Spondylodiscitis after minimally invasive recto- and colpo-sacropexy: Report of a case and systematic review of the literature

BACKGROUND: Rectopexy and colpopexy are established surgical techniques to treat pelvic organ prolapse. Spondylodiscitis (SD) after rectopexy and colpopexy represents a rare infectious complication with severe consequences. We presented a case of SD after rectopexy and performed a systematic review. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed to identify case reports or case series reporting on SD after rectopexy or colpopexy. The main outcomes measures were time from initial surgery to SD, presenting symptoms, occurrence of mesh erosion or fistula formation and type of treatment. RESULTS: Forty-one females with a median age of 59 (54–66) years were diagnosed with SD after a median of 76 (30–165) days after initial surgery. Most common presenting symptoms were back pain (n = 35), fever (n = 20), pain radiation in the legs (n = 9) and vaginal discharge (n = 6). A mesh erosion (n = 8) or fistula formation (n = 7) was detected in a minority of cases. The treatment of SD consisted of conservative treatment with antibiotics alone in 29%, whereas 66% of the patients had to undergo additional surgical treatment. If a revision surgery was necessary, more than one intervention was performed in 40%. Mesh and tack excision was performed in most cases (n = 21), whereas a neurosurgical intervention was necessary in 10 patients. CONCLUSION: Although a rare complication, surgeons performing rectopexy and colpopexy must be aware of the potential risk of SD Careful suture or tack placement into the anterior longitudinal ligament at the level of the promontory while avoiding the disc space is of paramount importance. Prompt diagnosis and multidisciplinary management are the cornerstones of a successful treatment.