Extraperitoneal uterosacral ligament suspension by using the cervix as a traction device

Abstract

The present video demonstrates extraperitoneal uterosacral ligament suspension (ULS) while performing vaginal hysterectomy for POP-Q stage 3 prolapse. The ULS bites were taken before severing the uterosacral ligament using the cervix as a traction device. Two ULS sutures were applied on each side to the distal half of the intermediate part. Superior 1st ULS suture with permanent material (polypropylene) was applied to the uppermost exposed area. Inferior 2nd ULS suture with delayed absorbable material (polyglactin) was 0.5–1 cm distal to the superior suture. Next, the usual first clamp of the vaginal hysterectomy (VH) on a cardinal–uterosacral ligament was applied about 1 cm below the second ULS suture. The VH was completed. The ULS sutures were anchored to the vault via either the vesico-vaginal septum or the recto-vaginal septum. Permanent sutures were not brought outside the vaginal epithelium. In 51 cases there was no urological injury. On follow-up (average 2.3 years), 8.3% cases had stage 1 POP, 91.6% had no POP.