Total colpocleisis technique in huge neglected ulcerated uterovaginal prolapse

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

We present a video describing the technical considerations for performing a total colpocleisis in the management of significant, neglected, ulcerated, and symptomatic complete uterovaginal prolapse.

Methods

A 79-year-old debilitated woman presented with a large, ulcerated pelvic bulge. A previous attempt at pessary treatment failed because of a disproportion of the pessary with the prolapse size. She had a history of liver insufficiency and hypertension. Obliterative colpocleisis surgery was selected because the healing of a large ulcerated vagina was not likely within a short timeframe. Sharp dissection with scissors and de-epithelialisation of the remaining non-eroded vaginal mucosa with the friction of a sharp-edged surgical knife were performed. Closely located purse strings were used to obliterate potential spaces. Two mirror image triangles in the anterior and posterior vaginal walls were removed. After the formation of a new perineal body, the diamond-shaped vaginal incision was closed vertically to narrow introitus.

Results

The patient was discharged on the first postoperative day and an uncomplicated postoperative course ensued. At the 4-week follow-up, there was no evidence of infection, recurrent prolapse, de novo stress incontinence, or voiding with difficulty.

Conclusions

Total colpocleisis is an excellent surgical option in women with multiple, large cervicovaginal ulcers and multiple comorbidities with no desire for penetrative vaginal function.