A method and apparatus for efficiently maintaining XML index structures in a database system is provided. Instead of immediately synchronizing the XML index structures for every change submitted to the database, the changes are stored in a PENDING table. The XML index structures are periodically synchronized, based on certain criteria or at a user's discretion. Between synchronizations, the XML index structures may be in stale mode or current mode. If in stale mode, a request to access indexed information will use the XML index structures to find the desired indexed information without checking the PENDING table. If in current mode, a request to access indexed information will search the XML index structures and also check the PENDING table to determine 1) whether the indexed information has been updated or deleted, and 2) whether information relevant to the request has been inserted or updated.