Posterior intravaginal slingplasty for vault and uterovaginal prolapse: an initial experience

Genital prolapse surgeries are traditionally time-consuming and can be complex with significant morbidity. Most of the techniques described have incorporated removal of the prolapsed uterus prior to the repair, thus increasing morbidity and hospital stay. Recently, interest has been focused on minimally invasive day-case techniques, which have similar success rates but relatively lower morbidity than the conventional surgeries. We report an initial experience of 14 cases of vault and uterovaginal prolapse treated with the intravaginal slingplasty procedure. This study involved retrospective analyses of the case notes as well as evaluation by contemporary patient questionnaire. In our series we used a modified technique to correct uterovaginal prolapse without performing a hysterectomy. The cure rates in vault and uterovaginal prolapses were statistically significant, and the complication rates were minimal, facilitating a short hospital stay. Hence, the procedure was equally successful in women who had undergone hysterectomy and women with an intact uterus. We conclude that intravaginal slingplasty is minimally invasive and safe, with a high cure rate and high patient satisfaction.