Survey of the characteristics and satisfaction degree of the patients using a pessary

The unmet needs in vaginal pessaries

A pessary is a medical device that is inserted into the vagina to provide structural support to one or more of the descending vaginal compartments in women with pelvic organ prolapse. It is a common management option offered to women in the short and long term. This article will discuss the current use of vaginal pessaries for POP, the current challenges with their use and common complications seen in practise. It will also discuss the unmet needs in the current products available on the market and suggest ideas for product design, materials and considerations for future development.

A Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Dubuisson Laparoscopic Lateral Suspension with Laparoscopic Sacropexy for Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Short-Term Results

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (LSC) is the gold standard for the treatment of apical prolapse, although dissection of the promontory may be challenging. Laparoscopic lateral suspension (LLS) with mesh is an alternative technique for apical repair with similar anatomical and functional outcomes, according to recent studies. The purpose of this study was to compare these operative techniques.

METHODS

Women with uterine Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) stage 2 were enrolled in this prospective study and were randomly allocated to the LLS or LSC group. At the 12-month follow-up, primary measures included both anatomical and functional outcomes. Perioperative parameters and complications were recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 93 women were randomized, 48 in the LLS group and 45 in the LSC group, with 2 women lost to follow-up in both groups. LSC anatomic success rates were 81.82% for the apical compartment and 95.22% for the anterior compartment. LLS anatomic success rates for the apical and anterior compartments were 90% and 92.30%, respectively. The mean operative time for LLS was 160.3 min, while for LSC it was 168.3 min. The mean blood loss was 100 mL in both procedures. Conversion to laparotomy was necessary in three women. Mesh erosion was not observed in any of the cases. In terms of the complication, Clavien-Dindo grade 1 was observed in two patients in the LLS group and a complication rated grade 3b was observed in one patient in LSC group.

CONCLUSIONS

LLS is a good alternative to LSC, with promising anatomical and quality-of-life results.

Outcomes in Women With Pelvic Organ Prolapse Presenting With Pessary-Related Complications

IMPORTANCE

There is currently a paucity of data describing the outcomes of women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and/or urinary incontinence (UI) who present with pessary-related complications.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to describe outcomes in women with POP and UI managed with a pessary who present with pessary-related complications.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a retrospective cohort study of women with POP and/or UI who elected for management with a pessary from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2020. Patients were included if they had used a pessary for at least 1 year and had a documented pessary-related complication. Complications were defined a priori, and patient charts were abstracted using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth and Tenth Revisions codes associated with pessary use.

RESULTS

Of 2,088 of women receiving pessary care, 444 (21%) experienced a complication. Of 154 of women, 34.6% experienced 2 pessary-related complications during the study period, whereas 12.6% (56) experienced 3, 4.5% (20) experienced 4, and 1.8% (8) experienced 5. One hundred fifty-two patients (34.2%) underwent surgery during the study period to manage their POP and/or UI. Patients who were older were less likely to have surgery (adjusted odds ratio, 0.70 [95% confidence interval, 0.20-0.90]; P = 0.002), and patients who had an indication of pessary use for both POP and UI were more likely to undergo surgery during the study period (adjusted odds ratio, 2.12 [95% confidence interval, 1.29-3.48]; P = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that 1 in 5 patients has a documented complication associated with pessary use of greater than 1 year. Of these patients, one third will eventually undergo surgery for management of their POP and/or UI.

Pessaries for pelvic organ prolapse: evaluation of vaginal discharge and pain during pessary cleaning in an outpatient setting

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Pessary treatment for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is effective and safe, but long-term continuation is low. Pain and vaginal discharge may play a role. This study was aimed at evaluating vaginal discharge and pain during pessary cleaning in an outpatient setting and in continuous pessary use.

METHODS

Women with POP who attended the outpatient clinic for pessary cleaning between January and October 2021 were included. Primary outcome was pain during removal and reinsertion of the pessary, measured by an 11-point numeric rating scale (NRS). Secondary outcome was vaginal discharge, measured by the NRS and Patient Global Impression of Change scale (PGI-C). Multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify associated variables for pain and discharge.

RESULTS

A total of 150 women were included. Mean NRS during pessary removal was 4.3 (± 2.7), with 25% of women scoring a 7 or higher. Mean NRS during reinsertion was 1.8 (± 2.0). A smaller genital hiatus and presence of vaginal atrophy or vulvar skin disease were associated with pain during pessary removal. Mean NRS for vaginal discharge was 2.5 (± 2.3). Twenty-five percent of women reported that their vaginal discharge was "(very) much worse" than before they used a pessary. Presence of vaginal erosions was associated with vaginal discharge in this study population.

CONCLUSIONS

Removing a pessary in an outpatient setting is a painful procedure for many women who use a pessary continuously. Moreover, 25% of these women experience an increase in vaginal discharge while using a pessary. Future research should focus on reducing these disadvantages.

A randomized controlled study comparing the objective efficacy and safety of a novel self-inserted disposable vaginal prolapse device and existing ring pessaries

Introduction

ProVate is a novel, disposable, collapsible self-inserted vaginal device for the nonsurgical management of pelvic organ prolapse (POP). We assessed possible vaginal microflora changes and POP reduction using ProVate and a commercially available ring pessary (control).

Methods

We performed post-hoc analysis of data obtained from an interventional, prospective, multicenter, open-label, randomized, controlled, statistically powered (noninferiority), home-use, cross-over study conducted at seven sites. Safety and performance data collected for both devices were analyzed to compare objective POP reduction (employing the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification System [POP-Q]), safety (assessed by the incidence of adverse events [AEs]), and the rates of certain AEs.

Results

Eighty-five women with symptomatic POP were screened; 71 were randomized, and 58 completed the study per protocol. Forty-nine (90.7%) ProVate users experienced complete prolapse reduction (stage 0), 3 (5.6%) experienced reductions to POP-Q stage 1, and 2 (3.7%%) experienced reductions to stage 2. Collectively, 52/54 (96.3%) ProVate users experienced prolapse reduction to stage 0 or 1. In all, 47/57 (82.5%) control users experienced complete prolapse reduction, while 5 (8.8%), 4 (7.0%), and 1 (1.8%) experienced reductions to stage 1, 2, and stage 3, respectively. Collectively, 52/57 (91.2%) control users experienced reductions to either stage 0 or 1. In 53/54 (98.1%) ProVate and 55/57 (96.5%) control users, there was at least 1 POP-Q stage prolapse reduction, and in 32 (91.4%) ProVate and 31 (83.8%) control users who had stage ≥3 prolapse, there were at least three POP-Q stage reductions. In total, 26/71 (36.6%) ProVate and 22/64 (34.4%) control users in the safety population experienced AEs. The incidence of device-related AEs was 17/71 (23.9%) for ProVate and 13/64 (20.3%) for the control. Most AEs were minor, mild, and anticipated.

