A Preventable Complication of an Embedded Vaginal Ring Pessary in a 79-Year-Old Woman: A Case Report

Vaginal pessaries are commonly used conservative modality especially among elderly women and in low-income region. Although generally safe, neglected pessaries can lead into complications such as infection, erosion, ulceration, incarceration, and vaginal tissue embedding. A 79-year-old woman with uterovaginal prolapse presented with intermittent foul-smelling vaginal discharge and mild perineal pain. A vaginal ring pessary was inserted 8 months earlier, but no follow-up visits were made. Examination revealed a pessary embedded in the posterior vaginal wall, surrounding granulation tissue. The device was successfully cut and removed vaginally, without complications. This case highlights the preventable component of pessary-related complications and focus on the importance of timely follow-up, patient education and counselling, and early intervention, particularly in a resource limited, rural setting.