INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Several modifications of sacrospinous ligament fixation (SLF) are described. METHODS: This study presents a standardised SLF technique. Perioperative course and outcome are compared retrospectively after surgery is performed by experienced surgeons or by residents. RESULTS: Two hundred three SLF were analysed. Eight residents (LO) operated on 41 patients (5.1 ± 2.2). Six experienced surgeons (SO) operated on 162 patients (27.0 ± 25.7). Mean operating time was 67 ± 33 min. (LO 99 ± 45 min vs. SO 59 ± 22 min, p < 0.05). The overall morbidity rate was 7.8%. There was no significant difference regarding complications and outcomes between SO and LO. CONCLUSIONS: Operation time was longer but outcomes were identical, and morbidity rate was not increased in the group of resident surgeons. In comparison to literature, complication rate was low. SLF should be part of residency programmes.
INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Several modifications of sacrospinous ligament fixation (SLF) are described. METHODS: This study presents a standardised SLF technique. Perioperative course and outcome are compared retrospectively after surgery is performed by experienced surgeons or by residents. RESULTS: Two hundred three SLF were analysed. Eight residents (LO) operated on 41 patients (5.1 ± 2.2). Six experienced surgeons (SO) operated on 162 patients (27.0 ± 25.7). Mean operating time was 67 ± 33 min. (LO 99 ± 45 min vs. SO 59 ± 22 min, p < 0.05). The overall morbidity rate was 7.8%. There was no significant difference regarding complications and outcomes between SO and LO. CONCLUSIONS: Operation time was longer but outcomes were identical, and morbidity rate was not increased in the group of resident surgeons. In comparison to literature, complication rate was low. SLF should be part of residency programmes.