Management Of Vaginal Vault Prolapse Research Articles

Robotic surgery in gynaecology: Scientific Impact Paper No. 71 (July 2022).

The use of robotic-assisted keyhole surgery in gynaecology has expanded in recent years owing to technical advances. These include 3D viewing leading to improved depth perception, limitation of tremor, potential for greater precision and discrimination of tissues, a shorter learning curve and improved comfort for surgeons compared with conventional keyhole and open abdominal surgery. Robotic-assisted keyhole surgery, compared with conventional keyhole surgery, improves surgical performance without increasing operating time, minimises blood loss and intra- or postoperative complications, while reducing the need to revert to abdominal surgery. Moreover, surgeons using a robot experience fewer skeletomuscular problems of their own in the short and long term than those operating without a robot as an additional tool. This Scientific Impact Paper looks at the use of a robot in different fields of gynaecological surgery. A robot could be considered safe and a more effective surgical tool than conventional keyhole surgery for women who have to undergo complex gynaecology surgery or have associated medical issues such as body-mass index (BMI) at 30 kg/m2 or above or lung problems. The introduction of the use of robots in keyhole surgery has resulted in a decrease in the number of traditional open surgeries and the risk of conversion to open surgery after traditional keyhole surgery; both of which should be considered when examining the cost-benefit of using a robot. Limitations of robotic-assisted surgery remain the associated higher costs. In womb cancer surgery there is good evidence that introducing robotics into the service improves outcomes for women and may reduce costs.

Surgical anatomy of the vaginal vault.

AimVaginal vault (VV) surgery should be a key part of surgery for a majority of pelvic organ prolapse (POP). The surgical anatomy of the VV, the upper most part of the vagina, has not been recently subject to a dedicated examination and description.MethodsCadaver studies were performed in (i) 10 unembalmed cadaveric pelves (observation); (ii) 2 unembalmed cadaveric pelves (dissection); (iii) 5 formalinized hemipelves (dissection). The structural outline and ligamentous supports of the VV were determined. Further confirmation of observations in post‐hysterectomy patients were from a separate study on 300 consecutive POP repairs, 46% of whom had undergone prior hysterectomy.ResultsThe VV is equivalent to the Level I section of the vagina, measured posteriorly from the top of the posterior vaginal wall (apex or highest part of the vagina) to 2.5 cm below this point. It comprises the anterior fornix (through which cervix protrudes or is removed at hysterectomy), posterior fornix and two lateral fornices. Before hysterectomy, the posterior aspects of the cervix and upper vagina are supported by the uterosacral (USL) and cardinal ligaments (CL), the distal segments of which fuse together to form a cardinal‐uterosacral ligament complex (cardinal utero‐sacral complex), around 2–3 cm long. Post‐‐‐hysterectomy, there is some residual USL support to the anterior fornix but the posterior fornix has no ligamentous support and is thus more vulnerable to prolapse.ConclusionEffective management of VV prolapse will need to be part of most POP repairs. Enhanced understanding of the surgical anatomy of the vaginal vault allows more effective planning of those POP surgeries.

Gynaecologists’ views on the management of Vaginal Vault Prolapse: A qualitative study

Objective:This study examined gynaecologists’ experience and views on the management of vaginal vault prolapse (VVP) using laproscopic sarcocolpopexy (LSCP) versus open sarcocolpopexy (OSCP).Methods:In a qualitative study conducted at the University of Surrey and Homerton University Hospital, UK, from 2016 to 2017, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 consultants experienced in minimal access surgery or urogynecology. Interviews were recorded and transcripts were analyzed using the qualitative description (QD) approach.Results:Eight broad themes emerged: VVP management, LSCP for management of VVP, OSCP and vaginal surgery with or without mesh use in VVP management, laparoscopic training and support as well as surgeons’ attitude towards LSCP. All participants acknowledged the importance of LSCP in the management of post-hysterectomy VVP as benefits outweighed risks in their view. OSCP was considered suitable in very specific circumstances. Vaginal surgery could be an excellent alternative to OSCP bearing in mind long-term efficacy and sexual activity in young women. Most participants agreed with national recommendations to avoid use of mesh in vaginal surgery for VVP and expressed the view that it should be done in specialised centres by trained surgeons who do such operations.Conclusions:This study showed that the acceptability of LSCP was dependent on participants’ experience and consideration of the balance between patient’s goals and potential risks. It provides useful guidance for future large-scale projects.

