E-Posters-Current Practice Trends: Postoperative Guidelines Following Prolapse Repair

Current Practice Trends: Postoperative Guidelines Following Prolapse Repair - William D Winkelman, MD

Pdf Summary

A study was conducted to explore the postoperative guidelines provided by gynecologists and urogynecologists following pelvic reconstructive surgery. The goal was to understand the current practices and identify any differences among physicians. The study included 143 providers who routinely performed prolapse repair.<br /><br />The results showed significant variability in the recommendations for postoperative activity restrictions among physicians. There were no standardized guidelines in place. For example, when it came to intercourse, 13.9% of physicians recommended waiting for at least 8 weeks. Female physicians generally prescribed more pain medication, including opiates, for both vaginal and laparoscopic prolapse surgeries compared to male physicians.<br /><br />There were no significant differences in postoperative restrictions between laparoscopic and vaginal approaches to surgery. However, some physicians recommended not using stairs for the first week after surgery, while others did not have this restriction.<br /><br />The study findings highlight the need for additional research to develop standardized guidelines for postoperative activity restrictions. The hope is that this study will bring awareness to the variations in practice and encourage physicians to critically examine and reflect on their own guidelines.<br /><br />In conclusion, there is significant variability in the postoperative activity restrictions recommended by physicians following pelvic reconstructive surgery. This study emphasizes the need for standardized guidelines to ensure consistent care for patients undergoing these procedures.

Keywords

postoperative guidelines

physicians

activity restrictions

prolapse repair

intercourse

pain medication

laparoscopic prolapse surgery

vaginal prolapse surgery

stairs restriction

standardized guidelines