The development of pelvic organ prolapse after colposuspension: a prospective, long-term follow-up study on the prevalence and predisposing factors

The objectives of this prospective study were to determine the prevalence of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) after colposuspension and to investigate possible preoperative and operative risk factors. Seventy-seven women who underwent colposuspension between 1996 and 1997 were investigated. POP was assessed before colposuspension using the pelvic organ prolapse quantification system (POPQ). Women were reassessed at one and seven to eight years (or when referred with symptomatic POP). By seven to eight years, of the 77 women, 29 (38%) had developed symptomatic prolapse, 29 (38%) had asymptomatic prolapse, 7 (9%) had no symptoms and no prolapse, and 12 (15%) could not be assessed. POP at one year was significantly associated with the presence of posterior vaginal descent before colposuspension (odds ratio 3.07, 95% CI 1.10–8.60, p=0.03). No variable reached statistical significance by eight years postcolposuspension. In conclusion, this is the first study to assess POP prospectively using a validated method before and after colposuspension. The results add support to the view that there is an association between colposuspension and the development of symptomatic POP (requiring surgery).