Prospective clinical and functional results of combined rectal and urogynecologic surgery in complex pelvic floor disorders.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the results of combined rectal and urogynecologic surgery in women with associated obstructed defecation, urinary incontinence, or genital prolapse.


METHODS
One hundred forty-two selected patients with obstructed defecation in isolation or associated with urinary incontinence, enterocele, or genital prolapse were consecutively operated on by stapled transanal rectal resection alone or associated with transobturator tape, vaginal repair of the enterocele, or vaginal hysterectomy, respectively, and followed up by clinical controls and defecography.


RESULTS
At 2 years, all symptom, quality-of-life, and defecographic parameters had significantly improved in all groups (P < .001). The association with hysterectomy showed higher risk for severe complications, longer operative time, hospital stay, and time of inability (P < .001). Recurrence of urinary incontinence was observed in 3 of 24 patients, while 2 of 21 showed residual vaginal prolapse.


CONCLUSIONS
The combination of rectal and urogynecologic surgery is effective, with higher morbidity in the association with vaginal hysterectomy. Randomized trials comparing surgery in 1 and more stages and longer follow-up are necessary for a definitive conclusion.
Boccasanta
Paolo
P
Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Mangiagallie Regina Elena, IRCCS Foundation, 1st Department of General Surgery, University of Milan, Milan, Italy. pboccasanta@policlinico.mi.it
Venturi
Marco
M
Spennacchio
Maurizio
M
Buonaguidi
Arturo
A
Airoldi
Angelo
A
Roviaro
Giancarlo
G
D000368:Aged; D019841:Defecography; D013505:Digestive System Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D013509:Gynecologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D059685:Herniorrhaphy; D006801:Humans; D007045:Hysterectomy, Vaginal / Q000379:methods; D007415:Intestinal Obstruction / Q000601:surgery*; D017773:Pelvic Floor; D056887:Pelvic Organ Prolapse / Q000601:surgery; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D012007:Rectum / Q000601:surgery*; D017792:Surgical Stapling; D053832:Surgical Tape; D014550:Urinary Incontinence, Stress / Q000601:surgery