[Functional symptoms and associations of women with genital prolapse]

Objective: To assess functional symptoms related to genital prolapse and to test anatomo-functional associations.

Patients and methods: Observational study, performed between January 2005 and June 2012, on all patients operated for prolapse in a French tertiary referral centre. Data were collected from standardized patients' notes, including baseline characteristics, complete interview on urinary and colo-rectal functional symptoms, MHU score, and POP-Q (Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification) clinical evaluation.

Results: Three hundred and seventy-four patients, with a mean age of 65.1 years old, mean parity of 2.5, and mean BMI of 25.4, were included. These patients were post-menopausal in 92.5% of cases. Urinary symptoms were: SUI in 30.5%, urgencies in 44.4%, and voiding difficulties in 38.8%. Colo-rectal symptoms, such as defecatory dysfunction and anal incontinence, occurred in 25.1% and 18.5%, respectively. On clinical examination, anterior vaginal wall prolapses were the most common (74.1%). Patients with stage 3-4 cystocele suffered significantly more frequently of nocturia (P=0.04), voiding difficulties (P=0.04), and occult stress urinary incontinence (P<0.001). Patients with stage 3-4 rectocele suffered significantly more frequently of defecatory dysfunction (P=0.005) and performed more often maneuver for defecation (P<0.001).

Conclusion: Urinary and colo-rectal symptoms are commonly associated with genital prolapse. Anatomo-functional associations were shown regarding different prolapse types and stages.

Level of proof: 4.