Sacrospinous Ligament Research Articles

Timing of recurrence after surgery in pelvic organ prolapse.

The aim of this study was to determine when women are at risk for recurrent pelvic organ prolapse (POP). From 2010 to 2018, all women with symptomatic prolapse, Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (pop-Q) stage 2 in at least one compartment and prolapse surgery were included. The primary outcome measure was POP recurrence. Kaplan-Meier estimates were calculated, survival curves were created, and differences in survival curves were tested with log-rank test. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to investigate associations between recurrence and the number and type of involved compartment(s) and type of surgery. Forty-six (16.8%) out of 274 patients had POP recurrence during a mean follow-up time of 55 ± 32months. The mean age was 64 ± 12years. The hazard of recurrence increased the most in the first 2 years after POP surgery, flattened in years 3 and 4 and remained almost stable in the years thereafter, regardless of the site and number of involved compartment(s). The hazard of recurrence over time seemed the largest when all three compartments were involved. However, there was no statistically significant difference in recurrence between the numbers of (p = 0.65) or in the combination of involved compartments (p = 0.19). There was no difference in POP recurrence over time between prolapse repair with either sacrospinous ligament fixation or vaginal hysterectomy (p = 0.48). Women are at the highest risk of POP recurrence in the first 2years after POP surgery independent of the number or combination of involved compartment(s).

Association of Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification examination D point with uterosacral ligament suspension outcomes: the “OPTIMAL” D point

The objective was to determine the relationship between the preoperative D-point and apical outcomes at 24months, using the Operations and Pelvic Muscle Training in the Management of Apical Support Loss (OPTIMAL) dataset. This was a secondary analysis of the OPTIMAL trial, a randomized multi-centered study comparing outcomes of sacrospinous ligament fixation and transvaginal uterosacral ligament suspension (USLS). The 2-year dataset utilized included women undergoing USLS with concomitant hysterectomy. The primary outcome was the relationship between preoperative D-point and apical outcomes at 24months. Secondary objectives were to determine the relationship between preoperative D-point and anatomical, composite and subjective outcomes, and to determine a D-point cut-off that could be used to predict success in each of these categories. Of the 186 women in the USLS arm, 120 were available for analysis of anatomical failure at 24months. A higher preoperative D-point correlated with improved apical outcome (C-point) at 24months (r = 0.34; p value = 0.0002). Using ROC curves, a moderate association was found between the preoperative D-point and apical and anatomical success, (AUC 0.689 and 0.662). There was no relationship between preoperative D-point and composite or subjective success (AUC 0.577 and 0.458). Based on the ROC curves, a "cut-off" D-point value of -4.25cm (sensitivity = 0.58, specificity = 0.67) was determined to be a predictor of postoperative anatomical success at 2years. Preoperative D-point correlates with postoperative anatomical and apical support, but is less successful at predicting subjective outcomes. The strongest predictive D-point cut-off for anatomical and apical success at 24months was -4.25cm.

The Risk of Primary Uterine and Cervical Cancer After Hysteropexy

The aim of the study was to determine the rate of subsequent uterine/cervical cancer after hysteropexy compared with hysterectomy with apical prolapse repair. The study used a retrospective cohort of women with uterovaginal prolapse using the Cerner Health Facts database between 2010 and 2018. We identified sacrospinous or uterosacral ligament suspensions or sacral colpopexy/hysteropexy and excluded those with previous hysterectomy. We used the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision and International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision codes for endometrial cancer/hyperplasia and cervical cancer and then reviewed each case, excluding those whose cancer existed at time of prolapse repair. Given that 0 cancer cases were identified, we used Wilson, Jeffreys, Agresti-Coull, Clopper-Pearson, and Rule of 3 to define 95% confidence intervals to estimate the highest possible rate of cancer in each cohort. A total of 8,927 patients underwent apical prolapse surgery. Of 4,510 with uterovaginal prolapse, 755 (16.7%) underwent hysteropexy. Seventy one with hysterectomy and 5 with hysteropexy had codes for subsequent gynecologic cancer but were excluded on further review. This left 0 gynecologic cancer cases with the largest 95% confidence interval of 0%-0.61% for hysteropexy versus 0%-0.13% for hysterectomy (P > 0.05). The hysteropexy cohort was older (62.6 years vs 57.3 years, P < 0.0001), more likely to have public insurance (51.0% vs 37.9%, P < 0.0001), and less likely to smoke (4.5% vs 7.6%, P = 0.0026). Median follow-up was longer after hysteropexy (1,480 days vs 1,164 days, P < 0.0009). We can say with 95% certainty that uterine or cervical cancer will develop after hysteropexy in fewer than 0.61% of women, which was not different if hysterectomy was performed. This should be included in preoperative counseling for hysteropexy. Studying longer follow-up after hysteropexy may capture more cases of subsequent cancer development.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse IV: Surgical Options

