Bilateral Sacrospinous Ligament Fixation Research Articles

Bilateral Sacrospinous Hysteropexy Versus Bilateral Sacrospinous Ligament Fixation with Vaginal Hysterectomy for Apical Uterovaginal Prolapse.

PurposeThe aim of this retrospective study was to compare the anatomical and functional outcomes between bilateral sacrospinous hysteropexy (BSHP) and bilateral sacrospinous ligament fixation with vaginal hysterectomy (BSLF/VH) in women with apical-predominant uterovaginal prolapse.MethodsClinical data from patients with symptomatic Pelvic Organ Prolapse-Quantification (POP-Q) stage 2 or higher uterovaginal prolapse who underwent either BSHP (48 patients) or BSLF/VH (69 patients) between January 2014 and December 2018 were reviewed retrospectively. The primary outcome was the subjective satisfaction rate evaluated by Patient Global Impression of Improvement, and the secondary outcomes included objective anatomical success rates, impact on disease-specific quality of life evaluated by the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire-12, Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-Short Form 20, and Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire 7, and surgical complications.ResultsAfter a median follow-up of 35 months (range, 25–58 months), all patients in both groups demonstrated significant postoperative improvements in anatomical and functional outcomes (P<0.001). There were no significant differences in postoperative subjective and objective results, sexual satisfaction outcomes, or disease-specific quality of life between the BSHP and BSLF/VH groups, and similar incidence rates of intraoperative and postoperative complications were also recorded.ConclusionsThe uterus-sparing BSHP procedure yielded noninferior anatomical and functional outcomes compared to the BSLF/VH procedure and could be adopted as an alternative to conventional hysterectomy-based native-tissue repair modalities for symptomatic apical-predominant uterovaginal prolapse.

Autologous rectus fascia graft in the treatment of high-stage apical vaginal prolapse: preliminary results of a new surgical approach with native tissue.

Since vaginal meshes in pelvic organ prolapse have been associated with more complications in the last decades, native tissue vaginal repair is still the mainstay of prolapse surgery. This study introduces a new transvaginal approach with bilateral sacrospinous ligament fixation augmented by autologous rectus fascia graft to repair high-stage apical vaginal wall prolapse. Between December 2018 and June 2020, 13 patients with high-stage apical vaginal wall prolapse (point C ≥ + 1) accompanied by high-stage anterior vaginal wall prolapse (paint Ba ≥ + 1) were included. In this procedure, the central part of the anterior rectus fascia graft (6-8cm in length and 1-1.5cm in width) is sutured to the underlying tissue of the vaginal apex or cervix and the arms of the rectus graft augmented to the sacrospinous ligament with a Capio suture capturing device (Boston Scientific). The patients are evaluated by history taking, physical examination, Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire (PFIQ-7), and Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI-20) Questionnaire. The patient's mean age was 61.2 ± 2.7years and they were followed up to 12months. The anatomical success rate was 92.3%. The PFDI-20 and PFIQ-7 were significantly improved (P < 0.001). There were no significant perioperative complications. Three patients complained of unilateral groin or buttock pain which resolved gradually at the first post-operative month. The transvaginal bilateral sacrospinous ligament fixation augmented by autologous rectus fascia graft is an effective and safe surgical approach in treating high-stage apical vaginal prolapse with short-term follow-up.

Anterior bilateral sacrospinous ligament fixation with concomitant anterior native tissue repair: a pilot study.

Introduction and HypothesisAnterior bilateral sacrospinous ligament fixation (ABSSLF) was first described in 2000 but only evaluated in a limited number of studies. However, due to the FDA’s ban on transvaginal mesh, interest in this technique has re-emerged. The SSLF procedure is known for its inherent high risk for anterior compartment failure; hence, in our center we started performing a preemptive concomitant anterior repair with the intention to reduce such risk. The aim of this study was to review the feasibility and clinical outcomes of this innovative technique.MethodsWe performed a retrospective cohort study of all the women who had an ABSSLF and a concomitant anterior native tissue repair between May 2019 and July 2020 in a tertiary hospital in France. Our primary endpoint was surgical feasibility, while as secondary endpoints we wanted to explore the perioperative morbidities and clinical outcomes associated with this technique.ResultsA total of 50 women were operated on in the studied period. The median follow-up time was 10 [8.5] months. It was feasible to perform the combined ABSSLF and concomitant anterior native tissue repair in all cases. The most frequent perioperative complications reported were urinary tract infection (14%) and difficulty in resuming voiding (16%). Anatomical and functional results were improved. The rate of anterior compartment recurrence was 37%.ConclusionsABSSLF with a concomitant anterior native tissue repair is feasible and relatively safe for treating anterior and apical pelvic prolapse. However, anterior compartment failure rate is still a limitation. Further larger studies with long-term anatomical and functional results comparing this technique to alternative transvaginal surgical approaches are needed.

