Is obesity a risk factor for failure and complications after surgery for incontinence and prolapse in women?

Outcomes of Mid-Urethral Sling for Urodynamic Stress Incontinence Following Extensive Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

To assess the outcomes of mid-urethral sling (MUS) procedures for urodynamic stress incontinence (USI) following extensive pelvic reconstructive surgery (PRS) and identify risk factors for persistent USI (P-USI).

METHODS

This retrospective study analyzed 84 women who underwent a staged approach to MUS for USI after PRS for advanced pelvic organ prolapse (Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification III and IV). The primary outcome was objective cure rate, defined by negative urine leakage on urodynamic study and a 1-h pad test weight of < 2 g. Subjective cure rate was through a negative response to question 3 of UDI-6.

RESULTS

The overall objective cure rate was 81.0%. The highest cure rate was observed in de novo USI (MUS-D; 89.7%) compared with women with persistent USD (MUS-P). Patients with overt SUI exhibited lower cure rates than those with occult SUI. Predictive factors for persistent USI were lower pre-operative maximum urethral closure pressure (MUCP; p = 0.031) and higher BMI in the MUS-P group than in the MUS-D group (p = 0.008). Subjective improvement was noted, especially in the MUS-D group, with a subjective cure rate of 78.6%. Those with MUS-D reported a higher impact on patient well-being post-surgery. No complications were observed after MUS surgery at follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Overt USI, low MUCP and high BMI are independent predictors of persistent USI after a staged MUS approach after pelvic reconstructive surgery.

Obesity is not an independent risk factor for peri- and post-operative complications following mid-urethral sling (MUS) surgeries for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI)

OBJECTIVE

To inquire whether obesity is a risk factor of peri- and post-operative complications following Mid-urethral sling (MUS) surgeries for SUI repair using the Clavien-Dindo classification system (CDcs).

METHODS

This retrospective cohort included 304 women who undergone a MUS in a 1000 beds tertiary University medical center between the years 2012-2018. Univariate analysis was conducted to compare clinical and operative traits by BMI group and to examine associations of obesity and complications rates and severity according to the CDcs. Multivariate analysis was conducted to assess the risk for post-operative complications and adjust to potential confounders.

RESULTS

The study group included 106 (34.9%) women with BMI 30 or higher and the comparison group included 198 (65.1%) women with BMI lower than 30. In the study group we found a significantly higher prevalence of hypertension (P = 0.019), previous abdominal surgeries (P = 0.012) including cesarean section (P = 0.025), previous pelvic floor surgeries (P = 0.005) and pelvic organ prolapse (P = 0.02). In the control group we found a significantly higher rates of concomitant hysterectomy which performed during the MUS (P = 0.005). Obesity was not associated with increased rates of peri and post-operative complications (P = 0.973).

CONCLUSIONS

In our study, obesity was not associated with peri- and post-operative complications following MUS.

Creating an Inclusive Urology Practice

Purpose of Review

Patients seeking urologic care come from diverse backgrounds. Therefore, clinics should strive for inclusivity to make all patients feel comfortable seeing a urologist. This review aims to outline and analyze literature relevant to the care of LGTBQIA+ (lesbian, gay, transgender/transexual, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual/allies, nonbinary/genderqueer +), racial and ethnic minorities, those who have disabilities, and those with a high body mass index (BMI). Although this review article presents the care of diverse communities separately, there is an overlap of the various social axes influencing healthcare outcomes. Healthcare workers should be open-minded to learning about evolving community needs.

Recent Findings

Creating a safe space for LGTBQIA+ requires understanding terminology, awareness of community-specific challenges and health risks, and changing heteronormative behaviors built into medicine. Specific clinical care delivery structural processes and patient-physician-centered practices can make a clinic welcoming for patients from underrepresented backgrounds and with disabilities. BMI surgical requirements may pose barriers to care, and if implemented, there should be assistance to reach specified weight goals.

Summary

Creating an inclusive urology clinical practice takes time, but it can be achieved by building a collaborative team. Treating patients with consideration of their personal identities and social determinants of health will lead to better patient-center care and health outcomes.

