Surgical complications after pelvic organ prolapse surgery: a Latin American perspective by age

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is common among aging women and frequently requires surgical intervention. Concerns about increased surgical risk in elderly patients often lead to conservative treatment. However, evidence from low- and middle-income countries, including Latin America, remains scarce. The objective of this study is to compare perioperative and 1-year postoperative complications between women aged ≥60 and <60 undergoing pelvic reconstructive surgery in a tertiary center. A nested case-control study within a retrospective cohort was conducted, including women who underwent POP surgery. Two age groups were analyzed: <60 years and ≥60 years. Complication rates were compared using chi-square, Fisher’s exact test, and odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals. Among 231 patients, 79 were aged ≥60 years. Perioperative complications occurred in 10.4% of older vs. 22.1% of younger women. Respectively, 1-year complications were 12.9% vs. 17.2%. De novo urgency was more frequent in older women (25.3%, p=0.02). No major complications were observed. POP surgery in women aged ≥60 appears safe. Findings support surgical management in elderly patients based on functional rather than chronological age.