Laparoscopic sacropexy and obstructed defecation syndrome: an anatomoclinical study

Laparoscopic sacropexy (LSP) is associated with obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS) in 10-50% of cases. An anatomoclinical study was carried out to investigate whether there is any correlation between iatrogenic denervation during LSP and ODS.

Five female cadavers were dissected to identify possible sites of nerve injury during LSP. Subsequently, the videos of 18 LSP were blindly reviewed to assess the location of sacral dissection and tacks, the position and depth of the peritoneal tunnel, and another 4 variables. An anatomical triangle was defined on the right lumbosacral spine so as to clearly describe the sites of the surgical variables, which were then statistically correlated with the patients' postoperative outcome.

The only variable associated with postsurgical ODS was dissection in the 90° angle of the anatomical triangle, where the superior hypogastric plexus was observed in all cadavers.

Medial and midline dissection over the sacral promontory might be associated with postoperative ODS.