Systematic review of the limited evidence for different surgical techniques at benign hysterectomy: A clinical guideline initiated by the Danish Health Authority. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2017;216:169-177. [PMID: 28779691 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2017.07.012]

Risk of pelvic organ prolapse after hysterectomy for benign conditions: A nationwide cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To assess the risk of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) after hysterectomy for benign conditions.

STUDY DESIGN

This nationwide retrospective cohort study, utilizing data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service database, compared women aged 40 to 59 who underwent benign hysterectomy between 2002 and 2011 (hysterectomy group) with those who had national medical examinations during the same period (nonhysterectomy group). The analysis used a 1:1 propensity score matching method adjusted for variables.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Incident POP.

RESULTS

The final sample of 32,984 participants (16,492 in each group) had a median age of 47 years [45-50] (p-value 0.305) and a median follow-up of 11.4 years [10-13.3] (p-value 0.189). The incidence of POP was 0.5 % in the nonhysterectomy group and 0.6 % in the hysterectomy group. Hysterectomy was associated with an increased risk of POP that required surgery or pessary use (hazard ratio [HR] 1.403, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.026-1.919). Subtotal hysterectomy was not associated with an increased risk of POP (HR 1.868, 95 % CI, 0.624-5.593), while total hysterectomy was associated with an increased risk (HR 1.633, 95 % CI, 1.083-2.46). Laparoscopic surgery was not associated with an increased risk of POP (HR 0.611, 95 % CI 0.311-1.202).

CONCLUSIONS

The study found that, overall, hysterectomy is linked to a higher risk of POP, but subtotal hysterectomy and laparoscopy are not associated with increased risk, while total hysterectomy is associated with a higher risk.

Cervical stump leiomyomata after supracervical hysterectomy; a case report with review of literature

BACKGROUND

Despite being a highly debated issue, subtotal or supracervical hysterectomy (SCH) is still considered a safe and effective treatment for women with benign gynecological lesions. Benign and malignant cervical diseases have been reported after SCH, with fibroids being the most frequently diagnosed lesions in the excised cervical stump. Recurrence of cervical disease after SCH usually presents with vaginal bleeding, pelvic mass, or abdominal pain; moreover, it may necessitate reoperation and resection of the cervical stump or trachelectomy. Trachelectomy is known to be a difficult surgical procedure that may be associated with significant intra- and post-operative morbidity.

CASE PRESENTATION

We presented here a case of a 41-year-old nulliparous woman with a pelvic mass related to the cervical stump presented 2 years after subtotal hysterectomy, performed due to interactable abnormal uterine bleeding, which was attributed to a multiple fibroid uterus. Six years ago, she complained of pelvic pain, excessive vaginal discharge, and spotting. A transvaginal sonography and magnetic resonance imaging with contrast were performed, which revealed a 10.2 × 7.6 × 6.5 cm heterogeneous pelvic mass with irregular borders and marked vascularity on color Doppler. Surgical exploration and resection of the mass with cervical stump excision were performed. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of cervical stump multiple benign leiomyomata with no atypical features.

CONCLUSION

Recurrence or De novo development of leiomyomata and other cervical lesions might occur after supracervical or subtotal hysterectomy; thus, thorough pre-operative counseling for women requesting a SCH regarding the pros and cons of the procedure compared with total hysterectomy should be optimized. Meticulous follow-up, including the continuation of routine cervical cytological smears, is mandatory for patients with a retained cervix.

Construction and validation of nomogram to predict surgical site infection after hysterectomy: a retrospective study

