Vaginal Vault Prolapse Surgery

Sacrospinous colpopexy as prophylactic and therapeutic treatment of vaginal vault prolapse after hysterectomy

Authors: S. N. M. Youssif, Jamila Shahid

Affiliation:Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, Norwich

Published in: Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology , Volume 15, Issue 5 September 1995 , pages 311 - 315

Subject: Obstetrics, Gynecology & Women's Health

Abstract To evaluate the effectiveness of fixing the vaginal vault to the strong and immobile sacrospinous ligament when combined with traditional repairs of procidentia and vaginal vault prolapse, 20 patients with genital prolapse who needed vaginal hysterectomy and repair, or repair of vault prolapse, were studied. Intra-operative and postoperative complications were minimal. Vaginal axis and depth were restored. Vaginal function was maintained. Discomfort was relieved. Dyspareunia did not occur. Incidence of recurrent prolapse or vaginal laxity was low when assessed after one year. All patients were satisfied. Sacrospinous colpopexy should be added to traditional repairs to treat procidentia and with vault prolapse repairs to prevent recurrent vaginal vault prolapse.

1) Characteristic facial features

Flattened midface
Thin upper lip
Indistinct/absent philtrum
Short eye slits

2) Growth retardation

Lower birth weight
Disproportional weight not due to nutrition, height
Weight below the 5th percentile

3) Central Nervous System Abnormalities "neurodevelopmental"

Impaired fine motor skills,
Learning disabilities,
Behaviour disorders
Mental handicap (found in 50% of FAS)

To diagnose PFAS, only two of the three above criteria must be present and must include some facial features and brain differences.
To diagnose ARND, only one of the above three criteria must be present and must be a brain difference.
These fetal alcohol effects are often thought to be less damaging than the "full-blown" syndrome, however, they are often more debilitating to the person's quality of life.
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome/Fetal Alcohol Effects are PERMANENT and cannot be outgrown.

FAS/FAE babies and young children may have other specific distinguishable features:

Short stature
Small and thin
Hearing defects
Organ imperfections
Bone problems
Difficulty with eating
Difficulty developing a regular sleeping schedule
Difficulty learning how to walk
Difficulty learning toilet training
Impulsivity (i.e. running out into the street)
Hyperactivity

FAS/FAE children have learning disabilities, which include

Difficulties in learning language and language use
Difficulties in generalizing information
Difficulties in mastering new or recently learned skills
Difficulties in recent memory (ie. yesterday events)
Difficulties inpredicting outcomes or cause and effect
Difficulties indistinguishing fact from fantasy
Difficulties in distinguishing friends from strangers
Donot learn from experience as they
Do not understand cause and effect

FAS/FAE adults continue to have the same learning difficulties they had as youth, and also often have difficulty with:

Legal system (do not understand cause and effect)
Controlling alcohol consumption
Maintaining custody of their children
Mental health issues