In vitro comparison of two methods of anchoring the vagina during the Burch procedure

Objective To compare the quality of the vaginal attachment of classical Bur ch anterior colposuspension with laparoscopic colposuspension with polyeste r mesh fixed with tackers. Design The study was performed on three fresh cadavers. The extension and t he strength of polyester braided fibre (Ticron) sutures on one side were co mpared with those of polyester mesh (Mersilene) tacked into the Burch site on the other side, by means of progressive traction measured by a linear tr ansducer. Results When progressive traction was applied in the two systems studied, b oth displayed moderate elongation. The Mersilene mesh appeared to be signif icantly more elongated than Ticron suture, with a partial return to the ori ginal length. In no case (Ticron suture or tacked Mersilene mesh) was a rap ture of the vaginal fixation seen, when traction of up to 2 kg was applied. Conclusion Mersilene mesh appears to elongate more than the classical sutur e when placed under traction. This casts doubt on the quality of the suspen sion obtained, even though no rupture was observed.