Regret after total colpocleisis in 8 of 92 women. (Largest Series to Date).

SAN FRANCISCO -- Eight of 92 women who were contacted 2 years after undergoing total colpocleisis for advanced pelvic organ prolapse said they regretted having the operation, but only 1 of the 8 said she would not undergo the surgery if she could choose again, Dr. Walter von Pechmann reported.

The study comprises the largest series reported on patients who underwent total colpocleisis with levator ani plication, he said at the annual meeting of the American Urogynecologic Society.

The operations were performed only on women with advanced uterovaginal or vaginal vault eversion who were sexually inactive, did not anticipate future sexual activity, and were counseled about the loss of coital ability and its potential effect on self-image following surgery. Medical records from follow-up visits a median of 12 months after surgery and results of phone interviews showed that the surgery cured prolapse in all but two of the patients.

Among 62 women contacted by phone, 56 said they were satisfied or very satisfied with how the operation cured their prolapse. Of the eight who regretted the loss of coitus, four said they still would choose the operation again, three were uncertain, and one would not. The remaining 30 ...