ObjectivesTo evaluate the efficacy of Le Fort colpocleisis on bladder, bowel function, and quality of life (QOL) in elderly women with advanced genital prolapse.MethodsWomen with severe genital prolapse who were unable to satisfactorily wear a vaginal pessary underwent a Le Fort colpocleisis with concomitant anti-incontinence procedure, if required. During 2-week, 6-week, and 6-month postoperative visits, patients were examined and questioned about irritative voiding symptoms (voids > 10/day, nocturia > 2/night, urgency), incontinence, constipation, and overall well-being. Quality-of-life impact was evaluated with an instrument for pelvic prolapse, which was sent to all patients at least 12 weeks after operation. Follow-up by telephone was attempted to encourage completion of the questionnaire.ResultsForty-five women underwent a Le Fort colpocleisis and high perineoplasty. Thirty-one (69%) also had a tension-free vaginal tape procedure. Mean age was 83 ± 5.2 years. Ninety-three percent (42/45) of the women had failed previous pessary use. One patient (2%) had recurrence of her prolapse. There were no significant differences in preoperative and postoperative incidence of irritative voiding and constipation symptoms. Eighty-two percent (37/45) of the QOL questionnaires were returned for analysis. The possible range of total score on the questionnaire is 15 to 75. Mean QOL score for the population was 24.8 ± 8.6. Patients with postoperative irritative voiding symptoms, constipation, or SUI symptoms had a mean score of 25.8 ± 9.1, and patients without these symptoms had a mean score of 21.4 ± 6.0 (P= 0.19).ConclusionsLe Fort colpocleisis is a feasible treatment option for severe vaginal prolapse in the elderly patient. Low QOL impact scores after operation, despite irritative bladder symptoms and constipation, demonstrate the beneficial outcome of colpocleisis in elderly women who have advanced genital prolapse and are not sexually active.