Abdominal Versus Laparoscopic Sacrocolpopexy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Sacrocolpopexy (SC) is considered the criterion-standard treatment for management of vaginal vault prolapse (VVP), and laparoscopic SC (LSC) has become a popular alternative to the abdominal approach. However, there are limited definitive data comparing the 2 procedures. The aim of this meta-analysis is to compare the abdominal sacrocolpopexy (ASC) with the LSC for the management of VVP. Electronic searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, CINAHL, and Google scholar were performed. A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies comparing ASC and LSC for the management of VVP were performed. Seven studies were included with a total of 1461 patients: 589 in the LSC group and 872 in the ASC group. The conversion rate for LSC to ASC was 3% (17 cases). One LSC and 1 ASC were each converted to vaginal procedures. The operative time was significantly greater with LSC (mean difference, 25 minutes; 95% confidence interval [CI], 5.43-45.07 minutes); however, ASC had significantly greater intraoperative blood loss (mean difference, 107 mL; 95% CI, -139.59 to -73.73 mL), longer hospital stay (mean difference, 1.71 days; 95% CI, -2.21 to -1.22 days), and increased risk of postoperative ileus/small bowel obstruction (odds ratio, 2.88; 95% CI, 1.31-6.33). There was no significant difference in rate of bladder injury, bowel injury, mesh exposure, or repeat prolapse surgery. Laparoscopic SC takes longer but is associated with less intraoperative blood loss, shorter hospital stay, and reduced postoperative ileus/small bowel obstruction and hence is a suitable alternative to the abdominal technique.

Sacrocolpopexy in management of vaginal vault prolapse

Aims & Objectives: To review the efficacy of Sacrocolpopexy in the management of vaginal vault prolapse Study Design: Interventional study. Setting & Population: Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Jinnah Hospital, Lahore. Women with vaginal vault prolapse after hysterectomy. Methods and Main-outcome measures: Abdominal Sacrocolpopexy using proline mesh. Follow-up in these patients were carried out at one week, four weeks, six months, and one year. Results: Sacrocolpopexy was carried out in ten patients for vaginal vault prolapse after vaginal (6) and abdominal hysterectomy (4). The mean age was 49.8 years. Parity was between P3 - P6 (Mean parity 4.3). Mean operation time was 79.3 minutes. Estimated blood loss was less than 200m1. No intra-operative or post-operative complications occurred in any case. Conclusion: Abdominal sacrocolpopexy is effective and safe in the treatment of vaginal vault prolapse. This procedure has high success rate in correcting prolapse without a time dependent decrease in efficacy.

Comparison of vaginal mesh repair with sacrospinous vaginal colpopexy in the management of vaginal vault prolapse after hysterectomy in patients with levator ani avulsion: a randomized controlled trial

