Objectives: We reviewed our experience with the use of iliococcygeus fascia for repair of vaginal vault prolapse.
Study design: A retrospective chart review identified 110 patients who had repair of vaginal vault prolapse by suspension of the vagina to iliococcygeus fascia from March 1981 to April 1991. All patients were followed for a minimum of 3 years.
Results: Thirty-seven (33.6%) patients had uterine prolapse with enterocele. Posthysterectomy enterocele was present in 73 (66.4%) patients. All had a complex pelvic floor defect including cystocele or rectocele. Mean age was 54.5 +/- 14.6 years and mean parity was 4.1 +/- 3.2 births. Forty-two (38%) were grand multiparous patients. Five were nulliparous. Length of the procedure was 163.2 +/- 11.4 minutes. Estimated blood loss was 358.2 +/- 253.6 ml. Postoperative urinary catheterization was required for 6.1 +/- 4.1 days. Duration of hospital stay was 5.5 +/- 2.0 days. Three patients had hemorrhage > 750 ml and two required transfusion. One bowel injury and one bladder injury occurred. Forty-one patients had postoperative complications. The patients have been followed up for a minimum of 3 years, and four have had recurrent defects. All recurrent defects involved the anterior vaginal wall.
Conclusions: Suspension of the vagina to the iliococcygeus fascia for repair of vaginal vault prolapse provides excellent long-term results. Critical to the success of vaginal vault suspension are adequate dissection and repair of all fascial defects. Adequate repair of the perineal body also plays a pivotal role. The anterior vaginal wall remains susceptible to recurrence.