title: The Association Between Stage II or Greater Posterior Prolapse and Bothersome Obstructive Bowel Symptoms.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  : The primary objective of this study was to estimate the association between stage II or greater posterior prolapse and individual obstructive bowel symptoms.
  
  
  METHODS
  : We conducted a cross-sectional study of all women presenting for initial visit at a tertiary center for pelvic floor disorders. Exposure was defined as stage II or greater posterior vaginal prolapse as measured by pelvic organ prolapse quantification measurements. Outcomes included the separate bothersome obstructive bowel symptoms of splinting, straining, or incomplete bowel emptying.
  
  
  RESULTS
  : Our study included 721 women. Univariate analysis did not show an association between stage II or greater posterior prolapse and the bothersome symptoms of straining or incomplete emptying. Stage II or greater posterior prolapse was associated with bothersome splinting (adjusted OR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.06-2.53).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  : Stage II or greater posterior prolapse was associated with the bothersome symptom of splinting, but not bothersome straining or the sensation of incomplete evacuation.
authors.affiliation: From the *Section of Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT; and †Division of Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery Women and Infants' Hospital of Rhode Island, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI.
authors.forename: Elisabeth A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Erekson
authors.forename: Nadine C
authors.initials: NC
authors.lastname: Kassis
authors.forename: Blair B
authors.initials: BB
authors.lastname: Washington
authors.forename: Deborah L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Myers