A web-based fuzzy risk predictive-decision model of de novo stress urinary incontinence in women undergoing pelvic organ prolapse surgery

Background:

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI) are common conditions affecting women's health and quality of life. In 50% of cases, SUI occurs after POP surgery, which is called de novo SUI. Predicting the risk of de novo SUI is a complex multi-attribute decision-making process. The current study made available a Decision Support System in the form of a fuzzy calculator web-based application to help surgeons predict the risk of de novo SUI.

Materials and methods:

We first identified 12 risk factors and the diagnostic criteria for de novo SUI by means of a systematic review of the literature. Then based upon an expert panel, all risk factors were prioritized. A set of 232 fuzzy rules for the prediction of de novo SUI was determined. A fuzzy expert system was developed using MATLAB software and Mamdani Inference System. The risk prediction model was then evaluated using retrospective data extracted from 30 randomly selected medical records of female patients over the age of 50 without symptoms of urinary incontinence who had undergone POP surgery. Finally, the proposed results of the predictive system were compared with the results of retrospective medical record data review.

Results:

The results of this online calculator show that the accuracy of this risk prediction model, at more than 90%, compared favorably to other SUI risk prediction models.

Conclusions:

A fuzzy logic-based clinical Decision Support System in the form of an online calculator for calculating SUI prognosis after POP surgery in women can be helpful in predicting de novo SUI.

Determining the risk factors and characteristics of de novo stress urinary incontinence in women undergoing pelvic organ prolapse surgery: A systematic review

OBJECTIVE

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a common problem in women that affects their quality of life. According to the current evidence, 15%-50% of severe pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgeries lead to de novo urinary incontinence (UI). This study aimed at determining the risk factors and characteristics of de novo SUI after POP surgeries in a systematic review.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We conducted a systematic search of articles in English related to the risk of UI after POP surgery published until December 2019 in the selected bibliographic databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and ProQuest.

RESULTS

The initial search resulted in 2,363 studies, and after reviewing the titles and abstracts, 146 studies were identified. Moreover, 2 independent reviewers, using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklists, evaluated the risk of biases in the selected studies. Finally, 40 studies met the inclusion criteria. The most important predictors of UI after POP surgery were positive pessary testing, age >50 years, and maximum urethral closure pressure (MUCP) <60 cmH₂O.

CONCLUSION

Positive pessary testing, older age, and low MUCP were the most important risk factors for de novo incontinence after POP surgeries.

The association between personal history and the outcomes of transobturator sling surgery

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to verify the association between risk factors for the onset of SUI and transobturator suburethral sling surgical treatment outcomes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted with 57 patients operated by the Pelvic Floor Surgery Service. Demographic data were compiled from the sample, the body mass index (BMI) was calculated, and the patients were divided according to the response to the surgical treatment.

RESULTS

A total of 77.2% of the sample was cured or improved after surgical treatment. Out of the total sample, 75.4% of the women were postmenopausal, and 73.7% denied current or past smoking. The median age was 61 years, the median number of births was 4.0, the median BMI was 28.6 kg/m2, and 50.9% of the sample was classified as pre-obese. BMI, menopausal status, age, smoking, and sexual activity were not factors associated with the surgical outcome. However, parity equal to or greater than 5 was associated with worse postoperative results (p = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

among risk factors associated with the emergence of SUI, only parity greater than 4 showed a negative impact on transobturator sling surgery outcomes.

Obesity and pelvic organ prolapse

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose of this review is to review the data on the relationship of obesity and pelvic organ prolapse (POP). This review is timely and relevant as the prevalence of obesity is increasing worldwide, and it is an important risk factor to consider in counseling women on management of prolapse symptoms and outcomes for surgical treatment.

RECENT FINDINGS

The main findings in the literature include: Obesity is increasing worldwide and impacts health, social life, work and healthcare costs. Elevated BMI is an important lifestyle factor affecting pelvic prolapse. The most probable mechanism of POP development among obese women is the increase in intra-abdominal pressure that causes weakening of pelvic floor muscles and fascia. Obesity is associated with significant pelvic floor symptoms and impairment of quality of life (QOL). Weight loss is likely not associated with anatomic improvement, but may be associated with prolapse symptom improvement. Weight loss should be considered a primary option in obese women for its beneficial effects on multiple organ systems and reducing pelvic floor disorder (PFD) symptoms. Although the operation time in obese women is significantly longer than in healthy weight women, the complication rate of surgery has not been shown to be increased compared to nonobese patients, regardless of route of surgery. There are data to support the vaginal approach in obese women. Some studies have shown that women with high body weight are associated with an increase in the risk for both anatomical and functional recurrence, and other studies have shown no difference.