Conclusion

Our analysis demonstrated that ProVate and the control are highly effective in reducing POP, and both are associated with comparably low numbers of AEs. However, ProVate has the advantage of being more user-friendly, suitable for home use, and expected to allow women with POP to practice better and easier self-care.

Vaginal Pessary Use and Management for Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Developed by the joint writing group of the American Urogynecologic Society and the Society of Urologic Nurses and Associates. Individual writing group members are noted in the Acknowledgments section

ABSTRACT

Over the past 50 years, pessary use has increased in popularity and has become an essential pelvic organ prolapse (POP) management tool. However, evidence is lacking to define care standardization, including pessary fitting, routine maintenance, and management of pessary-related complications. This clinical consensus statement (CCS) on vaginal pessary use and management for POP reflects statements drafted by content experts from the American Urogynecologic Society and Society of Urologic Nurses and Associates. The purpose of this CCS is to identify areas of expert consensus and nonconsensus regarding pessary fitting, follow-up, and management of pessary complications to improve the safety and quality of care where evidence is currently limited. The American Urogynecologic Society and Society of Urologic Nurses and Associates' vaginal pessary for POP writing group used a modified Delphi process to assess statements that were evaluated for consensus after a structured literature search. A total of 31 statements were assessed and divided into 3 categories: (1) fitting and follow-up, (2) complications, and 3) quality of life. Of the 31 statements that were assessed, all statements reached consensus after 2 rounds of the Delphi survey. This CCS document hopefully serves as a first step toward standardization of pessary care, but the writing group acknowledges that improved research will grow the base of knowledge and evidence providing clinicians a foundation to manage pessary care effectively and confidently.

Pessary Management Approach Affects Likelihood of Surgery

IMPORTANCE

It is unknown whether the pessary management type influences the need for surgery.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the rate of surgical treatment for pelvic organ prolapse or stress urinary incontinence with the type of pessary management (self-management or office management).

STUDY DESIGN

We conducted a retrospective cohort study that included first-time pessary users treated at a tertiary urogynecologic clinic from 2012 to 2014 for pelvic organ prolapse, stress urinary incontinence, or both. For the primary outcome, we explored the relationship between pessary management type and the likelihood of surgery using multivariable Cox proportional hazards models. Secondary outcomes assessed relationships between patient factors (eg, demographics and clinical attributes) and pessary management type using multivariable logistics regression models.

RESULTS

There were 218 patients included in our analysis. Of all pessary users, 59 (27.1%) required office management and 159 (72.9%) participated in self-management. Surgery was performed in 22 (35.1%) office-managed patients and 33 (19.3%) self-managed patients. Women who self-managed their pessaries were significantly less likely to undergo surgery than those who received office management (multivariable hazards ratios, 0.416; P = 0.005). In the multivariable logistic regression model for pessary management type, increasing age (odds ratio [OR], 1.098; P ≤ 0.0001), increasing body mass index (OR, 1.078; P < 0.05), and increasing genital hiatus (OR, 1.547; P < 0.05) were associated with increased odds of pessary office management compared with self-management.

CONCLUSIONS

In a urogynecology clinic setting, pessary self-management is associated with lower rates of surgical treatment compared with office management. Factors associated with office management include increased age, body mass index, and large genital hiatus.

An estriol-eluting pessary to treat pelvic organ prolapse

Pelvic organ prolapse affects up to 50% of parous women. Commonly used treatment options have unwelcome attributes; pessaries can cause erosion and estrogen creams need to be applied frequently, which is inconvenient and difficult to administer. This study involved the development of an estriol-releasing pessary utilising 3D printing molds. We incorporated varying amounts of estriol (1%, 10% and 15%) into the silicone pessary. We optimised the mechanical aspects of the pessary so it had a similar strength to commercially available pessaries. We investigated estriol release from the pessary over 3 months. We explored possible interactions between the drug and polymers via FTIR. The MED-4870 silicone ring with similar mechanical strength to pessaries currently used to treat pelvic organ prolapse. The medical pessaries present a sustained release in simulated vaginal fluid over 3 months. The pessary with 10% estriol delivered the optimal dose at 0.8 mg each week. Mechanical strength of this pessary showed no difference after emersion in simulated vaginal fluid for 3-month, supporting the long-term application. An estriol-loaded pessary was successfully developed to treat pelvic organ prolapse with sustained release of estriol over 3 months. This pessary provides promising potential to treat pelvic organ prolapse and vaginal atrophy.

Novel, disposable, self-inserted, vaginal device for the non-surgical management of pelvic organ prolapse: efficacy, safety, and quality of life

Background

We evaluated a novel disposable, collapsible, ring-shaped vaginal device that is self-inserted within an applicator and removed with a string. The device was developed to overcome the drawbacks of existing ring pessaries for non-surgical pelvic organ prolapse management (POP).

Methods

The primary objective efficacy endpoint of this prospective, interventional, multicenter, self-controlled, and home-use study was the proportion of subjects with improved staging on the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) scale. Subjective efficacy was assessed using the POP symptoms alleviation score. Safety was evaluated by recording the rate and incidence of adverse events (AEs) in a daily diary, and quality of life (QoL) was evaluated using the modified Pelvic Floor Impact (PFIQ-7) and Pelvic Floor Disability Index (PFDI-20) questionnaires.

