Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 29, 2026
Development of a Uterosacral Ligament Suspension Rat Model
Published on: August 17, 2022
Permanent suture used in uterosacral ligament suspension offers better anatomical support than delayed absorbable
Christopher P Chung1, Richard Miskimins, Thomas J Kuehl
1Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Scott and White Healthcare/Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, 2401 South 31st Street, Temple, TX 76508, USA. cchung@swmail.sw.org
Introduction And Hypothesis:
The objective of this study was to compare the outcomes of uterosacral ligament suspension (USLS) procedures in relation to suture material used for apical suspension.
Methods:
A retrospective chart review was performed for two senior surgeons who supervised and performed USLS with both suture types in 2008-2009. Permanent and delayed absorbable sutures were compared for failure of anatomical support. Failure, defined as recurrent prolapse beyond the hymen, was evaluated using survival analysis.
Results:
Two hundred forty-eight procedures were performed. One percent in the permanent group had a loss of support beyond the hymen compared to 6% in the delayed absorbable group (p = 0.034). The preoperative prolapse stage and duration of follow-up did not differ between the two groups. The number of sutures used did not differ between patients who failed and those who did not fail.
Conclusions:
The use of permanent sutures for USLS of the vaginal apex was associated with a lower failure rate than delayed absorbable sutures in the short-term.
