[Application of acellular dermal mesh in female pelvic reconstruction surgery]

To investigate the application of acellular dermal mesh in female pelvic reconstruction surgery.

Twenty patients underwent the operation for pelvic organ prolapse, who were admitted from May 2006 to December 2006 into Peking University People's Hospital. Acellular dermal mesh was used for pelvic floor reconstruction in the operation. The average age was 66 (43-77) years. The number of patients with the uterine prolapse was 19, and the other one patient was vaginal vault prolapse. Twenty cases had the anterior vaginal wall prolapse, and 17 cases were with the posterior vaginal wall prolapse. Fifteen cases received anterior vaginal wall reparation with acellular dermal mesh, and 2 cases received the posterior vaginal wall reparation with acellular dermal mesh. Both of the anterior and posterior vaginal walls were repaired with acellular dermal mesh in 3 cases.

The mean operation time was 113.1 minutes (70-180 minutes). The mean time of mesh placement was about 10 min only. The mean hemorrhage was 175 ml (50-300 ml). All the patients recovered well after operation. The mean period of follow-up after operation was 9. 3 months (6-12 months). No erosion or infection was found. Four cases of recurrence (20% )were found. Three cases of them were of stage I recurrence with no symptoms. One case of them was of stage II recurrence with no symptoms. And the recurrences were found at a half year after operation.

The application of acellular dermal mesh in female pelvic reconstruction surgery is easy and simple. Patient tolerance is good. However, the long term effect is still uncertain.