Anterior approach bilateral sacrospinous ligament fixation for vaginal vault prolapse

Abstract

The sacrospinous ligament fixation (SSLF) was first described as a unilateral fixation; however, bilateral fixation, when possible, allows a symmetrical vaginal reconstruction and provides additional vaginal vault support. We evaluated the outcome of treating total vault prolapse using a bilateral SSLF through an anterior vaginal approach. From July 1996 to July 1999, 28 patients (mean age 67) underwent bilateral SSLF procedures through an anterior vaginal approach. All patients had either grade 3 or 4 vault prolapse, and all patients had associated enteroceles, cystoceles, and rectoceles. All patients underwent fluorourodynamic evaluation including an abdominal leak point pressure (ALPP) with reduction of the vaginal prolapse. A pubovaginal sling was performed in 25 patients and all 28 patients underwent an anterior colporrhaphy, rectocele, and enterocele repair. A vaginal paravaginal repair was performed in 22 cases. At a mean follow-up of 17 months (range 5 to 35), 27 of 28 patients were cured, 1 patient had an asymptomatic unilateral grade 1 vault prolapse, 2 patients had developed small asymptomatic cystoceles and there had been no recurrence of rectoceles or enteroceles. Stress incontinence had been cured in all patients; however, 2 patients continued to have mild urge incontinence requiring <1 pad per day. Two patients complained of transient gluteal pain. We believe the anterior approach bilateral SSLF is a safe procedure with excellent medium term results in women with grade 3 to 4 vaginal prolapse.