Laparoscopic Sacral Colpopexy: The "6-Points" Technique.

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To illustrate laparoscopic sacral colpopexy for pelvic organ prolapse, a new method using a simplified mesh fixation technique, with only 6 fixing points.

DESIGN

Step-by-step explanation of the surgery using video (educative video). The video was approved by the local institutional review board.

SETTING

University Hospital of Strasbourg, France (Canadian Task Force Classification III).

PATIENTS

Women with multicompartment prolapse.

INTERVENTION

We first dissected the promontorium and vertically incise the posterior parietal peritoneum on the right pelvic sidewall up the pouch of Douglas. We then dissect the rectovaginal septum up to the anal cap, laterally exposing the puborectalis muscle on each side. Middle rectal vessels can be coagulated and cut without increasing the risk of digestive disorders (especially constipation), but it is preferable to conserve them if the space is sufficient for suture. Then, we dissect the vesicovaginal space and realized the subtotal hysterectomy. Finally, we realized the fastening of the anterior and posterior meshes. The particularity is that we performed only 6 points for fixing the meshes: 1 on the puborectalis muscle on each side without tension (to reduce the risk of mesh contracture, dyspareunia, and chronic pelvic pain), 1 for the fixing of the anterior mesh on the anterior vaginal wall at the level of the bladder neck, and 1 on each side of the cervix for the reconstitution of the pericervical ring gathering together the anterior mesh, the pubocervical fascia, and the insertion of the uterosacral ligament at the level of the cervix and the posterior mesh. The sixth stitch fastened 1 of 2 meshes to the anterior paravertebral ligament at the level of the sacral promontory. We finished with the peritonization.

MAIN RESULTS

The duration of surgery lasts approximately 120 minutes in well-experienced hands. Based on our experience the 6-point technique was relatively simple (few laparoscopic stiches) with few operative difficulties and was also associated with a low rate of reintervention.

CONCLUSION

Surgical management of middle compartment prolapse could be performed quickly and efficiently under laparoscopy with the "6-points" technique.