Clinical significance of obstructive defecatory symptoms in women with pelvic organ prolapse

Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2010 Dec;111(3):237-40. doi: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2010.06.025.

Abstract

Objective: To determine whether the presence of obstructive defecatory symptoms is associated with the site and severity of pelvic organ prolapse.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed of women with pelvic organ prolapse of grade 2 or greater who had completed a validated questionnaire that surveyed pelvic floor symptoms. Associations between patient characteristics, site and severity of prolapse, and obstructive bowel symptoms were investigated.

Results: Among 260 women with pelvic organ prolapse, women with posterior vaginal wall prolapse were more likely to report obstructive symptoms, such as incomplete emptying (41% vs 21%, P=0.003), straining at defecation (39% vs 19%, P=0.002), and splinting with defecation (36% vs 14%, P<0.001) compared with women without posterior vaginal wall prolapse. There was no significant association between any bowel symptom and increasing severity of prolapse.

Conclusions: Obstructive bowel symptoms are significantly associated with the presence of posterior vaginal wall prolapse, but not with the severity of prolapse.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Defecation*
  • Fecal Incontinence / diagnosis
  • Fecal Incontinence / etiology
  • Fecal Incontinence / physiopathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intestinal Obstruction / diagnosis*
  • Intestinal Obstruction / etiology*
  • Intestinal Obstruction / physiopathology
  • Middle Aged
  • Pelvic Floor / physiopathology
  • Pelvic Organ Prolapse / complications*
  • Pelvic Organ Prolapse / physiopathology
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Urinary Incontinence / diagnosis
  • Urinary Incontinence / etiology
  • Urinary Incontinence / physiopathology