Abstract
Introduction and hypothesis
This study aims to assess anatomically the likely effects of dual vaginal vault support using the uterosacral (USL) and sacrospinous ligaments (SSL) at colporrhaphy.
Methods
Observations were made from 13 formalinized cadaver hemipelves to determine the vaginal vault support likely to be provided by traction on the (a) USLs and (b) the posterior vaginal vault towards the SSL.
Results
Traction on the USLs and SSLs both appeared to create a posterior and superior vector of vaginal vault tension, though that on the USLs appeared to be mainly on the anterior vaginal vault (and wall) with that on the SSL seemingly mostly on the posterior vaginal vault (and wall).
Conclusions
Concomitant USL and SSL traction on the vaginal vault, now technically possible, appears, from these preliminary findings, to give complementary support to the anterior and posterior aspects of the vaginal vault and walls in a similar posterior and superior vector.
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Haylen, B.T., Vu, D., Birrell, W. et al. A preliminary anatomical basis for dual (uterosacral and sacrospinous ligaments) vaginal vault support at colporrhaphy. Int Urogynecol J 23, 879–882 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-011-1633-7
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-011-1633-7