A uniaxial force and stiffness model of the vagina during laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy

Background Laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy is the preferred procedure for restoring vaginal vault prolapse. An assistant uses a manipulator to position and tension such that surgeon can dissect bladder, rectum eventually suture synthetic mesh used suspend vagina longitudinal anterior vertebral ligament. Vaginal manipulation requires application of high forces long periods time. Methods This work quantifies task by measuring analyzing interaction workspace during manipulation. From measurements we developed uniaxial model, expressing increase in force stiffness vagina. By adapting model parameters, difference between moderate severe prolapse predicted. Findings For average start at 2.56 N 0.11 mm−1 tensionfree state, go up 20.14 0.53 after complete insertion instrument. degrees prolapse, tissue much lower starting 1.68 0.06 while staying limited 12.20 0.30 full extension. Interpretation Population data shows stage total length with age parity. The are correlated this degree parameters good estimation found patients mild