A qualitative study of women's values and decision-making surrounding LeFort colpocleisis.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: LeFort colpocleisis for uterovaginal prolapse can be appealing to elderly non-sexually active patients given the durability and low risk, particularly when the alternative procedure is more invasive and includes a hysterectomy. We used qualitative methods to explore women's decision-making and feelings after this procedure. METHODS: We interviewed ten women after a LeFort colpocleisis (with or without mid-urethral sling) for uterovaginal prolapse. We conducted semi-structured interviews that were recorded and transcribed and then analyzed using grounded theory. The main themes were: the process of decision-making about whether to have an obliterative procedure, adequacy of preoperative counseling, and comparison against an alternative, more invasive surgical procedure with a hysterectomy. We also used the Decision Regret Scale and the Satisfaction with Decision Scale for Pelvic Floor Disorders. RESULTS: Women made the decision to pursue LeFort colpocleisis mainly by themselves. They felt positive about the ability to control their body and their life through their own decision. None of the women regretted the procedure on the basis of the inability to have penetrative intercourse and did not feel it affected their sexual function in a negative way. Women felt adequately counseled regarding other options and the surgical procedure. Many patients wished they had pursued surgery earlier because they were very satisfied with the results. CONCLUSIONS: Women who underwent LeFort colpocleisis were very happy with their decision. They primarily made the decision to have surgery autonomously. None of them regretted having an obliterative procedure for pelvic organ prolapse for reasons of sexual function.

Does low-dose gapapentin reduce opioid use postoperatively?: A randomized controlled trial in women undergoing reconstructive pelvic surgery.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Pre-emptive gabapentin has been shown to decrease postoperative pain in abdominal and vaginal hysterectomy. However, the effect of pre-emptive low-dose gabapentin has not been studied in vaginal hysterectomy combined with concomitant pelvic reconstruction. METHODS: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial assessed all women seen for symptomatic prolapse requiring vaginal hysterectomy with concomitant pelvic reconstruction with or without midurethral sling. Gabapentin dosing was 600 mg (<65 years) or 300 mg (>65 years). The primary outcome was reduction in opioid consumption in the first 24 h after surgery. Secondary outcomes included sedation and prolongation of recovery room stay. Sample-size calculations indicated a need for 22 participants/group. Student's t test was used to compare differences in oral administration of morphine equivalents in the first 24 h postoperatively, time from end of surgery to leaving the recovery room, and length of recovery room stay. Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare visual analog scale (VAS) scores for anxiety, drowsiness/sedation, pain, and nausea. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients received gabapentin and 26 a placebo capsule. Groups were similar with respect to age, menopause status, parity, American Society of Anesthesiologist (ASA) class, and concomitant procedures. There were also no significant differences between groups in opioid requirements within the first 24 h after surgery, time from end of surgery to leaving the recovery room, length of time in recovery room, or VAS scores. CONCLUSIONS: Pre-emptive gabapentin at our institutional low doses did not significantly affect postoperative pain and opioid requirements in women undergoing vaginal hysterectomy with concomitant reconstruction. TRIAL REGISTRATION: www.clinicaltrials.gov , #NCT02999724.