Pelvic ligament reconstruction technique according to Integral Theory

Abstract

Pelvic floor pathology is a multifactorial entity with a set of gynecological, urinary, fecal and pelviperineal sensitivity symptoms. The Integral Theory of Continence proposes a holistic treatment with the reconstruction of the ligaments of the pelvic floor. This proposed technique constitutes a surgical alternative that allows a global response to the symptoms reported by the patients. Method: Reconstruction of the pubourethral, cardinal and uterosacral ligaments with shortening of their length and placement of polypropylene mesh tape that allows collagen formation and improves long-term results. Results: 15 patients with pelvic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence, vulvodynia, nocturia, impaired bladder emptying and nocturia were included. Follow-up was performed at 1, 3 and 6 years. A statistically significant difference was obtained at one year in stress urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, impaired voiding, and nocturia and prolapse (p = 0.33, 0.033, 0.002, and 0.001, respectively). At 6-year follow-up, 20% of the initial sample was evaluated, 2 patients with recurrence of impaired voiding and urinary incontinence, none with recurrence of prolapse. Vulvodynia: 2 patients were included who did not have the symptom at 3 years of follow-up. Conclusions: The proposed technique is an alternative for the treatment of pelvic floor pathology. A larger sample is necessary to improve the learning curve of this technique and achieve greater statistical evidence of its outcomes at short and long term.