Levator defects are associated with prolapse after pelvic floor surgery.
OBJECTIVE
Pelvic organ prolapse recurrence after pelvic floor surgery is a common problem. This study was designed to assess whether avulsion defects of the puborectalis muscle are associated with recurrent pelvic organ prolapse and its symptoms.


METHODS
We retrospectively evaluated 737 data sets of patients who had presented to a tertiary urogynaecology unit with symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction. All underwent a standardised interview including a surgical history, a clinical examination and 4D pelvic floor ultrasound. Avulsion injury was diagnosed on tomographic ultrasound. The prevalence of pelvic organ prolapse and its symptoms was calculated for patients with previous hysterectomy and previous anti-incontinence and prolapse surgery, with and without confirmed avulsion injury.


RESULTS
Out of 737 patients, 248 (33.6%) reported a previous hysterectomy, 165 patients (22.4%) had undergone incontinence or prolapse procedures, 106 (14.4%) reported a previous anterior colporrhaphy, and 45 patients (6.1%) had undergone a colposuspension in the past. In all four groups avulsion injury was significantly associated with objective prolapse (relative risks between 2.3 and 3.3, odds ratios between 3.4 and 6). Symptoms of prolapse were significantly associated with avulsion injury post hysterectomy, incontinence or prolapse procedures and after anterior colporrhaphy.


CONCLUSIONS
Avulsion injury of the puborectalis muscle is associated with prolapse in women with previous pelvic floor surgery.
Model
Angela N
AN
Nepean Clinical School, University of Sydney, Penrith, NSW, Australia.
Shek
Ka L
KL
Dietz
Hans P
HP
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D013509:Gynecologic Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D007044:Hysterectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008875:Middle Aged; D017773:Pelvic Floor / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D056887:Pelvic Organ Prolapse / Q000209:etiology*; D011391:Prolapse; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000601:surgery