Are Only Anatomic Outcomes Important After Pelvic Organ Prolapse Surgeries?

Over the next few years, it is anticipated that the number of operations for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and related pelvic floor disorders will increase substantially as a result of aging of the population (1). Nowadays, roughly, 1 out of every 10 women undergoes surgery for urinary incontinence or prolapse. When we also consider 30% risk of reoperation during their lifetime, it is obvious that surgical treatment of POP has an important impact on a women’s health (2). Anatomic outcomes and relief of specific prolapse symptoms following any POP surgery are focus of current studies on this field. However, the women with POP often present with not only the usual complaints of vaginal pressure or bulging, but also pelvic pain and the other pelvic symptoms related to the lower urinary tract, bowel, and sexual function (3,4). Therefore, the results related to the improvement in quality of life and correction of these preoperative associated pelvic symptoms are also important. In addition, de novo urinary and defecatory symptoms appearing as new pelvic symptoms after surgery for prolapse and incontinence can be as high as 22% to 27% and they should also be reported (3).