Results

A total of 94 usage cycles were observed in a group of 52 participants (mean age 60.2 ± 10.5 years, 81.1% postmenopausal) who used the device for 3558 days. Of these, 24 participants completed one usage cycle, 14 completed two usage cycles, and 14 completed three usage cycles with 28–45 days of ProVate use in each usage cycle. All patients experienced greater than two POP-Q stage reductions. The descent was completely reduced to POP-Q stage 0 in 97.8% of participants. The POP symptom alleviation questionnaire showed significant subjective efficacy (P < 0.0001). The modified PFDI-20 and PFIQ-7 scores also improved substantially (P < 0.0001 for both). There were 91 nonserious device-related AEs: 98.9% were mild and 87.9% anticipated, with no vaginal infection, and one case of urinary tract infection.

Conclusion

The novel device substantially reduces prolapse and provides significant subjective POP symptom relief and QoL improvement, with minimal AEs. The device may enable women to self-manage their prolapse with a small, disposable device that minimizes self-touching and frequent dependency on the clinic.

Trial registration

Clinical.Trials.gov, NCT02239133, posted September 12, 2014 (retrospectively registered).

Effect of estrogen on vaginal complications of pessary use: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to systematically review the impact of local estrogen use in combination with a pessary on vaginal complications in postmenopausal women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP).

METHODS

We searched databases including Medline, Embase, PubMed, Clinical Trials and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for relevant literature published in English from inception to 31 May 2021. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies were included.

RESULTS

In total, five studies were included (three RCTs, one prospective study and one retrospective cohort study). The meta-analysis was performed with subgroups. Our results indicated a significantly lower incidence of bacterial vaginosis (BV) among postmenopausal women who used estrogen than among controls, with a total pooled odds ratio (OR) of 0.29 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.11-0.72; I² = 38%; p = 0.008). The summary ORs of the estrogen use group were 0.98 (95% CI: 0.59-1.63; I² = 41%; p = 0.95) for vaginal ulceration, 0.80 (95% CI: 0.42-1.54; I² = 29%; p = 0.50) for vaginal bleeding and 0.74 (95% CI: 0.35-1.58; I² = 35%; p = 0.44) for vaginal discharge.

CONCLUSIONS

Local estrogen in combination with a pessary could decrease the BV rate among postmenopausal women with POP. However, consensus regarding the value of estrogen use for decreasing other pessary complications has not yet been reached. Additional multicenter RCTs with large sample sizes should be conducted to better understand the effect of estrogen use on reducing pessary-related complications.

Factors associated with unsuccessful pessary fitting and reasons for discontinuation in Korean women with pelvic organ prolapse

Objective

To identify the factors associated with unsuccessful pessary fitting and reasons for pessary discontinuation in Korean women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP).

Methods

The medical records of 234 patients who underwent pessary fitting for the management of symptomatic POP were retrospectively reviewed. A ring pessary with or without support was used. Successful pessary fitting was defined as the ability to wear a pessary for 2 weeks without any discomfort. Factors associated with unsuccessful pessary fitting were determined using a multivariable logistic regression analysis. A Kaplan-Meier survival curve was obtained to examine the probability of continuing pessary use over the follow-up period. The reasons for the discontinuation of pessary were identified.

Results

Two-hundred-and-twenty-five women were included in the analysis. The rate of unsuccessful pessary fitting was 40%. Prior hysterectomy (odds ratio [OR], 4.13; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.81–9.42) and POP quantification stage III–IV (OR, 2.49; 95% CI, 1.28–4.85) were independent risk factors for unsuccessful pessary fitting. Among the patients with successful pessary fitting, the median time to discontinuation of pessary use was 4 years. The most common causes of discontinued use were vaginal erosion (45.3%) and urinary incontinence (26.5%).

Conclusion

Patients with a history of hysterectomy and advanced-stage POP are at risk for an unsuccessful fitting of the ring pessary. Vaginal erosion is the main reason for discontinued use among patients with successful pessary fitting.

Pessaries and rectovaginal fistulae: consequences of delayed clinical follow-up in the Covid-19 pandemic

Introduction and hypothesis

While 2017 guidelines from The American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists called for pessary replacement every 3 to 4 months, a recent study in Obstetrics and Gynecology suggested that uninterrupted pessary use up to 6 months is not an independent risk factor for development of pessary-related complications.

Methods

Our recent experience throughout the Covid-19 pandemic highlights the potential ramifications of delayed clinical follow-up.

Results

During the Covid-19 pandemic, 3 of our patients developed rectovaginal fistulae secondary to Gellhorn pessary erosion in the context of delayed clinical follow-up. Our patients had previously attended routine appointments every 3 months without complications until missed appointments secondary to the pandemic led to fistulae formation.

Conclusion

We believe that delayed clinical follow-up of pessary management beyond 3 months due to the Covid-19 pandemic may lead to fistula complications in elderly women with Gellhorn pessaries.

Cross sectional study on assessment of ring pessary cleaning and removal every six months: adverse events and complications

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Despite its frequent use, there is little evidence of adequate management of pessaries for treating pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Thus, the aims the study were to assess the rate of complications in women using ring-type pessaries with cleaning and monitoring every 6 months and to correlate the time of use of the pessary with possible complications.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study including women diagnosed with stage 3 or 4 genital prolapse, who were already in outpatient follow-up and who used a ring pessary. We excluded patients using another type of pessary, with severe comorbidities and with POP-Q ≤ 2 staging. The chi-square test or Fisher exact test was applied for categorical variables, the t-test for continuous variables with normal distribution and Mann-Whitney test for non-parametric variables.

RESULTS

A total of 83 women using a ring pessary were assessed. The mean in months of pessary use was 31.8 ± 14.9 months. Vaginal discharge was the most frequent complaint representing 26.5%, followed by foul smell in 13.3%. No significant correlation was found between length of pessary use and clinical variables. However, a significant correlation was found between immediate complications and the length of pessary use (21.3 ± 5.9 months; p < 0.0044).

CONCLUSION

There was no increase in complication rate in the continuous use of a ring pessary with cleaning and monitoring every 6 months. Determining a follow-up time that reduces the risk of complications is necessary not only for the organization of the attendance services, allowing a greater number of monitored patients, but also for the access of patients who need regular monitoring.

[The use of pessaries for treatment of pelvic organ prolapse: A survey from gynecologists and urologists residents]

INTRODUCTION

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a common condition responsible for symptoms that significantly affect the quality of life in women. Despite its effectiveness, low cost and minor side effects, the pessary is little used in France. The objective of our study was to assess the knowledge, training and practices of residents regarding pessaries.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This survey was conducted among residents in obstetrics gynecology, medical gynecology and urology in France between March and September 2020.

