Bowel symptoms in women planning surgery for pelvic organ prolapse

Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2006 Dec;195(6):1814-9. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2006.07.008. Epub 2006 Sep 25.

Abstract

Objective: The objective of the study was to measure associations between bowel symptoms and prolapse.

Study design: Baseline data were analyzed from 322 women in the Colpopexy And Urinary Reduction Efforts trial of sacrocolpopexy with or without Burch colposuspension. Women completed the Colorectal-Anal Distress Inventory and Colorectal-Anal Impact Questionnaire and underwent Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification. Associations between symptoms and questionnaire scores and Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification measures were assessed.

Results: Mean age was 61 +/- 10 years. Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification stages were II (14%), III (67%), and IV (19%). Colorectal-Anal Distress Inventory symptoms did not increase with prolapse stage. Colorectal-Anal Distress Inventory obstructive subscale scores were higher in stage II women (median 29 [interquartile range 8,92] versus 17 [0,33] and 25 [0,38] for stages III and IV, respectively; adjusted P = .01). The few statistically significant correlations between symptoms and vaginal descent were negative and weak (less than 0.2).

Conclusion: Bowel symptoms and questionnaire scores do not increase with prolapse stage in women presenting for sacrocolpopexy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Anus Diseases / etiology*
  • Anus Diseases / physiopathology
  • Colonic Diseases / etiology*
  • Colonic Diseases / physiopathology
  • Constipation / etiology
  • Defecation
  • Female
  • Gynecologic Surgical Procedures*
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Rectal Diseases / etiology*
  • Rectal Diseases / physiopathology
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Uterine Prolapse / complications*
  • Uterine Prolapse / physiopathology
  • Uterine Prolapse / surgery*