Clinical outcome of transvaginal sacrospinous fixation with the Veronikis ligature carrier in genital prolapse

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the clinical outcome of sacrospinous fixation (SSF) using the Veronikis ligature carrier (VLC) for genital prolapse. Study design A retrospective longitudinal study was performed. From December 2003 through June 2008, SSF was performed in 76 patients using the VLC as part of their site-specific reconstructive pelvic surgery. All patients were followed up postoperatively at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, and annually thereafter. Results The median operative time of SSF was 34 min. It took less than 5 min to introduce two sutures through the ligament using the VLC. Four patients (5.3%) had recurrent vaginal vault descent at 3–8 months, and received SSF again. Three patients had recurrent stage 1 cystocele at 6–12 months, but did not require further surgery. Conclusion The VLC allowed effective introduction of the suspending suture through the sacrospinous ligament and might be considered an important surgical component in the treatment of severe genital prolapse.