RESULTS

During the study period, 328 interns responded to the questionnaires. The majority of residents (52.1%) reported never having attended a consultation specializing in pelvicperineology. Only 31.7% felt comfortable having a pessary inserted. According to them, the pessary was indicated in 3 main situations: in case of contraindication to surgery (80%), while awaiting surgery (79%) and in women over 70 years old (62%). The pessary could be offered to all women for only 46.9% of them. Almost 53% of residents reported ignoring the main complications of pessaries and 83.5% felt they needed further training on the subject.

CONCLUSION

Interns seem to be generally aware of the use of the pessary. Their knowledge of the indications, complications or even monitoring leads us to believe that it is essential to promote their training so that the pessary becomes an integral part of the first-line therapeutic arsenal in the event of POPs.

Guideline No. 411: Vaginal Pessary Use

OBJECTIVE

To review the use, care, and fitting of pessaries.

TARGET POPULATION

Women requiring the use of vaginal pessaries for pelvic organ prolapse and/or stress urinary incontinence. Use may also be indicated for women with certain pregnancy-related clinical scenarios, including incarcerated uterus.

OPTIONS

Pessaries are an option for women presenting with prolapse and/or stress urinary incontinence. In addition, certain types of pessaries can be considered for patients with cervical insufficiency or incarcerated uterus.

OUTCOMES

Most women with prolapse or stress urinary incontinence can be successfully fitted with a pessary and experience excellent symptom relief, high satisfaction rates, and minimal complications.

BENEFITS, HARMS, AND COSTS

Women with pelvic organ prolapse and/or stress urinary incontinence may choose to use a pessary to manage their symptoms rather than surgery or while waiting for surgery. Major complications have been seen only when pessaries are neglected. Minor complications such as vaginal discharge, odour, and erosions can usually be successfully treated.

EVIDENCE

Medline was searched for relevant articles up to December 2018. This is an update of the SOGC technical update published in 2013, which was the first internationally published guidance on pessary use. Subsequently, an Australian guideline on the use of pessaries for the treatment of prolapse was published later in 2013.

VALIDATION METHODS

The authors rated the quality of evidence and strength of recommendations using the approach of the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care (Appendix A).

INTENDED AUDIENCE

Gynaecologists, obstetricians, family physicians, physiotherapists, residents, and fellows.

SUMMARY STATEMENTS

RECOMMENDATION.

Improvement in Outlet Obstructive Constipation Symptoms After Vaginal Stent Treatment for Rectocele

Objective. The objective is to determine the possible improvement in outlet obstructive constipation symptoms after vaginal stent treatment for rectocele. Methods. Female patients with rectocele (n = 156) accompanied with outlet obstructive constipation were selected in this study. Longo's obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS) questionnaire, rectoanal pressures, and rectal balloon expulsion (BET) were evaluated at baseline, 1 month follow-up, and 6 months follow-up. Moreover, the side effects and the potential reasons for giving up treatment were also detected. Results. Vaginal stent significantly decreased the straining intensity, shortened the straining extensity time, decreased the use of laxatives, and alleviated the symptoms of incomplete evacuation (P < .05). The vaginal stent also increased the rectal pressure and shortened the balloon expulsion time (P < .05). Conclusions. As an effective, feasible, and safe procedure, the vaginal stent can be recommended as a treatment of choice for rectocele combined with outlet obstructive constipation.

Directive clinique n° 411 : Utilisation des pessaires

OBJECTIF

Passer en revue l'utilisation, l'entretien et l'ajustement des pessaires.

POPULATION CIBLE

Les femmes qui ont besoin d'utiliser un pessaire en raison d'un prolapsus génital et/ou d'une incontinence urinaire d'effort. L'utilisation peut être indiquée chez les femmes enceintes dans certains scénarios cliniques liés à la grossesse, dont l'incarcération utérine et le risque de travail préterme liée à l'incompétence du col.

OPTIONS

Les pessaires constituent une option pour les femmes atteintes d'un prolapsus et/ou d'une incontinence urinaire d'effort. De plus, certains types de pessaires peuvent être utilisés chez des patientes atteintes d'incompétence du col ou d'une incarcération utérine.

ISSUES

Il est possible de trouver un pessaire efficace chez la plupart des femmes atteintes d'un prolapsus génital ou d'une incontinence urinaire d'effort de façon à obtenir un excellent soulagement des symptômes, un taux de satisfaction élevé et des complications minimes. BéNéFICES, RISQUES ET COûTS: Les femmes atteintes d'un prolapsus génital et/ou d'une incontinence urinaire d'effort peuvent choisir d'utiliser un pessaire pour traiter leurs symptômes au lieu de subir une intervention chirurgicale ou dans l'attente d'une telle intervention. Des complications majeures ont été observées seulement en cas de soins de pessaire négligés. Les complications mineures (telles que les pertes vaginales, les odeurs et les érosions) sont généralement traitables avec succès. DONNéES PROBANTES: Des recherches ont été effectuées dans la base de données Medline afin de récupérer les articles pertinents publiés jusqu'en décembre 2018. Le présent document constitue une mise à jour de la mise à jour technique de la SOGC publiée en 2013, laquelle a été la première directive clinique publiée à l'international relativement à l'utilisation des pessaires. Une ligne directrice australienne sur l'utilisation des pessaires pour le traitement du prolapsus a été publiée plus tard en 2013. MéTHODES DE VALIDATION: Les auteures ont évalué la qualité des données probantes et la solidité des recommandations au moyen des critères du cadre méthodologique du Groupe d'étude canadien sur les soins de santé préventifs (annexe A). PROFESSIONNELS CONCERNéS: Gynécologues, obstétriciens, médecins de famille, physiothérapeutes, résidents et moniteurs cliniques (fellows). DÉCLARATIONS SOMMAIRES: RECOMMANDATION.

The effect of time interval of vaginal ring pessary replacement for pelvic organ prolapse on complications and patient satisfaction: A randomised controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

Limited data are available on the effect of the time interval of vaginal ring pessary replacement for pelvic organ prolapse (POP). This study investigated the effect of different replacement intervals on complications and patient satisfaction.

