ABSTRACT

Objective:

Pelvic surgery with mesh has proven to be more effective than conventional reconstructive surgery but cases of complications connected with these prostheses occurred.

Aim of the study:

We aimed to study the effectiveness of Polynucleotides and Terpinenol in preventing these complications.

Patients and methods:

Between January 2010 and December 2011, 166 female patients separated into two series were evaluated: the first treated with vaginal douches with an 0.05% solution of sodium hypochlorite; the second with ovules containing Polynucleotides and Terpinenol (PT). Parameters of success were the absence of signs and symptoms of exposure of the mesh and the trophism and appearance of the mucous membrane of the vagina as assessed by the surgeon, patient satisfaction, discomfort, itching or a burning sensation and signs of a Candida infection.

Results:

Overall, the number of mesh exposures was 6, of which 5 in Group, 1 in Group 2 (p = 0.043). Trophism improved significantly both at three months and at six months in the PT treated group: even more they complained less of discomfort, itching and/or a burning sensation (p = 0.001). No cases of clinical evidence of Candida albicans infection were found in Group 2 at the follow-up examination one month after surgery, compared with 21.5% in Group 1 (p=0.001).

Discussion:

This study demonstrated the effectiveness of PT ovules both in preventing complications such as mesh exposure following pelvic floor surgery and in enabling rapid and lasting healing, minimising local symptoms such as discomfort, itching and a burning sensation. Their effectiveness in respect of Candida albicans infection was also demonstrated.