Complications After Reperitonealization of Mesh at Time of Sacrocolpopexy: A Retrospective Cohort Study

To determine if there is a difference in rates of surgical complications among patients who have reperitonealization of mesh versus no reperitonealization at time of sacrocolpopexy.

This was a retrospective cohort study of all patients who underwent sacrocolpopexy at an academic medical center between 2008 and 2017. The medical record was reviewed for the operative method of sacrocolpopexy, concomitant surgeries, intraoperative or postoperative complications, and readmissions. Groups were compared on whether mesh was reperitonealized under pelvic peritoneum or not.

A total of 209 patients underwent sacrocolpopexy, with mesh reperitonealization performed in 115 (55%). Demographics were similar in both groups, except race/ethnicity and stage of prolapse. The majority (190 [91%]) of surgeries included concomitant procedures. A total of 18 intraoperative or postoperative complications (8.6%) were recorded. Relative risk of complication with mesh reperitonealization is 0.81 (95% confidence interval, 0.1-1.70). Complications for subjects without mesh reperitonealization included 4 cystostomies, 1 urethrotomy, 3 postoperative ileuses, and 1 small bowel obstruction. Among subjects with mesh reperitonealization, complications included 5 cystotomies, 2 proctotomies, 1 ureteral obstruction, and 1 small bowel obstruction. Rates of hospital readmission among both groups were not significantly different, with 3.2% of subjects without mesh reperitonealization versus 3.5% of mesh reperitonealization patients (P = 0.91) (relative risk, 1.09; 95% confidence interval, 0.38-2.56).

There is no significant difference in rates of complications or readmissions among patients with and without mesh reperitonealization at time of sacrocolpopexy. The only intraoperative complication solely attributed to mesh closure was a case with ureteral obstruction at time of reperitonealization.