Comparison of histomorphological findings of cardinal ligament in patients with and without uterine prolapse

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to investigate histomorphological changes in cardinal ligaments between patients with and without uterineprolapse.Material and Methods: This study included 30 patients who underwent vaginal hysterectomy for POP-Q stage 4 uterine prolapse(Group 1) and 30 patients who underwent abdominal hysterectomy for benign reasons except uterine prolapse (Group 2) at a tertiarycenter hospital. Demographic data, parity, uterine weight, and histomorphological findings of cardinal ligaments were comparedbetween the two groups.Results: Age and parity were significantly higher unlike uterine weight was lower in Group 1. In histomorphological findings ofcardinal ligaments, vessel wall thickness, peripheral nerve thickness and the number of cells in the connective tissue stroma countedin 1 mm2 area were statistically significantly higher in Group 1. While the presence of extravasated erythrocytes was greater in Group1, no significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of inflammation.Conclusion: It is obvious that some histomorphological changes are formed in the cardinal ligaments of patients with uterineprolapse due to pressure on the uterus. We believe that the increase in the number of extravasated erythrocytes and the thicknessof the vascular wall and peripheral nerve should be supported by further studies.