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International Urogynecology Journal
Published in: International Urogynecology Journal 6/2016

01-06-2016 | Original Article

The effect of pelvic organ prolapse repair on vaginal sensation

Authors: Lior Lowenstein, Susana Mustafa-Mikhail, Irena Gartman, Ilan Gruenwald

Published in: International Urogynecology Journal | Issue 6/2016

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Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

The objective was to evaluate vaginal and clitoral sensation before and after robotic sacrocolpopexy for the repair of pelvic organ prolapse.

Methods

Twenty-two women, mean age 63 years (range 41–77), were admitted for robotic sacrocolpopexy repair of pelvic organ prolapse; 4 were lost to follow-up. Quantitative sensory thresholds for warm, cold, and vibratory sensations were measured at the vagina (anterior and posterior areas) and clitoris 1 day before and a mean of 12 ± 4 months following surgery. Student’s paired t test was used to compare sensory thresholds before and after surgery.

Results

For the 18 women who completed follow-up, sensitivity was significantly higher after surgery (sensory threshold decreased) at the clitoral and vaginal regions, to cold and warm stimuli. In contrast, the vaginal and clitoral vibratory sensory thresholds did not change significantly following surgery.

Conclusion

The repair of pelvic organ prolapse by robotic sacrocolpopexy could potentially play a role in restoring clitoral and vaginal wall sensation. The effects of these sensory changes on sexual function and the quality of sexual life need further investigation.
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Metadata
Title
The effect of pelvic organ prolapse repair on vaginal sensation
Authors
Lior Lowenstein
Susana Mustafa-Mikhail
Irena Gartman
Ilan Gruenwald
Publication date
01-06-2016
Publisher
Springer London
Published in
International Urogynecology Journal / Issue 6/2016
Print ISSN: 0937-3462
Electronic ISSN: 1433-3023
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-015-2910-7

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