Effect of Vaginal Prolapse Repair and Midurethral Sling on Urgency Incontinence Symptoms

Importance: Limited evidence exists on the effect of combined native tissue vaginal prolapse repair with midurethral sling on urgency urinary incontinence (UUI) symptoms.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of combined native tissue vaginal prolapse repair with midurethral sling on UUI symptoms at 12 months postoperatively and identify risk factors for persistent UUI.

Study design: This secondary analysis utilized data from a randomized trial comparing retropubic versus single-incision slings in women undergoing treatment of stress incontinence and vaginal prolapse with native tissue vaginal repair and midurethral sling. Responses to Question 16 of the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20 were grouped into no and mild UUI (0, 1) versus moderate and severe UUI (2, 3, 4), and associations between UUI symptoms and patient and surgical characteristics were explored.

Results: At baseline, 196/254 (77%) reported at least moderate UUI bother, whereas 58 (23%) had no bother. At 12 months postoperatively, persistent, resolved and de novo UUI were 41%, 59%, and 11%, respectively. At baseline, higher body mass index (odds ratio [OR], 1.08 95% CI, 1.02-1.14; P = 0.005) and symptomatic SUI (OR, 4.76; 95% CI, 2.53-9.01; P < 0.001) were associated with UUI. At 12 months, age (OR, 1.18, 95% CI, 1.04-1.35; P = 0.012) and Charlson Comorbidity Index (OR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.00-1.45; P = 0.049) were associated with UUI. Colpocleisis was the only significant protective factor for the presence of UUI at 12 months (OR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.13-0.97; P = 0.043).

Conclusion: At 12 months postoperatively, almost 60% saw resolution of baseline UUI symptoms, especially those undergoing colpocleisis.