E-Posters-Does an Early Postpartum Pessary Treatment Lead to Remission of Pelvic Organ Prolapse after Vaginal Birth? A Pilot Study

Does an Early Postpartum Pessary Treatment Lead to Remission of Pelvic Organ Prolapse after Vaginal Birth? A Pilot Study - Kaven Baessler, PhD, MD

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This study aimed to determine if early postpartum pessary treatment could reduce pelvic organ prolapse (POP) after vaginal birth compared to standard care. The study included women 1-2 days after vaginal birth with stage 2 POP. They were either given a vaginal ring pessary for 4 weeks or received standard care with no intervention for 6 weeks. The study had a randomized controlled trial design, with a preference group established for both study arms. Blinding of the women was not possible, but post-intervention assessors were blinded. The study excluded women with severe diseases, previous pelvic floor operations, neurological diseases, severe perineal postpartum pain, and high vaginal tears. Women were examined with vaginal ultrasounds and completed questionnaires at 6 weeks and 12 months postpartum.<br /><br />The study had slow and difficult recruitment, and complications and pain led to it being stopped after one year. The results showed that the pessary group had less anterior and posterior vaginal wall prolapse at 6 weeks postpartum compared to the standard group. However, there were no significant differences in POP symptoms between the two groups at either 6 weeks or 12 months postpartum. The study concluded that pessary treatment early after vaginal delivery may be feasible and reduce POP symptoms at 6 weeks, but it is unclear why this benefit was not maintained after 12 months. The small sample size and early termination of the study mean the results should be interpreted with caution. The study recommends using a different form of pessary that is anatomically more suitable. Funding for the study came from the German innovation program. The study expressed gratitude to the staff and individuals involved in the project. References for the study are provided.

Keywords

postpartum pessary treatment

pelvic organ prolapse

vaginal birth

standard care

vaginal ring pessary

randomized controlled trial

blinding

vaginal ultrasounds

POP symptoms

anatomically suitable pessary