Pelvic organ prolapse is a common gynecologic condition, with increasing number of women electing for surgical intervention over conservative management with pessaries and pelvic floor physical therapy. Over the past decade, minimally invasive techniques using laparoscopic and vaginal approaches have largely replaced open abdominal surgery. However, this time period has also seen the challenges and limitations of using synthetic mesh materials in urogynecologic procedures. This publication provides a background for the most common and successful surgical techniques to treat pelvic organ prolapse and briefly reviews key anatomy and surgical steps. This review contains 3 figures, 3 tables, and 101 references. Key words: anterior colporrhaphy, colpocleisis, hysteropexy, mesh, pelvic organ prolapse, perineorrhaphy, posterior colporrhaphy, sacrocervicopexy, sacrocolpopexy, sacrospinous ligament suspension, uterosacral ligament suspension

Sacrospinous ligament fixation: medium and long-term anatomical results, functional and quality of life results

BackgroundTo evaluate the medium and long-term anatomical results of sacrospinous ligament fixation (SLF) and its impact on quality of life (QoL).MethodsWe conducted a retrospective and observational single centre study. Fifty-nine patients were interviewed using the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory and Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire and underwent physical examination using POP-Q several years after SLF. Primary outcome was the comparison of anatomic results of SLF at medium-term (group 1: 1–5 years after surgery) and long-term (group 2: more than 5 years after surgery). The secondary outcome was QoL evaluation.ResultsThe overall recurrence and complication rates were respectively 22% and 10%, with no significant differences between groups 1 and 2. The recurrence rate was similar in both groups [twelve (35%) in group 1 and nine (20%) in group 2, p = 0.09]. Two patients (12%) in the recurrence and none in the no recurrence group had clinical symptoms (p = 0.08). Two patients (12%) in the recurrence and one patient (2%) in the no-recurrence group had a significant impact on their quality of life (p = 0.12).ConclusionThis study showed sustainable anatomic and functional results of SLF in medium and long-term analysis with overall low morbidity.

Symptoms of voiding dysfunction and other coexisting pelvic floor dysfunctions: the impact of transvaginal, mesh-augmented sacrospinous ligament fixation.

The objective was to investigate the prevalence for voiding dysfunction and if symptom improvement can be achieved by adequate pelvic floor surgery. We evaluated the Propel Study data from 281 women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) stage 2-4. Bother caused by obstructive micturition, voiding dysfunction, and coexisting pelvic floor symptoms were assessed using the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI) preoperatively and 6, 12, and 24months after vaginal prolapse repair. Successful reconstruction (Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification [POP-Q] stage 0-I throughout the 2-year follow-up at all compartments, "responders"), was compared with all others ("non-responders"). Prevalence of voiding dysfunction was significantly reduced after surgery for all patients with "moderate" to "quite a bit" of bother ("R2") regarding all examined PFDI questions. Defects of the posterior/apical compartment and lower stage defects were found to cause obstructive micturition, which improved significantly after POP surgery. Sixmonths after surgery, the prevalence of R2 for voiding dysfunction symptoms was reduced significantly for responders compared with non-responders. Significant reduction of R2 in patients with rectoceles could be shown for some PFDI questions, whereas the rate was lower in patients with cystoceles. Other pelvic floor symptoms often coexisted in patients with voiding dysfunction symptoms and improved significantly after surgery as well. Symptoms of voiding dysfunction are frequent in female patients with POP and can significantly improve after vaginal mesh-augmented prolapse repair even for posterior and minor defects. Before counseling patients to undergo POP surgery because of their obstructive symptoms, other causes of voiding dysfunction must first have been ruled out.

