Risk factors in the failure of surgical repair of pelvic organ prolapse

Abstract Introduction Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgery has variable results of recurrence and complications. We have aimed to analyze our outcomes in order to know the factors associated with anatomical and functional failures after POP surgery. Materials and methods A retrospective study of 69 patients who underwent POP surgery at our hospital was performed. Registered variables were age, BMI, number of deliveries, previous pelvic surgery, menopause, quality of life, urinary incontinence, associated frequency–urgency symptoms, high POP stage, vaginal compartments repaired, type of mesh, urethro-suspension and vaginal hysterectomy during POP surgery and its complications. Patients were evaluated at 1, 6 and 12 months post-surgery. The technique was considered as failed when relapse or mesh erosion occurred and when the patient is not satisfied or there was relapse. The sample is described, analyzing the relationship of the variables studied by univariate analysis (Chi square and Mann–Whitney U tests) and a study was made; of which variables may have predictive value in the failure of the repair (multiple logistic regression). Results Surgery failed in 17 patients during the follow-up at one year. BMI (29.6 ± 2.03 vs. 27.1 ± 3.32), delivery number (3.4 ± 0.71 vs. 2.8 ± 1.88), menopause, frequency–urgency symptoms and number of vaginal compartments repaired were associated with treatment failure although only BMI, delivery number and frequency–urgency symptoms were defined as independent predictive variables when the logistic regression was carried out. Conclusions Overweight/obesity, previous delivery number and frequency–urgency symptoms before surgery are factors associated to anatomical and functional failure after POP repair.