[Post hysterectomy vaginal vault prolapse: diagnosis prevention and treatment]

Post-hysterectomy vaginal vault prolapse is a common disorder which generally manifests as a protrusion of the vagina through the genital hiatus, sometimes accompanied by urinary and gastrointestinal symptoms as well as sexual dysfunction. Risk factors for this condition include vaginal deliveries, obesity and previous hysterectomy, although genetic predisposition leading to reduced connective tissue and muscle strength may also play a role. Surgical correction of this disorder can be performed through either the abdominal or transvaginal approaches. Two prospective randomized trials have compared these approaches demonstrating better anatomic success rates for the abdominal approach as opposed to faster recovery and lower morbidity for the transvaginal approach. Laparoscopic and other transvaginal minimal access techniques for vaginal vault suspension have recently been advocated utilizing synthetic or biological adjuvant grafts. These techniques have been associated with high success rates albeit substantial graft complications such as erosion, contraction and dyspareunia. Suspension of the vaginal apex to the uterosacral ligaments (McCall culdoplasty) or to the sacrospinous ligaments at the time of vaginal hysterectomy is the mainstay for prevention of post hysterectomy vaginal vault prolapse. Our knowledge of the pathophysiology of post hysterectomy vaginal vault prolapse is quickly being refined, leading to more efficient surgical therapies for prevention and treatment of this disorder.