Follow-up of prolapse surgery in rural Nepal

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a significant problem in Nepal. Surgical treatment is scarcely available and little is known of the results of POP surgery on women living under burdensome circumstances. The aim of our study was to set up a follow-up program in rural Nepal and evaluate POP surgery. In 2004 and 2006, 74 women with a POP from remote areas around Dhulikhel Hospital underwent prolapse surgery. Together with local contacts men, a plan was made to implement a follow-up program. All the operated patients were invited to a follow-up visit in March 2007. Thirty-three (45%) patients attended the follow-up: 85% (n = 28) found the effect of the procedure an improvement. A satisfactory anatomic outcome was found in 93% (n = 32). A remarkable finding was the reduction in physical labour after the surgical procedure in 50% of the follow-up cases. Some adjustments in the follow-up program may contribute to a higher participation.