The role of the nurse in the use of vaginal pessaries to treat pelvic organ prolapse and/or urinary incontinence: a literature review.

The available literature between 1990 and 2004 was reviewed to determine if the nurse's role in the use of vaginal pessaries to treat pelvic organ prolapse and/or urinary incontinence is well defined. Forty-five articles were reviewed, including one written by a physician's assistant, two written by both a physician and a registered nurse, seven written by registered nurses, 34 written by physicians, and one unpublished manuscript. Nurses could make a valuable contribution to the bank of information available on the use of vaginal pessaries to treat stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse.