Pelvic floor dysfunction after Burch colposuspension--a comprehensive study. Part I.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the occurrence of voiding dysfunction and symptoms of genital prolapse at long-term follow-up after Burch colposuspension (Bc) in relation to the occurrence of the symptoms in an age-matched normal population.


METHODS
A follow-up study of the 190 patients who underwent Bc in 1980-88 and 305 age-matched control women randomly selected from the general population. The participants answered a questionnaire in 1998 with detailed questions about the pelvic floor function. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed.


RESULTS
The prevalence and frequency of urinary incontinence were significantly higher in the patient group compared with those in the control group as were urge incontinence, difficulty to start voiding, time needed at the toilet for voiding, the need to return to the toilet for emptying the bladder, feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder, and limitation of social life because of the leakage. The symptoms of genital prolapse were significantly more common in the patient group in spite of a significantly larger proportion of genital prolapse surgery in this group. Parity, high body mass index, heavy lifting work, chronic pulmonary diseases, hiatus hernias, and hysterectomy were significantly more common in the patient group than among the controls.


CONCLUSIONS
At long-term follow-up, patients exhibit substantial symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) concerning voiding dysfunction and symptoms of genital prolapse compared with a normal population. This highlights the importance and need of treating pelvic floor disorders in a comprehensive way. Scientific works with comprehensive studies of PFD are needed.
Kjølhede
Preben
P
Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University Hospital, 581-85 Linköping, Sweden. preben.kjolhede@lio.se
Wahlström
Johan
J
Wingren
Gun
G
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015992:Body Mass Index; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003127:Colposcopy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007044:Hysterectomy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016496:Incontinence Pads / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008875:Middle Aged; D009790:Occupations; D010298:Parity; D017773:Pelvic Floor / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013526:Surgical Mesh; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D014550:Urinary Incontinence, Stress / Q000601:surgery*; D014596:Uterine Prolapse / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology