The incidence and risk factors of occult malignancy in patients receiving vaginal hysterectomy for pelvic organ prolapse.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The aim of this study was to assess the incidence and risk factors for premalignant and malignant pathology in patients receiving vaginal hysterectomy (VH) and pelvic floor repair (PFR) for pelvic organ prolapse (POP).

METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study of pathological results after VH and PFR of 569 women at our institution from January 2011 through December 2020. Age, body mass index (BMI), POP-Q stage, and preoperative ultrasound results were evaluated as risk factors for occult malignancy.

RESULTS: Six of the 569 patients (1.1%) had unanticipated premalignant uterine pathology and 2 (0.4%) had unanticipated malignant uterine pathology (endometrial cancer). There was no significant difference in the incidence of premalignant or malignant uterine pathology according to age, BMI, and POP-Q stage. However, if endometrial pathology is confirmed on preoperative ultrasonography, the probability of confirming malignant pathology increases (OR 4.63; 95% CI 1.84-51.4; p=0.016).

CONCLUSION: The incidence of occult malignancy during VH for POP was significantly lower than that found in hysterectomy owing to benign disease. In the case of POP patients, for whom uterine-conserving surgery is not absolutely contraindicated, it can be performed. However, if endometrial pathology is confirmed by preoperative ultrasonography, uterine-conserving surgery is not recommended.