SUMMARY

Obesity is a prevalent modifiable condition that impacts PFDs including pelvic prolapse. Patients should be counseled using clinical judgment, knowledge of the literature and with the goal of improving QOL.

Obesity and Stress Urinary Incontinence: Impact on Pathophysiology and Treatment

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Obesity is highly prevalent and is associated with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). The purposes of this review are to assess the pathophysiology of SUI in the obese female and review the outcomes of weight loss and anti-incontinence surgery in this population.

RECENT FINDINGS

While increased intra-abdominal pressure appears to be the common pathophysiologic link between obesity and SUI, neurogenic and metabolic pathways have been proposed. Both surgical and non-surgical weight loss continue to have beneficial effects on SUI; however, long-term outcomes are largely absent. Midurethral sling (MUS) surgery is largely effective in the obese population, with a complication profile similar to that in non-obese women. Obesity has been shown to be a risk factor for failure of MUS. While weight loss should be the primary modality to improve SUI in the obese woman, MUS remains an effective and safe option in those women undertaking surgery.

Factors influencing the outcome of surgery for pelvic organ prolapse

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgery is a common gynecological procedure. Our aim was to assess the influence of obesity and other risk factors on the outcome of anterior and posterior colporrhaphy with and without mesh.

METHODS

Data were retrieved from the Swedish National Register for Gynecological Surgery on 18,554 women undergoing primary and repeat POP surgery without concomitant urinary incontinence (UI) surgery between 2006 and 2015. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify independent risk factors for a sensation of a vaginal bulge, de novo UI, and residual UI 1 year after surgery.

RESULTS

The overall subjective cure rate 1 year after surgery was 80% (with mesh 86.4% vs 77.3% without mesh, p < 0.001). The complication rate was low, but was more frequent in repeat surgery that were mainly mesh related. The use of mesh was also associated with more frequent de novo UI, but patient satisfaction and cure rates were higher compared with surgery without mesh. Preoperative sensation of a vaginal bulge, severe postoperative complications, anterior colporrhaphy, prior hysterectomy, postoperative infections, local anesthesia, and body mass index (BMI) ≥30 were risk factors for sensation of a vaginal bulge 1 year postsurgery. Obesity had no effect on complication rates but was associated increased urinary incontinence (UI) after primary surgery. Obesity had no influence on cure or voiding status in women undergoing repeat surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Obesity had an impact on the sensation of a vaginal bulge and the presence of UI after primary surgery but not on complications.

Obesity and its implications on nononcological urological surgery

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To review and summarize the current literature of the implications of obesity on nononcological urological surgery. We conducted a comprehensive search of the current literature with emphasis on the published literature in the last 18 months.

RECENT FINDINGS

Over time, obese patients have become a more common encounter in clinical practice. Obesity represents a considerable operative challenge and has been linked to a higher rate of postoperative complications. Data regarding surgery for incontinence are inconsistent. Nevertheless, the success rates in obese women are high, and complication rates are relatively low with comparable results to nonobese women. In renal surgery, percutaneous nephrolithotomy and minipercutaneous nephrolithotomy are feasible, well tolerated, and effective even in obese patients. However, certain precautions and availability of proper instruments are necessary.

SUMMARY

Although randomized clinical data are lacking and the results of many studies are inconsistent, evidence supports the feasibility and safety of different nononcological urological interventions in obese patients. Moreover, the success rates and the overall complication rates seem to be comparable to nonobese patients with some exceptions.

Five years after midurethral sling surgery for stress incontinence: obesity continues to have an impact on outcomes

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

The objective was to evaluate the impact of preoperative body mass index ≥30 on objective and subjective cure rates 5 years after midurethral sling surgery.

