High Uterosacral Ligaments Suspension for Post-Hysterectomy Vaginal Vault Prolapse Repair

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Uterosacral ligaments (USLs) suspension is a well-studied, safe, and long-lasting technique for central compartment correction. Preliminary clinical experiences showed encouraging data for this technique, also for post-hysterectomy vaginal vault prolapse surgical treatment. However, up-to-date evidence for post-hysterectomy vaginal vault prolapse repair through high uterosacral ligaments suspension is limited. Consequently, with this study, we aimed to assess the efficiency, complications frequency, and functional results of native-tissue repair through USLs in vaginal vault prolapse. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study. Women with symptomatic vaginal vault prolapse (≥stage 2) who underwent surgery with transvaginal native-tissue repair by high uterosacral ligaments were included. Patient characteristics, preoperative assessment, operative data, postoperative follow-up visits, and re-interventions were collected from the hospital’s record files. High uterosacral ligament suspension was performed according to the technique previously described by Shull. A transverse apical colpotomy at the level of the post-hysterectomy scar was performed in order to enter the peritoneal cavity. USLs were identified and transfixed from ventral to dorsal with three absorbable sutures. Sutures were then passed through the vaginal apex and tightened to close the transverse colpotomy and suspend the vaginal cuff. At the end of the surgical time, a diagnostic cystoscopy was performed in order to evaluate ureteral bilateral patency. Using the POP-Q classification system, we considered an objective recurrence as the descensus of at least one compartment ≥ II stage, or the need for a subsequent surgery for POP. The complaint of bulging symptoms was considered the item to define a subjective recurrence. We employed PGI-I scores to assess patients’ satisfaction. Results: Forty-seven consecutive patients corresponding to the given period were analyzed. No intraoperative complications were observed. We observed one postoperative hematoma that required surgical evacuation. Thirty-three patients completed a minimum of one-year follow-up (mean follow-up 21.7 ± 14.6 months). Objective cure rate was observed in 25 patients (75.8%). No patients required reintervention. The most frequent site of recurrence was the anterior compartment (21.2%), while apical compartment prolapse relapsed only in 6% of patients. An improvement in all POP-Q parameters was recorded except TVL which resulted in a mean 0.5 cm shorter. Subjective recurrence was referred by 4 (12.1%) patients. The mean satisfaction assessed by PGI-I score was 1.6 ± 0.8. Conclusion: This analysis demonstrated that native-tissue repair through high USL suspension is an effective and safe procedure for the treatment of post-hysterectomy vaginal vault prolapse. Objective, subjective, functional, and quality of life outcomes were satisfactory, with minimal complications.

Keywords

• post-hysterectomy vault prolapse
• native-tissue repair
• high uterosacral ligaments suspension
• transvaginal repair
• pelvic organ prolapse