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Published on: October 25, 2024
Effects of bariatric surgery on pelvic floor function
Larissa Araújo de Castro1, Wagner Sobottka, Giorgio Baretta
1Program of Post-Graduation in Clinical Surgery, Health Science Department, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil. larissa.decastro@ufpr.br
Summary
Bariatric surgery significantly improves pelvic floor function and reduces urinary incontinence in morbidly obese women. This weight loss intervention enhances quality of life by strengthening pelvic floor muscles.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Bariatric Surgery
- Pelvic Floor Health
Background:
- Obesity is a known comorbidity associated with urinary incontinence.
- Weight loss interventions, including bariatric surgery, have shown promise in improving incontinence, but underlying mechanisms require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of bariatric surgery on pelvic floor function in women.
- To assess changes in urinary incontinence prevalence and quality of life post-surgery.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 30 women awaiting bariatric surgery.
- Pre-operative and one-year post-operative assessments included BMI, incontinence prevalence, King's Health Questionnaire, Oxford Modified Scale, and perineometry.
Main Results:
- Significant reduction in BMI and excess weight post-surgery.
- Urinary incontinence prevalence decreased from 70.8% to 20.8%.
- Improvements observed in pelvic floor muscle strength (Oxford Scale, perineometry) and quality of life (King's Health Questionnaire).
Conclusions:
- Massive weight loss achieved through bariatric surgery leads to positive functional changes in the pelvic floor.
- Bariatric surgery significantly improves pelvic floor function and quality of life in morbidly obese women.
