Effects of Bariatric Surgery on Female Pelvic Floor Disorders

Intraoperative and Postoperative Complications Rate Following Elective Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery in Women with Severe Obesity: A Retrospective Cohort Study

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

To assess early intraoperative and postoperative complications and outcomes in patients with severe obesity undergoing apical prolapse repair compared with patients with normal weight.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included 315 patients who underwent apical prolapse repair at a tertiary medical center between 2009 and 2024. Fifty-six patients had a BMI greater than 40, and 259 had a normal BMI (18.5-30). Patients with class I and II obesity were excluded from the study. Preoperative data, surgical details, and 30-day postoperative complications were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

The average age of the patients with severe obesity was significantly lower than that of patients with normal weight (56.6 vs 64.1 years, p < 0.001). Patients with severe obesity had a higher prevalence of diabetes (27.3% vs 9.0%, p < 0.001), hypertension (54.5% vs 25.1%, p < 0.001), and obstructive sleep apnea (21.8% vs 7.4%, p = 0.001). Intraoperatively, the group with severe obesity experienced greater estimated blood loss (233.6 ml vs 115.2 ml, p < 0.001) and were more likely to undergo concurrent incontinence procedures (76.4% vs 51.3%, p = 0.001). However, no significant difference in intraoperative complications was observed between the groups (5.4% vs 5.4%, p = 1.000). Hospitalization duration was longer in patients with morbid obesity. Total complication rate within 30 days was 7.3%, with no statistically significant difference between the groups with severe obesity and normal weight.

CONCLUSION

Patients with severe obesity undergoing vaginal apical prolapse repair have similar rates of early postoperative complications and health care encounters to patients with normal weight. These findings support offering prolapse surgery to patients with morbid obesity when clinically indicated.

Impact of Lifestyle Modifications on the Prevention and Treatment of Pelvic Organ Prolapse

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

This manuscript is a part of the International Urogynecology Consultation (IUC) on pelvic organ prolapse (POP) chapter three, committee three, on the impact of lifestyle modifications (i.e., weight loss, treatment of constipation, activity restriction, etc.) on the prevention and treatment of POP.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An international group containing ten female pelvic medicine specialists and one university-based medical librarian performed a systematic search of the literature in Medline using the MeSH terms: pelvic organ prolapse (ID: D056887), cystocele (ID: D052858), uterine prolapse (ID: D014596), rectocele (ID: D020047), and women (ID: D014930) to identify studies addressing lifestyle modifications as prevention or treatment for POP on 10/18/21. Relevant studies were included in this review.

RESULTS

A total of 18,483 studies were identified in the initial literature search; 187 full-text articles were deemed pertinent and independently reviewed and double-screened by ten reviewers. After full-text review, information from 86 articles was included in this review.

CONCLUSION

Women may consider various lifestyle modifications to help prevent and treat POP, even if it is challenging to quantify the efficacy of these interventions.

Impacts of Bariatric Surgery on Improvement of Incontinence Among Obese Asian Women: A Prospective Study and Literature Review

INTRODUCTION

Limited studies investigate bariatric surgery's role in improving UI status among Asians, specifically Middle Eastern Asian women. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of bariatric surgery on the three most prevalent urine incontinence (UI).We also reviewed the current literature exploring the studies performed in Asian countries.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 77 women out of 200 who had UI and indications for bariatric surgery completed demographic information and the questionnaire (QUID) prior to surgery and 6 months after the surgery. For statistical analysis, the Mann-Whitney U test, Wilcoxon test, and Friedman test were utilized. We also performed a literature review with the aim of investigating studies performed in Asian countries.

RESULTS

Among the initial analysis of 200 participants, 50.5% reported UI symptoms before surgery. The average weight loss was 29 kg, with a standard deviation of 7 kg. The mean BMI dropped 11.2 kg/m2, and the standard deviation was 2.5 after weight loss. Post-surgery, significant reductions in UI scores were observed across all severity levels, with a notable 44% achieving complete symptom resolution, indicating a substantial decrease in urinary incontinence. Stress, urine incontinence, and mixed urine incontinence symptoms had improved in 75%, 71%, and 30% of women, respectively. Notably, age and gynecological history were identified as critical factors influencing the extent of UI improvement.

CONCLUSION

This study reveals significant improvements in urinary incontinence scores, with age and gynecological history playing pivotal roles in UI improvement.

Effect of Surgically Induced Weight Loss on Pelvic Organ Prolapse: A Meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Bariatric surgery alleviates certain aspects of pelvic floor disorder, but the effect on pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is unclear. To assess the effect of bariatric surgery on POP we conducted the present meta-analysis and firstly performed a subgroup analysis based on the duration of follow-up.

