A splinting appliance for use in repair of the vaginal wall or uterus includes a body portion, securing means and coupling means. The body portion is shaped to support a substantially normal vaginal apex. The securing means is configured to enable removable securing of the splinting appliance within the vaginal canal. The coupling means enables the splinting appliance to releasably couple with a vaginal elevator device when inserted in the vaginal canal during surgery. Use of the vaginal elevator device when coupled with the splinting appliance aids in location of the vaginal apex. The splinting appliance provides a substantially rigid support which, when in use, facilitates manipulation of tissue at the vaginal wall when approaching through the abdomen e.g. for dissection and/or attachment of a repair graft.
