Sacrocolpopexy--a report on 262 consecutive operations.
OBJECTIVE
This report analyses the outcome and complications of 262 consecutive sacrocolpopexy procedures for the repair of vaginal vault prolapse and enterocele.


METHODS
From March 1994 to February 2001, 262 patients underwent surgical repair using a standardised retroperitoneal technique. Initially dura mater strips were used and from the 19th patient onwards, Gore-tex soft tissue patch was used to suspend the vaginal apex to the anterior sacral ligament. Halban-type occluding sutures were placed in the pouch of Douglas. All patients were followed up and the minimum duration of follow-up was 16 months.


RESULTS
Vaginal vault prolapse was successfully managed in 259 of 262 patients giving a success rate of 98.8%. In addition, 4 patients had a repeat enterocele that required surgical repair. The overall surgical complication rate was low. Erosion of the patch through the vaginal vault occurred in 10 patients, necessitating removal of the patch. Prolapse did not recur in any of these patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Abdominal sacrocolpopexy is a very successful and safe surgical management of vaginal vault prolapse.
Lindeque
B G
BG
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Pretoria.
Nel
W S
WS
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006547:Hernia / Q000145:classification / Q000209:etiology; D059685:Herniorrhaphy; D006801:Humans; D008022:Ligaments / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D018579:Patient Selection; D012445:Sacrococcygeal Region; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013526:Surgical Mesh; D013536:Suture Techniques; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014596:Uterine Prolapse / Q000145:classification / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D014621:Vagina / Q000601:surgery*