Results: Time-course changes in sagittal arc were marked by a 8% increase on D3 (with respect to D0) and a 20% decrease at W6 (with respect to D3). Mesh total length at W6 on average corresponded to 74% (±20) of mesh total length measured on D3.

Conclusion: This study showed the changes in the mesh ultrasonographic measurements following vaginal placement by vaginal route. The D3 ultrasound scan should appear to be suitable as a reference for subsequent ultrasonographic monitoring.