As we near the end of 2025, I write following the conclusion of another successful annual general meeting of The Pelvic Floor Society. Held in Liverpool, the meeting was attended by over 200 delegates included clinicians, specialist nurses, physiotherapists, clinical scientists and trainees. Sessions on eating disorders, infections and skin conditions of the perineum, rectal prolapse surgery and neuromodulation complimented updates on latest pelvic floor research. Keynote lectures were given on the effects of Ketamine on the pelvic floor (Mr Mo Belal), menopause (Dr Paula Briggs) and child-birth injuries in developing countries (Miss Mhairi Collie OBE). A well-received pre-conference study day and endo-anal ultrasound course added further educational opportunity.
It was evident from those attending the meeting that there remains a strong desire and focus to improve the care and quality of life for patients with bladder and bowel conditions. There is still much work to do to advance our knowledge of pelvic floor disorders, however the enthusiasm and will to achieve this together within our society is apparent. This was recently demonstrated by completion of the TPFS supported James Lind Alliance Priority Setting Partnership, which has identified the focus of future research for faecal incontinence.
There remains an ongoing national concern regarding the use of pelvic mesh in the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence. As a society we continue to work with the MHRA, the NHS, GIRFT and the Royal Colleges to assess the safety and regulation of procedures to treat pelvic organ prolapse. We have supported and aided the development of the NHS medical device outcome registry and continue to advocate that rectal prolapse procedures are only performed by appropriately trained surgeons working within a specialist pelvic floor multi-disciplinary team. Through accreditation of units, provision of guidance, education, training and research we strive to improve standards of care and reduce the impact that these debilitating conditions have on people's quality of life.
Thomas Dudding MD FRCS
November 2025