Laparoscopic hysteropexy: the initial results of a uterine suspension procedure for uterovaginal prolapse.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of laparoscopic hysteropexy, a surgical technique for the management of uterine prolapse, involving suspension of the uterus from the sacral promontory using bifurcated polypropylene mesh.

DESIGN: The investigation was designed as a prospective observational study (clinical audit).

SETTING: The study was undertaken at a tertiary referral urogynaecology unit in the UK.

POPULATION: The participants comprised 51 consecutive women with uterovaginal prolapse, who chose laparoscopic hysteropexy as one of the available surgical options.

METHODS: The hysteropexy was conducted laparoscopically in all cases. A bifurcated polypropylene mesh was used to suspend the uterus from the sacral promontory. The two arms of the mesh were introduced through bilateral windows created in the broad ligaments, and were sutured to the anterior cervix; the mesh was then fixed to the anterior longitudinal ligament over the sacral promontory, to elevate the uterus.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Cure of the uterine prolapse was evaluated subjectively using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire for vaginal symptoms (ICIQ-VS), and objectively by vaginal examination using the Baden-Walker halfway system and the pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP-Q) scale. Operative and postoperative complications were also assessed.

RESULTS: The mean age of the 51 women was 52.5 years (range 19-71 years). All were sexually active, and at least three of them expressed a strong desire to have children in the future. All were available for follow-up in clinic at 10 weeks, and 38 have completed the questionnaires. In 50 out of 51 women the procedure was successful, with no objective evidence of uterine prolapse on examination at follow-up; there was one failure. Significant subjective improvements in prolapse symptoms, sexual wellbeing and related quality of life were observed, as detected by substantial reductions in the respective questionnaire scores.

CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic hysteropexy is both a feasible and an effective procedure for correcting uterine prolapse without recourse to hysterectomy. It allows restoration of the length of the vagina without compromising its calibre, and is therefore likely to have a favourable functional outcome.