Usefulness of histopathological examination in uterine prolapse specimens

BACKGROUND: Uterovaginal prolapse frequently occurs in postmenopausal women. Hysterectomy with pelvic floor repair is one of the frequently performed surgeries in treating women who have completed their family and are not particular about preserving menstrual function. These hysterectomy specimens are submitted for histopathological examination to confirm the diagnosis. AIMS: This study was conducted with the aim to evaluate the frequency of incidental histopathological findings in uteri removed for prolapse and assessing their clinical relevance. METHODS: A total 253 cases of hysterectomy with or without salpingoophorectomy were reviewed. RESULTS: Incidental findings were found in 77 cases (30.4%). Clinically significant incidental findings including tubercular endometritis (one case) and cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia (two cases) were found. CONCLUSION: Microscopic examination, although an integral part of pathological examination as some of these women may require subsequent treatment, reveals significant pathology in very few cases.