Pelvic Organ Prolapse Repair Using the Uphold Vaginal Support System: 5-Year Follow-Up

This study aimed to assess the long-term (5 years) outcomes of the Uphold Vaginal Support System for symptomatic vaginal apical prolapse with or without anterior colporraphy.

In total, 164 (81.2%) of 202 women operated on in 24 centers were reached for follow-up. Outcomes were assessed by using the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification, the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory 20, and the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire questionnaires. Pain on pelvic area was evaluated using a visual analog scale. Adverse events and secondary procedures were recorded.

An optimal outcome at the apical compartment (Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification stage <2) was achieved in 83.3% of patients (94% at 1 year). Quality of life improved in 78.8% of the women, with a significant decrease of bother in all domains (pelvic organ prolapse, rectoanal, urinary) compared with that preoperatively. Overall sexual satisfaction improved after 1 year, but the number of sexually active women was low. In total, 19.7% of patients had undergone repeat pelvic surgery during follow-up, most common of these were midurethral sling (38.4%), followed by prolapse-related operations. Mesh removal due to pain was performed in 3 women. Number of women with any pain decreased overall from 1 to 5 years, but 3 women had persistent severe pain despite treatment efforts (visual analog scale ≥7).

Apical objective and subjective outcomes were sustained after 5 years in women operated on for apical compartment prolapse by the Uphold Vaginal Support System.