Posterior compartment defect repair in vaginal surgery: update on surgical techniques

Posterior colporrhaphy has been the most common surgical technique for the repair of posterior compartment defects. Traditional posterior colporrhaphy involves plication of the levator ani, which may result in dyspareunia related to narrowing of the introitus. Current posterior compartment repairs either plicate the midline fascia or repair the specific site of fascial weakness. Despite insubstantial data, the use of grafts to reinforce posterior repairs has gained popularity. Grafts such as allografts, xenografts, and synthetic meshes have been used to reinforce the posterior wall. Complications include infection and erosion, as well as recurrence of prolapse. Minimally invasive techniques have been developed to recreate the apical support of the vaginal vault and repair the posterior prolapse. Properly conducted randomized prospective trials are needed to adequately assess these new approaches.