UHP researchers help to explore surgical treatment options for women with prolapse
Research teams from University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust (UHP) are collaborating on a new study that explores the vaginal surgical treatment options for women with pelvic organ prolapse.
A pelvic organ prolapse occurs in women when the womb bulges or hangs down into the vagina. Half of all women will experience a pelvic organ prolapse in their lifetime, with this study focusing on a type of prolapse called apical prolapse.
There are currently two main vaginal surgical treatment options available to women experiencing an apical prolapse; Colpocleisis and Sacrospinous fixation. Colpocleisis is considered the simpler of the two surgeries, with Sacrospinous fixations being more complex. However, due to the potential side effects from each surgery and lack of evidence of patient preference, it is not currently clear which is the better surgical treatment option.
“Pelvic organ prolapse is a common condition and can have a significant impact on women’s quality of life. The urogynaecology unit at Derriford hospital, cares for a large number of women with prolapse.” Said Anu Dua, Consultant and Subspecialist Urogynaecologist at UHP.
“Some women choose to have surgery and we offer all the different options. A considerable number of surgeries are performed in our unit with low complication rates and are highly successful. This study will help to determine women’s' views on these options and explore how they reach a decision about the type of surgery.”
The study is being led by Dr Laura Jones from the Institute of Applied Health at the University of Birmingham with Miss Anu Dua as a co-investigator. It will involve discussions with women and the clinicians who care for them to explore why women experiencing pelvic organ prolapse make the treatment choices they do.
Funded by the National Institute of Health and Social Care Research Health Technology Assessment (NIHR151938), the study is also being supported by research teams at University of Exeter, University of West of Scotland, Birmingham Women’s and Children NHS Trust, Glasgow Caledonian University, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, and patient advocates.
The research team will use a range of channels across the UK to identify participants to ensure a wide range of views, experiences and backgrounds. In addition, the number of participants eligible for future clinical trials will be estimated.
UHP started recruiting patients to the study at the end of April and those who are interested should follow the Research and Development team and CPOP study team on X (formally Twitter) for further updates. For more information on pelvic organ prolapse, visit the NHS website.
Note:
The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care.
