Extraperitoneal uterosacral suspension technique for post hysterectomy apical prolapse in 472 women: results from a longitudinal clinical study

Abstract

Objectives: The study aims to evaluate the long-term results of the extraperitoneal uterosacral ligament suspension (bilateral) technique in women with apical prolapse following hysterectomy. Design: Longitudinal clinical follow up conducted between June 2002 and December 2017. Setting: Tertiary urogynaecology centre in Melbourne, Australia. Population: A total of 472 women with symptomatic vault prolapse who underwent bilateral extraperitoneal uterosacral ligament suspension (EPUSLS). Of these patients, 61% (287/472) had previously had a procedure for pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Methods: Follow up using structured, standardised questionnaires and examination by POP-Q and Baden–Walker system pre- and postoperatively. Main outcome measures: Functional and anatomical results and surgical complications. Results: Mean follow-up duration was approximately 5 years. The objective success rate at vaginal cuff support was 89% (420/472). Only 4% needed revision surgery for vault recurrence. There was improvement in bladder, bowel, and sexual symptoms after the procedure. Mesh exposure rate was 17% (of the 138 having mesh augmentation), with the majority of cases managed conservatively or with minor interventions. The ureteric injury rate was 1% and mainly occurred in patients operated early on in the series. No women had buttock pain. Conclusion: EPUSLS is an effective, suture-based procedure for vault prolapse with few complications even on long-term follow up. This technique avoids the need to open the peritoneum vaginally and has a low risk of ureteric injury and gluteal pain. Tweetable abstract: Bilateral extraperitoneal USL suspension of vault is effective with low morbidity and a high success rate.