Functional outcome after laparoscopic nerve-sparing sacrocolpopexy: a prospective cohort study

To date sacrocolpopexy is regarded as the reference standard treatment for primarily apical compartment prolapse and multicompartment prolapse. Most bladder and bowel dysfunction improves postoperatively after sacrocolpopexy; however, de novo bowel or de novo bladder dysfunction can occur. The inferior hypogastric nerve is commonly known among pelvic surgeons. However, the inferior hypogastric nerve and its fine fibers are difficult to identify; iatrogenic lesion is commonly tolerated although this can lead to bladder, bowel and sexual dysfunction. This study was performed to assess the functional outcome after nerve-sparing sacrocolpopexy.

From 2014 to 2016 all women undergoing a laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy for apical or multicompartment prolapse stage >2 were included in this prospective study. Laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy was performed using the nerve-sparing approach. Objective outcome was assessed by preoperative and postoperative POP-Q changes. De novo bladder and de novo bowel dysfunction were subjectively and objectively evaluated.

In all, 137 women were included. Significant objective improvement for point Aa and C (p < 0.0001) preoperatively to postoperatively was seen. The posterior compartment remained unchanged with point Ba -2. De novo overactive bladder and de novo bladder outlet obstruction with elevated postresidual volume were seen for both in 0.7% (1/137). De novo stress urinary incontinence was seen in 0.7% (5/137). De novo constipation was seen in 5%, bowel incontinence in 0% and resolution of pre-existing obstipation in 14.5%. De novo laxative use (9%) in the first 12 weeks was the most common postoperative problem.

We could demonstrate that when a nerve-sparing technique is applied for sacrocolpopexy low de novo bladder (18%) and de novo bowel dysfunction can be seen.