History of Uterine Suspension & Indications For Use

As has been the case with other medical procedures, uterine suspension has experienced variations in popularity. The procedure was first described in the medical literature in 1882 and was once commonly prescribed for a wide variety of general complaints including simple backache, fatigue and general pelvic pain. Because true indications for the procedure were not identified, it was not prescribed appropriately. As a result, the technique fell out of favor starting in the 1950s, and was performed infrequently until recently.

Now, however, a growing number of gynecologists have "rediscovered" uterine suspension and have identified appropriate indications. Recent journal articles have reported on the successful application of uterine suspension for:

• Collision dyspareunia related to a retroverted uterus
• Dysmenorrhea related to a retroverted uterus
• Pelvic adhesion prevention after endometriosis surgery

Although approximately 200 techniques for performing uterine suspension have been described in the literature (including 12 laparoscopic methods), questions about surgical complications and durability remained. However the UPLIFT procedure was developed to address these issues. It not only promises greater durability than other techniques but also reduced complications and ease of use, but also minimal procedural and recovery times. For example, the UPLIFT procedure can be performed in about 12 minutes on an out-patient basis. Women can return to their normal activities in days compared to the weeks required when uterine suspension was performed via laparotomy.