METHODS

Secondary analysis of the 5-year results of a randomized clinical trial evaluating tension-free vaginal tape vs transobturator tape surgery. Women (n = 176) were classified as obese or non-obese based on preoperative height and weight. Women self-reported symptoms and quality of life, and underwent standardized physical examinations and pad-testing. Categorical data were analyzed using Chi-squared or Fisher's exact tests, continuous data by Mann-Whitney U test. Primary outcome was objective cure defined as <1 g urine lost on pad-test at 5 years post-surgery. Secondary outcomes were subjective cure of incontinence, urinary urge incontinence symptoms, and quality of life scores.

RESULTS

Non-obese women had a higher rate of objective cure, 87.4 % (n = 83 out of 95) compared with 65.9 % (n = 29 out of 44) in the obese group (P = 0.003, risk difference [RD] 21.5 %, 95 % CI 5.9-37.0 %). Subjectively, non-obese women also reported higher rates of cure, 76.7 % (n = 89 out of 116) compared with 53.6 % (n = 30 out of 56) of obese women (P = 0.002, RD 23.2 %, 95 % CI 8.0-38.3 %). Overall rates of urge incontinence symptoms were similar in the two groups, but rates of bothersome symptoms were higher for obese women (58.9 % vs 42.1 %, P = 0.039, RD 16.8 % 95 % CI 1.1-32.6).

CONCLUSIONS

Five years after surgery, obese women continued to experience lower rates of cure compared with non-obese women.

Objective efficacy of the tension-free vaginal tape in obese/morbidly obese women versus non-obese women, at median five year follow up

BACKGROUND

One subjective long-term evaluation of the tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) success rate in obese women showed a worse prognosis in the obese, but objective studies have been limited to short-term follow-up (less than two years).

AIM

To determine whether the long-term objective cure rate in obese/morbidly obese women who underwent TVT was reduced, compared to non-obese women (at five or more years).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Body mass index (BMI) was collected on patients undergoing TVT procedure. Recruited patients were asked to perform a 24 h pad test and complete an International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form (ICIQ-SF) at five years postoperatively. Data was analyzed according to pre-operative urodynamic diagnoses and BMI, using 'routine' and 'strict' objective definitions of objective cure.

RESULTS

At median follow-up of 64 months (interquartile range 58-80 months), 136 patients returned a pad test and ICIQ-SF. Using a routine definition of cure (pad test of ≤10 g in a 24 h period), 96% of patients were cured overall. The BMI results (n = 119 patients) were stratified into ≤25, 25.1-35 and ≥35.1 kg/m² , which represented 41, 53 and 6% of patients, respectively. The routine cure rates for these three groups were 98, 97 and 71%, respectively (P = 0.004).

CONCLUSION

Long-term objective outcomes of the TVT in morbidly obese women are significantly poorer than in women with a normal BMI.

The impact of obesity on outcomes and complications after top-down retropubic midurethral sling

AIMS

Obese women (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m² ) have been considered at higher risk for postoperative complications and failure in efficacy after SUI surgery. We compare the outcomes in this population with non-obese women (BMI < 30 kg/m² ) undergoing top-down retropubic polypropylene midurethral sling (RPM).

METHODS

We retrospectively identified 328 non-obese women and 294 obese women who underwent RPM. Evaluation included SEAPI (stress incontinence, emptying, anatomy, protection, inhibition) assessment and validated QoL questionnaires. Cure was defined as absence of subjective and objective SUI and no additional procedures to correct SUI. Perioperative details were abstracted from the hospital and clinic charts. Groups and outcomes were statistically compared.

RESULTS

All women had a minimum follow up of 12 months. Preoperative demographic variables, SEAPI scores, and QoL indices were similar between BMI groups. SUI cure rates were significantly higher for non-obese women (82.9% vs. 74.5%; P < 0.01). When controlling for concomitant pelvic surgery, cure rates were not statistically different (76.9% vs. 73.7%; P = 0.65). Statistically significant improvement in SEAPI scores and QoL indices was achieved in both groups. Overall, obese women had no increase in complications compared with the non-obese. The chance of passing an initial postoperative voiding trial was statistically higher in the obese group.