A biomechanics study on ligamentous injury in anterior-posterior compression type II pelvic injury

BackgroundAnterior-posterior compression (APC) type II pelvis fracture is caused by the destruction of pelvic ligaments. This study aims to explore ligaments injury in APC type II pelvic injury.MethodFourteen human cadaveric pelvis samples with sacrospinous ligament (SPL), sacrotuberous ligament (SBL), anterior sacroiliac ligament (ASL), and partial bone retaining unilaterally were acquired for this study. They were randomly divided into hemipelvis restricted and unrestricted groups. We recorded the separation distance of the pubic symphysis and anterior sacroiliac joint, external rotation angle, and force when ASL ruptured. We observed the external rotation damage to the pelvic bone and ligaments.ResultWhen ASL failed, there was no significant difference in pubic symphysis separation (28.6 ± 8.4 mm to 23.6 ± 8.2 mm, P = 0.11) and anterior sacroiliac joint separation (11.4 ± 3.8 mm to 9.7 ± 3.9 mm, P = 0.30) between restricted and unrestricted groups. The external rotation angle (33.9 ± 5.5° to 48.9 ± 5.2°, P < 0.01) and force (553.9 ± 82.6 N to 756.6 ± 41.4 N, P < 0.01) were significantly different. Pubic symphysis separation between two groups ranged from 14 to 40 mm. In the restricted group, both SBL and SPL were injured. SPL ruptured first, and then SBL and the interosseous sacroiliac ligament were damaged while the posterior ligament remained unharmed. In the unrestricted group, interosseous sacroiliac ligament and posterior sacroiliac ligaments were damaged, while SBL and SPL were not. When the ASL, SBL, and SPL all failed, pubic symphysis and anterior sacroiliac joint separation between two groups increased significantly (from 28.6 ± 8.4 to 42.0 ± 7.6 mm, 11.4 ± 3.8 to 16.7 ± 4.2 mm respectively, all P < 0.05).ConclusionPelvic external rotation injury is either hemipelvic restricted or unrestricted, which can result in different outcomes. When the ASL ruptures, the unrestricted group needs greater external rotation angle and force, without SBL or SPL injury, while both SBL and SPL were injured in another group. When ASL fails in two groups, pubic symphysis separation fluctuates considerably. Finally, when the ASL ruptures, SBL and SPL may be undamaged.

Impact of Genital Hiatus Size on Anatomic Outcomes After Mesh-Augmented Sacrospinous Ligament Fixation.

Our objective is to compare anatomic outcomes at medium term after mesh-augmented sacrospinous ligament fixation among women categorized by their preoperative and postoperative genital hiatus size. We performed a retrospective cohort study in women undergoing Uphold mesh-augmented sacrospinous ligament fixation between 2010 and 2017. We compared 3 groups: (1) women with a wide genital hiatus preoperatively and 6 weeks postoperatively ("Persistently Wide" cohort), (2) women with a wide genital hiatus preoperatively but normal hiatus 6 weeks postoperatively ("Improved" cohort), and (3) women with a normal genital hiatus preoperatively and 6 weeks postoperatively ("Stably Normal" cohort). We defined a wide hiatus as 4 cm or greater and a normal hiatus as less than 4 cm. The primary outcome was anatomic failure, defined as recurrent prolapse beyond the hymen or retreatment for prolapse with surgery or pessary. Ninety-seven women were included in the study. Overall, mean age was 68 years (±7.15 years), mean body mass index was 28.36 kg/m2 (±5.34 kg/m2) and mean follow up time was 400 ± 216 days. Anatomic failure did not differ between groups (Persistently Wide, 15.4%; Improved, 11.1%; Stably Normal, 10.0%; P = 0.88). In logistic regression, the odds of anatomic failure remained similar among all groups (P = 0.93). A persistently wide genital hiatus alone was not associated with anatomic failure in this small study cohort. Therefore, surgical reduction of the genital hiatus with level III support procedures may not affect prolapse recurrence at the time of mesh-augmented sacrospinous ligament fixation. Further studies are needed to confirm this relationship and investigate other potential mechanisms for these findings.

