Continuous Stitches Versus Simple Interrupted Stitches for Anterior Colporrhaphy

The anterior vaginal wall is the segment most commonly affected by prolapse. Traditionally, anterior vaginal wall prolapse is repaired via anterior colporrhaphy (native tissue repair), which is known to have a high recurrence rate. Several factors like the suture plication method might affect the outcome of anterior colporrhaphy. The use of single button sutures for example might be associated with the high recurrence rate because the sutures might not be able to retain adequate strength. Nonetheless, no comparative data exist so far regarding the efficacy and safety of anterior colporrhaphy when analyzing the plication method of sutures (= comparison between continuous stiches versus simple interrupted stiches). The objective of this study is to compare the of patients undergoing anterior colporrhaphy due to symptomatic POP - using either continuous stiches or simple interrupted stiches. This is a randomized, single-center, superiority trial. Anterior colporrhaphy will be performed in a traditional standardized manner in accordance with the policy of our institution. After midline incision and preparation of vesicovaginal fascia, midline plication of the fibromuscular layer is performed. Patients are randomized either to the group receiving continuous sutures or to the group with simple interrupted stitches. The primary outcome of interest is subjective symptom improvement (evaluated by German version of the pelvic floor questionnaire) assessed at 6 and 12 months after surgery. Secondary outcome variables include anatomical outcomes, condition-specific quality of life and adverse events related to anterior colporrhaphy. Due to the power calculation, an estimated and planned number of participants is 40.