Anatomical and functional outcomes after hysterectomy and bilateral sacrospinous ligament fixation for stage IV uterovaginal prolapse: a prospective case series

BackgroundAim of this study is to examine pelvic floor symptoms, anatomical results and patients’ satisfaction after sacrospinous vaginal fixation for stage 4 pelvic organ prolapse.MethodsAll patients with stage 4 pelvic organ prolapse were treated with vaginal hysterectomy, native tissue cystocele and rectocele repair and bilateral sacrospinous vaginal fixation. Anatomical and functional outcomes according to the POPq classification system and the German version of the Australian pelvic floor questionnaire were assessed. Changes between baseline, first follow-up and second follow-up were assessed by the paired Wilcoxon rank test using R, version 3.5.1.Results20 patients were included in the study. Scores in all four domains of the pelvic floor symptom questionnaire (bladder, bowel, prolapse, sexual function) were significantly improved at 6 and 12-months follow-up. One patient presented with a symptomatic stage 3 cystocele that needed a second surgical intervention and two patients needed surgery due to a de novo stress urinary incontinence. There were no perioperative adverse events and all patients reported full satisfaction after surgery.ConclusionsThe vaginal approach with hysterectomy, native tissue repair and bilateral sacrospinous vaginal fixation seems to be a safe and effective method for the treatment of advanced stage POP, offering excellent relief in all pelvic floor symptoms.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov (NCT 02998216), December 20th, 2016.Prospectively registered.

Anterior Bilateral Sacrospinous Ligament Fixation: A Safe Route for Apical Repair

Traditionally, sacrospinous ligament fixation is performed unilaterally with a posterior dissection for correction of apical vaginal prolapse. There is limited information on alternative techniques including bilateral application and use of anterior vaginal dissection for this procedure. The objective of this study is to evaluate the anatomic and perioperative outcomes in women who have undergone bilateral sacrospinous ligament fixation through an anterior approach. This cohort represents women in our prospective repository who underwent anterior approach bilateral sacrospinous ligament fixation between September 2011 and June 2014. Concomitant procedures were performed as indicated. Pelvic organ prolapse quantification points were measured preoperatively and at 6 weeks and 6 months postoperatively and were compared. Perioperative outcome measures and adverse events were also analyzed. In this cohort, 144 women underwent anterior approach to bilateral sacrospinous ligament fixation. The patients' mean age was 57.8 ± 10.9 years, and the average body mass index was 29.6 ± 5.8 kg/m. In patients who underwent anterior approach bilateral sacrospinous ligament fixation, points Aa, Ba, C, Gh, Ap, and Bp remained at stage I or less when compared with pelvic organ prolapse quantification measurements at the baseline. Perioperative and postoperative complications were minimal, with 1 (0.7%) patient requiring a blood transfusion and 3 (2%) patients suffered from intraoperative lower urinary tract injuries, none of which were attributable to the sacrospinous fixation part of the procedure. Anterior approach bilateral sacrospinous ligament fixation is a safe and effective procedure for reestablishing apical support in a patient with apical vaginal prolapse.

Quality of life and sexuality after bilateral sacrospinous fixation with vaginal hysterectomy for treatment of primary pelvic organ prolapse.

To investigate the quality of life (QoL) and sexuality in women affected by pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and treated by bilateral sacrospinous ligament fixation (SSLF) with vaginal hysterectomy. This is a prospective observational study carried out at Isparta City Hospital from July 2017 to December 2018. A total of 26 sexually active women with symptomatic uterine prolapse POP-Q (Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification) stage II or higher requiring surgery were included in the study. Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) was used preoperatively and at 6 months to examine the impacts of vaginal reconstruction on QoL. To assess sexual functioning, the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ-12) was used preoperatively and at 6 months. A significant improvement of POP-Q landmarks was found between pre- and posttreatment at 6 months of follow-up. The patients reported QoL improvement at the follow-up for all the categories of physical functioning, bodily pain, physical health, general health, vitality, social activity, emotional state, and mental health with respect to the baseline values (P < .001). The results of PISQ-12 demonstrated a significant improvement for all the three fields: behavioral emotive factor, physical factor, and partner-related factor, and the total score at 6 months after surgery (P < .001). This study clearly demonstrates that bilateral SSLF is able to significantly improve both QoL and sexual function in patients with POP. Improvement in sexuality and QoL after surgery may be explained by correction of avoidance of sexual intercourse due to prolapse and physical recovery.

