Treatment of Vaginal Cuff Prolapses with Posterior Intravaginal Sling and Evaluation of Efficiency with International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Vaginal Symptoms Method in the Long Term: Preliminary Results.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to research the efficiency of posterior intravaginal sling (PIVS) procedure in vaginal cuff prolapse, together with possible complications, long-term effects and effects of the method on vaginal and sexual function and quality of life of patients. This retrospective study comprised 21 patients with vaginal cuff prolapse.

METHODS

PIVS procedure was performed in 21 patients with vaginal cuff prolapse with quantification stages 2, 3, or 4 of pelvic organ prolapse. Patients were assessed according to the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Vaginal Symptoms before and after operation.

RESULTS

The average follow-up period was 24.6 months. The rate of surgical success was 100%, the rate of mesh erosion was 14.2% and the rate of dyspareunia was 33.3%. Vaginal symptom, sexual matter and quality of life scores were statistically significant in the postoperative period compared to the preoperative period (P = 0.001, P = 0.001, P = 0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSION

PIVS is an effective and reliable method of treating vaginal cuff prolapse. However, its complication profile is not yet at an acceptable level. We believe that the rate of mesh erosion will regress to a more acceptable level with the improvement of mesh technology and postoperative method. The necessary incontinence surgery is easily performed together with PIVS procedure. PIVS restores the vaginal and sexual functions of patients and increases their quality of life significantly.