To compare the efficacy of two standard surgical procedures for post-hysterectomy vaginal vault prolapse in patients with levator ani avulsion. This was a single-center, randomized interventional trial, of two standard surgical procedures for post-hysterectomy vaginal vault prolapse: Prolift Total vs unilateral vaginal sacrospinous colpopexy with native tissue vaginal repair (sacrospinous fixation, SSF), during the period from 2008 to 2011. Entry criteria included at least two-compartment prolapse, as well as complete unilateral or bilateral levator ani avulsion injury. The primary outcome was anatomical failure based on clinical and ultrasound assessment. Failure was defined clinically, according to the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification system, as Ba, C or Bp at the hymen or below, and on translabial ultrasound as bladder descent to 10 mm or more below the lower margin of the symphysis pubis on maximum Valsalva maneuver. Secondary outcomes were evaluation of continence, sexual function and prolapse symptoms based on validated questionnaires. During the study period, 142 patients who were post-hysterectomy underwent surgery for prolapse in our unit; 72 of these were diagnosed with an avulsion injury and were offered participation in the study. Seventy patients were randomized into two groups: 36 in the Prolift group and 34 in the SSF group. On clinical examination at 1-year follow-up, we observed one (3%) case of anatomical failure in the Prolift group and 22 (65%) in the SSF group (P < 0.001). Using ultrasound criteria, there was one (2.8%) failure in the Prolift group compared with 21 (61.8%) in the SSF group (P < 0.001). The postoperative POPDI (Pelvic Organ Prolapse Distress Inventory) score for subjective outcome was 15.3 in the Prolift group vs 21.7 in the SSF group (P = 0.16). In patients with prolapse after hysterectomy and levator ani avulsion injury, SSF has a higher anatomical failure rate than does the Prolift Total procedure at 1-year follow-up.

Approaches to Management of Vaginal Vault Prolapse

Approaches to Management of Vaginal Vault Prolapse

Approaches to Management of Vaginal Vault Prolapse

Approaches to Management of Vaginal Vault Prolapse

Use of a bidirectional barbed suture in robot-assisted sacrocolpopexy.

Abdominal sacrocolpopexy is an effective and durable surgical procedure that is conventionally reserved for management of vaginal vault prolapse. With the availability of robotic technology in recent years, sacrocolpopexy has become more commonly performed in a minimally invasive fashion. Peritoneal closure can be a tedious and time-consuming step in robot-assisted sacrocolpopexy. We describe a novel technique utilizing a bidirectional barbed suture to re-approximate the peritoneum in robot-assisted sacrocolpopexy, making the procedure more time-efficient.

I193 Surgical management of vaginal vault prolapse

I193 Surgical management of vaginal vault prolapse

2007 World Robotic Gyn Symposium: the dawn of a new age in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery.

2007 World Robotic Gyn Symposium: the dawn of a new age in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery.

Rokitansky Syndrome: Clinical Experience and Results of Sigmoid Vaginoplasty in 23 Young Girls

The Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome (Rokitansky syndrome) is a frequently misdiagnosed congenital anomaly of the female genital tract. Of several surgical treatments sigmoid vaginoplasty is among the few that provide a functional self-lubricating neovagina. We evaluated the results of sigmoid neovagina in girls affected by the Rokitansky syndrome. We followed 26 patients with the Rokitansky syndrome between 1990 and 2005. Diagnosis was based on clinical examination, normal ovarian hormones and pelvic ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging. Associated anomalies were detailed. Vaginoplasty was performed in 23 patients. Functional results and complications were assessed. Renal anomalies were found in 11 patients (42%) and skeletal anomalies in 6 (23%). Six girls (23%) had a family history of the Rokitansky syndrome and/or renal agenesis. Vaginoplasty was performed at a mean age of 16 years (range 10.3 to 18.8). Median postoperative followup was 3.4 years. Postoperative complications included lower extremity compartment syndrome (1 patient), pelvic hematoma (1), mucosal prolapse (2), cystitis (2) and introital stenosis (1). Of the 23 patients undergoing surgery 9 (39%) had an active sex life postoperatively. Sigmoid vaginoplasty is a valuable procedure in girls with the Rokitansky syndrome. We recommend reconstruction during adolescence because the local conditions are excellent and it allows adaptation of the anatomy to physical development.

