Four-corner colposuspension: clinical and functional results

Int Urogynecol J Pelvic Floor Dysfunct. 2003 Jun;14(2):113-8. doi: 10.1007/s00192-002-1015-2. Epub 2003 Feb 12.

Abstract

We report our experience with four-corner colposuspension and the long-term functional and objective results. Thirty-seven women aged 42-74 affected by cystocele, associated with stress incontinence in 27, underwent four-corner colposuspension, combined with posterior colpoperineoplasty in 5 and vaginal wall sling in 5. Preoperative work-up included clinical examination, a symptoms questionnaire, transrectal dynamic ultrasonography and a urodynamic test. The mean follow-up to date is 62 months (range 36-83). Check-ups included a clinical examination, responses to a questionnaire on symptoms, uroflowmetry, transrectal ultrasound, and a urodynamic test in 25. All patients underwent four-corner colposuspension, together with vaginal wall sling in 5 with severe incontinence and colpoperineoplasty in another 5 with symptomatic rectoceles. There were no major complications. The urethrocele was stably corrected in all. No relapses occurred in 19 patients with grades I-II cystocele preoperatively. Various forms of prolapse recurred in 12/18 patients with grade III cystocele. Incontinence was successfully resolved in 23/27 patients (85%). Instability persisted in 8/14 patients. Obstruction persisted in 6 patients with prolapse recurrence. The ideal candidate for four-corner suspension is a patient with moderate cystocele and no signs of uterine prolapse who may, or may not, be incontinent.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Selection
  • Perineum / surgery
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Urethral Obstruction
  • Urinary Bladder Diseases / surgery*
  • Urinary Incontinence, Stress / surgery*
  • Urogenital Surgical Procedures / methods*
  • Uterine Prolapse / surgery*