SURGICAL FAILURES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF PELVIC FLOOR RELAXATION

There are a vast number of operations for the correction of symptomati c pelvic floor relaxation, and the pelvic surgeon is faced with a diff icult task in selecting the most appropriate procedure(s) for an indiv idual patient. A successful outcome not only depends on the surgeon's skill and operative technique, but also relies heavily on the preopera tive recognition and evaluation of factors related to surgical failure . Most importantly, careful attention to all components of the pelvic floor will allow the surgeon to tailor an operation to the individual' s particular needs. Awareness of the many pitfalls of pelvic reconstru ctive surgery should lead to the appropriate preoperative evaluation a nd patient counseling, thus ensuring the best opportunity for a favora ble outcome.