SSF IVS

Sacrospinous fixation (SSF) and Slings (posterior IVS).

What is an SSF?

This operation is designed to help with prolapse of the vagina (when a hysterectomy has been performed) or with prolapse of the womb.

One or two stitches are placed on a ligament between the sacrum and the bone you sit on (usually) on the right.

Finger points to the

sacrospinous ligament,within the pelvic bone.

It is usually performed with a posterior (back wall) repair.

The stitches are designed to dissolve, but they can take up to three months to dissolve. The problem with this is that it can be uncomfortable for this long, and you may have a discharge for this long.

What is an posterior IVS?

This is also an operation for prolapse as above. It can be used in women with our without a previous hysterectomy. There are some differences. For example, when a hysterectomy has been performed, the vagina may have been shortened. This is quite common, but it then means that it may be difficult to reach the ligament. In this situation the vagina can be supported by a ribbon - a posterior intravaginal sling.

This ribbon is inserted either side of the anus, in the buttock. The ribbon then passes through the pelvic floor muscles and is stitched into the vagina or cervix at the same sort of level as the ligament above.

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Operations (full list)