This study aimed to develop a predictive tool for surgical site infections (SSI) following hysterectomy and propose strategies for their prevention and control. We conducted a retrospective analysis at a tertiary maternity and child specialist hospital in Zhejiang Province, focusing on patients who underwent hysterectomy between January 2018 and December 2023 for gynecological malignancies or benign reproductive system diseases resistant to medical treatment. Risk factors associated with surgical site infections (SSI) following hysterectomy were identified using LASSO regression analysis on data from 2018 to 2022 as the training set. Independent risk factors were then used to develop a nomogram. The model was validated using data from 2023 as the validation set. Model performance was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), while calibration curves were employed to gauge model accuracy. Furthermore, clinical utility was evaluated through clinical decision curve analysis (DCA) and clinical impact curve analysis (CIC), providing insights into the practical application of the nomogram. Multivariate analysis identified six independent risk factors associated with SSI development after hysterectomy: BMI ≥ 24 kg/m2 (OR: 2.58; 95% CI 1.14-6.19; P < 0.05), hypoproteinaemia diagnosis (OR: 4.99; 95% CI 1.95-13.02; P < 0.05), postoperative antibiotic use for ≥ 3 days (OR: 49.53; 95% CI 9.73-91.01; P < 0.05), history of previous abdominal surgery (OR: 7.46; 95% CI 2.93-20.01; P < 0.05), hospital stay ≥ 10 days (OR: 9.67; 95% CI 2.06-76.46; P < 0.05), and malignant pathological type (OR: 4.62; 95% CI 1.78-12.76; P < 0.05). A nomogram model was constructed using these variables. ROC and calibration curves demonstrated good model calibration and discrimination in both training and validation sets. Analysis with DCA and CIC confirmed the clinical utility of the nomogram. Personalized nomogram mapping for SSI after hysterectomy enables early identification of high-risk patients, facilitating timely interventions to reduce SSI incidence post-surgery.

Robot-assisted laparoscopy does not have demonstrable advantages over conventional laparoscopy in endometriosis surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Endometriosis is a chronic condition affecting 6-10% of women of reproductive age, with endometriosis-related pain and infertility being the leading symptoms. Currently, the gold standard treatment approach to surgery is conventional laparoscopy (CL); however, the increasing availability of robot-assisted surgery is projected as a competitor of CL. This study aimed to compare the perioperative outcomes of robot-assisted laparoscopy (RAL) and CL in endometriosis surgery.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to compare the effectiveness and safety of these two procedures.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted in three medical databases. Studies investigating different perioperative outcomes of endometriosis-related surgeries were included. Results are presented as odds ratios (OR) or mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS

Our search yielded 2,014 records, of which 13 were eligible for data extraction. No significant differences were detected between the CL and RAL groups in terms of intraoperative complications (OR = 1.07, CI 0.43-2.63), postoperative complications (OR = 1.3, CI 0.73-2.32), number of conversions to open surgery (OR = 1.34, CI 0.76-2.37), length of hospital stays (MD = 0.12, CI 0.33-0.57), blood loss (MD = 16.73, CI 4.18-37.63) or number of rehospitalizations (OR = 0.95, CI 0.13-6.75). In terms of operative times (MD = 28.09 min, CI 11.59-44.59) and operating room times (MD = 51.39 min, CI 15.07-87.72;), the RAL technique remained inferior.

CONCLUSION

RAL does not have statistically demonstrable advantages over CL in terms of perioperative outcomes for endometriosis-related surgery.

Risk Assessment Model for Complications in Minimally Invasive Hysterectomy: A Pilot Study

Objective: To estimate the rate of intra-operative and postoperative complications, and to define the risk of 30-day major postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo > 2) according to the presence of one of 10 different variables of minimally invasive (MI) hysterectomy; and then to create a risk assessment model easily applicable in clinical practice. Methods: A single center single arm retrolective study. Data of consecutive patients who have undergone MI hysterectomy for gynaecologic disorders between May 2018 and April 2021 were analyzed. Perioperative surgical outcomes, occurrence of intra- and postoperative complications, and readmissions within 30 days from surgery were registered. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed to determine the factors associated with major postoperative complications. Results: Over the study period, 445 patients were included in the study. The majority of patients developed a minor event, while major complications (grade III) were required in 14 patients. None of the patients showed a grade IV or V complication. Univariate analysis was performed on patients who had developed intra- or postoperative complications from those who did not experience complications. Body mass index (BMI) (p-value 0.045) and surgeon’s experience (p-value 0.015) were found to be associated with a different surgery time. Regarding major postoperative complications, a statistically significant association was found for the variables: BMI (p-value 0.006), previous abdominal surgery (p-value 0.015), and surgeon’s experience (p-value 0.035) in the univariate analysis. Also in the multivariate analysis, the risk of major postoperative complications was higher in these three different variables. BMI, previous surgery, and surgeon’s experience were inserted in a reproducible risk assessment model in order to stratify the risk of major postoperative complications. Conclusions: We proposed a risk assessment model including factors not previously considered in the literature: the standardization of the surgical technique, the surgeon’s experience, the best MI approach (laparoscopy or robot-assisted), and previous abdominal surgery are crucial tools to consider. Further prospective studies with a larger population sample are needed to validate these preliminary evaluations for patients undergoing MI hysterectomy.

Is abdominal hysterectomy still the surgery of choice in sub-Saharan Africa?

