SUFU 2018: Surgically Induced Weight Loss Results in a Rapid and Consistent Improvement of Female Pelvic Floor Symptoms

Austin, TX (UroToday.com) Dr. Groutz and colleagues presented a prospective study on 101 women with a mean BMI of 41.6 kg/m2 undergoing bariatric surgery at a single institution, in order to assess the short and medium term effect of weight loss on urinary incontinence, POP, and colorectal-anal symptoms.  They completed 3 validated questionnaires (ICIQ-UI, BFLUTS-SF, and PFDI-20) to evaluate pelvic floor symptoms at baseline, 3-6 months, and 12-24 months postoperatively.

By 3-6 months, the mean percentage weight loss was 22% and by 12-24 months, mean percentage weight loss was 33%.  Mean ICIQ scores decreased from 9.5 to 3.0 (p<0.001) and 2.9 (<0.001) at short and medium term follow up.  Mean PFDI-20/POP score decreased from 23.8 at baseline, to 12.7 (p=0.010) and 13.7 (p=0.025) at 3-6 and 12-24 months postoperatively. Mean PFDI-20/CRA score decreased from 26.0 at baseline, to 15.4 (p=0.001) and 18.8 (p=0.045) at 3-6 and 12-24 months postoperatively.  De novo POP and CRA symptoms were reported by 16% of the patients. 

The authors state that the beneficial effect of the weight loss on pelvic floor symptoms occurred very early in the postoperative period, as sustained through 2 years of follow up.  Clinical impacts of weight loss after bariatric surgery in terms of pelvic floor dysfunction should be taken into account when managing these patients. 


Presented By: Asnat Groutz, MD¹

Co-Authors: Avner Leshem MD¹, Hadar Amir MD¹, David Gordon MD¹ and Mordechai Shimonov MD²

Author Information:
1. Tel Aviv Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
2. Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel

Written by: Cristina Palmer, DO. Female Urology, Pelvic Reconstruction, Voiding Dysfunction Fellow, Department of Urology, UC Irvine Medical Center, Orange, California at the Society of Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine & Urogenital Reconstruction Winter Meeting (SUFU 2018), February 27-March 3, 2018, Austin, Texas