Analysis of Clinical Characteristics of Partial Versus Total Colpocleisis for Pelvic Organ Prolapse: A Multicenter...

Colpocleisis is an important procedure in elderly women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) who have no desire for intercourse. The objective was to compare the clinical features of women who undergo partial colpocleisis with those of women who undergo total colpocleisis for POP in China.

This is a multicenter retrospective cohort study investigating patients who underwent colpocleisis for moderate to severe POP across ten tertiary hospitals in China between 2015 and 2024. Epidemiological characteristics, perioperative indices, complications, and follow-up data were compared.

A total of 1,080 women were eligible for enrolment in the study. Among them, 696 patients underwent partial colpocleisis and 394 patients underwent total colpocleisis. The mean postoperative follow-up duration was 4.0 ± 2.6 years, with a median follow-up of 3 years. The subjective success rate was 98% and the anatomical cure rate was 99% in both groups. There was no statistically significant between-group difference in the postoperative satisfaction or regret rates. The anatomical recurrence rate at the final follow-up was lower in the total colpocleisis group. The total colpocleisis group had significantly greater intraoperative blood loss, a higher wound infection rate, a higher incidence of hematoma, and a longer hospital stay.

Both procedures can achieve high subjective and objective cure rates. Total colpocleisis is associated with greater intraoperative blood loss and more cases of hematoma and wound infection but less likelihood of anatomical recurrence. Both procedures are suitable for elderly women with severe prolapse who have no wish for intercourse.