Use of Vaginal Pessaries for Pelvic Organ Prolapse in Chinese Women

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy, acceptability, and complications associated with the use of vaginal ring pessaries in the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse in Chinese women.
Study design: This prospective observational study of patients presenting with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse was carried out in the gynaecology clinic of a local regional hospital from June to December 2009. Patients were assessed at baseline and 3 months after pessary insertion. Success was defined as a comfortable pessary fitting at the initial visit, with comfort continuing up to the 12-week follow-up visit. Demographic data, symptomatology, pelvic organ prolapse staging, satisfaction score and complications following the use of the pessaries were recorded and subjected to statistical analysis.
Results: A total of 85 patients were included in the analysis. Their mean age was 66 (standard deviation, 11) years. The 71-mm ring pessary was the most frequently used. Approximately 77% continued with the use of pessary at 3 months. The mean satisfaction score with the use of pessaries was 7.4 (standard deviation, 2.3). There was no association between the pelvic organ prolapse parameters with successful pessary fitting. 77% of the women experienced at least one symptom after pessary use; the most common being vaginal discharge (36.5%) and foul odour (36.5%), each of which occurred in 37% of the patients.
Conclusion: Vaginal ring pessary is an effective and acceptable first-line treatment option for managing pelvic organ prolapse in Chinese women.