Obesity and lower urinary tract function in women: effect of surgically induced weight loss

Abstract

Objective: The subjective and objective effects of massive weight loss on lower urinary tract function in morbidly obese women were examined.

Study design: Thirteen subjects underwent a comprehensive evaluation of lower urinary tract function before and 1 year after surgically induced weight loss.

Results: We demonstrated significant improvements in lower urinary tract function after weight loss. Of 12 subjects who complained of incontinence before surgery only three complained of incontinence (p = 0.004) and only one requested treatment after weight loss. Objective and subjective resolution of both stress and urge incontinence was documented. Statistically significant changes were seen in measures of vesical pressure, the magnitude of bladder pressure increases with coughing, bladder-to-urethra pressure transmission with cough, urethral axial mobility, number of incontinence episodes, and the need to use absorptive pads.

Conclusion: Weight reduction is desirable for obese women complaining of urinary incontinence and may obviate the need for further incontinence therapy.