Surgical correction of genital prolapse under local analgesia in elderly or unlit women is described. One hundred patients undergoing such surgery between 1972 and 1984 were reviewed. Eighty-five per cent were more than 60 years of age. Over 50 per cent had Fothergill repairs. Ninety-six per cent were assessed as having a good result. The incidence of postoperative complications was 20 per cent and there was no mortality. From our experience the technique seems to be a safe and worthwhile procedure.