Clinical Outcome of Transvaginal Sacrospinous Fixation with the Veronikis Ligature Carrier in Genital Prolapse

Objective: To evaluate the clinical outcome of sacrospinous fixation (SSF) using the Veronikis ligature carrier (VLC) for genital prolapse.

Study Design: A retrospective longitudinal study was performed. From December 2003 through June 2008, SSF was performed in 76 patients using the VLC as part of their site-specific reconstructive pelvic surgery. All patients were followed up postoperatively at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, and annually thereafter.

Results: The median operative time of SSF was 34min. It took less than 5min to introduce two sutures through the ligament using the VLC. Four patients (5.3%) had recurrent vaginal vault descent at 3-8 months, and received SSF again. Three patients had recurrent stage 1 cystocele at 6-12 months, but did not require further surgery.

Conclusion: The VLC allowed effective introduction of the suspending suture through the sacrospinous ligament and might be considered an important surgical component in the treatment of severe genital prolapse.