A trend toward minimally invasive surgery is increasing worldwide. However, reports on the extent and the role of vaginal or laparoscopic hysterectomy in benign gynecologic surgery in sub-Saharan Africa are scarce. Our commentary aims to highlight the existing gaps and potential barriers to implementation of vaginal or laparoscopic hysterectomy and suggests how to introduce and expand minimally invasive gynecologic surgery in this region. Little documentation exists in the literature to account for the role of minimally invasive surgery in the sub-Saharan Africa. Hysterectomy for benign reasons is commonly performed by the abdominal approach. This approach is accompanied by significant complications, prolonged hospitalization, and longer recovery duration. Our commentary highlights the importance of investigating region-specific barriers to the practice of minimally invasive gynecologic surgery in sub-Saharan Africa.

Effects of Obesity on Peri- and Postoperative Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Robotic versus Conventional Hysterectomy

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To assess if women with obesity have increased complication rates compared with women with normal weight undergoing hysterectomy for benign reasons and if the mode of hysterectomy affects the outcomes.

DESIGN

Cohort study.

SETTING

Prospectively collected data from 3 Swedish population-based registers.

PATIENTS

Women undergoing a total hysterectomy for benign indications in Sweden between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2017. The patients were grouped according to the World Health Organization's classification of obesity.

INTERVENTIONS

Intraoperative and postoperative data were retrieved from the surgical register up to 1 year after the hysterectomy. Different modes of hysterectomy in patients with obesity were compared, such as open abdominal hysterectomy (AH), traditional laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH), vaginal hysterectomy (VH), and robot-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy (RTLH).

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Out of 12,386 women who had a total hysterectomy during the study period, we identified 2787 women with normal weight and 1535 women with obesity (body mass index ≥30). One year after the hysterectomy, the frequency of complications was higher in women with obesity than in women with normal weight (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]) 1.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1-1.8). In women with obesity, AH was associated with a higher overall complication rate (aOR 1.8; 95% CI, 1.2-2.6) and VH had a slightly higher risk of intraoperative complications (aOR 4.4; 95% CI, 1.2-15.8), both in comparison with RTLH. Women with obesity had a higher rate of conversion to AH with conventional minimally invasive hysterectomy (TLH: aOR 28.2; 95% CI, 6.4-124.7 and VH: 17.1; 95% CI, 3.5-83.8, respectively) compared with RTLH. AH, TLH, and VH were associated with a higher risk of blood loss >500 mL than RTLH (aOR 11.8; 95% CI, 3.4-40.5; aOR 8.5; 95% CI, 2.5-29.5; and aOR 5.8; 95% CI, 1.5-22.8, respectively) in women with obesity.

CONCLUSION

The use of RTLH may lower the risk of conversion rates and intraoperative bleeding in women who are obese compared with other modes of hysterectomy.

Large pelvic mass arising from the cervical stump: A case report

BACKGROUND

A large cervical cyst with a cervical high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion arising from the cervical stump is rare. After supracervical hysterectomy, there is a risk of various lesions occurring in the cervical stump. We review the types and characteristics of cervical stump lesions and compare total hysterectomy with subtotal hysterectomy. Gynecologists should choose the most suitable surgical method based on both the patient’s condition and wishes. If the cervix is retained, patients require a close follow-up.

CASE SUMMARY

A 57-year-old woman was admitted to the Gynecology Department for a large pelvic mass. Her chief complaint was abdominal distention for two months. She had undergone subtotal supracervical hysterectomy for leiomyoma 14 years prior. Abdominal ultrasonography detected a 9.1 cm × 8.5 cm × 8.4 cm anechoic mass with silvery fluid in the pelvic cavity and high-risk human papilloma virus 53 (HPV53) was positive. The admission diagnosis we first considered was a pelvic mass mimicking carcinoma of the cervical stump. We performed a laparotomy and a rapid frozen biopsy was suggestive of a fibrous cyst wall coated with a high squamous intraepithelial lesion. The pelvic mass was removed, and a bilateral adnexectomy was implemented. Final pathology confirmed that the pelvic mass was a large inflammatory cyst with a cervical high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion. After successful intervention, the patient was discharged one week after surgery and there was no recurrence of the vaginal stump at 43 mo.

CONCLUSION

When addressing benign uterine diseases, gynecologists should pay adequate attention to retaining the cervix. If the cervix is retained, patients require a close follow-up.

