Multicenter Ventral Mesh Rectopexy Registry Collaborative

The study M2R2 is a multicentre registry based on the still ungoing monocentre study in the University Hospital of Antwerp.

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a benign condition in which pelvic organs prolapse beyond their normal anatomical position due to weakening or damage to the pelvic floor muscles and other supporting tissues.[1] The incidence increases with age, multiparity, vaginal delivery and obesity.[2] POP can cause urinary, sexual and bowel complaints with a huge impact on quality of life.[3,4] Patients with posterior compartment prolapse may include symptoms of vaginal swelling, heaviness, perineal pressure and/or obstructive defecation with fragmented stools, need for hard straining, feeling of incomplete emptying, splinting, faecal urgency and even incontinence.[4] Ventral mesh rectopexy is surgical technique used to treat posterior compartment prolapse (rectocele, enterocele, sigmoidocele, rectal prolapse, combination) in patients with symptoms where conservative therapy fails or is ineffective. In this procedure, a mesh is placed between the back wall of the vagina and the rectum, the rectovaginal septum. This is attached at the level of the bone higher up (the promontorium) so that the back wall of the vagina is reinforced, preventing the prolapse to recurre.This technique was first described as technique to treat rectal prolapse by d'Hoore, a colorectal surgeon and widely accepted given the feasible transabdominal technique with good functional results. However, whether this technique gives also effective long-term anatomical and functional outcomes for rectoceles, enteroceles/sigmoidoceles +/- perineal descent, besides rectal prolapse, is not known.[5,6] Sometimes a combined procedure is necessary in which the anterior compartment (bladder) and/or middle compartment (cervix/vagina tip) is also reinforced.

The main objective of this registry is to collect data prospectively of patients with pelvic organ prolapse undergoing ventral mesh rectopexy (as well as rectoceles, entero-/sigmoidoceles/ intussusception/ rectal prolapse or combined) by laparoscopy or robotic surgery and to evaluate the longterm functional outcomes.

Secondly complications (mesh erosions, recurrence, reoperations) are evaluated.

The patients will be recruited from outpatient clinic of abdominal surgery in the participating centers. The treating physician recruits patients.

Methods and analysis

1. Data registry Parameters will be registered by means of case record form: History of the patient, urinary, prolapse, defecatory complaints, MRI or CR CCD if performed, anal manometry if performed, results of pelvic floor physiotherapy if performed. Surgical technique, operation time/length of stay and complications.

2. Questionnaire send to the patients at 5 time points

   Preoperative - 3 months - 1 year - 3 years - 5 years postoperative

   Questionnaires consisting of different topics I. In female: questions about childbirth (only preoperative) II. Medication III. Inventarisation of pelvic floor (dys)- function: PFDI-20 IV. Intestinal function and constipation

   • Wexner Vaizey-score
   • Low anterior resection syndrome score (LARS)
   • Bristol stool chart
   • Rome IV criteria functionam obstipation
   • Rome IV criteria IBS
   • CCS (Wexner constipation score)

   V. Urinary (ICIQ-SF) VI. Seksuality (PISC-IR) VII. Impact of pelvic floor problem on quality of life (PISQ-7) VIII. Subjective satisfaction after surgery

3. Data management

Collected data will be entered in a case record form by the treating physician of the participating centre or by assigned study staff using the RedCap platform. Patients will be coded to insure patient anonymity.