[Vaginal paravaginal repair in treatment of severe anterior vaginal prolapse and cystocele].

Objective: To explore the rationality, efficacy and safety of vaginal paravaginal repair (VPVR) in treating anterior vaginal prolapse and cystocele.

Methods: Twenty-five consecutive women with stage II to IV and grade II-III anterior vaginal prolapse and cystocele evaluated by pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP-Q) and Baden-Walker half way system were treated by VPVR. One hundred and one concomitant procedures for reconstructive pelvic surgery were also performed. The VPVR consisted of a thorough entry from the vesicovaginal space under the inferior pubic ramus into the retropubic space, exposing the area of the arcus tendineus fascia pelvis (ATFP), placing nonabsorbable sutures around ATFP on either side and fixed to appropriate locations on the bladder fascia and anterior vaginal walls. Tying of these sutures resulted in dramatic elevation of the lateral superior sulci, as well as prolapsed vesica. Patients were followed up after operation. The cure rate was estimated subjectively and objectively, according to POP-Q and Baden-Walker half way system.

Results: All patients had their surgery completed by VPVR. The average operative time was 40 min and estimated blood loss was 70 ml. Two minor intraoperative hemorrhage occurred during dissection of retropubic space and there were no other complications. No morbidity after operation was observed either. Postoperatively, two patients developed obstructive voiding and urinary retention. One recovered completely in a few days, the other has improved slowly for 2 months. Patients were followed up for 2 - 14 months. Two patients with asymptomatic stage I or grade I cystocele were found by examination between 2 and 6 months after operation. Our objective cure rate was 92% and subjective cure rate was 100% respectively at a mean of 6 months after operation.

Conclusions: Since VPVR can restore the normal lateral attachment of the pubocervical fascia to pelvic side wall at ATFP, it is a reasonable, safe and effective procedure to correct severe anterior vaginal prolapse and cystocele.