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A qualitative study to inform the development of a new quality of life measure for surgery for prolapse, incontinence and mesh complications

Taylor-Phillips F, O'Cathain A, Connell J, Price M, Brooke C, Jha S, Doumouchtsis S, Gray T et al.

Frontiers in global women's health, 2026

Abstract

Background: The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence in the United Kingdom have recommended the development of a patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) specific to surgery for pelvic organ prolapse (POP), stress urinary incontinence (SUI), and complications of pelvic mesh surgery (MC).

Aims: To identify all aspects of quality of life (QoL) that may be impacted by surgery for POP, SUI and MC, to inform the development of a new PROM.

Method: Thirty-one patients who had undergone surgery for POP, SUI and MC (ranging from 5 years ago) were purposively recruited from various National Health Service (NHS) Trusts, as well as community support groups for the conditions. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken over the phone or via video-conferencing software, and a framework approach was employed to analyse the data. A Patient and Public Involvement group, comprising seven women who had undergone surgery for POP, SUI and/or MC, were consulted on various aspects of the study.

Findings: We identified nine themes for potential inclusion in the PROM. The themes are short-term impacts of surgery; long-term impacts on pre-surgery symptoms; pain and/or discomfort; impact on daily activities; social and leisure activities; emotional wellbeing; sexual activity; personal relationships; and work/education. While some participants showed improvements in these areas following surgery, it was also evident that for some, issues persisted, worsened, or developed post-surgery. Those…

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