Introduction and hypothesisThe aim of our study was to analyse the patient’s expectations (fears and goals (hopes)) in women who are scheduled for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgery.MethodsAll consecutive women awaiting surgery for POP in a tertiary urogynaecological centre were included. A short questionnaire with two open questions on goals and fears with regard to the operation was used.ResultsNinety-six out of 111 distributed questionnaires (86%) were analysed. Goals and fears were categorized into five groups. De novo symptoms (63%), POP recurrence (34%) and surgical complications (29%) were the most important fears. Symptom release (96%), improved lifestyle (physical capabilities; 30%) and improved sexual life (18%) were important goals.ConclusionsA wide variety of expectations both positive and negative can be found in women before POP surgery and should be an integral part of preoperative counselling. Achieving the individual goals as based on expectations, positive (goals) and negative (fears), should be part of the POP surgery evaluation.

The first operation was more often associated with subjective improvement, and both anatomical and functional outcomes were of importance. The mere finding of a statistical significant improvement was no guarantee for subjective improvement after POP surgery.