Long-Term Pain After Minimally Invasive Total Hysterectomy and Sacrocolpopexy

There are limited long-term data on patient-reported pain after surgical treatment of uterovaginal prolapse.

This study aimed to evaluate pain in women undergoing minimally invasive total hysterectomy and sacrocolpopexy with a lightweight polypropylene Y-mesh (Upsylon) >2 years after surgery.

This is a planned secondary analysis of a 5-site randomized trial comparing permanent versus absorbable suture for vaginal attachment of a lightweight polypropylene Y-mesh during total laparoscopic hysterectomy and sacrocolpopexy in women with stage ≥2 uterovaginal prolapse. Our primary outcome was patient-reported pain or dyspareunia at >2 years.

Of the 185 participants eligible for enrollment in the e-PACT study, 106 enrolled; 98 participants (96%) completed either in-person examinations or study questionnaires regarding pain and are included in this analysis. At >2 years, 28% reported any pain: 14% reported dyspareunia on questionnaires, 5% reported pelvic pain on questionnaires, and 14% of those who had an in-person examination reported pain. Of participants who reported pain or dyspareunia at baseline before surgery, 59% reported resolution of their symptoms >2 years. On multiple logistic regression controlling for age and baseline pain or dyspareunia, baseline pain or dyspareunia was associated with a nearly 3-fold increased risk of reporting any pain >2 years (adjusted odds ratio, 2.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-6.9). No women had repeat surgical intervention for pain.

Although 60% of women report pain resolution >2 years after surgery, de novo pain was present in 1 of 5 women. Baseline history of pain or dyspareunia is the only factor associated with an increased likelihood of experiencing pain >2 years after surgery.