Sacrospinous Fixation in the Gynecology Department of H&amp;#244;pital du Mali

Sacrospinous fixation (SSF) or Richter’s intervention (RI) aims to treat genital prolapse by securing the posterior vaginal wall to the small sacrospinous ligament. It is performed by low approach and includes a dissection of the pararectal space, visual exposure of the sacrospinous ligament and a needle with strait needle holder with nonabsorbable threads. It is often associated with a more complex corrective procedure, including cystocele cure, vaginal hysterectomy and posterior myorrhaphy. The objective of this study is to report the results of SSF in the gynecology department of Hopital du Mali. A descriptive study was conducted from September 2014 to September 2015 concerning 37 patients operated on for uterine prolapse (UP). All patients with grade III UP were included in our study in whom a unilateral hysterectomy (UH) and sacrospinous fixation (SSF) were performed. All the patients were scheduled. Preoperatively they had benefited from an assessment and a pre-anesthetic consultation. Hospitalization of at least 24 hours prior to the operation was required. Postoperative follow-up was two years with a physical examination at 3 months, 9 months and 15 months, and phone calls between physical consultations. During the study period, we performed 37 RIs. The mean age of the patients was 48 years with extremes of 41 to 73 years. The large multiparity was found out in 35 cases (94.59%), the pauciparous were two with 3 deliveries for each. Long labor of more than 18 hours was found out in 9 patients (24.32%) and home delivery in 13 cases (35.13%). The duration of the occurrence of prolapse was at least two years and 35 patients were going through menopause. The type of anesthesia used for the surgery was spinal anesthesia for all patients. The average duration of the operation was 90 minutes. Complications occurred in three patients or 8.10% of cases, two cases of acute urine retention and one case of hematoma of the para-rectal space. The medium time of hospital stay was 5 days. The anatomical result was satisfactory in all patients. However, two patients presented with grade II rectocele one year after the operation. Sacrospinous fixation is a technique suitable for our patients who present with genital prolapse with extreme laxity of the suspension ligaments. Well done, it brings anatomical satisfaction and its complications are rare and slight.

Indiscriminate ossification of ligaments in a dry adult human male pelvis– A rarity

Introduction: Human pelvis exhibits sacrotuberous, sacrospinous and transverse acetabular ligament performing the function of stabilisation of pelvis and hip joint respectively. The ossification of this ligaments has been reported solitary and rarely in composite. Materials and Methods: During undergraduate osteology teaching authors noticed a dry human male pelvis demonstrating compounded ossification of ligaments and bony distortions. Case Report: The left sacrotuberous ligament was partially ossified and demonstrated triangular anteroinferior and posterosuperior segments. The transverse acetabular ligament of right side was totally ossified and left was partially ossified. A bony mass was observed at the left ala of sacrum with fusion of pedicle and left lower part of body of fifth lumbar vertebra and ala of sacrum. Bilateral sharp bony spicules at iliopectineal lines and exostosis at bilateral iliac tuberosity was noticed. Conclusion: This exhibit brings out an unreported rare anatomical variant of bony pelvis, the knowledge of which will be of paramount importance to radiologists and orthopaedic surgeons. Keywords: Sacrotuberous ligament, Transverse acetabular ligament, Ossification, Sacralisation, Bony spicule.

Suturing methods in prolapse surgery: a biomechanical analysis

IntroductionPelvic organ prolapse is a common problem in urogynecological surgery. Abdominal and laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy is currently considered to be the gold standard of treatment. The main problem remains the anatomical point of fixation as well as how sutures are placed. We evaluated the biomechanical difference between an in-line ligament suture versus an orthogonal ligament suture and a single suture versus a continuous suture at the anterior longitudinal ligament in an in-vitro, sacrocolpopexy model.MethodsBiomechanical in-vitro testing was performed on human, non-embalmed, female cadaver pelvises. An Instron test frame (tensinometer) was used for load/ displacement analysis. The average patient age was 75 years. Ligament preparation yielded 15 ligaments available for testing. Recorded parameters were the ultimate load, failure displacement, and stiffness.ResultsThis in-vitro analysis of different suturing methods showed the difference between an orthogonal and an in-line approach to be the ultimate load. Orthogonal sutures displayed an ultimate load of 80 N while in-line suturing yielded only 57 N (p < 0.05). For the anterior longitudinal ligament, this study demonstrated that continuous suture is significantly superior to a single suture regarding failure displacement (p < 0.05).ConclusionWe established baseline biomechanical parameters for the sacrospinous ligament and anterior longitudinal ligament. An orthogonal suture is superior to an in-line suture in an in-vitro model. A continuous suture is superior to a single suture at the anterior longitudinal ligament. Clinical trials might be able to evaluate whether any clinical significance can be established from these findings.