Comparison Between Unilateral and Bilateral Sacrospinous Ligament Fixation for Management of Vault Prolapse

Background: Hysteropexy is an effective procedure for vault prolapse as abdominal sacrocolpopexy but easier and simple. Right sacrospinous fixation has the same results of bilateral fixation. Aim of the work: To evaluate the value and safety of unilateral or bilateral sacrospinous fixation [SSF]. Patients and methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Al-Azhar University, Damietta over a period of two years [July 2017 to June 2019]. A total of 32 patients posted for 16 cases unilateral sacrospinous ligament fixation to vault and 16 cases for bilateral fixation were enrolled after informed consent. Results were recorded under headings of procedure time [min], blood loss [ml], major intro-operative complications and post-operative complications, postoperative pain and duration of hospital stay. Results: The result of unilateral transvaginal sacrospinous ligament fixation technique, as part of the vaginal repair procedure for massive uterovaginal [Pelvic Organ Prolapse stage III and stage IV and vault prolapse] was evaluated as better than bilateral approach with the same efficacy, less time consuming, less blood loss and low post-operative pain. Conclusion: Unilateral transvaginal sacrospinous ligament fixation revealed a significant reduction in intraoperative blood loss, procedure time, immediate post-operative pain, and mean length of hospital stay.

Comparison of Unilateral and Bilateral Sacrospinous Ligament Fixation Using Minimally Invasive Anchorage.

Objective The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a newly developed anchoring system for unilateral sacrospinous ligament fixation (USSLF) and bilateral sacrospinous ligament fixation (BSSLF) procedures. Material and Methods Ninety-three patients with pelvic prolapse who were treated surgically with the Anchorsure System ® between 2013 and 2018 were included in the study. USSLF was performed in 52 patients (group 1), and BSSLF was performed in 41 patients (group 2). Pelvic organ prolapse was assessed preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively. Results There were no significant differences between groups 1 and 2 with regard to age, parity, and demographic characteristics. Anatomical improvement rates were similar, irrespective of the type of SSLF used. No bleeding requiring blood transfusion or organ injuries occurred in any patient. Three patients in the group that received BSSLF developed small asymptomatic cystoceles (grade 1 to 2); there was no recurrence of rectoceles or enteroceles. Mild cystocele was found in 1 patient from the USSLF group. There was no significant difference between the groups with respect to the recurrence of cystocele. Recurrence of vaginal vault prolapse was found in 2 patients from the USSLF group (3.84%). There was no significant difference between the groups with regard to recurrence. Febrile morbidity, clinical outcomes, blood loss, duration of operation, intraoperative complications, and length of hospital stay were similar for the two groups. Conclusions Unilateral and bilateral SSLF techniques produce similar clinical outcomes. USSLF and BSSLF performed using the new anchoring system are safe and effective methods to treat pelvic organ prolapse.

Outcome of sacrospinous ligament fixation with conventional instruments in the treatment of Stage 3-4 vaginal vault prolapse

Purpose: The objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of the sacrospinous ligament fixation (SSLF) at 12 months following the operation.Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included patients diagnosed with vaginal vault prolapse and underwent SSLF between January 2014 and May 2017. The subjective evaluation was performed according to the Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I). The objective success rate at the end of 12 months was evaluated, and the Pelvic Organ Prolapse-Quantification System (POP-Q) Stage 0 or 1 was considered as a successful outcome. The effectiveness of the operation and the complication rates were evaluated during one-year follow-up.Results: A total of 26 patients were included in the study. Twelve patients (46.2%) underwent unilateral SSLF and 14 patients (53.8%) bilateral SSLF operation. At 12 months, the objective and subjective success rates were 100% and 100%, respectively. There was a significant difference between the unilateral and bilateral SSLF groups in terms of the operation time and intraoperative bleeding. After one-year follow-up, only three patients (11.3%) complained about mild gluteal pain. Conclusion: The suspension of the vagina to the unilateral or bilateral sacrospinous ligament was an effective and safe surgical method in patients with post-hysterectomy vaginal vault prolapse.

Sacrospinous Ligament Fixation in Patients with Second-degree Uterine Prolapse

ABSTRACT Background Sacrospinous ligament fixation is a simple procedure we use today to treat cases with uterine prolapse. Aim The aim is to test the effectiveness of this procedure in the treatment of second-degree uterine prolapse. Materials and methods The study included 50 women with second-degree uterine prolapse. Out of 50 women, 25 (group I) were treated with bilateral sacrospinous ligament fixation, while the other 25 (group II) were treated with unilateral sacrospinous ligament fixation. The efficacy and intraoperative and postoperative complications are recorded (follow-up of patients occurred 3 and 6 months postoperatively). Results Mean operative time in unilateral sacrospinous fixation is 52 ± 10.6 minutes, while in bilateral procedure, it is 73 ± 12.6 minutes. However, postoperative pain is more in bilateral than unilateral procedure. Conclusion Sacrospinous ligament fixation is an effective treatment for patients having second-degree uterine prolapse. Unilateral is better than bilateral sacrospinous operation regarding postoperative pain. How to cite this article Rady HA. Sacrospinous Ligament Fixation in Patients with Second-degree Uterine Prolapse. J South Asian Feder Obst Gynae 2017;9(3):235-238.