Sacral Colpopexy with Concurrent Burch Colposuspension in Patients with Vaginal Vault Prolapse

Introduction: Abdominal sacral colpopexy (SC) is one option in the management of vaginal vault prolapse. In patients who are additionally incontinent an anti-incontinence procedure such as a Burch colposuspension or pubovaginal sling is usually performed at the same time. For those patients undergoing SC who are continent there are no clear guidelines for the use of a ‘prophylactic’ anti-incontinence procedure. We describe our experience with SC and concurrent Burch colposuspension. Patients and Methods: 47 patients (mean age 65 years) underwent SC and concurrent Burch colposuspension. The preoperative diagnostic check-up included a validated questionnaire, clinical examination, urodynamic tests, ultrasound and colpocystorectography. Patients were also evaluated using Stress, Emptying, Anatomic, Protection and Instability (SEAPI) scores. All patients had a uterine or vaginal vault prolapse in combination with a cystocele, enterocele or rectocele. Thirty-three of 47 (70%) patients were continent and 14 (30%) incontinent. Nineteen (40%) of the 33 ‘continent’ patients were found to have occult incontinence. Clinical examination according to the Halfway system showed 9 of 47 (19%), 21 of 47 (45%) and 17 of 47 (36%) patients with grade 2, 3 and 4 vaginal vault prolapse, respectively. Thirty-five of 47 (74%) patients demonstrated a grade-4 cystocele and 12 of 47 (26%) a grade-3 cystocele. The mean follow-up was 34 months and included a questionnaire (SEAPI), clinical examination and ultrasound. Results: Postoperative SEAPI scores showed a statistically significant improvement in all SEAPI domains (p < 0.001). Ninety-four percent of the patients were satisfied, continent and would undergo the surgery again. Three patients were incontinent. No continent patient who underwent concurrent Burch colposuspension had obstructive symptoms or residual urine. Five patients (11%) who had dyspareunia preoperatively were free of this symptom postoperatively. Complications were: dilatation of the upper urinary tract in 2 patients (4%) secondary to distal ureteric deviation by suturing the posterior peritoneum. One patient underwent psoas hitch neoureterocystostomy and 1 patient was successfully treated by insertion of a ureteric stent for 6 weeks. One patient (2%) had a mesh infection necessitating removal of the Gore-Tex mesh. Conclusions: Sacral colpopexy provides good patient satisfaction, durable pelvic support and restores vaginal function. Due to excellent continence rates concurrent Burch colposuspension should be considered as a joint procedure even in continent patients.

Abdominal sacral colpopexy: an independent prospective long‐term follow‐up study

The aim of the study was to provide a long-term follow up of subjective and objective outcomes following sacral colpopexy. A cohort of 148 women who had undergone sacral colpopexy in a tertiary unit between 1998 and 2001 were contacted for follow-up. Women were questioned about current symptoms including patient determined subjective measures and the Baden-Walker site specific examination for vaginal prolapse was performed. Ninety-three women were able to be contacted for review. Of these, 64 were available for clinical examination and a further 29 were available for telephone interview. Of those women examined 62 had good vault support. Therefore, recurrent vault prolapse was uncommon at 3%. Recurrent prolapse was present in other vaginal compartments in 40.6% of women. Subjectively 78% of women felt that their prolapse symptoms had resolved and 65% had a visual analogue score (VAS) >or= 80, indicating satisfaction with the surgery. Stress urinary incontinence symptoms decreased at this long-term review, however, 24% of women required further incontinence surgery. Abdominal sacral colpopexy is an effective technique for the management of vaginal vault prolapse, with a two-year successful outcome in excess of 90%. Further study is required to investigate recurrent prolapse in other vaginal compartments and the functional aspects following surgery.

