Primary versus recurrent prolapse surgery: differences in outcomes

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis: We set out to evaluate anatomical outcomes of recurrent vs. primary prolapse surgery, focusing on anterior colporrhaphy (AC).

Methods: A retrospective study was performed comparing patients who underwent AC for recurrent cystocele (group I) and a matched control group who underwent primary AC (group II).

Results: Thirty-one patients were included in each group. Median follow-up was 22 (5-55) months. Successful anterior vaginal support was obtained in 18/23 (78.2%) patients in group I and 17/21 (81%) patients in group II at 1 year (p = 1.000) and in 9/21 (42.8%) patients in group I and in 15/21 (71.4%) patients in group II at 2-year follow-up (p = 0.031).

Conclusions: Recurrent cystocele repair has a higher anatomic failure rate than primary repair at 2-year follow-up. Alternative surgical techniques that provide better long-term durability may be beneficial in repair of recurrent anterior wall prolapse.