Improved quality of life after surgery for pelvic organ prolapse in Nepalese women

Abstract

BackgroundPelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a common gynecological condition that can affect quality of life (QOL) in women. In Nepal, the prevalence of POP is high, but many affected women are still deprived of treatment. Vaginal hysterectomy with pelvic floor repair is one of the common treatment options for advanced POP. However, QOL outcomes after surgery have not been reported in low-income countries. Thus, we aimed to examine changes in QOL among Nepalese women with POP after such surgery.MethodsThis longitudinal study was conducted in the selected central and peripheral hospitals in Nepal where vaginal hysterectomy was being performed free of cost for POP. A baseline study first measured the QOL domains (physical, psychological, social relationships and environment) among 252 women with advanced POP. Follow-up data was then collected at six weeks and three months after surgery. Among the 177 women that were available at six weeks post-surgery, 166 participated in the follow-up study at three months post-surgery. To evaluate QOL at baseline, 142 women with no history of POP were included as a comparison group.ResultsThe mean scores across QOL domains improved from baseline to 3 months after surgery. The baseline score for the physical domain increased from 11.2 to 12.8 at six weeks and 13.5 at three months post-surgery (p < 0.001); the psychological domain score increased from 11.6 to 13.1 at six weeks and 13.8 at three months post-surgery (p < 0.001); the social relationships domain score increased from 13.6 to 14.4 at six weeks and 15.0 at three months post-surgery (p < 0.001); and the environmental domain score increased from 12.9 to 13.9 at six weeks and 14.0 at three months post-surgery (p < 0.001).ConclusionQOL progressively improved among women undergoing surgery for POP. Such surgical services need to be scaled up for treatment of advanced POP in low-income countries.

Contraceptives Knowledge and Use among Reproductive Aged Women from Squatters of Kathmandu, Nepal

“…Studies suggest that literacy plays an important role for women to have health related knowledge and better reproductive health outcomes, as they are able to have easier access to information. 11,12 The reason for younger women to have more knowledge could be because of the better access to education in recent years and more family planning programs targeting young mothers.…”

Effectiveness of Pelvic Organ Prolapse Surgery in Women with Depressive Symptoms and Decreased Quality of Life

“…Therefore, it is necessary to perform research on depressive symptoms and QOL in women before and after prolapse surgery. 3,4…”

“…Ghetti C reported that women with pelvic organ prolapse had a higher prevalence of depressive symptoms compared to controls without prolapse. [2][3][4] Examination of depression and quality of life using a self-administered questionnaire consists of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI), and Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire (PFIQ).…”

Clinical Study on Risk Factors of Pelvic Organ Prolapse in Reproductive Age Group and Study of Abdominal Sling Surgeries done for It, with respect to Early Complications, Anatomical Results, and Symptoms of Descent

“…The prevalence of POP at the global level is 2 to 20% in women under the age of 45 years. 1 Many factors contribute to POP, especially those related to childbirth, such as multiparity, instrumental delivery, prolonged labor, and giving birth to a macrosomic infant. 2 In general, treatment of POP varies depending on the extent of the pelvic organ descent, the reported symptoms, woman's general health, and the surgeon's preference and competences.…”