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Colpocleisis: a review

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Abstract

Objective: To summarize published data about colpocleisis and to highlight areas about which data are lacking. Data sources: We conducted a literature search on Medline using Ovid and PubMed, from 1966 to January 2004, using search terms “colpocleisis”, “colpectomy”, “vaginectomy”, “pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and surgery”, and “vaginal vault prolapse and surgery” and included articles with English-language abstracts. We examined reference lists of published articles to identify other articles not found on the electronic search. Methods of study selection: We examined all studies identified in our search that provided any outcome data on colpocleisis. Because of the heterogeneity of outcome measures and follow-up intervals in case series, we did not apply meta-analytic techniques to the data. Results: Colpocleisis for POP is apparently successful in nearly 100% of patients in recent series. The rate of reoperation for stress incontinence or POP after colpocleisis is unknown. Concomitant elective hysterectomy is associated with increased blood loss and length of hospital stay, without known improvement in outcomes. Few studies systematically assess pelvic symptoms. The role of preoperative urodynamic testing to direct optimal management of urinary incontinence and retention remains to be established in this setting. Conclusions: Colpocleisis is an effective procedure for treatment of advanced POP in patients who no longer desire preservation of coital function. Complications are relatively common in this group of elderly patients. Prospective trials are needed to understand the impact of colpocleisis on functional outcomes and patient satisfaction.

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Acknowledgements

The authors thank Dr. Robert Park, the Chair of the Pelvic Floor Disorders Network Steering Committee, for his contributions to the network. This study was supported by grants from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (U01 HD41249, U10 HD41268, U10 HD41250, U10 HD41260, U10 Hd41263, U10 HD41269, U10 HD41267).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Loyola University Medical Center, 2160 South First Avenue, Bld 103, Room 1004, Maywood, IL, 60153, USA

    Mary P. FitzGerald

  2. University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL, USA

    Holly E. Richter

  3. Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA

    Sohail Siddique

  4. Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA

    Peter Thompson

  5. University of Pittsburgh Magee-Women’s Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

    Halina Zyczynski

Authors
  1. Mary P. FitzGerald
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  2. Holly E. Richter
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  3. Sohail Siddique
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  4. Peter Thompson
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  5. Halina Zyczynski
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Ann Weber for the Pelvic Floor Disorders Network

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Correspondence to Mary P. FitzGerald.

Additional information

Anne M. Weber is project scientist for the Pelvic Floor Disorders Network.

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FitzGerald, M.P., Richter, H.E., Siddique, S. et al. Colpocleisis: a review. Int Urogynecol J 17, 261–271 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-005-1339-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-005-1339-9

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