Total colpocleisis for severe pelvic organ prolapse.

Objective: To describe the complications and efficacy of total colpoclesis for severe pelvic organ prolapse.

Study Design: In this descriptive study, we analyzed the complications and efficacy of total colpoclesis in 41 consecutive women with pelvic organ prolapse at Temple University Hospital between November 1994 and June 2001.

Results: The mean followup period was 28.7 months (range, 5-65). Vaginal hysterectomy was performed in 12 patients. All but 10 patients underwent concomitant modified paravaginal cystourethropexy. Modified perineorraphy was standard in every case. There was no recurrence of prolapse and a very low complication rate. The cure rate for urinary incontinence was 53.1% in 32 patients with preoperative urinary incontinence.

Conclusion: Total colpocleisis combined with site-specific reconstructive surgery is an effective and safe treatment of severe pelvic organ prolapse in high-risk, elderly women.