Prolift: An Innovative Delivery System for Transvaginal Placement of Synthetic Grafts for the Repair of Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Abstract

In Brief Surgical correction of pelvic organ prolapse continues to challenge the pelvic reconstructive surgeon with high rates of recurrence and reoperation. Failure rates have been cited as high as 20% to 40% after surgical repair with over 50% occurring within the first 3 years. When prolapse does recur, 60% of recurrences are at the same site. In attempts to minimize recurrence, reconstructive surgeons have turned to the use of adjuvant materials for vaginal support including the use of synthetic, allogenic, xenogenic, or autologous materials. One of the more recent developments in vaginal reconstructive surgery using synthetic mesh placement is the Prolift system (Gynecare, Somerville, NJ). In this article, we describe the surgical technique of using the Prolift system, including surgical pearls based on our experience, and present preliminary clinical outcomes. Prolift holds promise for improving the durability of pelvic reconstructive surgery, while offering a minimally invasive approach; however, more long-term data are needed before this can be stated conclusively. A description of surgical technique of using the transvaginal mesh system, Prolift, for the correction of pelvic organ prolapse. The article includes surgical pearls based on our experience and preliminary clinical outcomes.