Nonabsorbable Versus Absorbable Sutures for Anterior Colporrhaphy: a Randomized Controlled Trial

This trial is a prospective, randomized trial conducted with the aim to determine superiority of anterior colporrhaphy using nonabsorbable sutures over absorbable sutures with regard to the primary outcome. Participants will undergo reconstructive surgery for prolapse, including anterior colporrhaphy using the assigned suture materials under general or spinal anesthesia. The anterior colporrhaphy will be performed in a traditional manner with midline plication of the fibromuscular layer using either 2-0 nonabsorbable (polyester or polypropylene; Ethicon, Somerville, NJ) or absorbable (polyglactin 910 or polydioxanone; Ethicon) sutures. Concomitant procedures will be performed as intended prior to surgery. Women with a uterus in situ will undergo hysterectomy and all women will receive an apical suspension procedure, including uterosacral ligament suspension, sacrospinous ligament fixation, and iliococcygeal suspension, according to the preference of surgeon. Posterior colporrhaphy and incontinence surgery will also be performed, if indicated (i.e. women with Bp ≥-1 or documented urodynamic stress incontinence).

Enrollment, treatment and data collection will be standardized by all sites. The study will be a single-blind study, as it is impossible to blind the study surgeon for the surgical procedure to which the subject in assigned. However, all outcomes assessors and the subjects will be blinded to the treatment assignment. Postoperative follow-up will take place after 5 weeks, 6 months and 12 months. Patients will undergo a standard gynecological examination including POPQ and fill in questionnaires.