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

• Published in: International Urogynecology Journal 2014-06, Vol.25 (6), p.811-815
• Main Authors: Vij, M., Bombieri, L., Dua, A., Freeman, R.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Emotions; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Gynecologic Surgical Procedures - adverse effects; Gynecologic Surgical Procedures - psychology; Gynecology; Humans; Intestinal Diseases - etiology; Longitudinal Studies; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Original Article; Pelvic Organ Prolapse - psychology; Pelvic Organ Prolapse - surgery; Quality of Life; Surveys and Questionnaires; Urinary Bladder Diseases - etiology; Urology; Vagina - surgery
• ISSN: 0937-3462; 1433-3023
• DOI: 10.1007/s00192-013-2296-3

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.