Laparoscopic sacral colpopexy: how to place the posterior mesh into rectovaginal space?

AIMS: Laparoscopic sacral colpopexy (LSC) for pelvic prolapse is a complex procedure, characterized by an anterior mesh suspension to the sacral promontory and a posterior tension-free mesh fixation.

METHODS: Totals of 150 age-BMI and parity matched consecutive POP patients were selected from our Diaconesses Hospital database among women who underwent a laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy (LSH) plus sacral colpopexy (LSC) from June 2005 to March 2010. We analyzed two group of LSC populations, according to different tension-free apical fixation of the posterior mesh: Promontory (P) group and Utero-Sacral (US) group. Studied endpoints were the anatomical and functional results linked to these different tension-free posterior mesh placements.

RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were similar between the groups. No differences in terms of anatomical and functional outcomes were observed between the groups. Pelvic organ mobility at rest versus under Valsalva highlighted a significant reduction of median differential vaginal apex only in the P population (preoperative: 30 mm and 32 mm; postoperative: 8 mm and 24 mm; for P and US, respectively; P < 0.01). No differences were found in terms of intra- or post-operative complications.

CONCLUSIONS: Uterosacral tension-free fixation of posterior mesh during LSC could be considered a simple procedure and guarantees a more physiological movement of the pelvic organs if compared with promontory suspension.