Lefort partial colpocleisis technique in an ulcerated uterovaginal prolapse

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the success of Le Forte’s colpocleisis.

Design Retrospective review.

Setting Southmead Hospital, Bristol, UK.

Methods All women who had undergone a colpocleisis procedure from 1995–2002 at Southmead Hospital, Bristol were retrospectively reviewed.

Main outcome measures Satisfaction with operation, recurrence of prolapse, development of urinary incontinence.

Results Twenty-seven women underwent Le Forte’s colpocleisis during the 7 years. The median length of time of the operation was 35 min; in two of the cohort the operation was performed under local anaesthesia. The procedure was successful in 89% of the women. There was 100% satisfaction in this remaining group. There were no new cases of urinary incontinence.

Conclusion Le Forte’s colpocleisis is a useful procedure in the management of genital tract prolapse in elderly or medically unfit women. Patient selection is of crucial importance, but this caveat applies to all therapeutic interventions.