[Prolapse operation--also of help in urinary tract infections?].

Pelvic support defects are frequently associated with chronic and recurrent urinary tract infections. This is due to common etiological factors (hormone-related atrophy, neurogenic diseases, metabolic disorders) and to direct mechanical effects exerted by the descensus on the urethra function (kinking that occurs with miction disorders and an increase in the residual urine with large cystoceles or stress incontinence and urgency with large urethroceles). The therapy should begin conservatively and address all possible etiological factors. Fundamentals of conservative therapy include estrogens, pelvic floor training, pessaries, drinking and micturition training and therapy and prevention of ascending infections [1]. When conservative therapy does not achieve either a cure or a satisfactory degree of improvement within a few months, surgical treatment should usually be recommended. In this case, modern surgical methods are preferred which seek to achieve both an anatomical as well as a functional restoration, i.e. continence, a good degree of bladder emptying and defecation as well as painless coitus.