Uterosacral ligament vault suspension: five-year outcomes

To evaluate the five-year anatomic and functional outcomes of the high uterosacral vaginal vault suspension.

One hundred ten patients with advanced symptomatic uterovaginal or posthysterectomy prolapse treated between January 1997 and January 2000 were identified and 72 (65%) consented to participate in this study. Anatomic outcomes were obtained by Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification. Functional results were obtained subjectively and with quality-of-life questionnaires, including the short-form Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ) and Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI), and Female Sexual Function Index.

The mean follow-up period was 5.1 years (range 3.5-7.5 years). Vaginal hysterectomy (37.5%), anterior colporrhaphy (58.3%), posterior colporrhaphy (87.5%), and suburethral slings (31.9%) were performed as indicated. Surgical failure (symptomatic recurrent prolapse of stage 2 or greater in one or more segments) was 11 of 72 (15.3%). Two patients (2.8%) had recurrence of apical prolapse of stage 2 or greater. For those sexually active preoperatively and postoperatively (n=34), mean postoperative Female Sexual Function Index scores for arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain were normal, whereas the desire score was abnormal (mean= 3.2). However, 94% (n=29) were currently satisfied with their sexual activity. Postoperative IIQ/UDI scores were significantly improved in all three domains (irritative, P= .01; obstructive, P<.001; stress, P=.03) and overall (IIQ-7, P<.001; UDI, P<.001) compared with preoperatively. Bowel dysfunction occurred 33.3% preoperatively compared with 27.8% postoperatively (P=.24).

Uterosacral ligament vaginal vault fixation seems to be a durable procedure for vaginal repair of enterocele and vaginal vault prolapse. Lower urinary tract, bowel, and sexual function may be maintained or improved.