METHODS

Four databases including PubMed, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Embase were searched to identify relevant studies published before February 24, 2023. The main outcome was the prevalence and severity of POP symptoms before and after bariatric surgery. Then we assessed the heterogeneity, publication bias and performed subgroup analyses based on follow-up time, study quality and region.

RESULTS

Eleven studies with a total of 696 participants met the inclusion criteria. The results showed that the prevalence of POP decreased after bariatric surgery (odds ratio[OR] = 2.29, 95% confidence interval[CI]: 1.05, 5.01; P = 0.04, I2 = 78%), with significant differences observed both at 3-6 months (OR = 2.24, 95% CI: 1.25, 4.01; P = 0.007, I2 = 59%) and 12 months (OR = 4.64, 95% CI: 2.83, 7.58; P < 0.0001, I2 = 0%) of follow-up compared with pre-surgery. Pelvic Organ Prolapse Distress Inventory scores 6-item also decreased after bariatric surgery (mean difference [MD] = 2.11, 95% CI: 0.32, 3.89; P = 0.02, I2 = 55%) with significant differences observed both at 3-6 months (MD = 3.72; 95% CI: [0.10, 7.34], P = 0.04, I2 = 70%) and ≥ 12 months (MD = 3.24; 95% CI: [0.56, 5.91], P = 0.02, I2 = 56%) of follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Bariatric surgery alleviated POP symptoms in women with obesity both during short-term (3-6 months) and long-term (≥ 12 months) follow-up.

Medical and Psychological Aspects of Pregnancy in Women with Obesity and after Bariatric Surgery

Chronic diseases are potential risk factors for pregnancy duration and neonatal outcomes. This narrative review aimed to summarize the research results on the specifics of pregnancy in women with obesity and after bariatric surgery. PubMed and Google Scholar databases were searched. Systematic reviews, meta-analyses, clinical trials, and references to identified articles from the last ten years (2013-2023) were included. Ultimately, 107 literature items were qualified. It has been shown that women with obesity planning pregnancy should reduce their body weight because obesity is a risk factor for adverse obstetric and neonatal outcomes. Bariatric surgery effectively reduces excessive body weight and the health risks in women with obesity during pregnancy and their offspring. However, at least a year interval between surgery and conception is recommended. An interdisciplinary medical team should provide patient care during pregnancy with knowledge and skills related to people after bariatric surgery. Due to the increased risk of mental disorders, especially depression, it is necessary to constantly monitor the mental state of women and provide psychological support and education on a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy and the postpartum period.

Weight loss with bariatric surgery or behaviour modification and the impact on female obesity-related urine incontinence: A comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis

Women with obesity are at risk of pelvic floor dysfunction with a 3-fold increased incidence of urge urinary incontinence (UUI) and double the risk of stress urinary incontinence (SUI). The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and European Association of Urology (EAU) recommend that women with a body mass index ≥30 kg/m² should consider weight loss prior to consideration for incontinence surgery. This systematic review and meta-analysis will assess this recommendation to aid in the counselling of women with obesity-related urinary incontinence (UI). Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System online (MEDLINE), EMBASE, Cochrane, ClinicalTrials.gov, and SCOPUS were systematically and critically appraised for all peer reviewed manuscripts that suitably fulfilled the inclusion criteria established a priori and presented original, empirical data relevant to weight loss intervention in the management of urinary incontinence. Thirty-three studies and their outcomes were meta-analysed. Weight loss interventions were associated in a decreased prevalence in UI (OR 0.222, 95% CI [0.147, 0.336]), SUI (OR 0.354, 95% CI [0.256, 0.489]), UUI (OR 0.437, 95% CI [0.295, 0.649]) and improved quality of life (PFDI-20, SMD -0.774 (95% CI [-1.236, -0.312]). This systematic review and meta-analysis provide evidence that weight loss interventions are effective in reducing the prevalence of obesity-related UI symptoms in women. Bariatric surgery in particular shows greater sustained weight loss and improvements in UI prevalence. Further large scale, randomized control trials assessing the effect of bariatric surgery on women with obesity-related UI are needed to confirm this study's findings.

Obesity as a risk factor for poor outcomes after sling surgery in women with stress urinary incontinence: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Obesity is one of the main risk factors for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and has also been associated with worse surgical outcomes. However, the literature is heterogeneous and inconclusive. The goal of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate cure rates and perioperative complications in obese women.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A literature search of OVID, MEDNAR, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and CENTRAL databases was conducted. Randomized controlled trials comparing cure rates and failure of treatment in normal and obese patients, who underwent mid-urethral sling surgery, were identified. A systematic review of subjective and objective cure rates, and complications was performed. Meta-analyses of dichotomous data under the random-effects model were applied using Review Manager 5.3. Nonrandomized comparative studies and gray literature were excluded.

