Uterosacral ligament vault suspension: five-year outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the five-year anatomic and functional outcomes of the high uterosacral vaginal vault suspension.

METHODS: One hundred ten patients with advanced symptomatic uterovaginal or posthysterectomy prolapse treated between January 1997 and January 2000 were identified and 72 (65%) consented to participate in this study. Anatomic outcomes were obtained by Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification. Functional results were obtained subjectively and with quality-of-life questionnaires, including the short-form Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ) and Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI), and Female Sexual Function Index.

RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 5.1 years (range 3.5-7.5 years). Vaginal hysterectomy (37.5%), anterior colporrhaphy (58.3%), posterior colporrhaphy (87.5%), and suburethral slings (31.9%) were performed as indicated. Surgical failure (symptomatic recurrent prolapse of stage 2 or greater in one or more segments) was 11 of 72 (15.3%). Two patients (2.8%) had recurrence of apical prolapse of stage 2 or greater. For those sexually active preoperatively and postoperatively (n=34), mean postoperative Female Sexual Function Index scores for arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain were normal, whereas the desire score was abnormal (mean= 3.2). However, 94% (n=29) were currently satisfied with their sexual activity. Postoperative IIQ/UDI scores were significantly improved in all three domains (irritative, P= .01; obstructive, P<.001; stress, P=.03) and overall (IIQ-7, P<.001; UDI, P<.001) compared with preoperatively. Bowel dysfunction occurred 33.3% preoperatively compared with 27.8% postoperatively (P=.24).

CONCLUSION: Uterosacral ligament vaginal vault fixation seems to be a durable procedure for vaginal repair of enterocele and vaginal vault prolapse. Lower urinary tract, bowel, and sexual function may be maintained or improved.