Fascial surgical repair for vaginal prolapse: effect on quality of life and related symptoms

Abstract

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of surgical treatment for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) on quality of life and on bladder, vaginal and bowel symptoms using validated questionnaires such as the prolapse quality of life questionnaire (P-QoL). Study designSixty-five women underwent surgical POP repair. All were evaluated by physical examination and by the use of ICIQ-VS and P-QoL questionnaires before surgery as well as three and six months after surgery. ResultsThe preoperative scores of all domains on the ICIQ-VS and P-QoL questionnaires and the scores obtained from quantification of the urinary, sexual and bowel symptoms were higher than those at three and six months after surgery (p<0.0001). There was no significant difference in the domain scores for the ICIQ-VS and P-QoL questionnaires at three and at six months after surgery (p>0.05). The preoperative staging was higher than that at three and six months after surgery (p<0.001), and there was no difference in staging between the two postoperative time points (p>0.05). ConclusionsSurgery with fascial repair for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse improved health-related quality of life, as assessed by the P-QoL and ICIQ-VS, as well as urinary, vaginal and intestinal symptoms.