Permanent suture used in uterosacral ligament suspension offers better anatomical support than delayed absorbable suture.

Introduction And Hypothesis: The objective of this study was to compare the outcomes of uterosacral ligament suspension (USLS) procedures in relation to suture material used for apical suspension.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed for two senior surgeons who supervised and performed USLS with both suture types in 2008-2009. Permanent and delayed absorbable sutures were compared for failure of anatomical support. Failure, defined as recurrent prolapse beyond the hymen, was evaluated using survival analysis.

Results: Two hundred forty-eight procedures were performed. One percent in the permanent group had a loss of support beyond the hymen compared to 6% in the delayed absorbable group (p = 0.034). The preoperative prolapse stage and duration of follow-up did not differ between the two groups. The number of sutures used did not differ between patients who failed and those who did not fail.

Conclusions: The use of permanent sutures for USLS of the vaginal apex was associated with a lower failure rate than delayed absorbable sutures in the short-term.