RESULTS

A total of 219 studies were identified. Four randomized controlled trials were included for evaluation. The risk of bias evaluation was performed according to the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. One study was excluded due to missing data on the outcomes. Patients were stratified according to their body mass index as obese (>30 kg/m² ) and nonobese (<30 kg/m² ). Complications could not be meta-analyzed. The meta-analysis of subjective (risk ratio [RR] = 1.69 [95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.32-2.16]) and objective (RR = 1.62 [95% CI: 1.26-2.07]) cure rates disfavored obese women.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis shows that obesity is a risk factor for the nonsuccessful treatment of SUI with tension-free mid-urethral sling. Differences in regards to the surgical approach and its association with obesity could not be established with the current evidence.

Impact of Bariatric Surgery on Female Sexual Function in Obese Patients: a Meta-Analysis

We aimed to make a meta-analysis regarding the effect of bariatric surgery on female sexual function. PubMed, EMBASE, and CENTRAL were searched from database inception through August 2019. Articles were eligible for inclusion if they examined the effect of bariatric surgery on obese women's sexual function assessed by the Female Sexual Functioning Index (FSFI) or/and the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ-12). Twenty articles were included into meta-analysis. Bariatric surgery was associated with significant increase in the total FSFI score. When parameters included in the FSFI scoring system were separately evaluated, significant improvements were observed in sexual desire, sexual arousal, lubrication, orgasm, sexual satisfaction, and sexual pain. However, the PISQ-12 and FSFI scores in women with pelvic floor disorders (PFDs) were not significantly changed postoperatively. Bariatric surgery improves female sexual function in obese patients, but not in women with PFD.

The effect of bariatric surgery on female sexual function: a cross-sectional study

The generally negative impact of obesity on female sexuality is well-established. The possible association between bariatric surgery, weight loss, and female sexuality is much less described. The aim of the study was to analyse the possible association between bariatric surgery and female sexual function. It was a cross-sectional study of 623 patients who underwent bariatric surgery between 1999 and 2017. Patients were recruited on the basis of medical records from the Military Institute of Medicine in Warsaw. Patients were invited to complete a questionnaire which consisted of self-designed demographic questions and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). The total FSFI score, as well as each subdomain, improved significantly after surgery. The prevalence of low score (< 26.55) was significantly lower after the surgery in comparison to the status prior to the procedure (36.3% vs. 57.5%; p < .001). There were no differences regarding the number of sexually active patients before and after the surgery (75.3% vs. 76.1%; p < .63). There were observed statistically significant, positive correlations between BMI decrease and each subdomain of the FSFI score as well as the total score. Weight loss surgery seems to decrease the risk of sexual dysfunction presence and the advantages are associated with the total BMI loss.

Review: Sex-Specific Aspects in the Bariatric Treatment of Severely Obese Women

This systematic literature review aims to point out sex-specific special features that are important in the bariatric treatment of women suffering from severe obesity. A systematic literature search was carried out according to Cochrane and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) guidelines. After the literature selection, the following categories were determined: sexuality and sexual function; contraception; fertility; sex hormones and polycystic ovary syndrome; menopause and osteoporosis; pregnancy and breastfeeding; pelvic floor disorders and urinary incontinence; female-specific cancer; and metabolism, outcome, and quality of life. For each category, the current status of research is illuminated and implications for bariatric treatment are determined. A summary that includes key messages is given for each subsection. An overall result of this paper is an understanding that sex-specific risks that follow or result from bariatric surgery should be considered more in aftercare. In order to increase the evidence, further research focusing on sex-specific differences in the outcome of bariatric surgery and promising treatment approaches to female-specific diseases is needed. Nevertheless, bariatric surgery shows good potential in the treatment of sex-specific aspects for severely obese women that goes far beyond mere weight loss and reduction of metabolic risks.

The Impact of Bariatric Surgery on Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effect of bariatric surgery (BS) on the prevalence of pelvic floor dysfunctions (PFD), specifically on urinary incontinence (UI), pelvic organ prolapse (POP), and fecal incontinence (FI).

DATA SOURCES

A systematic review (PROSPERO registration no. CRD42017068452) with a literature search was performed using the PubMed, Scopus, and SciELO databases for all publications related to BS and PFD, with no language restrictions, from inception to September 2018.

METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION

Two authors screened for study eligibility and extracted data. Only prospective cohorts assessing women with morbid obesity and the prevalence of PFD before and after BS in multiple academic and private centers were included. UI, POP, and FI were defined according to the International Urogynecological Association/International Continence Society joint consensus, and diagnosis was made based on self-report or questionnaires.

TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS

Our search strategy retrieved 957 results. Of those, 28 studies were included for full analysis, and 20 studies (n = 3684 patients) were selected for final analysis. The main reasons for exclusion were missing data before and after BS (n = 7) and combined data of men and women who underwent BS (n = 1). Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass was the most common surgical technique. Pooled analysis (16 studies) showed that women had a mean body mass index reduction of 12.90 kg/m2 after treatment (95% confidence interval [CI], -14.82 to -10.97; p < .0001). The relative risk reduction was 67% (n = 19; odds ratio [OR], 0.33; 95% CI, 0.26-0.41; p < .0001) for UI, 52% (n = 5; OR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.22-1.07; p = .07) for POP, and 20% (n = 9; OR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.53-1.21; p = .29) for FI. Funnel plots for UI and FI did not suggest any publication bias. With regard to the standardized questionnaires for PFD, the International Consultation on Incontinence-Short Form, Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire-7 and its subscale Colorectal-Anal Impact Questionnaire-7, Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20, and its subscale Urinary Distress Inventory-6 showed statistically significantly lower scores. Sexual function, represented by the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire-12, showed no statistically significant improvement after surgery.

CONCLUSION

BS has a significant impact on reducing UI, but FI and POP, in obese women.

Effect of Bariatric Surgery on Urinary Incontinence in Obese Women: A Meta-analysis and Systematic Review

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to explore the effectiveness of bariatric surgery in obese women with urinary incontinence (UI) through meta-analysis.

METHODS

Searches of PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and EMBASE databases were performed using "weight loss surgery/bariatric surgery/gastric bypass surgery" and "incontinentia urinae/uracratia/urinary incontinence/uroclepsia" in the title/abstract before January 2018. Then, meta-analysis was analyzed by Review Manager 5.3 (Cochrane Collaboration, Oxford, United Kingdom). The standardized mean difference (SMD) and odds ratio (OR) were used to describe results of continuous variables and dichotomous variables, respectively.

RESULTS

Pooled data showed that bariatric surgery reduced the incidence of UI in obese women at the follow-up of 6 months (OR, 3.27; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.55-4.21; P < 0.00001) and 12 months (OR, 4.04; 95% CI, 2.62-6.22; P < 0.00001) and significantly reduced the body mass index at 6 months (SMD, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.19-2.53; P < 0.00001) and 12 months (SMD, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.44-2.64; P < 0.00001). In addition, bariatric surgery could also significantly increase the quality of life (SMD, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.27-0.80; P < 0.00001) and improve the function of pelvic floor disorders (SMD, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.38-0.72; P < 0.00001) based on quality-of-life questionnaires and Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory 20, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis demonstrated that bariatric surgery is an effective choice for obese women with UI. However, more randomized controlled trials are required to confirm this result.

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.

Is Bariatric Surgery a Prophylaxis for Pelvic Floor Disorders?

Introduction

Obesity is one of the well-documented risk factors of pelvic floor disorders (PFDs). The PFDs include urinary and fecal incontinence (UI, FI) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Surgery-induced weight loss improves different kinds of incontinence as well as POP symptoms. However, there is a lack of evidence how bariatric surgery influences pelvic floor anatomy and function in women without previous PFDs and whether it may be concerned as PFD prophylaxis tool.

Materials and Methods

The present analysis is a prospective, non-randomized case-control study from January 2014 to September 2017. Participants underwent pelvic floor ultrasound examination with bladder neck position estimation at rest, during levator ani tension, and at Valsalva maneuver before surgery and 12–18 months after. Pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POPQ) > 2 stage and PFD complaints were the exclusion criteria.

Results

Fifty-nine patients underwent bariatric surgery (57 sleeve gastrectomy and 2 gastric bypass). Mean BMI decreased from 43.8 ± 5.9 to 29 ± 4.6 kg/m² after surgery (p < 0.001). Statistically significant higher position of the bladder neck at rest, during tension, and at Valsalva maneuver (p < 0.05) was shown after surgery. We did not demonstrate differences in bladder neck mobility and bladder neck elevation at tension after weight loss.

Conclusions

Bariatric surgery is associated with a betterment of bladder neck position at rest, tension, and Valsalva maneuver in women without PFDs. We postulate that bariatric surgery may be a tool for PFD prevention. It does not improve levator ani function and does not limit bladder neck mobility, which implicates that it has no influence on preexisting pelvic dysfunction.