Changes in urinary and sexual function 6 months after cystocele repair with a polypropylene mesh

We used quantitative parameters obtained during the voiding phase, urinary symptoms and sexual functioning to investigate the symptomatic and functional changes after cystocele repair with a polypropylene mesh.

The maximum urinary flow rate (Q(max)), residual urine (RU) volume and two symptom questionnaires, the Urinary Distress Inventory (UDI-6) and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), were used to retrospectively evaluate 39 consecutive cystocele patients before and 6 months after surgery.

Q(max), RU and FSFI were not significantly different (p = 0.366, 0.286 and 0.100, respectively) pre- and postoperatively, but the UDI-6 score had significantly improved (p < 0.001) 6 months after the cystocele repair. A concomitant sling procedure was significantly correlated with changes in the UDI-6 score (p < 0.001); the patients without stress urinary incontinence (SUI) who underwent cystocele repair only showed no symptomatic improvements in the UDI-6 score (p = 0.560).

Correction of SUI resulted in urinary symptom improvement in cystocele patients. Cystocele repair with or without sling placement did not change Q(max), RU or sexual functioning at the 6-month follow-up.