title: Laparoscopic vaginal vault suspension using uterosacral ligaments: a review of 133 cases.
abstract: The objective of our study was to describe the surgical technique of laparoscopic vaginal vault suspension using the uterosacral ligaments. In addition, we performed a retrospective analysis of this laparoscopic technique on 133 patients with advanced symptomatic vaginal vault prolapse to evaluate the efficacy and durability of this laparoscopic technique. Efficacy and anatomic outcome were assessed by the Baden-Walker halfway scoring system before and after the surgical procedure. Preoperatively, all patients showed evidence of grade 2 or greater prolapse (descent to the level of the hymen). Fifty-one patients (38.4%) had uterovaginal prolapse, and 82 patients (61.6%) had vaginal vault prolapse. The patients were reevaluated at 1, 6, and 12 months postoperatively and yearly thereafter. The postoperative follow-up ranged from 2.0 to 7.3 years. Postoperatively, 116 patients (87.2%) had no recurrence of prolapse, and 17 patients (12.8%) had recurrence of prolapse. The major complication rate was 2.25%. We conclude that laparoscopic vaginal vault suspension is a safe, efficacious, and durable alternative for the management of vaginal vault prolapse.
authors.affiliation: Chattanooga Women's Laser Center, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37421, USA. longyuob@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Lawrence L
authors.initials: LL
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: John Y
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Phelps
authors.forename: C Y
authors.initials: CY
authors.lastname: Liu
mesh_terms: D000290:Adnexa Uteri / Q000601:surgery*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D020884:Colpotomy / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D013509:Gynecologic Surgical Procedures; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012008:Recurrence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013536:Suture Techniques; D014596:Uterine Prolapse / Q000601:surgery*