Predictors of persistence of preoperative urgency incontinence in women following pelvic organ prolapse repair

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the predictors of persistence or resolution of preoperative urgency urinary incontinence (UUI) in women following transvaginal mesh (TVM) repair for advanced pelvic organ prolapse (POP).

Material and methods: Patients with advanced POP undergoing TVM repair between 2008 and 2013 in a tertiary hospital were recruited. All patients underwent evaluation including a structured urogynecological questionnaire, voiding diary, pelvic examination using the POP-quantitation system, and urodynamic testing before and after surgery, and intraoperative cystoscopy. Patient demographics, lower urinary tract symptoms, urodynamic findings, and severity of prolapse were analyzed between women with and without preoperative UUI.

Results: Of 174 patients who underwent TVM repair, 49 (28.2%) had preoperative UUI; after operation, 23 (13.2%) were found to have postoperative UUI and 13 (7.5%) developed de novo UUI. For those 49 patients with preoperative UUI, 10 (20.4%) had persistent UUI and 19 (38.8%) developed de novo stress urinary incontinence postoperatively. The prevalence of preoperative bladder outlet obstruction, preoperative maximal cystometric capacity (MCC) < 300 mL, preoperative severe bladder trabeculation, and duration of POP symptoms > 60 months were significantly higher in patients with persistent UUI than without it. Logistic regression demonstrated that preoperative MCC<300 mL, severe bladder trabeculation, and duration of POP symptoms > 60 months were associated with persistent UUI after prolapse repair.

Conclusion: For women with identified preoperative risk factors, including MCC<300 mL, severe bladder trabeculation, and POP symptoms > 60 months, preoperative counseling should consist of a discussion about persistent UUI symptoms following TVM repair and the development of de novo stress urinary incontinence.

Keywords: bladder trabeculation; pelvic organ prolapse; urgency incontinence; urodynamic study.