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Published in: International Urogynecology Journal 10/2009

01-10-2009 | Original Article

Conservative versus surgical management of prolapse: what dictates patient choice?

Authors: Dharmesh S. Kapoor, Ranee Thakar, Abdul H. Sultan, Reeba Oliver

Published in: International Urogynecology Journal | Issue 10/2009

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Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

The aim of this study is to establish whether the presence of severe symptoms influences women’s choice of pessaries or surgery for uterovaginal prolapse.

Methods

This is a prospective study using the validated Sheffield Prolapse Symptoms Questionnaire.

Results

Women choosing surgery (n = 251) were younger (58 versus 66 years), more bothered by dragging lower abdominal pain (33% versus 25%, P = 0.04), need for vaginal digitation (8% versus 3%, P = 0.02), and incomplete bowel emptying (27% versus 19%, P = 0.01) than women choosing pessaries (n = 429). More women opting for surgery were sexually active (51% versus 29%, P < 0.0001), perceived avoidance of sex due to prolapse (28% versus 17%, P = 0.000), and perceived prolapse interfering with sexual satisfaction as a severe problem (26% versus 15%, P = 0.000).

Conclusions

Nearly two thirds of women with symptomatic prolapse initially opted for conservative management. Women choosing surgery over pessaries for treatment of prolapse describe more severe symptoms related to bowel emptying, sexual function, and quality of life and are bothered by them.
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Metadata
Title
Conservative versus surgical management of prolapse: what dictates patient choice?
Authors
Dharmesh S. Kapoor
Ranee Thakar
Abdul H. Sultan
Reeba Oliver
Publication date
01-10-2009
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
International Urogynecology Journal / Issue 10/2009
Print ISSN: 0937-3462
Electronic ISSN: 1433-3023
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-009-0930-x

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