STUDY DESIGN

A double-blinded, randomized controlled trial was conducted in a tertiary urogynecology center. Women with a vaginal ring pessary for POP (stage I to IV) were randomly allocated to two groups: 3-monthly or 6-monthly ring pessary replacement. All women were blinded to the replacement interval. Investigators were blinded during outcome assessment. Subjects were followed up for 6 months.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcomes were the complication rates and patient satisfaction scores at 6 months. Secondary outcomes were the change in patient-reported symptoms and staging of POP.

RESULTS

Of 101 women were screened from June 2016 to November 2017, 60 were recruited and randomly allocated: 30 to the 3-monthly replacement group and 30 to the 6-monthly replacement group. The overall complication rate in the 6-monthly group was higher than that in the 3-monthly group at the third visit (9 [30%] vs. 3[10.3%]; OR 3.71; 95%CI 0.89-15.58), but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.061). There were no statistically significant differences between groups in patient satisfaction scores, other prolapse-related symptoms or staging of POP.

CONCLUSIONS

We provide evidence on the effect of replacement interval for a vaginal pessary on complications and patient satisfaction. A higher complication rate was found in the 6-monthly group than in the 3-monthly group, although the difference was not statistically significant. Patient satisfaction scores were similar in both groups.

Desire for Continued Pessary Use Among Women of Hispanic and Non-Hispanic Ethnic Backgrounds for Pelvic Floor Disorders

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to describe the association between patient ethnicity/race and desire to continue using a pessary for the treatment of pelvic floor disorders.

METHODS

We performed a secondary analysis of a randomized trial among women presenting for pessary fitting. The primary outcome was the desire to continue using a pessary at 3 months. Bacterial vaginosis by Nugent score and vaginal symptoms (discharge, itching, pain, sores) were also evaluated. Logistic or multiple linear regression was performed with correction for body mass index, education level, parity, Charlson Comorbidity Index, and randomization to TrimoSan gel.

RESULTS

One hundred fourteen women (41 Hispanic and 73 non-Hispanic) were eligible for this analysis. Women self-identified as white (65/114; 57%), Hispanic (41/114, 36%), Asian (3/114; 2.6%), Native American (4/114; 3.5%), and "other" (1/114, 0.9%) race, with no self-identified African American women (0/114) meeting the inclusion criteria. No significant difference in desire to continue pessary use was found between Hispanic and non-Hispanic women (58.5% vs 63%; P = 0.69; corrected odds ratio [cOR], 1.11; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.43-2.90) or across races (P = 0.89). Hispanic women had significantly higher risk of bacterial vaginosis (34% vs 16%; P = 0.04; cOR, 2.91; 95% CI, 1.01-8.39), higher Nugent scores (5.4 ± 2.3 vs 4.3 ± 2.3; P = 0.02; corrected coefficient, 1.10; 95% CI, 0.10-2.10), and more vaginal pain (17.1% vs 2.8%; P = 0.01; cOR, 9.14; 95% CI, 1.37-61.17) at 3 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite increased vaginal pain and vaginal microbiome disturbances in Hispanic women using a pessary, no significant differences in the desire to continue using the pessary existed.

Defecatory dysfunction and other clinical variables are predictors of pessary discontinuation

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Pessaries provide first-line therapy for women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI). The primary hypothesis was that defecatory dysfunction was associated with pessary discontinuation.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of all women undergoing first pessary placement at one academic center from April 2014 to January 2017. Defecatory dysfunction was defined as the presence of constipation, rectal straining, rectal splinting, and/or incomplete defecation. Pessary discontinuation was defined as <1 year of pessary use and not using one at the most recent visit. Descriptive statistics; Person's chi-square, Fisher's exact, and Student's t test, and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used where appropriate.

RESULTS

Charts of 1092 women were reviewed and 1071 were included. Mean age was 62 ± 15 years, mean body mass index (BMI) 28 ± 6 kg/m², and mean parity 2 ± 1; 68% were Caucasian, 73% were menopausal, and 41% were sexually active. Reason for pessary use included POP (46%), SUI (24%), or both (30%). Overall pessary discontinuation rate was 77%; overall rate of defecatory dysfunction was 45%. In a logistic regression model, defecatory dysfunction in the form of incomplete defecation remained significantly associated with pessary discontinuation [odds ratio (OR) 3.29, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.43-7.52]. Absence of bulge symptoms (OR 2.18, 95% CI 1.22-3.90), and younger age (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.02-1.05) also remained significantly associated with pessary discontinuation.

CONCLUSIONS

Pessary discontinuation was common, and defecatory dysfunction in the form of incomplete defecation had the strongest association with discontinuation. Understanding predictive factors of pessary discontinuation may help guide clinicians and patients when choosing treatment options for pelvic floor dysfunction.

Vaginal pessaries in the management of symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse in rural Kilimanjaro, Tanzania: a pre-post interventional study

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

The objective of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of vaginal pessaries in managing symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse (POP) in a low-income setting.

METHODS

A pre-post interventional study was conducted in the Kilimanjaro region, Tanzania. Seventy-one women with symptoms and a POP stage II or more on the POP quantification test were fitted with a vaginal pessary. Pelvic examination, POP Distress Inventory (POPDI-6) and POP Impact Questionnaire (POPIQ-7) were completed at baseline, after 3 months and after 12-18 months. Changes in the POPDI-6 and POPIQ-7 scores, complications and satisfaction associated with pessary use before and after the intervention were obtained.

RESULTS

Pessary treatment was associated with a reduction in the overall POPDI score from 55.0 (50.0, 60.0) at baseline to 25.0 (25.0, 30.0) after 12-18 months' use. The overall POPIQ score was reduced from 54.2 (41.7, 66.7) at baseline to 25.0 (25.0, 29.2) after 12-18 months' use of the pessary. Vaginal discharge was reported in 72.4 and 32.4% of the women after 3 and 12-18 months' use respectively, whereas 72.4 and 25% of the women had some degree of granuloma, erosion or infection at 3 and 12-18 months respectively. Despite the reported complications, 78% of the women were satisfied with the pessary when interviewed after 12-18 months and 81% wanted to continue using it.

CONCLUSIONS

Vaginal pessary improves symptoms and quality of life associated with symptomatic POP. Therefore, it may be a treatment option in managing POP in low-income countries such as Tanzania.

