A simplified protocol for pessary management.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate a simplified protocol for pessary management.


METHODS
Women with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse who opted for pessaries were enrolled in a prospective simplified protocol for pessary management. After the initial pessary fitting, they were seen at 2 weeks for reexamination and thereafter at 3- to 6-month intervals.


RESULTS
One hundred ten women (mean age 65 years) were enrolled, and 81 (74%) of them were fitted successfully with a pessary. Life-table analysis showed that 66% of those who used a pessary for more than 1 month were still users after 12 months and 53% were still users after 36 months. The severity of pelvic prolapse did not predict the likelihood of pessary failure except in cases of complete vaginal eversion. Patients complaining of stress incontinence were less likely to have a successful pessary fitting and more likely to opt for surgery. Current hormone use and substantial perineal support do not predict greater likelihood of pessary fitting success. No serious complications from using the pessary were observed in the study sample.


CONCLUSIONS
Stringent guidelines calling for frequent pelvic examinations during pessary use can be relaxed safely. Pessaries can be offered as a safe long-term option for the management of pelvic prolapse.
Wu
V
V
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
Farrell
S A
SA
Baskett
T F
TF
Flowerdew
G
G
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002985:Clinical Protocols / Q000592:standards*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015993:Life Tables; D008875:Middle Aged; D010570:Pessaries; D010808:Physical Examination; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014596:Uterine Prolapse / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*