Suture erosion rates and long-term surgical outcomes in patients undergoing sacrospinous ligament suspension with braided polyester suture.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of the study was to describe suture erosion rates and long-term surgical outcomes in patients undergoing sacrospinous ligament suspension (SSLS) using braided polyester suture.


METHODS
This was a retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing SSLS for vaginal prolapse between 1999 and 2005. Outcomes included rate and timing of suture erosion and related symptoms, additional treatment, and long-term success rates.


RESULTS
Sixty-four of 92 subjects had SSLS with braided polyester suture and had an average follow-up of 26.5 months. Suture-related complications occurred in 36% of patients. Mean time to presentation was 18.9 months. Vaginal bleeding occurred in 74%, and suture removal was required in 70% of patients with symptoms. Recurrent prolapse developed in 27% of patients, but additional therapy was required in only 6%.


CONCLUSIONS
Permanent braided polyester sutures are associated with a high rate of suture-related complications over the long term and frequently require additional intervention to resolve associated symptoms.
Toglia
Marc R
MR
Division of Urogynecology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mainline Health and Riddle Memorial Hospital, Media, PA, USA.
Fagan
Matthew J
MJ
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D013509:Gynecologic Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008022:Ligaments / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011091:Polyesters; D012008:Recurrence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013537:Sutures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013718:Tensile Strength; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014592:Uterine Hemorrhage / Q000453:epidemiology; D014596:Uterine Prolapse / Q000601:surgery*; D014621:Vagina / Q000601:surgery*
D011091:Polyesters