Ring and Gellhorn pessaries used in patients with pelvic organ prolapse: a retrospective study of 8 years

Aim

The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with pessary fitting, continued use of pessary and satisfaction of patients with pelvic organ prolapse.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted in patients who received an initial pessary fitting. The clinical characteristics of these patients were recorded. The Pelvic Floor Disability Index PFDI-20 and PFIQ-7 were used to assess pelvic floor dysfunction and quality of life. Complications, satisfaction degree, and reasons for abandonment were recorded during the follow-up. T test and Chi square test in SPSS version 20 were used to analyze the data.

Results

Three hundred women with symptomatic prolapse were selected for pessary fitting, whose average age was 67.8 ± 10.7 years. For two hundred and forty-nine (83%) women, the fitting was successful, of whom 162 used ring pessaries and 87 used Gellhorn pessaries. Forty-seven patients abandoned using a pessary at the end of our study. Most clinical characteristics were not significantly different between the successful and unsuccessful fitting groups (P > 0.05). The average score of CRADI-8 was lower in successful fitting group (11.9 ± 15.9) than that in unsuccessful fitting group (18.8 ± 19.9) (P < 0.05). 162 patients with successful pessary fitting completed the satisfaction survey, 79% of whom were satisfied or very satisfied. Erosions (24.4%) were the most common complication. Difficulty in inserting or removing (30.4%) and erosions (22.8%) were the main factors, which affected the satisfaction degree.

Conclusions

Patients with obvious symptoms of posterior pelvic prolapse are more likely to fit failure. Difficulty in inserting or removing and erosions are the main factors, which lead to the discontinuation of pessary use and decrease in the satisfaction degree.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s00404-018-4844-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

[The gynecological pessary: Is it really a device of another age, a fig leaf?]

OBJECTIVES

The use of pessary to put back up prolapsed organs to their normal position dates back prior to several millennia. This work aims to discuss its place in our clinical practice through an updated bibliographic review and emphasizes a hands-on approach to pessary fitting and management in terms of indication, pessary type selection, device' size, insertion, removal, follow-up visits and care.

METHODS

A review of the literature, in the light of the latest publications and recommendations of French and international learned societies, as well as our own experience, were analyzed.

RESULTS

This device appears to be as effective as surgical management to relieve symptoms related to urogenital prolapse and restore body image. It can be used temporarily, awaiting a surgical solution or as a therapeutic test (mimicking the effect of a surgical procedure to predict its functional outcome or identifying a masked urinary incontinence). It can also represent an alternative to surgery (patient choice, women who wish to complete childbearing or who are unsuitable for surgery because of medical comorbidities) and thus can be used in first intention. However, despite its moderate cost and its harmlessness, this device remains somewhat little known as regards the practical modalities of its use, which, moreover, appear not consensual.

CONCLUSION

A guide intended for the attention of the patients as well as a film relating to the practical modalities of the device' use were elaborated to improve the knowledge of both professionals and users in order to optimize and secure the care pathway.

Primary treatment of pelvic organ prolapse: pessary use versus prolapse surgery

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

The objective of this study was to compare the functional outcomes after pessary treatment and after prolapse surgery as primary treatments for pelvic organ prolapse (POP).

METHODS

This was a prospective cohort study performed in a Dutch teaching hospital in women with symptomatic POP of stage II or higher requiring treatment. Patients were treated according to their preference with a pessary or prolapse surgery. The primary endpoint was disease-specific quality of life at 12 months follow-up according to the prolapse domain of the Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI) questionnaire. Secondary outcomes included adverse events and additional interventions. To show a difference of ten points in the primary outcome, we needed to randomize 80 women (power 80%, α 0.05, taking 10% attrition into account).

RESULTS

We included 113 women (74 in the pessary group, 39 in the surgery group). After 12 months, the median prolapse domain score was 0 (10th to 90th percentile 0-33) in the pessary group and 0 (10th to 90th percentile 0-0) in the surgery group (p < 0.01). Differences in other domain scores were not statistically significant. In the pessary group, 28% (21/74) of the women had a surgical intervention versus 3% (1/39) reoperations in the surgery group (p = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

In women with POP of stage II or higher undergoing surgery, prolapse symptoms were less severe than in those who were treated with a pessary, but 72% of women who were treated with a pessary did not opt for surgery.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

Dutch trial register NTR2856.

Pessary types and discontinuation rates in patients with advanced pelvic organ prolapse

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

The aim of this study was to investigate factors associated with long-term pessary use in patients with advanced pelvic organ prolapse (POP).

METHODS

This was a retrospective chart review of patients with POP of stage ≥2 managed with a pessary. Patients were excluded if the date of fitting or follow-up was unavailable. Long-term use was defined as more than 1 year. Patient demographics, pessary fitting, and follow-up visit dates were collected. The primary end point was the duration of use and the prognostic impact of pessary type. Secondary objectives addressed other influencing factors including age, estrogen use, and prolapse stage. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 21.

RESULTS

The final analysis included 311 patients. The mean (± standard deviation, SD) duration of pessary use was 7.0 ± 0.72 years (median 5.7 years). Long-term use was found in 76 % (164) of these patients. Factors associated with longer use were age >65 years (p = 0.004) and estrogen use (p = 0.048). The estimated mean (± SD) durations of use of the Gellhorn, open ring, ring with support, cube and donut pessaries were 10.5 ± 0.7 years, 3.4 ± 0.6 years, 1.8 ± 0.2 years, 1.8 ± 0.3 years and 1.7 ± 0.5 years, respectively. The Gellhorn pessary was associated with significantly longer use than other pessary types (10.5 ± 0.7, p < 0.0000001); this finding was independent of age, prolapse stage, hysterectomy, and vaginal estrogen use.

CONCLUSIONS

In this retrospective analysis, the duration of use was longest with the Gellhorn pessary. Older age and vaginal estrogen use were associated with longer pessary use.

Does vaginal estrogen treatment with support pessaries in vaginal prolapse reduce complications?

OBJECTIVE

Pelvic organ prolapse is often co-existant with atrophy of the genital tract in older women who tend to prefer vaginal pessaries for prolapse. Vaginal estrogen therapy is used by some along with a support pessary for prolapse with no robust evidence to back this practice. We aimed to evaluate differences in complications of support pessaries for vaginal prolapse in postmenopausal women, with and without vaginal estrogen use.

