A modified operative procedure based upon the principles and original technique of the Marshall-Marchetti-Krantz procedure has been discussed in view of enlarging the use of the anterior type of suspension operation as a primary procedure in the correction of stress incontinence. The use of the operation in various clinical situations and with various abdominal and pelvic operative methods is presented. The utilization of a modified lithotomy position of the patient during operation is emphasized, especially in combined abdominal hysterectomy and anterior vaginal suspension. The use of permanent suture is suggested, and placing of these sutures in the form of a T to suspend the dome of the vagina (giving rise to the name of the procedure) is discussed in a series of 110 cases. Both catgut and permanent sutures have been used. The permanent sutures used have for the most part been silk. The drawback of postoperative wound complications is observed. Increased care in carrying out the procedure has lowered this incidence by more than 50 per cent. The use of a drain for the first 24 hours after operation completely obviates this problem.Improved results over vaginal operations from below are reported and these are notably in the preservation of vaginal length, preservation of mobility of the urethra and bladder neck, and prevention of the usual postoperative complaints referrable to a heavy, painful, fixed anterior vaginal wall. Restoration of a functional vagina in cases in which its function has been impaired, such as postoperative shortening and scarring, or in instances of excessive anterior vaginal wall relaxation is noted in many of these cases. The adaptation of the anterior vaginal suspension operation to most cases of anterior vaginal wall relaxation is demonstrated.There have been some failures (but none have been recorded so far in this series) in cases in which permanent sutures have been used. A possible permanent obliteration of cystocele is discussed and the possibility of its recurrence is considered, although none have as yet been seen. The follow-up time is from 6 weeks to 2 1/2years. A very few individuals are not completely continent but have been improved, and these are all in the group in which catgut suture was used for the repair. It is hoped that further follow-up and further adaptation of the anterior suspension principle to the correction of anterior vaginal wall relaxation problems, including stress incontinence, will prove to be as effective as a recent series has apparently shown.15 Increased interest in the problems of vaginal relaxation will stimulate even more experience with the anterior suspension type of surgical procedure as a possible solution to this unfortunate, debilitating, embarrassing, and nerve-racking complaint.
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