Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 23, 2026
Removal of an Intravesical Gellhorn Pessary and Staged Repair of a Residual Large Vesico-Vaginal Fistula
Published on: April 14, 2026
Patient characteristics that are associated with continued pessary use versus surgery after 1 year
Jeffrey L Clemons1, Vivian C Aguilar, Eric R Sokol
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Urogynecology, Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, WA 98431, USA. Jeffrey.Clemons@nw.amedd.army.mil
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to identify patient characteristics in women with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse that is associated with continued pessary use versus surgery after 1 year.
Study Design:
Fifty-nine women with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse who were satisfied with their pessary at 2 months were evaluated prospectively at 1 year. Characteristics of women who continued to use a pessary were compared with women who underwent pelvic reconstructive surgery to identify predictors for continued pessary use versus surgery.
Results:
Forty-three women (73%) continued pessary use, and 16 women (27%) underwent surgery. Characteristics that were associated with continued pessary use were older age (76 vs 61 years; p <.001) and poor surgical risk (26% vs 0%; P =.03). Characteristics that were associated with surgery were sexual activity (81% vs 26%; P <.001), stress incontinence (44% vs 16%; P =.03), stage III-IV posterior vaginal wall prolapse (44% vs 16%; P =.03), and desire for surgery at the first visit (63% vs 12%; P <.001). Age >or=65 years was the best cut-off value for continued pessary use, with sensitivity of 95% (95% CI, 84%, 99%) and a positive predictive value of 87% (95% CI, 74%, 94%). Logistic regression demonstrated that age >or=65 years ( P <.001), stage III-IV posterior vaginal wall prolapse ( P =.007), and desire for surgery ( P =.04) were independent predictors.
Conclusion:
Age >or=65 years was associated highly with continued pessary use. Desire for surgery and stage III-IV posterior vaginal wall prolapse were associated with discontinued pessary use and pelvic reconstructive surgery.