STUDY DESIGN

We prospectively assessed postmenopausal women attending the urogynaecology clinic for a pessary change. We asked them about the level of discomfort during pessary change (visual analogue scale for pain), discharge, bleeding and infection. Ethics approval was not required as this was a service evaluation project. Statistical analysis for relative risk was performed, including sub-group analysis for 'ring pessary' and 'non-ring group' (Shelf, Gellhorn, Shaatz).

RESULTS

Between July 2013 and December 2014, we assessed 120 postmenopausal women using support pessaries for prolapse. The mean age was 70 years; 45% of the patients used vaginal estrogen. There were no statistically significant differences in complications with or without vaginal estrogen use, although the trend was higher amongst non-users. The 'non-ring' sub-group not using vaginal estrogen had a higher risk of vaginal ulceration, bleeding and discharge.

CONCLUSION

Postmenopausal women may have lesser complications when using vaginal estrogen with a support pessary for prolapse, particularly with pessaries other than the ring. An adequately powered randomised controlled trial is needed to assess conclusively whether vaginal estrogen enhances comfort and reduces complications of support pessaries for prolapse.

An integrative review and severity classification of complications related to pessary use in the treatment of female pelvic organ prolapse

INTRODUCTION

Pessary use is the preferred non-surgical treatment option for female pelvic organ prolapse. As pessaries can be used chronically to alter pelvic floor anatomy, consideration of short-and long-term complications is important in patient management. We systematically reviewed articles describing the complications of pessary use to determine frequency and severity.

METHODS

A systematic search via MEDLINE and PubMed using the key terms "complications," "pessary," "pelvic organ prolapse," "side effects" was conducted for the years 1952 to 2014 inclusively. Selected articles cited in the publications identified were also considered. Only full-text material published in English was reviewed. All pessary-related complications described were collated; overall frequency within case reports and case series were calculated and severity was graded using the Clavien-Dindo classification.

RESULTS

In total, 61 articles met the inclusion criteria. The most common complications reported were vaginal discharge/vaginitis, erosion, and bleeding. Complications were related to pessary shape and material, and duration in situ. Clavien-Dindo classification of complication severity found that all 5 grade levels were attributed to pessary use; serious grade 4 and 5 complications included cancer, adjacent organ fistula and death.

CONCLUSION

There are few detailed reports of complications of pessary use relative to the estimated frequency of pessary use worldwide. Prospective studies documenting complications by shape, material, and size, and objectively classifying complication severity are required. As serious grade 4 and 5 complications of pessary use occur, further development of clinical follow-up guidelines for long-term pessary users is justified.

The effect of pessaries on the vaginal microenvironment

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to evaluate the differences in vaginal culture, microscopy, and Gram stain between postmenopausal women who wear pessaries and those who do not to explain pessary-related, bothersome vaginal discharge.

STUDY DESIGN

Postmenopausal women not using exogenous estrogen who had either been wearing a pessary for at least 3 months or who were undergoing their first pessary fittings were approached for enrollment. Symptoms were assessed, and vaginal fluid was collected for culture, microscopy, and Gram stain. A cross-sectional analysis was performed, comparing the new and return pessary wearers. The new pessary users were also sampled at 2 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months after fitting.

RESULTS

Women who wore pessaries were more likely to be bothered by discharge (30.0% vs 2.1%, P < .001). They were also more likely to show microscopic evidence of vaginal inflammation and vaginitis. Prospective data showed that these changes developed during the first 2 weeks of pessary use. Aerobic and anaerobic organisms were nearly identical in women with and without bothersome vaginal discharge in the cross-sectional analysis and at all time points in the prospective analysis.

CONCLUSION

Pessary-related, bothersome vaginal discharge develops early and may be due to an inflammatory process in the vagina.

The cube pessary: an underestimated treatment option for pelvic organ prolapse? Subjective 1-year outcomes

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a common condition. The use of pessaries for conservative management of POP is widespread. However, there are little data on the use of cube pessaries. The aim of our study was to evaluate whether self-therapy with the use of vaginal cube pessaries in women with POP can be a well-tolerated, first-line treatment.

METHODS

In a prospective case series, 87 women who suffered from symptomatic POP, stages II-IV, were instructed in self-treatment with a vaginal cube pessary. Differences were analyzed using Wilcoxon's rank sum test or Fisher's exact test.

RESULTS

A pessary could be fitted in 84/87 patients (96.6%); 6 women were lost to follow-up. The remaining 78 patients (92.9%, median age 60 years) completed the study. Sixteen women (20.5%) chose not to continue with the pessary treatment. For these patients, general well-being decreased from a median numeric rating score (NRS) of 4.5 (3-6) to 2.0 (1-3, p < 0.001). In those who continued treatment, general well-being increased from a median NRS of 3.0 (2-5) to 8.0 (7-10, p < 0.001) after 1 year of use. The majority of patients (53) in the present study rated pessary self-care use as "very easy" or "easy" (85.5%). The Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I) was 2.0 (1-3) at follow-up examination. There were no complications or adverse effects of pessary use.

CONCLUSIONS

Conservative self-treatment with vaginal cube pessaries might be a feasible treatment option for women who suffer from POP.

Quality of Life Questionnaires for the Assessment of Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Use in Clinical Practice

Over the past decade, the use of quality of life (QOL) questionnaires in the evaluation of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) has become a standard part of most clinical studies. Investigators have attempted to correlate QOL scores with objective findings and treatment efficacy and as outcome measures in comparing different treatment modalities. Many of the QOL questionnaires are available in short forms, making them easier to adapt to clinical settings. This article includes an overview of several validated QOL questionnaires and their application in studies whose results provide useful guidelines for health care professionals who diagnose and manage women with POP.

Impact on quality of life after ring pessary use for pelvic organ prolapse

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

The purpose of this study was to evaluate symptoms associated with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and quality of life (QOL) improvement in patients who continue ring pessary use at 1 year.

METHODS

Seventy-seven symptomatic POP patients had successful fitting, and 64 patients (83.1%) continued use at 1 year. The Thai version of Prolapse Quality of Life (P-QOL) questionnaire was used to evaluate symptoms associated with POP and impact on QOL. A higher score represents a greater impairment on the QOL, whereas a lower score represents a better QOL.

