A Posterior Approach to Laparoscopic Sacrospinous Ligament Suspension

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Laparoscopic sacrospinous ligament suspension, as commonly performed, is associated with extensive stripping, high risk of intraoperative bleeding, and prolonged operative time. We explore the safety and feasibility of posterior laparoscopic approach sacrospinous ligament suspension (LPASLS) in the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse (POP). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 9 patients with symptomatic POP treated intraoperatively with LPASLS at the Women's and Children's Health Centre, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, between November 2016 and July 2017. Regular follow-up was performed at 1, 3, and 6 months after the operation. Subjective cure was considered as the absence of any postoperative subjective symptoms, and objective cure was considered as a postoperative POP-Q grade of 0. RESULTS: All operations were completed successfully. The operative time ranged from 90 to 140 (mean, 117.78 ± 20.01) minutes, and the mean suspension time was about 30 minutes. The intraoperative estimated blood loss ranged from 30 to 100 (range, 54.9 ± 24.2) mL, and pelvic vascular injury occurred in 1 patient. Postoperative sacrococcygeal pain occurred in 5 patients, and Visual Analog Scale scores ranged from 3 to 4 (mean, 3.4 ± 0.5). The symptom disappeared without any treatment after 3–4 d. Patients were followed up for 3–10 (mean, 6.3 ± 2.1) months, and the subjective and objective cure rates were both 100%. CONCLUSION: LPASLS is safe and feasible and may be considered as an alternative approach to traditional laparoscopic sacrospinous ligament suspension.