Ureterohydronephrosis and Renal Failure in Patients with Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Introduction Pelvic organ prolpase is a frequent pathology, encountered especially in elder female patients, often asymptomatic, being estimated that less than 50% of the symptomatic patients will seek medical help for its bothersome symptoms and complications such as: chronic incomplete urinary retention, ureterohydronephrosis, acute and/or chronic kidney failure, end stage renal disease, secondary arterial hypertension, recurrent urinary tract infections. Material and method We have retrospectively analyzed the patients that have undergone transvaginal mesh surgery in our clinic for pelvic organ prolapse, focusing on those with preoperatory ureterohydronephrosis and renal failure and on the results that these patients have achieved after surgery regarding these rare complications of pelvic prolapse. Results We have identified 6 patients with high grade POP and secondary ureterohydronephrosis: two with third grade POP (both patients with grade II ureterohydronephrosis) and the rest with grade 4 POP. Fallowing surgery the creatinine values did not improve significantly for the patients who have had POP for more than five years. These patients have developed a degree of permanent renal failure and they have become potential candidates for hemodialysis. Conclusions Renal failure is a rare complication of pelvic organ prolapse, often occurring in patients with asymptomatic or neglected POP. The degree of the ureterohydronephrosis correlates with the prolapse degree, this being encountered especially in high grade POP.