Transvaginal Prolift® mesh surgery due to advanced pelvic organ prolapse does not impair female sexual function: a prospective study

Abstract

To evaluate sexual function among women with advanced pelvic organ prolapse (POP) before and after Prolift(®) vaginal reconstructive mesh surgery. Assessments were performed preoperatively and 12-18 months after the surgery, including physical examination using the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) scale as well as the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire. Fifty-nine sexually active patients who underwent vaginal reconstructive surgery due to advanced POP between June 2008 and January 2010 were included in the study. Analysis of the FSFI questionnaire showed no statistically significant differences after surgery, despite proper anatomical results. When comparing the group of women who underwent additional surgical restoration of the perineal body with patients without this procedure we also did not observe any differences in FSFI scores. Surgical treatment of advanced POP with the Prolift(®) system does not negatively influence sexual function, but patients should not expect a significant improvement after this type of operation. Additionally performed surgical restoration of perineal body does not reduce sexual function, either.