Vivien Wong

A simplified method for determining hiatal biometry

Introduction:  The levator hiatus is the largest potential hernial portal in the human body. Its dimensions are measured in the axial plane and are strongly associated with female pelvic organ prolapse. We aimed to compare two commonly used methods for measuring hiatal dimensions.

The use of 3‐dimensional ultrasound of the pelvic floor to predict recurrence risk after pelvic reconstructive surgery

Female pelvic organ prolapse is a common condition. Prolapse recurrence following surgical treatment is a significant clinical issue. The aim of this study was to determine risk factors for recurrence, attempting to improve clinical practice by allowing better patient selection prior to surgery.

Is levator avulsion a predictor of cystocele recurrence following anterior vaginal mesh placement

Levator avulsion has been shown to be a predictor of cystocele recurrence following anterior colporrhaphy. The aim of this study was to determine if levator avulsion is a risk factor for prolapse recurrence following anterior colporrhaphy with mesh.

Characterizing the ex vivo mechanical properties of synthetic polypropylene surgical mesh

The use of synthetic polypropylene mesh for hernia surgical repair and the correction of female pelvic organ prolapse have been controversial due to increasing post-operative complications, including mesh erosion, chronic pain, infection and support failure. These morbidities may be related to a mismatch of mechanical properties between soft tissues and the mesh. The aim of this study was to gain a better understanding of the biomechanical behavior of Prolene polypropylene mesh (Ethicon, Sommerville, NJ, USA), which is widely used for a variety of surgical repair procedures. The stiffness and permanent deformation of Prolene mesh were compared in different directions by performing uniaxial tensile failure tests, cyclic and creep tests at simulated physiological loads in the coursewise (0°), walewise (90°) and the diagonal (45°) directions. Failure tests suggest that the mechanical properties of the mesh is anisotropic; with response at 0° being the most compliant while 90° was the stiffest. Irreversible deformation and viscoelastic behavior were observed in both cyclic and creep tests. The anisotropic property may be relevant to the placement of mesh in surgery to maximize long term mesh performance. The considerable permanent deformation may be associated with an increased risk of post-operative support failure.

Is pelvic organ support different between young nulliparous African and Caucasian women

There seems to be substantial variation in the prevalence of pelvic floor disorders between different ethnic groups. This may be due partially to differences in pelvic floor structure and functional anatomy. To date, data on this issue are sparse. The aim of this study was to compare hiatal dimensions, pelvic organ descent and levator biometry in young, healthy nulliparous Caucasian and African women.

Recent studies of genetic dysfunction in pelvic organ prolapse: The role of collagen defects

Gynaecologists are becoming increasingly aware that women with a family history of prolapse are at an increased risk of prolapse refractory to treatment. In the past five years, several genetic mutations have been shown to correlate with increased prolapse susceptibility. These mutations can result in disordered collagen metabolism, which weaken the fascial support of the pelvic organs. This review examines the contemporary evidence regarding the role of collagen in prolapse.

Anterior compartment mesh: a descriptive study of mesh anchoring failure

To define types of support failure after anterior compartment mesh placement and to investigate any association with predictors of recurrence.

Can hiatal ballooning be determined by two‐dimensional translabial ultrasound?

Imaging of the levator hiatus, the largest potential hernial portal in the human body, requires axial plane imaging by ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging. The aim of this study is to determine whether 2D translabial ultrasound may identify excessive hiatal distensibility by measuring the anteroposterior (AP) diameter of the hiatus. This may become clinically relevant for risk stratification of women prior to prolapse surgery.

Can we identify changes in fascial paravaginal supports after childbirth

Defects of anterior vaginal wall fascia are generally assumed to be factors in the aetiology of cystocele. However, to date, there is very little information on diagnosis by imaging.

A comparison of two different mesh kit systems for anterior compartment prolapse repair

Mesh reinforcement is considered an effective method for anterior compartment prolapse repair. Two common methods of mesh reinforcement involve either transobturator fixation (eg Perigee™) or lateral and apical anchoring (eg Anterior Elevate™). The aim of this study was to assess subjective and objective outcomes after Anterior Elevate and Perigee mesh kit surgery.