Published in:
01-09-2010 | Original Article
Anal incontinence and bowel dysfunction after sacrocolpopexy for vaginal vault prolapse
Published in: International Urogynecology Journal | Issue 9/2010
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Introduction
This study aimed to determine the prevalence of bowel dysfunction and anal incontinence in relation to vaginal vault prolapse surgery in women hysterectomized on benign indications.
Methods
This is a case–control study where women having had sacrocolpopexy (n = 78) were compared with hysterectomized women without sacrocolpopexy (n = 233) using a bowel function questionnaire and the Cleveland Clinic Incontinence Score (CCIS).
Results
Sacrocolpopexy was performed on average 13.7 years (±11.1 SD) after the hysterectomy. Sacrocolpopexy was associated with an increased prevalence of rectal emptying difficulties (p = 0.04), incomplete rectal evacuation (p < 0.001), digitally assisted rectal emptying (p < 0.001), and use of enemas (p = 0.001). There was no overall significant difference in mean CCIS when comparing women having had vaginal vault prolapse surgery (CCIS = 2.78 ± 4.1 SD) with those without (CCIS = 2.1 ± 3.3 SD, p = 0.1)
Conclusions
Abdominal sacrocolpopexy is associated with obstructed defecation but not anal incontinence when compared to hysterectomized controls without vaginal vault prolapse surgery.