ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: In this study, we sought to confirm the surgical method of vaginal sacrocolporectopexy and previously reported positive perioperative results of this procedure in a large patient group. We describe the approach which offers a vaginal, safe alternative to sacrospinous repair, laparoscopic or open vaginosacropexy and the use of synthetic meshes to treat pelvic organ prolapse. METHODS: We conducted a monocentric, prospective, nonrandomized study for treatment of patients with uterine and vaginal vault relapse (grade 2-4). All patients underwent a preoperative urogynecological urodynamic examination. We focus on method, operative time, complications, blood transfusions, hospital stay and clinical data. RESULTS: Between March 2006 and March 2011, 101 consecutive patients of mean age 64 (40-89) years, with sub or total uterine prolapse (n=69, grade 2-4) and vaginal vault prolapse (n=32, grade 2-4) were treated with vaginal sacrocolporectopexy. Cystocele (grade 2-4) was found in 88 (87.1%) and rectocele (grade 2-4) in 43 (42.5%) patients. Mean duration of surgery with sacrocolporectopexy was 70 min (28-165) without hysterectomy, and 76 min (40-219) with hysterectomy. Regression analysis of all patients (n=101) showed a significant decrease of operative time in the group without hysterectomy after 40 cases. Three bladder lesions, two in patients with a history of hysterectomy, occurred during surgery and were corrected intraoperatively without further complications. No patient required a blood transfusion. Hemoglobin levels decreased slightly from a preoperative mean of 13.6 mg/dl (10.3-15.7) to a postoperative mean of 11.7 mg/dl (8.6-14.7). CONCLUSION: Vaginal sacrocolporectopexy is a safe vaginal method for the treatment of sub-/total uterine/vaginal vault prolapse.