Long-term follow-up after vaginal sacrospinous fixation: patient satisfaction, anatomical results and quality of life

Abstract

The objective of this study is to evaluate long-term anatomical results, symptoms of descent, and quality of life after vaginal sacrospinous fixation (SSF) through postoperative follow up study from one institution. Ninety nine women (mean 66 years) underwent vaginal SSF for vault prolapse at our institution. We contacted all patients 2-15 years after surgery for examination (POP-Q, survey). Sixteen out of 55 (29%) patients, who completed follow-up, presented with cystocele, three patients with rectocele, and four patients had a recurrent vault prolapse. As for quality of life, 42/55 (76%) patients reported lower urinary tract symptoms, but only 9/55 (16%) felt a sensation of prolapse. Ten out of 24 patients, who were still sexually active, reported symptoms of sexual dysfunction. There was no correlation between length of follow-up and anatomical or functional results. Vaginal sacrospinous fixation resulted in excellent vault suspension but 29% of the patients developed cystocele formation. Only 16% of patients reported symptoms of descent.