CONCLUSIONS

Obese women have similar success rates and significant improvement in QoL as non-obese women after RPM. Obesity alone does not appear to be a risk factor for additional complications during sling surgery and obese women may have earlier return to normal voiding after surgery.

[Is initial success after Monarc(®) suburethral sling durable at mid-term evaluation?]

OBJECTIVES

Suburethral sling is the gold standard treatment for stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Short-term cure rates are high, but only few studies are available for longer assessment after transobturator tape procedure. The objectives of this study were to assess mid-term functional outcome for Monarc(®) transobturator tape after initial success, and to identify risk factors for recurrence.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We conducted a single centre retrospective study (2004-2013) on consecutive women with SUI who underwent Monarc(®) transobturator tape procedure and were initially cured at the postoperative medical consultation. Pre- and postoperative data (age, weight, height, body mass index, hormonal status, surgical history, associated organ prolapse [Baden and Walker], associated urinary symptoms, postoperative complications [Clavien-Dindo]) were extracted from the electronic medical record. Subjective cure was defined by a score of zero from the ICIQ-SF questionnaire, no second intervention for recurrent SUI and no need for pads at latest news. Statistical analysis was performed using SAS(®) v9.3 (P<0.05).

RESULTS

One hundred and thirty-three consecutive women underwent TOT Monarc(®) procedure, and 125 women were cured in the short-term. Among these women, 103 (82%) were available for mid-term evaluation. Sixty-four women (62%) had pure stress urinary incontinence. The mean follow-up period was 51 months [2-119]. At last follow-up, cure rate was 61%. Seventy-eight percent of women with recurrent urinary incontinence had SUI. Other women had mixed urinary incontinence (3/40), or de novo urgency (6/40). In univariate analysis, we could not identify pejorative prognostic factors for mid-term failure.

CONCLUSION

In our experience, mid-term functional outcome after Monarc(®) transobturator tape procedure seems to deteriorate. After 4 years of follow-up, 61% of the women who were initially cured were still free from any leakage.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4.

Incontinence surgery in obese women: comparative analysis of short- and long-term outcomes with a transobturator sling

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Midurethral slings (MUS) are still discussed in complex incontinence situations, such as obesity, lacking sustained efficacy validation in this particular sub-population. We hypothesized that the outcomes of a transobturator MUS, such as TVT-O, do not differ according to body mass index (BMI) over a 4-year period.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 281 women who underwent TVT-O at our institution, between 2004 and 2012. Patients were stratified into obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m(2)) or non-obese (BMI < 30 kg/m(2)). We compared preoperative and postoperative parameters, including objective cure (negative stress test), complications, and quality of life scores. Data were collected at 0, 6, 12, 24, and 48 months. We used Fisher's exact test for categorical variables and Student's t test or the Mann-Whitney U test for continuous variables.

RESULTS

Baseline characteristics of the obese (n = 122) and non-obese groups (n = 159) were similar. We found no significant differences between groups in terms of objective cure rates at all follow-up evaluations, with 95.8 % and 95 % at 48 months in the non-obese and obese groups respectively. There were no significant differences in the cumulative complication rates of both groups. Quality of life assessment also showed no significant differences between groups at all follow-up visits. At 48 months our follow-up rate was 59 % (n = 96) and 60.4 % (n = 72) in the non-obese and obese group respectively (p = 0.9).

CONCLUSIONS

The TVT-O procedure is effective and safe in the long term for stress incontinence treatment, regardless of BMI.

The influence of the modifiable life-style factors body mass index and smoking on the outcome of mid-urethral sling procedures for female urinary incontinence

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

The aim of this observational study was to investigate the influence of body mass index (BMI) smoking and age on the cure rate, rate of complications and patient satisfaction with mid-urethral sling (MUS) procedures.

