Do Urologists and Gynaecologists manage posterior compartment prolapse differently?

Abstract

Introduction and Hypothesis: A comparative study assessing the management of PCP (posterior compartment prolapse) amongst gynaecologists and urologists in South Africa.
Methods: Questionnaires relating to the above procedures were posted to a nationwide random selection of urologists and gynaecologists.
Results: Questionnaires (n=106/500) were returned, 26 from urologists and 80 from gynaecologists. Urologists performed less PCP surgery with 73% doing less than one case per month. Many gynaecologists (60%) performed atleast 5 cases per month. Amongst urologists denoting their procedure of preference, 11/26 (58%) implemented a mesh procedure. Vaginal hysterectomy in PCP management had not been utilized by any of the responding urologists, compared to 66/80 (80%) amongst the gynaecology cohort. Included in the definition of successful outcome, 3/26 (12%) urologists and 11/80 (14%) gynaecologists mentioned sexual function, while 12/26 (46%) urologists and 30/80 (37%) gynaecologists mentioned bowel function.
Conclusion: Urologists use significantly more mesh-kits and gynaecologists perform more traditional repairs.