Risk factors for persistent, de novo and overall overactive bladder syndrome after surgical prolapse repair

Overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms are frequently associated with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and both postoperative improvement and de novo onset of OAB symptoms have been described. The aim of the study is to identify risk factors for persistent, de novo and overall postoperative OAB after POP repair.

This was a retrospective study including patients who underwent primary POP surgery. Medical interview, urogenital examination and urodynamics were performed preoperatively; patients were examined one and six months after surgery and then yearly.

518 patients were included. 36.1% of women preoperatively complained of OAB symptoms while detrusor overactivity was found in 20.5%. The rate of persistent and de novo OAB after surgery were respectively 14.1% and 13.5%. Multivariate analysis found age, BMI, preoperative OAB, sling placement and postoperative SUI as independent risk factors for overall OAB after surgery. Moreover, preoperative OAB and postoperative constipations were associated with OAB persistence after surgery. Finally, age, sling placement, postoperative SUI and voiding symptoms were independently associated with de novo OAB.

Preoperative OAB symptoms are associated with OAB persistence after POP surgery, while age and sling placement correlate with de novo OAB. Finally, increased BMI is related to postoperative OAB.