METHODS

Pre-, peri- and postoperative (8 weeks and 1 year) data were retrieved from the Swedish National Register for Gynecological Surgery of MUS procedures (retropubic procedures, n = 4,539; transobturator procedures, n =1,769) performed between January 2006 and December 2011. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed between the outcome variables and BMI and smoking, presented as adjusted odds ratios (adjOR) with 95 % confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS

Subjective 1-year cure rate was 87.4 % for all MUS procedures (88.3 % with the retropubic technique and 85.2 % with the transobturator technique (p = 0.002). Preoperative daily urinary leakage and urgency were more common with increasing BMI, but surgery reduced symptoms in all BMI groups. Lower cure rate was seen in women with a BMI >30 (0.49; CI 0.33-0.73), in diabetics (0.50; CI 0.35-0.74) and women aged > 80 years (0.18; CI 0.06-0.51). Perioperative complications were more common in the retropubic group (4.7 % vs 2.3 % in the transobturator group, p=0.001) and in women with BMI < 25. Smoking did not influence any of the outcome variables.

CONCLUSIONS

The overall 1-year cure rate for MUS procedures was 87 %, but was negatively influenced by BMI >30, diabetes and age > 80 years. Perioperative complications were more common with the retropubic procedure than with the transobturator technique, and in women with a BMI < 25. Smoking did not impact on any of the studied outcome variables.

Efficacy and perioperative safety of synthetic mid-urethral slings in obese women with stress urinary incontinence

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Obesity is associated with an increased prevalence of female stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Mid-urethral polypropylene sling is considered the surgical gold standard for treatment of SUI. We reviewed the current literature on efficacy at 1 year (or more) and perioperative safety of synthetic mid-urethral sling procedures for SUI in obese women.

METHODS

A systematic search of PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane databases was performed using the MeSH terms "Stress urinary incontinence", "Overweight", "Obesity" and "Surgery". We included 13 full-text papers published from January 1995 to May 2014. We defined two groups of women: non-obese (BMI below 30 kg/m(2)) and obese (BMI above 30 kg/m(2)). Data regarding subjective and objective cure and selected perioperative complications were pooled and compared.

RESULTS

The pooled data from the 13 studies showed that 76.4% and 74.7% of non-obese and obese women, respectively, were subjectively cured (p = 0.70), and 83.3% and 79.2%, respectively, were objectively cured (p = 0.56). Bladder perforation was more frequently reported in non-obese women (p <  0.01). We did not detect a significant difference in postoperative urine retention or sling excision between the two groups (p = 0.36 and p = 0.17, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Cure rates were found to be comparable in obese and non-obese women. Perioperative complications were not reported to occur more often in obese women. The outcomes of sling procedures for SUI appear to be comparable in obese and non-obese women, and counselling of obese women regarding outcomes and perioperative complications can be similar.

Twelve-month outcomes following midurethral sling procedures for stress incontinence: impact of obesity

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate impact of body mass index (BMI) ≥30 on objective and subjective cure rates 12 months after midurethral sling surgery.

DESIGN

Secondary analysis.

SETTING

Three hospitals in Calgary, Canada, 2005-07.

POPULATION

A total of 182 women enrolled in a randomised control trial of tension-free vaginal tape versus transobturator tape.

METHODS

Women were classified as obese or nonobese from height and weight on day of surgery. Women underwent postoperative standardised pad tests, self-reporting of urinary incontinence, and quality of life scores. Categorical data compared with chi-square or Fisher's exact, continuous data compared with Mann-Whitney U test.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Primary outcome was objective cure, defined as <1 g urine loss on postoperative 1-hour pad test. Secondary outcomes were subjective cure of incontinence (no stress incontinence in previous 7 days), presence of urinary urgency in previous 7 days, Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6) scores, Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7) scores, and surgical complication rates.

RESULTS

Objective cure differed, with 85.6% of nonobese women leaking <1 g on 1-hour pad test, versus 67.8% of obese women (P = 0.006, risk difference [RD] 17.8%, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 4.2-31.4%). Subjective cure was 85.8% for nonobese women versus 70.7% for obese women (P = 0.016, RD 15.1%, 95% CI 1.9-28.4%). For both groups, improvement was seen for postoperative UDI-6 (median -33.3 [-44.4 to -22.2] and -27.2 [-44.4 to -16.7]) and IIQ-7 scores (median -26.2 [-45.2 to -14.3] and -23.8 [-42.9 to -14.3]). No differences existed in rates of operative complications between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Twelve months after midurethral sling surgery, obese women experience lower rates of cure than those who are nonobese.

