Illustration of uterine prolapse repair preserving fertility.

Uterine Prolapse Repair: Is Laparoscopic Inguinal Ligament Suspension the Future?

Nico Varela in Health & Wellness November 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover a novel, minimally invasive surgical technique offering hope and preserving fertility for women with uterine prolapse."

Traditionally, a hysterectomy was the go-to surgical intervention for uterine prolapse. However, in modern times, more and more women are seeking uterine-preserving options, driven by concerns about fertility and sexual function. This shift has spurred the development of innovative techniques aimed at correcting prolapse while keeping the uterus intact.

One such promising technique is laparoscopic inguinal ligament suspension. Featured in a recent study in the International Urogynecology Journal, this novel procedure offers a potential alternative for women seeking relief from uterine prolapse without sacrificing their reproductive potential.

This article delves into the details of laparoscopic inguinal ligament suspension, exploring its methodology, benefits, and potential as a safe and effective option for uterine prolapse repair. We aim to provide clear, accessible information for anyone looking to understand this cutting-edge approach.

Understanding Laparoscopic Inguinal Ligament Suspension: A Step-by-Step Look

Illustration of uterine prolapse repair preserving fertility.

Laparoscopic inguinal ligament suspension is designed to restore the uterus to its natural anatomical position using minimally invasive techniques. The procedure involves suspending the uterus from the inguinal ligaments, which are strong, supportive structures in the pelvic region.

The procedure, as outlined in the International Urogynecology Journal study, involves several key steps, performed laparoscopically:

Peritoneal Opening and Dissection: The surgeon begins by opening the peritoneum near the uterocervical junction. They then carefully dissect a space between the bladder and vagina (vesicovaginal septum) and between the rectum and vagina (rectovaginal septum).
Broad Ligament Access: The broad ligament, which supports the uterus, is opened at the level of the uterocervical junction. A suture line is strategically placed to facilitate the passage of mesh.
Mesh Placement and Fixation: A mesh is cut into two T-shaped pieces. One arm of the mesh is placed in the vesicovaginal space and secured to the anterior vaginal wall with sutures. The other arm is guided through the broad ligament opening and fixed to the posterior vaginal wall.
Inguinal Ligament Suspension: A small window is created on the broad ligament at the starting point of the round ligament. The mesh leg is then pulled through this window and attached to the round ligament with sutures. The deep ring of the inguinal canal is identified, and the mesh leg is pulled out along with the round ligament.
Final Adjustments and Closure: The uterus is carefully balanced, and any excess mesh is trimmed. The mesh legs are then anchored to the inguinal ligaments in a tension-free manner. Finally, the peritoneum is closed to prevent adhesions.

This meticulous approach ensures that the uterus is properly supported, reducing the symptoms of prolapse while maintaining its natural position. The mesh provides long-term support, and the laparoscopic technique minimizes the risk of complications and promotes faster recovery.

A Promising Future for Uterine Prolapse Treatment

Laparoscopic inguinal ligament suspension represents a significant advancement in the treatment of uterine prolapse. It provides a safe, effective, and minimally invasive alternative to hysterectomy, particularly for women who desire to preserve their fertility. As research continues and more data becomes available, this procedure is poised to become an increasingly popular option for women seeking lasting relief from uterine prolapse.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1007/s00192-018-3780-6, Alternate LINK

Title: Laparoscopic Inguinal Ligament Suspension: A Novel Procedure To Repair Uterine Prolapse

Subject: Urology

Journal: International Urogynecology Journal

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Authors: Zhiyuan Dai, Hui Li, Huimin Shu, Xiaohong Guan, Kai Zhang

Published: 2018-10-25

Everything You Need To Know

What exactly is laparoscopic inguinal ligament suspension and how does it work to correct uterine prolapse?

Laparoscopic inguinal ligament suspension is a minimally invasive surgical procedure designed to correct uterine prolapse by restoring the uterus to its natural anatomical position. It involves suspending the uterus from the inguinal ligaments using mesh to provide long-term support. The procedure includes steps such as peritoneal opening and dissection, broad ligament access, mesh placement and fixation, inguinal ligament suspension, and final adjustments and closure.

Why is laparoscopic inguinal ligament suspension considered a significant advancement in uterine prolapse treatment compared to traditional methods like hysterectomy?

Laparoscopic inguinal ligament suspension is considered a significant advancement because it offers a safe, effective, and minimally invasive alternative to hysterectomy, particularly for women who want to preserve their fertility. Unlike a hysterectomy, this procedure allows women to maintain their reproductive potential while addressing the symptoms of uterine prolapse. The *International Urogynecology Journal* study highlights how the procedure is designed to minimize complications and promote faster recovery, making it a promising option for lasting relief.

Can you break down the key steps involved in the laparoscopic inguinal ligament suspension procedure and explain their importance?

The key steps in laparoscopic inguinal ligament suspension involve several meticulous stages, starting with peritoneal opening and dissection to create space near the uterocervical junction. The surgeon accesses the broad ligament to strategically place a suture line for mesh passage. T-shaped mesh pieces are then placed in the vesicovaginal and rectovaginal spaces and secured. The mesh legs are guided through the broad ligament and attached to the round ligament, then anchored to the inguinal ligaments in a tension-free manner. Finally, the peritoneum is closed to prevent adhesions, ensuring the uterus is properly supported.

What role do the inguinal ligaments play in the laparoscopic inguinal ligament suspension procedure, and why are they important for the success of the surgery?

During laparoscopic inguinal ligament suspension, the inguinal ligaments are crucial as they are strong, supportive structures in the pelvic region used to suspend the uterus. The surgeon identifies the deep ring of the inguinal canal and pulls the mesh leg along with the round ligament through a window created on the broad ligament. By anchoring the mesh to the inguinal ligaments, the uterus is properly supported and restored to its natural position, reducing prolapse symptoms. The round ligament also plays a role during the mesh placement.

What are some potential areas for future research and refinement concerning the laparoscopic inguinal ligament suspension technique?

While laparoscopic inguinal ligament suspension offers numerous benefits, it's essential to consider potential areas for future research and refinement. Long-term studies are needed to assess the durability of the mesh and the rate of recurrence of prolapse. Further investigation into patient selection criteria would help determine which women are most likely to benefit from this procedure. Additionally, comparing the outcomes of laparoscopic inguinal ligament suspension with other uterine-preserving techniques, such as sacrohysteropexy, would provide valuable insights into its relative effectiveness and advantages.