Abstract
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a significant problem in Nepal. Surgical treatment is scarcely available and little is known of the results of POP surgery on women living under burdensome circumstances. The aim of our study was to set up a follow-up program in rural Nepal and evaluate POP surgery. In 2004 and 2006, 74 women with a POP from remote areas around Dhulikhel Hospital underwent prolapse surgery. Together with local contacts men, a plan was made to implement a follow-up program. All the operated patients were invited to a follow-up visit in March 2007. Thirty-three (45%) patients attended the follow-up: 85% (n = 28) found the effect of the procedure an improvement. A satisfactory anatomic outcome was found in 93% (n = 32). A remarkable finding was the reduction in physical labour after the surgical procedure in 50% of the follow-up cases. Some adjustments in the follow-up program may contribute to a higher participation.
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Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank the women who were willing to participate in the study and the staff of Dhulikhel Hospital for the support in executing this follow-up program.
The local medical ethical committee of Dhulikhel Hospital gave permission for the follow-up study.
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Schaaf, J.M., Dongol, A. & van der Leeuw-Harmsen, L. Follow-up of prolapse surgery in rural Nepal. Int Urogynecol J 19, 851–855 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-007-0542-2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-007-0542-2