Patient related factors associated with long-term urinary continence after Burch colposuspension and pubovaginal fascial sling surgeries

PURPOSE

We examined preoperative and postoperative patient related factors associated with continence status up to 7 years after surgery for stress urinary incontinence.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Women randomized to Burch colposuspension or fascial sling surgery and assessed for the primary outcome of urinary continence 2 years after surgery were eligible to enroll in a prospective observational study. Survival analysis was used to investigate baseline and postoperative factors in the subsequent risk of stress urinary incontinence, defined as self-report of stress urinary incontinence symptoms, incontinence episodes on a 3-day diary or surgical re-treatment.

RESULTS

Of the women who participated in the randomized trial 74% (482 of 655) were enrolled in the followup study. Urinary continence rates decreased during a period of 2 to 7 years postoperatively from 42% to 13% in the Burch group and from 52% to 27% in the sling group, respectively. Among the baseline factors included in the first multivariable model age (p = 0.03), prior stress urinary incontinence surgery (p = 0.02), menopausal status (0.005), urge index (0.006), assigned surgery (p = 0.01) and recruiting site (p = 0.02) were independently associated with increased risk of incontinence. In the final multivariable model including baseline and postoperative factors, Burch surgery (p = 0.01), baseline variables of prior urinary incontinence surgery (p = 0.04), menopausal status (p = 0.03) and postoperative urge index (p <0.001) were each significantly associated with a greater risk of recurrent urinary incontinence.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative and postoperative urgency incontinence symptoms, Burch urethropexy, prior stress urinary incontinence surgery and menopausal status were negatively associated with long-term continence rates. More effective treatment of urgency urinary incontinence in patients who undergo stress urinary incontinence surgery may improve long-term overall continence status.

[Urinary incontinence and obesity]

Obesity, defined as a body mass index (BMI) more than or equal to 30kg/m(2), promotes pelvic floor disorders such as urinary incontinence (UI) and genital prolapse. Datas from cohort studies found an association between high BMI and the onset of UI. This association seems to be predominant with for mixed UI and stress UI. For the urge UI and overactive bladder syndrome, the analysis of the literature found a weaker association. The weight is therefore the only modifiable risk factor. Thus, the weight loss by a hypocaloric diet associated with pelvic floor muscle training should be the front line treatment in the obese patient suffering from UI. Bariatric surgery can be discussed in the most obese patient, even if the risk/benefit balance should be weighed because of significant morbidity of this surgery. The results of sub urethral sling (by retropubic tension-free vaginal tape or transobturator sling) in obese patients appear to be equivalent to those obtained in patients of normal weight. Datas on per- and postoperative complications for suburethral slings are reassuring.

Effect of weight loss on urinary incontinence in women

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this research was review the epidemiology of the association of obesity and urinary incontinence, and to summarize the published data on the effect of weight loss on urinary incontinence.

METHODS

A literature review of the association between urinary incontinence and overweight/obesity in women was performed. Case series and clinical trials reporting the effect of surgical, behavioral, and/or pharmacological weight loss on urinary incontinence are summarized.

RESULTS

Epidemiological studies demonstrate that obesity is a strong and independent risk factor for prevalent and incident urinary incontinence. There is a clear dose-response effect of weight on urinary incontinence, with each 5-unit increase in body mass index associated with a 20%-70% increase in risk of urinary incontinence. The maximum effect of weight on urinary incontinence has an odds ratio of 4-5. The odds of incident urinary incontinence over 5-10 years increase by approximately 30%-60% for each 5-unit increase in body mass index. There appears to be a stronger association between increasing weight and prevalent and incident stress incontinence (including mixed incontinence) than for urge incontinence. Weight loss studies indicate that both surgical and nonsurgical weight loss leads to significant improvements in prevalence, frequency, and/or symptoms of urinary incontinence.

CONCLUSION

Epidemiological studies document overweight and obesity as important risk factors for urinary incontinence. Weight loss by both surgical and more conservative approaches is effective in reducing urinary incontinence symptoms and should be strongly considered as a first line treatment for overweight and obese women with urinary incontinence.