Self-reported natural history of recurrent prolapse among women presenting to a tertiary care center

To describe the characteristics of recurrent pelvic organ prolapse (POP).

A convenience sample of patients presenting with recurrent POP symptoms between October 2007 and February 2010 completed questionnaires. The survey focused on timing of recurrence(s), symptoms, and demographics.

Ninety-seven women completed questionnaires. Thirty-four (35.1%) had undergone multiple prior treatments. Overall, 23 of 76 (30.3%) women had not informed their surgeon of the recurrence. Twenty-seven of 59 (45.8%) women reported that their symptoms were the same as before treatment, whereas 23 of 59 (39.0%) reported more severe symptoms. POP was considered to be persistent if symptoms returned within 3 months, and recurrent if symptom relief exceeded 3 months. After primary surgery, 28 of 79 (35.4%) cases were considered to be persistent, whereas 51 (64.6%) cases were recurrent. Similar percentages were seen after second and third treatments.

Overall, 35% of participants experienced early return of symptoms. Almost one-third of participants had not informed their surgeon of the recurrence, indicating that there may not be an accurate self-assessment of outcome in the absence of careful follow-up.