Sacrospinous ligament fixation with uterine preservation reduces the risk of anatomical recurrence in pelvic organ prolapse.

This study investigated the effectiveness of sacrospinous ligament fixation (SSLF) and whether uterine preservation reduces the anatomical recurrence rate. The medical records of 82 patients who received SSLF in a single medical center were reviewed retrospectively. Anatomical recurrence was defined as Pelvic Organ Prolapse-Quantification stage 2 or higher in any compartment. The primary outcome was intergroup analysis for uterine preservation and concomitant hysterectomy patients. The secondary outcomes were anatomical recurrence risk factors and the incidence of adverse events. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to adjust for demographic differences between groups. The anatomical recurrence rate was 19.5%, and the retreatment rate was 11.0% (mean follow-up duration: 22.9 months). Cystocele was the most common recurrent compartment (17.1%). The uterine preservation group (n = 66) was younger, had lower parity, and had fewer stage 3 to 4 cystoceles and uterine prolapses than the concomitant hysterectomy group (n = 16). Shorter operation times (99.4 minutes vs 153.7 minutes, P = .002) and lower anatomical recurrence rates (11.5% vs 45.5%, P = .039) were found in the uterine preservation group before and after PSM. Previous pelvic organ prolapse surgery (hazard ratio 3.14) and concomitant hysterectomy (hazard ratio 4.08) were identified as risk factors for anatomical recurrence. The most common adverse event was buttock pain (14.6%), which resolved spontaneously within 4 weeks. SSLF is an effective surgical method using native tissue for pelvic reconstruction. Compared with concomitant hysterectomy, SSLF with uterine preservation reduces the anatomical recurrence rate.

Sacrospinous ligament suspension and uterosacral ligament suspension in the treatment of apical prolapse

: In pelvic organ prolapse, anatomical defects may occur in either the anterior, posterior, or apical vaginal compartment. The apex must be evaluated correctly. Often, defects will occur in more the one compartment with apical defects contributing primarily to the descent of the anterior or posterior vaginal wall. If the vaginal apex, defined as either the cervix or vaginal cuff after total hysterectomy, is displaced downward, it is referred to as apical prolapse and must be addressed. Apical prolapse procedures may be performed via native tissue repair or with the use of mesh augmentation. Sacrospinous ligament suspension and uterosacral ligament suspension are common native tissue repairs, traditionally performed vaginally to re-support the apex. The uterosacral ligament suspension may also be performed laparoscopically. We review the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, evaluation, pre-operative considerations, surgical techniques, complications, and outcomes of these procedures. Both sacrospinous ligament suspension and uterosacral ligament suspension are equally effective with few complications and adverse events. The risks and benefits of each procedure must be considered along with shared patient and physician decision making. Sacrospinous ligament suspension has a higher risk of persistent neurologic pain while uterosacral ligament suspension has a higher risk of ureteral obstruction.

Preoperative Pelvic Floor Injections With Bupivacaine and Dexamethasone for Pain Control After Vaginal Prolapse Repair: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

To test the hypothesis that preoperative pelvic floor muscle injections and pudendal nerve blocks with bupivacaine and dexamethasone would decrease postoperative pain after vaginal native tissue prolapse repairs, compared with saline and bupivacaine. We conducted a three-arm, double-blind, randomized trial of bilateral transobturator levator ani muscle injections and transvaginal pudendal nerve blocks before vaginal reconstructive and obliterative prolapse procedures (uterosacral ligament suspension, sacrospinous ligament fixation, levator myorrhaphy, or colpocleisis). Women were randomized to one of three study medication groups: 0.9% saline, 0.25% bupivacaine, or combination 0.25% bupivacaine with 4 mg dexamethasone. Our primary outcome was a numeric rating scale pain score on postoperative day 1. Using an analysis of variance evaluated at the two-sided 0.05 significance level, an assumed variance of the means of 0.67, and SD of 1.75, we calculated 21 women per arm to detect a 2-point change on the numeric rating scale (90% power), which we increased to 25 per arm to account for 20% attrition and the use of nonparametric statistical methods. From June 2017 through April 2019, 281 women were screened and 75 (26.7%) were randomized with no differences in baseline demographics among study arms. There was no significant difference in median pain scores on postoperative day 1 among study groups (median [interquartile range] pain score 4.0 [2.0-7.0] for placebo vs 4.0 [2.0-5.5] for bupivacaine vs 4.0 [1.5-5.0] for bupivacaine with dexamethasone, P=.92). Preoperative pelvic floor muscle injections and pudendal nerve blocks with bupivacaine and dexamethasone did not improve postoperative pain after vaginal native tissue prolapse procedures. ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03040011.

