Uterus-Preserving Sling Surgery Shows Promise for Pelvic Organ Prolapse in Young Women: Study

Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when one or more pelvic structures descend from their normal position, often affecting bladder, bowel, sexual function, and quality of life. Although the condition is commonly associated with aging, obstetric factors such as multiparity, prolonged labor, instrumental delivery, and birth trauma can place younger women at risk.

The research team evaluated Virkud’s composite sling surgery in 35 women with second- or third-degree uterovaginal prolapse who wanted to preserve the uterus. The prospective interventional study was conducted in the Department of Gynecology at KIMS, Hubballi, Karnataka, following Institutional Ethics Committee approval.

Women with pelvic pathology, malignancy, or major associated pelvic floor defects were excluded. All participants underwent surgery after written informed consent. Researchers tracked intraoperative measures such as surgical duration, blood loss, anesthesia type, and complications, along with postoperative pain, hospital stay, and follow-up outcomes over six months.

The mean age of participants was about 30 years, and a larger share of patients presented with third-degree prolapse. Most women reported no postoperative pain, while 17.1% experienced moderate pain. Vomiting was the most commonly reported postoperative complication, occurring in 8.6% of patients.

At follow-up, 74.3% of women had the cervix positioned at the level of the ischial spines, a finding the authors interpreted as satisfactory anatomical correction. The study also reported low complication rates, intraoperative blood loss below 200 mL, and high patient satisfaction.

For younger women with uterovaginal prolapse, treatment decisions can be especially complex because surgical repair must address anatomical correction while considering fertility, menstruation, sexual function, and long-term durability. Uterus-preserving procedures may be particularly relevant for patients who wish to avoid hysterectomy.

The authors concluded that Virkud’s composite sling surgery appears to be an effective and safe conservative surgical option for selected reproductive-age patients with uterovaginal prolapse. However, the findings come from a small single-center study with only six months of follow-up, so larger studies with longer observation will be needed to better define recurrence risk and long-term functional outcomes.

Source: Shyamsundar B and Nagarjunagouda Patil. “To study Virkud’s composite sling surgery for treatment of pelvic organ prolapse in young age group.” Indian Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology Research. 2026;13(2):356–360.