Reduced Complications Following Implementation of Laparoscopic Hysterectomy: A Danish Population-based Cohort Study of Minimally Invasive Benign Gynecologic Surgery between 2004 and 2018

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To monitor and report nationwide changes in the rates of and complications after different methods for benign hysterectomy, operative hysteroscopy, myomectomy, and embolization in Denmark. To report the national mortality after benign hysterectomy DESIGN: National prospective, observational cohort study.

SETTING

The Danish Hysterectomy and Hysteroscopy Database.

PATIENTS

Women undergoing surgery for benign gynecologic diseases: 64 818 hysterectomies, 84 175 hysteroscopies, 4016 myomectomies, and 1209 embolizations in Denmark between 2004 and 2018.

INTERVENTIONS

National meetings with representatives from all departments, annual working reports of institutional complication rates, workshops, and national guideline initiative to improve minimally invasive surgical methods.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Rates of the different methods and complications after each method with follow-up to 5 years as recorded by the database directly in the National Patient Registry. Nationwide, a decline in the use of hysterectomy, myomectomy, embolizations, and endometrial ablation. The total short-term complications were 9.8%, 7.5%, 8.9%, and 2.7% respectively, however, with a persistent risk of approximately 20% for recurrent operations within 5 years after endometrial ablation. Initially, we urged for increased use of vaginal hysterectomy, but only reached 36%. From 2010, we urged for reducing abdominal hysterectomies by implementing laparoscopic hysterectomy and reached 72% laparoscopic and robotic procedures. Since 2015, we used coring or contained morcellation for removal of large uterus at laparoscopic hysterectomy. The major and minor complication rates (modified Clavien-Dindo classification) were reduced significantly from 8.1% to 4.1% and 9.9% to 5.7% respectively. Mortality after benign hysterectomy was 0.27‰. The odds ratio for major complications after abdominal hysterectomy was 1.66 (1.52-1.81) compared to minimally invasive hysterectomy independent of the length of stay, high-volume departments, indications, comorbidity, age, and calendar year.

CONCLUSION

Fifteen years with a national database has resulted in a marked quality improvement. Denmark has 85% minimally invasive hysterectomies and has reduced the number of major complications by 50%.

Supraglottic jet oxygenation and ventilation for obese patients under intravenous anesthesia during hysteroscopy: a randomized controlled clinical trial

Background

Supraglottic jet oxygenation and ventilation (SJOV) can effectively maintain adequate oxygenation in patients with respiratory depression, even in apnea patients. However, there have been no randomized controlled clinical trials of SJOV in obese patients. This study investigated the efficacy and safety of SJOV using WEI Nasal Jet tube (WNJ) for obese patients who underwent hysteroscopy under intravenous anesthesia without endotracheal intubation.

Methods

A single-center, prospective, randomized controlled study was conducted. The obese patients receiving hysteroscopy under intravenous anesthesia were randomly divided into three groups: Control group maintaining oxygen supply via face masks (100% oxygen, flow at 6 L/min), the WNJ Oxygen Group with WNJ (100% oxygen, flow: 6 L/min) and the WNJ SJOV Group with SJOV via WNJ [Jet ventilator working parameters:100% oxygen supply, driving pressure (DP) 0.1 MPa, respiratory rate; (RR): 15 bpm, I/E; ratio 1:1.5]. SpO₂, P_ETCO₂, BP, HR, ECG and BIS were continuously monitored during anesthesia. Two-Diameter Method was deployed to measure cross sectional area of the gastric antrum (CSA-GA) by ultrasound before and after SJOV in the WNJ SJOV Group. Episodes of SpO₂ less than 95%, P_ETCO₂ less than 10 mmHg, depth of WNJ placement and measured CSA-GA before and after jet ventilation in the WNJ SJOV Group during the operation were recorded. The other adverse events were collected as well.

Results

A total of 102 patients were enrolled, with two patients excluded. Demographic characteristics were similar among the three groups. Compared with the Control Group, the incidence of P_ETCO₂ < 10 mmHg, SpO₂ < 95% in the WNJ SJOV group dropped from 36 to 9% (P = 0.009),from 33 to 6% (P = 0.006) respectively,and the application rate of jaw-lift decreased from 33 to 3% (P = 0.001), and the total percentage of adverse events decreased from 36 to 12% (P = 0.004). Compared with the WNJ Oxygen Group, the use of SJOV via WNJ significantly decreased episodes of SpO₂ < 95% from 27 to 6% (P = 0.023), P_ETCO₂ < 10 mmHg from 33 to 9% (P = 0.017), respectively. Depth of WNJ placement was about 12.34 cm in WNJ SJOV Group. There was no significantly difference of CSA-GA before and after SJOV in the WNJ SJOV Group (P = 0.234). There were no obvious cases of nasal bleeding in all the three groups.

