title: Mesh implantation for pelvic organ prolapse improves quality of life.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The use of alloplastic meshes for repair of female pelvic organ prolapse (POP) has recently been discussed for its indications and safety. Mesh exposure and chronic pelvic pain are among the risks that need to be addressed to the patients. The purpose of this prospective observational study is to investigate the effect of vaginal mesh implantation on pelvic floor-related quality of life (QoL).
  
  
  METHODS
  55 patients were included in this prospective multicenter study. A validated QoL questionnaire comprising items on prolapse symptoms and bladder, bowel and sexual function was used. QoL data were acquired before and 1 year after POP surgery. Patients underwent POP surgery with implantation of either Prolift® or Seratom® mesh.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Quality of life scores improved significantly after surgery. Prolapse complaints were reduced from 4.43 to 0.26 (p < 0.001), and bladder and bowel complaints improved from 3.03 to 1.46 (p < 0.001) and from 1.93 to 1.60 (p < 0.01) at follow-up. Furthermore, the sexual function score improved from 2.31 to 1.12 postoperatively (p < 0.01).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Despite the risks discussed for vaginal mesh repair, we observed a statistically significant improvement of pelvic floor-related quality of life of POP patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cantonal Hospital of Baselland, Liestal, Switzerland, atilla.yesil@ksbl.ch.
authors.forename: Atilla
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Yesil
authors.forename: Dirk
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Watermann
authors.forename: Juliane
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Farthmann
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004414:Dyspareunia / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D056887:Pelvic Organ Prolapse / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D019529:Sexuality; D013526:Surgical Mesh; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014550:Urinary Incontinence, Stress / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D053202:Urinary Incontinence, Urge / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D014555:Urination Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery