Purpose: The aim of this study is to present long-term results including patients' satisfaction, pelvic floor symptoms, regret and change in body image in a long-term follow-up after colpocleisis.
Methods: All women who underwent colpocleisis between September 2001 and February 2014 were identified from the hospital operating lists. These women were contacted for a telephone survey up to 13 years after surgery and asked to complete a structured questionnaire to assess patients' satisfaction, Quality of Life (QoL) and pelvic floor symptoms.
Results: A total of 44 women underwent colpocleisis during the period from September 2001 to February 2014. Mean age was 78 years (range 65-91) years. Mean follow-up time was 41 months (range 10-120). Twenty women could be reached for the survey and were included in the analysis. 15 (75 %) reported a positive impact on QoL, 2 (10 %) a negative because of urinary problems, 2 (10 %) could not report any change in the QoL and 1 (5 %) could not answer this question. There was no recurrence of prolapse. The majority of patients (90 %) would undergo the same surgery again and no patient regretted the loss of her vaginal sexual function.
Conclusions: Colpocleisis seems to be an effective treatment for pelvic organ prolapse. In the long term, impact on quality of life is positive, whilst urinary tract symptoms seem to be the most bothersome factor.
Keywords: Colpocleisis; Long-term follow-up; Pelvic organ prolapse.