Transvaginal sacrospinous ligament suture rectopexy for obstructed defecation symptoms: 1-year outcomes.

Introduction and hypothesisThe current study was aimed at investigating the safety, efficiency, and durability of transvaginal sacrospinous ligament suture rectopexy in women with obstructed defecation symptoms (ODS) and significant rectal hypermobility/folding.MethodsThis was a prospective case series study performed during December 2018 to July 2020. Women presenting to our center with pelvic organ prolapse electing for surgical treatment were screened for ODS utilizing the PFDI-20 questionnaire. Patients were eligible for inclusion if they reported OD symptoms accompanying >50% of bowel movements (BMs), BM frequency ≥3 per week, stool type 3 or 4 based on the Bristol stool chart, absence of dyssynergic Valsalva, and dynamic ultrasound indicating a rectal compression ratio >25%. Patients underwent transvaginal sacrospinous ligament rectopexy and were followed up at 2 and 12 months postoperatively.ResultsA total of 20 patients underwent the procedure and completed the follow-up. Statistically significant improvements were observed in all OD symptoms and subjective improvement (94.7% ± 13.4 and 90.6% ± 18) at 2 and 12 months after the surgery respectively. Mean rectal compression ratio, detected via ultrasound, improved from 45.5% ± 18.4 preoperatively to 9.2% ± 13.7 at 2 months (p < 0.0001) and 19.6% ± 14.4 at 12 months (p < 0.0012). Surgical failure, defined as combined subjective (ODS >50% of bowel movements) and anatomical failure (rectal compression ratio >25%), occurred in 2 patients.ConclusionTransvaginal sacrospinous ligament suture rectopexy was safe, feasible, and effectively treated ODS within this cohort of women undergoing POP surgery with rectal hypermobility confirmed by dynamic ultrasound.

Native tissue sacrospinous hysteropexy from an anterior approach.

The goal of urogynecologic surgeons is to pair patients with the most appropriate and effective surgery. Sacrospinous hysteropexy has become an increasingly utilized surgical option for uterovaginal prolapse repair. The primary aim of this video is to highlight the role that sacrospinous hysteropexy can have in prolapse repair and to demonstrate an anterior approach for this procedure. We performed a literature review to provide general information on the efficacy, risks, and comparative benefits of sacrospinous hysteropexy. Our video demonstrates the key steps in performing a sacrospinous hysteropexy procedure from an anterior approach including method of dissection, suture fixation to the sacrospinous ligament, and cervical suspension. Sacrospinous hysteropexy has generally been found to be an effective option for uterovaginal prolapse repair in properly selected patients. The demonstrated approach integrates sacrospinous ligament fixation with an anterior colporrhaphy. Data and experience to date on sacrospinous hysteropexy are largely based on a posterior approach for access to the sacrospinous ligament. This surgical video demonstrates an anterior approach to sacrospinous hysteropexy that is not well characterized in the literature.

