ABSTRACT
Uterine prolapse is a relatively common, disabling condition and often requires surgical
intervention. Hysterectomy is the second most commonly performed gynecological surgery in
the United States after cesarean section with 600,000 procedures done each year (1). In a review by the National Center for Health Statistics for the years 1988-1990, 16.3% of
hysterectomies were performed for pelvic prolapse (2). Thus, almost 100,000 hysterectomies
are performed each year for prolapse. Although over 70% of hysterectomies are performed
transabdominally, the transvaginal approach is preferred when there is associated vaginal
prolapse (3). By understanding the female pelvic anatomy and maintaining control of the uterine
vascular pedicles, a transvaginal hysterectomy can effectively be performed with minimal
morbidity.