Conclusions

SJOV can effectively and safely maintain adequate oxygenation in obese patients under intravenous anesthesia without intubation during hysteroscopy. This efficient oxygenation may be mainly attributed to supplies of high concentration oxygenation to the supraglottic area, and the high pressure jet pulse providing effective ventilation. Although the nasal airway tube supporting collapsed airway by WNJ also plays a role. SJOV doesn’t seem to increase gastric distension and the risk of aspiration. SJOV can improve the safety of surgery by reducing the incidence of the intraoperative involuntary limbs swing, hip twist and cough.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry. Registration number, ChiCTR1800017028, registered on July 9, 2018.

Pelvic organ prolapse surgery after native tissue vault suspension at hysterectomy-A prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

The effect of prophylactic vaginal vault suspension during hysterectomy in prevention of subsequent development of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is unknown. We aimed to investigate incidences and risk of POP surgery in women who had undergone hysterectomy on benign indication with and without prophylactic suspension.

STUDY DESIGN

We linked the national clinical Danish Hysterectomy and Hysteroscopy Database (DHHD) to administrative registries to assess data on all total hysterectomies (1 May 2012 to 31 December 2014), suspension methods, age, POP surgery, births, obstetric complications, prescriptions, socioeconomic- and vital status. Women undergoing total hysterectomy on non-prolapse and benign indication with no prior POP surgery were included and followed from hysterectomy to POP surgery, death/emigration or end of study period (maximum 2 years). Descriptive statistics, cumulative incidence curves and multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were fitted to assess the associated risk of POP in relation to prophylactic suspension.

RESULTS

We included 7625 patients undergoing total hysterectomy; of these, 6538 (85.7%) were registered with prophylactic suspension during hysterectomy and 1087 (14.3%) women were specifically registered with no suspension in the DHHD. At baseline, women undergoing hysterectomy with suspension were on average 47.1 years of age (standard error SE 0.1) compared to 48.4 years (SE 0.3) in women with no suspension (p-value <0.0001). Moreover, women with suspension differed from their counterparts with no suspension with respect to geographical site of hysterectomy, hysterectomy method, parity and income. The cumulative risk of POP surgery after two years follow-up was 0.9% and 0.5% in the suspension group and the no suspension group, respectively. In the adjusted analysis, we found no association of prophylactic suspension and risk of POP surgery, hazard ratio (HR) = 2.1 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.8-5.3, p-value 0.13).

CONCLUSION

Of all women undergoing hysterectomy for benign indication, 0.84% (N = 64) were surgically treated for POP. At two-year follow-up, there was no association between prophylactic vaginal vault suspension at time of hysterectomy and subsequent POP surgery.

Long term COST-minimization analysis of robot-assisted hysterectomy versus conventional laparoscopic hysterectomy

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study is to carry out the economic evaluation, in term of a cost-minimization analysis that considers healthcare costs and indirect costs, of robot-assisted hysterectomy (RAH) compared with conventional laparoscopic hysterectomy (CLH) in female adults scheduled for total laparoscopic hysterectomy for benign conditions.

METHODS

Cost-minimization analysis based on an analytic observational study of prospective cohorts with a five-year time horizon. Eligible participants were all female adults scheduled for total laparoscopic hysterectomy for benign conditions at tertiary hospital. The economic evaluation was conducted from a Spanish National Health Service and societal perspective, including healthcare costs and indirect costs. The costs are expressed in Euros from the year 2015.

RESULTS

One hundred sixty nine patients were analyzed, 68 in the RAH group and 101 in the CLH group. Average cost for the RAH group was €8982.42 compared to €8015.14 for the CLH group (incremental cost €967.27; p = 0.054). Healthcare cost is the most important component of total cost and represents 86.4% for the RAH group and 82.3% for the CLH group. The difference of €1169 (p = 0.01) in the average healthcare cost is mainly due to the cost of purchasing and maintaining the equipment (difference of €1206.39 in favor of RAH; p < 0.005). With regard to indirect costs, for patients in the RAH group the costs associated with loss of productivity were lower (difference of €203.42; p = 0.17), while the cost of trips to the hospital was higher (difference of €1.98; p = 0.66) in respect to CLH.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings reveal similar effectiveness between RAH and CLH, although CLH is the more efficient option from the point of view of an economic analysis based on cost-minimization.

