Improvements in overactive bladder syndrome after polypropylene mesh surgery for cystocele

The International Continence Society has defined overactive bladder syndrome (OABS) by the following set of symptoms: 'urgency, with or without urge incontinence, usually with urinary frequency and nocturia'. OABS and cystocele often coexist.

This study aimed to analyse the changes in the overactive bladder symptom score (OABSS) of women followed up for one year after anterior repair surgery performed using a polypropylene mesh. In this surgery, a tape with four straps designed for optimum tissue holding capacity was fixed to the obturator foramen.

Thirty-four women were operated using the abovementioned mesh. The OABSS, maximal urinary flow rate (Qmax) and postvoid residual (PVR) volume were evaluated pre- and post-surgery.

We observed significant improvements in the OABSS and quality of life scores before and after one year of surgery. The surgery was significantly effective in improving urgency, daytime frequency, incontinence, the Qmax and the PVR volume. No significant change in nocturia was observed post-surgery.

Our study confirmed the efficacy of the propylene mesh introduction surgery for cystocele for the improvement of OABS symptoms.