14: Anterior bilateral sacrospinous ligament fixation: A safe route for apical repair

14: Anterior bilateral sacrospinous ligament fixation: A safe route for apical repair

Demographic and Outcome Data of Women Undergoing Bilateral Sacrospinous Ligament Fixation [372

INTRODUCTION: This study presents demographic, intraoperative, and short- and long-term outcome data in a large group of women undergoing bilateral sacrospinous ligament fixation. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review of 363 women who were treated with bilateral sacrospinous ligament fixation between 1994 and 2011. Demographic, intraoperative, and short-term outcome data were abstracted. Long-term postoperative outcome data were obtained from phone interviews. Comparative analyses were computed using χ2 or Fisher's exact tests. RESULTS: Demographic data were similar among age groups. Patients younger than 60 years old had shorter length of hospital stay. There were no differences in mean operative time, estimated blood loss, fever, transfusion, intraoperative complications, discharge with a catheter, or development of urinary tract infection (UTI) between age groups. Patients who were discharged with a catheter were two times more likely to develop a UTI. Those who developed a UTI were more likely to develop fever. Women who did not have additional surgery at time of sacrospinous ligament fixation were less likely to be discharged home with a catheter. Short-term readmission risk was 3.5 times greater in women older than 80 years of age. There were no differences in long-term outcomes between the various age groups. There were no differences in short- or long-term postoperative outcomes in patients who had graft placed at the time of surgery. CONCLUSION: Bilateral sacrospinous ligament fixation is associated with few intraoperative and short-term postoperative complications. Bilateral sacrospinous ligament fixation is a safe surgical alternative in the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse in women younger than 80 years of age. Further study is needed on long-term outcomes.

Radiologic Images of Retrograde Ureterography Before and After Release of Bilateral Sacrospinous Ligament Fixation Sutures

Ureteral injury or compromise can occur after pelvic floor reconstruction for prolapse. Therefore, it is routine to perform intraoperative urethrocystoscopy at end of the operative case to confirm ureteral patency. We show retrograde ureterogram before and after release of fixation sutures from bilateral sacrospinous ligament fixation performed for stage III vaginal prolapse. The fluoroscopic images presented are intended to help pelvic surgeons visualize what could occur during sacrospinous ligament fixation. Furthermore, this case report illustrates how angulation of the distal ureter, without complete obstruction, may result in renal compromise.

Functional results and quality-of-life after bilateral sacrospinous ligament fixation for genital prolapse

Objectives To evaluate intra- and post-operative complications, anatomical results, quality-of-life and sexuality after bilateral sacrospinous ligament fixation (SSLF). Study design Retrospective longitudinal study. Between March 2001 and September 2003, 51 women with stage III or IV genital prolapse underwent bilateral SSLF at the gynecology and obstetrics university department of Tenon Hospital, Paris, France. The population characteristics were as follows: mean age (±S.D.) was 64 ± 10 years. Mean ± SD BMI was 25 ± 4 and median (range) parity was (0–12). Forty-eight (94%) women were post-menopausal, and one-third had previously undergone hysterectomy. Intra- and post-operative complications and anatomical results were recorded. Quality-of-life questionnaires (IIQ-7 and PISQ-12) and numerical analog scales were administered as well as nine questions on digestive symptoms. Results The overall complication rate was 17.3%, with rectal injury in one (1.9%) women. One pararectal hematoma necessitated repeat surgery. Anterior vaginal wall prolapse ( B a = −1) occurred in three women, at 10, 16 and 19 months, but did not necessitate further surgery. The global patient satisfaction rate after bilateral SSLF was 93% (47 women). Digestive symptoms were improved after bilateral SSLF. The mean pre- and post-operative scores on the IIQ-7 and PISQ-12 questionnaires were 41 ± 27 and 10 ± 18 ( p < 0.0001), and 62 ± 14 and 72 ± 11 ( p < 0.0001), respectively. Posterior perineorrhaphy was associated with significantly altered sexuality. Conclusion These results support the feasibility of bilateral SSLF: intra- and post-operative complication rates are acceptable, quality-of-life and sexuality are improved, and bowel function is unaffected.

Anterior approach bilateral sacrospinous ligament fixation for vaginal vault prolapse

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.