title: Management of prolapse in older women.
abstract: Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a common problem affecting 37% of women over the age of 80. Review by a specialist with the aid of a validated quality of life questionnaire will help assess bother, as well as the frequency and severity of urinary, bowel and sexual symptoms. Pelvic examination should be carried out to assess the extent of any prolapse and the compartments affected. The main aim of the treatment is to improve the woman's quality of life. Treatment options may be conservative with lifestyle modifications and pelvic floor muscle therapy, use of a pessary or surgery. Treatment has previously been incorrectly limited in the elderly with the misconception that surgery should be avoided. Her current state of health and expectations are most important. Regardless of age, each patient should be assessed individually with a holistic multi-compartment approach and the risk benefit ratios of every treatment considered.
authors.affiliation: King's College Hospital, London, UK Gans.t@nhs.net.
authors.forename: Ganesh
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Thiagamoorthy
authors.affiliation: King's College Hospital, London, UK.
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Cardozo
authors.affiliation: King's College Hospital, London, UK.
authors.forename: Sushma
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Srikrishna
authors.affiliation: Birmingham Women's Hospital, UK.
authors.forename: Philip
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Toozs-Hobson
authors.affiliation: King's College Hospital, London, UK.
authors.forename: Dudley
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Robinson
keywords: Elderly; management; prolapse; urogynaecology; women