Symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse: Experience at a tertiary urogynaecology clinic

Abstract

Background. Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a common reason for gynaecological consultation, especially in the elderly. Associatedsymptoms have been shown to negatively affect bladder, bowel and sexual function, as well as general quality of life. Treatment optionsinclude either surgical repair with mesh or native tissue, or conservative management with vaginal pessaries. There is a lack of dataregarding POP in South African (SA) women.Objectives. To determine the demographic characteristics in patients presenting with symptomatic POP to a tertiary urogynaecologyclinic, and to compare patients who opt for surgical treatment with those who request vaginal pessary insertion.Methods. The study was conducted at the urogynaecology clinic at Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Pretoria, SA. Demographicinformation was recorded after a detailed history, physical examination and completion of a self-administered symptom questionnaire.Results. A total of 305 patients were included in this study. The mean age was 62 (range 24 - 96) years and the mean vaginal paritywas 3.7 (range 0 - 13); 147 patients opted for surgical intervention and 158 for pessary treatment. Cystocoele was the most commontype of prolapse found on clinical examination. One-quarter of patients were sexually active (25.5%, n=242). Awareness and visualisationor feeling of a lump was the most common symptom reported. Age (p=0.004) and mean vaginal parity (p=0.003) were statisticallysignificant in the pessary group. Finding of a cystocoele was significantly greater in patients who opted for pessary insertion (p=0.005).Conclusion. Patients who opt for vaginal pessary insertion are older and more vaginally parous than patients who opt for surgicalintervention, and cystocoele was statistically more significant in women opting for pessary insertion.