Laparoscopic vaginal vault suspension using uterosacral ligaments: A review of 133 cases

The objective of our study was to describe the surgical technique of laparoscopic vaginal vault suspension using the uterosacral ligaments. In addition, we performed a retrospective analysis of this laparoscopic technique on 133 patients with advanced symptomatic vaginal vault prolapse to evaluate the efficacy and durability of this laparoscopic technique. Efficacy and anatomic outcome were assessed by the Baden-Walker halfway scoring system before and after the surgical procedure. Preoperatively, all patients showed evidence of grade 2 or greater prolapse (descent to the level of the hymen). Fifty-one patients (38.4%) had uterovaginal prolapse, and 82 patients (61.6%) had vaginal vault prolapse. The patients were reevaluated at 1, 6, and 12 months postoperatively and yearly thereafter. The postoperative follow-up ranged from 2.0 to 7.3 years. Postoperatively, 116 patients (87.2%) had no recurrence of prolapse, and 17 patients (12.8%) had recurrence of prolapse. The major complication rate was 2.25%. We conclude that laparoscopic vaginal vault suspension is a safe, efficacious, and durable alternative for the management of vaginal vault prolapse.

High complication rate identified in sacrocolpopexy patients attributed to silicone mesh

Objectives To report on our experience using a preconfigured Y-shaped silicone-coated polyester mesh and polypropylene mesh for vaginal vault suspension. A variety of materials have been used for both open and laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy in the management of vaginal vault prolapse. Recently, a preconfigured Y-shaped silicone-coated polyester mesh was introduced to facilitate the vaginal cuff suspension to the sacrum. Methods We reviewed the data of 45 consecutive patients who underwent abdominal (n = 28) or laparoscopic (n = 17) sacrocolpopexy. Of the 45 patients, 21 underwent silicone mesh suspension of the vaginal cuff to the anterior sacrum, with a mean follow-up of 23 months (range 16 to 41). A comparative analysis was performed of 24 patients who underwent the same procedure with polypropylene mesh. Results Of the 21 patients in the silicone group, 5 (23.8%) have had a major complication (four vaginal mesh erosions and one mesh infection) after a median follow-up of 9.5 months (range 4 to 20). The presenting symptoms were persistent or new vaginal discharge and/or nonspecific pelvic pain. One patient underwent successful removal of the mesh transvaginally, but the rest required abdominal exploration. To date, the 24 patients who underwent vaginal cuff suspension with polypropylene mesh have had no vaginal mesh extrusions or infections, with a mean follow-up of 12 months (range 1 to 38). Conclusions Silicone-coated polyester mesh has recently been associated with a high rate of vaginal erosion when used as a transvaginal suburethral sling. Our experience specifically with vaginal vault suspension corroborates this. We have abandoned the use of silicone mesh because of the unacceptably high extrusion rate and presently use polypropylene mesh.

V497: Abdominal Sacral Colpopexy and Abdominal Enterocele Repair in the Management of Vaginal Vault Prolapse

V497: Abdominal Sacral Colpopexy and Abdominal Enterocele Repair in the Management of Vaginal Vault Prolapse

Surgical Management of Vaginal Vault Prolapse in a Woman With a Neovagina and Pelvic Kidneys

Women with Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome have congenital absence of the uterus and upper two-thirds of the vagina, which is frequently accompanied by skeletal and renal anomalies. Mechanical dilation or surgical creation of a vagina allows for function but does not provide endopelvic fascial support of the vagina. Vaginal prolapse may occur. A 32-year-old woman presented with pelvic kidneys and a 5-year history of prolapse of her mechanically created neovagina. She underwent a sacrospinous ligament suspension with a cadaveric fascia lata bridge. The apex of the neovagina was 5 cm above the hymen 30 months postoperatively. An allograft colpopexy to the sacrospinous ligament is an effective method of surgical treatment of women with a prolapsed shortened vagina and an inaccessible presacral space.

The efficacy of laparoscopic uterosacral ligaments colpopexy in management of vaginal vault prolapse

The efficacy of laparoscopic uterosacral ligaments colpopexy in management of vaginal vault prolapse

The efficacy of laparoscopic uterosacral ligaments colpopexy in management of vaginal vault prolapse

The efficacy of laparoscopic uterosacral ligaments colpopexy in management of vaginal vault prolapse