title: Bilateral extraperitoneal uterosacral suspension: a new approach to correct posthysterectomy vaginal vault prolapse.
abstract: Restoration of apical vaginal support remains a challenging problem for the pelvic reconstructive surgeon. The transvaginal use of the uterosacral-cardinal ligament complex is gaining increasing popularity in the surgical treatment of uterovaginal and posthysterectomy vault prolapse. We describe an extraperitoneal surgical approach using this ligamentous complex to reattach the vaginal apex in women with posthysterectomy vault prolapse and report our surgical experience with this procedure in 123 women over 5 years. The relevant anatomy related to the procedure and risk of ureteric injury with uterosacral suspension is also reviewed. Extraperitoneal vault suspension can be combined with the use of polypropylene mesh if required. The extraperitoneal approach is an alternative procedure in women with vault prolapse with or without concomitant enterocele or where access to the Pouch of Douglas is difficult particularly after previous pelvic surgery. We believe this procedure to have less risk of ureteral injury than the intraperitoneal approach.
authors: Department of Urogynecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg, Melbourne, Victoria 3084, Australia. pdwyer@hotkey.net.au
authors: Peter L
authors: PL
authors: Dwyer
authors: Brigitte
authors: B
authors: Fatton
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015897:Comorbidity; D004210:Dissection; D005260:Female; D013509:Gynecologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007044:Hysterectomy / Q000009:adverse effects; D008022:Ligaments / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D013526:Surgical Mesh; D013536:Suture Techniques; D014550:Urinary Incontinence, Stress / Q000601:surgery; D014596:Uterine Prolapse / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*
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