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. 2023 May;34(5):1043-1047.
doi: 10.1007/s00192-022-05312-4. Epub 2022 Aug 8.

A pilot study to evaluate changes in pelvic floor muscle tone following pelvic organ prolapse surgery using a novel intra-vaginal pressure sensor device

James McConnell  1 , Lynsey Murtagh  1 , Molly Lim  1 , Laura Pedofsky  2 , Jennifer Kruger  2 , David Budgett  2 , Swati Jha  3
Affiliations

A pilot study to evaluate changes in pelvic floor muscle tone following pelvic organ prolapse surgery using a novel intra-vaginal pressure sensor device

James McConnell et al. Int Urogynecol J. 2023 May.

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis: Pelvic floor muscle weakness is a common cause of pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence. Surgical repair of prolapse is commonly undertaken; however, the impact on pelvic floor muscle tone is unknown. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of anterior and posterior colporrhaphy on pelvic floor activation.

Methods: Patients aged under 70 undergoing primary anterior or posterior colporrhaphy were recruited. Intra-vaginal pressure was measured at rest and during pelvic floor contraction using the Femfit® device (an intra-vaginal pressure sensor device [IVPSD]). Peak pressure and mean pressure over 3 s were measured in millimetres of mercury. The pre- and post-operative measurements were compared. The difference between the means was assessed using Cohen's D test, with significance set at p<0.05 RESULTS: A total of 37 patients completed pre- and post-operative analysis, 25 in the anterior colporrhaphy group and 12 in the posterior colporrhaphy group. Anterior colporrhaphy showed no significant change in pelvic floor tone. Change in peak pressure was -1.71mmHg (-5.75 to 2.33; p=0.16) and change in mean pressure was -0.86 mmHg (-4.38 to 2.66; p=0.31). Posterior colporrhaphy showed a significant increase in peak pelvic floor muscle tone of 7.2 mmHg (0.82 to 13.58; p=0.005) and mean pressure of 4.19 mmHg (-0.09 to 8.47; p=0.016).

Conclusions: Posterior colporrhaphy significantly improves pelvic floor muscle tone, whereas anterior colporrhaphy does not. Improved understanding of the impact of pelvic floor surgery may guide future management options for other pelvic floor disorders. Further work is needed to confirm the association of this improvement in pelvic floor disorders.

Keywords: Anterior colporrhaphy; Pelvic floor; Pelvic floor repair; Pelvic organ prolapse; Posterior colporrhaphy.

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Conflict of interest statement

Jennifer Kruger and David Budgett are Directors of Junofem.

Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1
The intravaginal pressure sensor device
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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