RESULTS

Mean age was 66.7 ± 8.6 years, median parity was 4 (range 0-10), 59 patients (92.2%) were menopausal, and none had received hormone treatment. Only nine patients (14.1%) were sexually active. Most patients were in the advanced stage of POP - 32.8% stage 3 and 29.7% stage 4. Improvement of prolapse symptoms and voiding difficulty were reported in 100% and 85.7% of the patients, respectively. Among patients who had lower urinary tract symptoms at pre-treatment, about half of patients improvement in frequency, urgency, and urgency urinary incontinence. Only 9.1% of the patients had improvement in stress urinary incontinence (SUI), and 23.8% of the patients reported new onset of SUI (de novo SUI). The median score from all P-QOL domains except personal relationships were significantly decreased after 1 year of ring pessary use. The median total scores at baseline and at 1 year were 40 and 8, respectively (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Ring pessary is an effective non-surgical treatment to alleviate symptoms associated with POP. It can improve QOL in symptomatic POP patients.

Pessary treatment for pelvic organ prolapse and health-related quality of life: a review

Pessaries have been used to treat women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) since the beginning of recorded history. This review aims to assess the effect of pessary treatment on the disease-specific, health-related quality of life in women with pelvic organ prolapse. After a Medline search using the Mesh term ‘pessary’ and critical appraisal, 41 articles were selected and used in this review. Pessaries are widely used to treat pelvic organ prolapse. It is minimally invasive and appears to be safe. Although there is evidence that the use of pessaries in the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse is effective in alleviating symptoms and that patient satisfaction is high, the follow-up in many published papers is short, and the use of validated urogynaecological questionnaires is limited. Comparison with surgical treatment of pelvic organ prolapse is rare and not assessed in a randomised controlled trial.

The history and usage of the vaginal pessary: a review

It is expected that with the rising female life expectancy the prevalence of pelvic organ prolapse will increase. From ancient times mechanical devices have been used to reposition prolapsed organs. Given that surgical correction of prolapse is associated with high recurrence rates, pessaries offer a favorable alternative. In spite of the antiquity of pessary usage the evidence for its use, the effectiveness of symptom relief, and the nuances of clinical management with the pessary in situ have not been studied methodically. There is a need for controlled trials to assess the efficacy of pessaries as opposed to other non-surgical and surgical methods of treating pelvic organ prolapse. Additionally, the long term effects and complications of pessary usage have not been assessed in trials, and knowledge about the potential complications caused by the pessary rests mainly on anecdotal data. This review provides a historical perspective and appraises the current knowledge regarding the indications, effectiveness and the potential complications associated with pessary use. Data were obtained from an electronic search of Medline (1966-2010) and by hand searching the citations which were not available online. Keywords used were pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic floor dysfunction, vaginal pessary and urinary incontinence. Textbooks are also quoted where relevant. Most studies report moderate success rates in the short term following insertion of a pessary for the management of prolapse and concur in the remission of almost all symptoms attributable to the prolapse. Reported success is variable in the remission of urinary and bowel symptoms. We conclude that based on the available evidence (mostly retrospective and prospective cohort studies), treatment with a vaginal pessary is a feasible option that can be offered in the short term to women with prolapse. There is a need for controlled trials to assess the long term efficacy.

Impact of pessary use on prolapse symptoms, quality of life, and body image

OBJECTIVE

We sought to evaluate whether use of a vaginal pessary would change body image, bother symptoms, and quality of life in women with pelvic organ prolapse.

STUDY DESIGN

Women presenting for pessary insertion completed the short forms of Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20, Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire, and Body Image Scale. After successful pessary insertion and use for at least 3 months, subjects completed the surveys again. Scores were compared with a paired t test.

RESULTS

A total of 75 subjects were enrolled and follow-up responses were available for 54 subjects for analysis. Body Image Scale scores showed a significant decrease (6.1-3.4; P<.001), indicating an improvement in these women's perception of themselves, as did Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20 scores (81.34-45.83; P<.001) and Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire scores (50.32-17.98; P=.003).

CONCLUSION

The use of a pessary for 3 months reduces bother symptoms and improves both quality of life and perception of body image in women.

Pessary use and management for pelvic organ prolapse

Pessary is a low-risk and effective non-surgical treatment option for pelvic organ prolapse. Indications for pessary include symptomatic prolapse, if surgery is not desired or recommended, and use as a diagnostic tool to predict surgical outcomes. Evidence for pessary selection and management is incomplete so trial and error, expert opinion, and experience remain the best guides for use and management of the pessary. With proper training and understanding of pessary management, most patients can be successfully fitted and taught to manage the pessary either for short- or long-term relief of symptoms. Patient satisfaction is high making pessary an important tool in treating prolapse.

Women's experiences with vaginal pessary use

TITLE

Women's experiences with vaginal pessary use.

AIM

This paper is a report of a study of the lived experiences of women using vaginal pessaries for the treatment of urinary incontinence (UI) and/or pelvic organ prolapse.

BACKGROUND

The use of a vaginal pessary offers a non-surgical treatment option to provide physical support to the bladder and internal organs. As the literature asserts, a woman's choice to use a pessary is very individual and involves not only physical, but also psychological and emotional considerations.

METHOD

Narrative inquiry was used to conduct face-to-face semi-structured interviews in 2007 with 11 postmenopausal women who accessed services from a Urogynecology Clinic in Eastern Canada.

FINDINGS

The women's stories revealed that living with a pessary is a life-changing experience and an ongoing learning process. The women's comfort level and confidence in caring for the device figured prominently in their experiences. Psychosocial support provided by the clinic nurses also played a primary role in the women's experiences.

CONCLUSION

Women and healthcare professionals need to be aware of the personal isolation and embarrassment, and social and cultural implications that urinary incontinence may cause as well as the subjective experiences of using a pessary. With appropriate support, vaginal pessaries can provide women with the freedom to lead active, engaged and social lives.

Surgical Innovations in Pelvic Organ Prolapse and Incontinence

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and urinary incontinence (UI) are common problems facing the geriatric woman. Many patients may find great benefit from medical or conservative treatments; however, surgical options are commonly used in many cases. This article examines the current medical and surgical innovations for POP and UI that have the potential to improve the patient's quality of life.