Pudendal Neurolysis by Laparoscopy

To show how pudendal neurolysis can be managed safely with a laparoscopic approach. Stepwise demonstration of the technique with narrated video footage. The pudendal nerve is formed from spinal roots at levels S2, S3, and S4. It passes through the pelvis parallel to the pudendal vein and artery. This nerve exits the pelvis between the sacrospinous and sacrotuberous ligaments then passes through Alcock's canal. It can be compressed and responsible for pain in the gluteal and perineal regions. After confirmation of the diagnosis by positive analgesic block with computed tomography infiltration of the pudendal nerve, surgical decompression may be considered. The usual access procedures are the transglutal and transischiorectal ways. This video shows a total laparoscopic approach for a right pudendal neurolysis. It is a step-by-step didactic video. This technique of decompression of the right pudendal nerve by laparoscopy by means of dissection of the ischiorectal fossa along the right internal obturator muscle, after visualization of the obturator vessels and identification of the pudendal nerve, allowed the section of the right sacrospinous ligament and complete removal with repositioning of the nerve in its path. The nerve was followed until it passed freely through Alcock's canal. The procedure went well and without complications, with clinical improvement on waking up. Pudendal nerve neurolysis by laparoscopic technique is a reproducible and safe method for treating pudendal neuralgia, allowing good visualization and dissection of the entire pelvis toward the ischiorectal fossa.

Vaginal axis on MRI after laparoscopic lateral mesh suspension surgery: a controlled study.

Laparoscopic lateral mesh suspension (LLMS) has emerged as a practical, safe, and feasible alternative to sacrocolpopexy (SCP) for treating female genital apical prolapse. Although several prior studies have reported changes in the vaginal axis in women who have undergone SCP or sacrospinous ligament fixation (SSLF) surgery for prolapse, there is a lack of data on changes in the vaginal axis after LLMS. This study was aimed at investigating the level of anatomical correction following LLMS and comparing the vaginal axis on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with apical genital prolapse. Patients who underwent LLMS and a nulliparous control group were included in this observational prospective case-control study. MRI was performed on the control group and the study group pre- and postoperatively. The angle between the pubococcygeal line and the lower vaginal segment, the angle between the levator plate and the pubococcygeal line, and the angle between the lower and upper vaginal segments were measured and compared. The angles measured between the pubococcygeal line and the lower vaginal segment and between the levator plate and the pubococcygeal line were significantly lower in the preoperative than in the postoperative measurements (p < 0.001). All angles were found to be similar in the nulliparous women and in the patients following LLMS surgery. The Pelvic Organ Prolapse Symptom Score (POP-SS) score decreased significantly after the operation (p < 0.001). The vaginal axis was found to be near-normal in patients who underwent LLMS.

Comparison of patients undergoing vaginal hysterectomy with sacrospinous ligament fixation, laparoscopic hysterectomy with sacrocolpopexy and abdominal hysterectomy with sacrocolpopexy in terms of postoperative quality of life and sexual function

AimTo investigate whether there is a significant difference among the patients who underwent vaginal hysterectomy with sacrospinous ligament fixation (VH + SSLF), laparoscopic hysterectomy with sacrocolpopexy (LH + SCP) and abdominal hysterectomy with sacrocolpopexy (AH + SCP) in terms of sexual function and quality of life. Material and MethodSixty-five patients undergoing vaginal hysterectomy with sacrospinous ligament fixation (VH + SSLF), laparoscopic hysterectomy with sacrocolpopexy (LH + SCP) or abdominal hysterectomy with sacrocolpopexy (AH + SCP) participated in the study. The Quality of Life Scale and Sexual Function Scale Index (PISQ-12) were used to see whether there is a significant difference among the three groups (VH + SSLF, LH + SCP, AH + SCP) at least 1 year after surgery. The Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20 (PFDI-20) Scale consisting of Pelvic Organ Prolapse Distress Inventory (POPDI-6), Urinary Distress Inventory (UDI-6), and Colorectal-Anal Distress Inventory (CRADI-8) was used to evaluate the functional outcomes. ResultsThe participants had a mean age of 60 ± 8.79 years. The mean PFDI-20 score in the VH + SSLF groups is higher than that in the AH + SCP group (p = 0.047). There is no significant difference among three VH + SSLF, LH + SCP and AH + SCP groups regarding scores of POPDI-6, UDI-6, CRADI-8, and PISQ-12. ConclusionIn the present study, it was concluded that AH + SCP group had a higher quality of life than the VH + SSLF group did while the sexual function was not affected significantly by the vaginal or abdominal surgical procedures. The pelvic surgeon should skillfully choose different prolapse surgical techniques to tailor the surgical treatment to the patient's needs.

A 1-Year Outcome of Uphold Vaginal Mesh for Correction of Anterior Vaginal Wall Prolapse at a Single Center

Introduction: The Uphold® transvaginal mesh is a lightweight mesh with only two fixation points to the sacrospinous ligaments. Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the outcomes ...