Postoperative detrusor contractility temporarily decreases in patients undergoing pelvic organ prolapse surgery

To assess the postoperative lower urinary tract function in patients undergoing pelvic organ prolapse surgery.

A total of 24 women with advanced anterior vaginal wall prolapse underwent transvaginal repair using a polypropylene mesh. The preoperative, 1-week and 3-month postoperative evaluations were carried out by urodynamics. Maximal flow rate detrusor pressure at maximal flow rate, voided volume and bladder contractility index were measured. A value of P < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.

The mean age of patients was 73.5 years (range 49-84 years). The mean postoperative maximal flow rate, voiding efficiency and bladder contractility index decreased significantly after the operation compared with the preoperative values (P < 0.05). No significant differences were observed between preoperative and 3-month postoperative parameters. Of the patients, 33.3%, 11.1% and 50% were classified as having normal/strong contractility preoperative, 1 week and 3 months, respectively. The proportion of normal/strong contractility decreased significantly after the operation, and it recovered 3 months postoperatively. The grade of obstruction did not change significantly.

Patients undergoing pelvic organ prolapse surgery present temporary impaired detrusor contractility, which improves significantly during the midterm postoperative period.