Influencing factors of recurrence after pelvic organ prolapse surgery and construction of a nomogram risk prediction model.

OBJECTIVE

Pelvic organ prolapse affects women's quality of life through symptoms such as vaginal laxity, urinary incontinence, defecation and sexual dysfunction, and pelvic pain. Given the challenges in managing recurrent cases, understanding risk factors and the effect of surgical choices on recurrence is vital for guiding clinical decisions. This study explores how uterine preservation influences postoperative recurrence and develops predictive models to aid in assessing recurrence risk.

METHODS

A total of 87 patients diagnosed with pelvic organ prolapse who underwent laparoscopic sacral fixation were included. Patients were classified into two groups based on the occurrence of pelvic organ prolapse recurrence within 3 years post-surgery (recurrence: n=22; no recurrence: n=65). Follow-up over 3 years was recorded. Factors including age, body mass index, birth order, occupation, and uterus preservation during surgery were evaluated. The relationship between pelvic floor muscle strength and pelvic organ prolapse recurrence was also examined. Logistic regression analysis assessed the correlation between pelvic organ prolapse recurrence and levels of serum elastase inhibitor and osteopontin.

RESULTS

In a follow-up of 87 patients with pelvic organ prolapse, 22 experienced recurrences within 3 years, marking a 25.29% recurrence rate. Multivariate analysis identified older age, higher parity, and sustained contraction of type II muscle fibers as independent risk factors for recurrence (all p<0.05). Lower systolic blood pressure in type I and II muscle fibers was associated with decreased serum elastase inhibitor and osteopontin levels, increasing pelvic organ prolapse recurrence risk. Logistic regression identified age, multiple deliveries, and low systolic pressure in type II muscle fibers as independent recurrence factors. The constructed nomogram risk prediction model, incorporating these factors, showed good discrimination ability with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.891 (95%CI 0.871, 0.921), indicating accurate predictions and high net benefit.

CONCLUSION

Factors such as age, birth order, uterine preservation, and pelvic floor muscle strength impact postoperative pelvic organ prolapse recurrence. Older age, a higher number of deliveries, and reduced systolic pressure of class II muscle fibers are independent risk factors for pelvic organ prolapse recurrence after surgery.