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Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Laparoscopic Non-Mesh Cerclage Pectopexy with Uterine Preservation for Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Published on: October 25, 2024
Anal incontinence and bowel dysfunction after sacrocolpopexy for vaginal vault prolapse
Catharina Forsgren1, Jan Zetterström, Anju Zhang
1Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Karolinska Institutet Danderyd Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
Introduction:
This study aimed to determine the prevalence of bowel dysfunction and anal incontinence in relation to vaginal vault prolapse surgery in women hysterectomized on benign indications.
Methods:
This is a case-control study where women having had sacrocolpopexy (n = 78) were compared with hysterectomized women without sacrocolpopexy (n = 233) using a bowel function questionnaire and the Cleveland Clinic Incontinence Score (CCIS).
Results:
Sacrocolpopexy was performed on average 13.7 years (+/-11.1 SD) after the hysterectomy. Sacrocolpopexy was associated with an increased prevalence of rectal emptying difficulties (p = 0.04), incomplete rectal evacuation (p < 0.001), digitally assisted rectal emptying (p < 0.001), and use of enemas (p = 0.001). There was no overall significant difference in mean CCIS when comparing women having had vaginal vault prolapse surgery (CCIS = 2.78 +/- 4.1 SD) with those without (CCIS = 2.1 +/- 3.3 SD, p = 0.1)
Conclusions:
Abdominal sacrocolpopexy is associated with obstructed defecation but not anal incontinence when compared to hysterectomized controls without vaginal vault prolapse surgery.
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