Partial colpocleisis

Abstract

Partial colpocleisis, in comparison with complete colpocleisis, offers several advantages. The most obvious advantage is the avoidance of recurrent prolapse in sexually nonactive, older patients. Historically, colpocleisis has been reported to produce stress incontinence, which may be avoided by partial colpocleisis. Careful attention to avoiding anterior wall adhesions by leaving anterior and posterior vaginal walls separated and a very small, nonfunctional vagina will prevent scarring with fixation at the bladder neck, which in most instances will result in stress incontinence. To leave a functional vagina in an elderly widow, not active for many years and with no plans for sexual activity, will leave the patient with the possibility of recurrent prolapse. Partial colpocleisis, a relatively short procedure with minimal blood loss and with careful attention to the avoidance of scarring between the anterior and posterior walls, will obviate the reported stress incontinence following complete colpocleisis. One hundred two cases from 1970 will be analyzed and reported.