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Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Removal of an Intravesical Gellhorn Pessary and Staged Repair of a Residual Large Vesico-Vaginal Fistula
Published on: April 14, 2026
Vaginal reconstruction following supra-levator total pelvic exenteration
Mark A Rettenmaier1, Bram H Goldstein, John P Micha
1Gynecologic Oncology Associates, Hoag Cancer Center, 351 Hospital Road, Suite 507, Newport Beach, CA 92663, USA. bram@gynoncology.com
Background:
There are several available techniques for neovaginal reconstruction following exenterative gynecologic surgery. However, all methods are associated with prolonged operative time and increased morbidity. The Apogee and Perigee vaginal vault and prolapse repair systems are innovative and minimally invasive procedures that may prove to be effective in controlling the levator defect and reconstructing the vagina in patients undergoing supra-levator pelvic exenteration.
Case:
We present a patient who underwent supra-levator total pelvic exenteration for treatment of recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix. Vaginal reconstruction was performed with the Apogee and Perigee systems utilizing the porcine mesh (InteXen) from American Medical Systems. The patient did well without any postoperative vaginal or small bowel complications.
Conclusion:
The Apogee and Perigee systems comprise an innovative technique for vaginal vault reconstruction and prolapse repair. These systems may prove useful in reconstruction of the pelvis following ultra-radical pelvic procedures for recurrent gynecologic malignancies.