Modified Extraperitoneal Uterosacral Ligament Suspension in Preventing Cuff Prolapse Risk after Vaginal Hysterectomy; 4 Clamp Method

Objectives: The extraperitoneal uterosacral ligament suspension (ULS) can be performed during the removal of the uterus in vaginal hysterectomy to prevent cuff prolapse. In this study, we evaluated the modified extraperitoneal ULS technique in terms of preventing cuff prolapse. Methods/Technique: Forty patients with second and third-stage uterine prolapse who were operated were included in the study. During routine vaginal hysterectomy procedure performed on patients, after sacrouterine ligaments which are the first-bites and uteroovarian and round ligaments which are the last-bites have been sutured and knotted, these ligaments were marked with 4-distinct clamps to make the right and left, upper and lower separation. After vaginal cuff was closed the sutures hanged by the clamps were ligated together, and the cuff tissue was stretched to the apical line. Results: According to the POP-Q classification, 22 patients with stage-2 and 18 patients with stage-3 prolapse were operated. During the 2-year follow-up; 4 patients could not be reached and were excluded from follow-up. Five of the remaining 36 patients (13.8%) found to have stage-1 cuff prolapse and 31 (86.1%) of patients had no prolapse. There was no significant decrease in postoperative vaginal length (p [Formula: see text] 0.05). The PISQ-12 sexual function scores was found similar before and after surgery (p [Formula: see text] 0.05). Conclusions: The extraperitoneal ULS is a successful method to prevent cuff prolapse after hysterectomy. Although there are various modified forms of this method, the modified ULS, which we have described as the 4-clamp method, seems to be successful in terms of initial results.

Comprehensive Review of the Cardinal Ligament

The cardinal ligament is thought to be one of the important structures in providing support and stabilization for the pelvic organs e.g., the uterus. However, many discrepancies exist in the literature regarding terminology, anatomy, and histology. The cardinal ligament attaches the lateral side of the vagina and cervix to the lateral pelvic wall, which provides support to the vagina and cervix. Studies have shown variable findings in the collagen content and distribution in the cardinal ligaments of women with a prolapsed uterus. Uterine vessels and the branches of the inferior hypogastric plexus travel in the cardinal ligament, which is of great importance during pelvic surgeries. Cervical cancer may lead to metastatic spread to the lymph nodes juxtaposed to the cardinal ligaments. This review aims to highlight the clinical significance and surgical importance of the cardinal ligament with a comparison with previous studies.

Long-term experience of vaginal vault prolapse prevention at hysterectomy time by modified McCall culdoplasty or Shull suspension: Clinical, sexual and quality of life assessment after surgical intervention

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of modified McCall culdoplasty or Shull suspension in preventing vaginal vault prolapse after vaginal hysterectomy and the long-term impact on quality of life and sexual function.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective analysis in 414 patients underwent vaginal hysterectomy for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and vaginal suspension through modified McCall culdoplasty (group A) or Shull suspension (group B) was evaluated. Clinical features and concomitant surgical procedures were assessed. Surgical data and perioperative and postoperative complications have also been analyzed. Clinical characteristics, urinary symptoms, POP-Q score classification, Quality of Life and Sexual Function were evaluated at baseline and at median follow up with P-QoL, ICIQ-UI-SF, PISQ-12, FSFI, FSDS questionnaires.

RESULTS

The median follow up was 8.9 year (5.1-14.2 years). 200 women in group A and 214 in group B were evaluated. Vaginal vault prolapse occurred in 2 patients in group A and in 2 patients in group B. POP-Q score for all compartments showed a significant (p < 0.001) decrease for both groups without significant differences between the 2 groups. The total vaginal length (TVL) was reduced in greater proportion in McCall group (p < 0.001). P-QoL and ICIQ-UI-SF questionnaires documented an improvement for both groups (p < 0.001). The number of patients who regularly practice sexual activity increased in both groups, but patients in group B experienced a better quality of sexual life evaluated with PISQ-12 and FSFI.

CONCLUSIONS

Both surgical techniques showed effectiveness and safety in preventing vaginal vault prolapse in women who underwent vaginal hysterectomy, with a significant improvement in quality of life and sexuality. Shull technique demonstrated greater improvement in sexual function.