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Long-term follow-up after colpocleisis: regret, bowel, and bladder function

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Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

Colpocleisis is not a popular option amongst surgeons, possibly due to concern about long-term regret. This study assessed a cohort of women who underwent colpocleisis 2–5 years previously to determine the regret rate, the effect on quality of life (QOL) and bladder and bowel function.

Methods

This was a longitudinal study of patients who underwent colpocleisis at least 2 years previously. Participants were asked to complete the Prolapse QOL (P-QOL), International Consultation on Incontinence–Urinary Incontinence (ICIQ-UI Short Form) and Colorectal Anal Distress Inventory questionnaires (CRADI). Two additional questions were asked: (1) Do you regret having vaginal closure surgery for prolapse? (never, sometimes, often, all the time), and (2) Would you recommend this surgery to a relative or friend who is not sexually active? (yes, no.)

Results

Thirty-four women were identified. Six had died by the time of follow-up, and five declined to answer the questionnaires because of ill health. Twenty-three women responded (67 %). Mean age was 78.68 years. One woman regretted having had the surgery, as the colpocleisis had failed. Twenty-one women (91.3 %) would recommend this surgery; one would not (4.3 %), and another was not sure (4.5 %). Low P-QOL [8 (0–37) ± 9.41), ICIQ-UI (7 (0–17) ± 5.44) and CRADI (10; 0–28 ± 8.13] scores suggest a positive impact on QOL, bladder and bowel function.

Conclusion

In this cohort, colpocleisis produced a good outcome with low regret rate (4.3 %), good QOL and minimal effect on bladder and bowel function at 2–5 years.

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Acknowledgments

Prof. R Freeman is partially supported by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care (CLAHRC) for the South West Peninsula. The views expressed in this piece are those of the author and not necessarily those of the NHS, the NIHR or the Department of Health.

Conflict of interest

Dr. Monika Vij, Dr. A. Dua, Mr. L. Bombieri declare no conflict of interest. Prof. R.M. Freeman receives speaker fees at educational meetings from Astellas and Pfizer and is vice president of the IUGA

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Vij, M., Bombieri, L., Dua, A. et al. Long-term follow-up after colpocleisis: regret, bowel, and bladder function. Int Urogynecol J 25, 811–815 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-013-2296-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-013-2296-3

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