Laparoscopic Sacrohysteropexy Versus vNOTES Lateral Suspension for Apical Pelvic Organ Prolapse: A Prospective Comparative Study.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: To compare perioperative outcomes and early anatomical results of laparoscopic sacrohysteropexy and vNOTES lateral suspension in women undergoing uterus-preserving surgery for apical pelvic organ prolapse.

METHODS

This prospective study included 100 women with symptomatic apical pelvic organ prolapse who preferred uterine preservation between June 2022 and December 2024. Fifty patients underwent laparoscopic sacrohysteropexy and 50 underwent vNOTES lateral suspension. Demographic characteristics, perioperative outcomes, postoperative pain scores, and anatomical results based on Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) measurements were evaluated. Surgical success, recurrence, and postoperative complications were also assessed.

RESULTS

Operative time was longer in the laparoscopic sacrohysteropexy group than in the vNOTES group (102.4 ± 18.6 vs 78.6 ± 15.2 min, p < 0.001). Postoperative hemoglobin decrease was greater in the laparoscopic group (1.28 ± 0.64 vs 0.82 ± 0.51 g/dL, p = 0.002). Pain scores at 6 and 24 h were lower in the vNOTES group (p < 0.001). Hospital stay was also shorter in the vNOTES group (1.6 ± 0.6 vs 2.3 ± 0.8 days, p < 0.001). Both techniques significantly improved POP-Q measurements, with comparable anatomical outcomes. Apical success rates were 96% and 94%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Both techniques are effective uterus-preserving options for apical pelvic organ prolapse. Although anatomical outcomes were similar, vNOTES lateral suspension showed advantages in operative time, postoperative pain, and hospital stay.