Incidence of corneal abrasions during pelvic reconstructive surgery

Objectives: To compare the incidence of corneal abrasions after robotic/laparoscopic sacral colpopexies versus vaginal apical suspensions, and to determine risk factors associated with the development of corneal abrasions. Study design: This retrospective cohort study included all women undergoing robotic/laparoscopic sacral colpopexy or vaginal apical suspensions over a 5-year period. The incidence of corneal abrasions was compared between groups and statistical analysis was performed. Results: 5/216 (2.3%) patients developed corneal abrasions in the sacral colpopexy group compared to 1/332 (0.3%) in the vaginal group (p = 0.04). Eye protection was more frequently documented in the sacral colpopexy group compared to the vaginal group (98.6% vs. 83.4%, p < 0.001). Women in the sacral colpopexy group were younger, with longer operating times, more intravenous fluids, and lower estimated blood loss. Risk factors for corneal abrasion could not be identified due to the low number of patients with corneal abrasions. Conclusion: More corneal abrasions occurred with laparoscopic and robotic sacral colpopexy compared to vaginal apical suspension procedures. Risk factors could not be identified in this study.