Unequal Access and Overall Scarcity of Apical Suspension in Native Tissue Prolapse Repair

Evaluation of racial and ethnic differences in apical suspension during prolapse repair is crucial for equitable gynecological care.

The objective was to assess racial and ethnic disparities in apical suspension during native tissue prolapse repair.

We analyzed data from the 2019 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project National Inpatient Sample and Nationwide Ambulatory Surgery Sample, using Current Procedural Terminology and International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, codes. Bivariate analysis identified demographic and hospital-based differences between native tissue apical suspension procedures versus non-apical suspension during vaginal hysterectomy for prolapse, further analyzed with multivariable logistic regression. A separate analysis examined posthysterectomy prolapse surgical procedures.

Of the 62,553 vaginal hysterectomies, 26,094 (41%) were for prolapse. Among these, 14,027 (54%) included apical suspension. The cohort's racial and ethnic identity was 73% non-Hispanic White, 5% Black, 15% Hispanic, 3% Asian, 0% Native American, and 3% other. Multivariable analysis confirmed Black patients were more likely to receive apical suspension compared to non-Hispanic White patients (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.26, 95% CI: 1.04-1.53, P = 0.02), and Hispanic patients were less likely to receive apical suspension (aOR 0.74, 95% CI: 0.63-0.87, P < 0.001). Among 60,074 posthysterectomy prolapse surgical procedures, only 18% included apical suspension. Compared to non-Hispanic Whites, Black, Hispanic, and Asian patients were less likely to receive apical suspension (Black: aOR 0.8, 95% CI: 0.68-0.95, P = 0.013; Hispanic: aOR 0.89, 95% CI: 0.77-1.04, P = 0.14; Asian: aOR 0.52, 95% CI: 0.41-0.66, P < 0.001).

The study highlights persistent racial and ethnic disparities in apical suspension provision. There is a notable lack of apical suspension in native tissue repairs, especially after hysterectomy.