Influence of overweight in elderly patients undergoing vaginal surgery due to pelvic floor disorders

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the feasibility and safety of vaginal surgery for treatment of genital prolapse in overweight compared to normal weight patients aged 50 years or older.

Patients and methods: We retrospectively reviewed the perioperative data of 93 patients aged between 50 and 87 years undergoing surgery due to pelvic floor disorders. A total of 54 women had a body mass index (BMI) of 25 kg/m(2) or higher and were defined as the study collective. Thirty-nine patients undergoing similar surgical procedures during the same period of time had a BMI less than 25 kg/m(2) and served as the control group. Operating time, duration of hospital stay, intra- and postoperative complications were evaluated as comorbidities. χ(2)-test, Fisher's exact test, Student's t-test and non-parametric Mann-Whitney U-test were applied to compare the results of both collectives.

Results: There were no significant differences between study and control collectives regarding time of surgery, duration of hospital stay or intra- and postoperative complications, although a significant difference was found with regard to the prevalence of pre-existing diabetes mellitus (17% in the study group, versus 5% in the control group, respectively, Fisher's exact test: p=0.04).

Conclusion: Overweight in elderly patients undergoing vaginal surgery due to pelvic floor disorders does not affect the perioperative outcome and is not a risk factor for perioperative complications.