Anorectal manometry in women with urinary stress incontinence

The aims of this prospective study were to determine the bowel function and the anal sphincter function in women with urinary stress incontinence by means of anorectal manometry and to look for manometric variables which could predict the development of surgery demanding genital prolapse after Burch colposuspension.

During 1991-1992 twenty-one women with urodynamically proven genuine stress urinary incontinence were consecutively operated upon with the Burch colposuspension. No concomitant prolapse repair surgery was performed. Forty-four healthy subjects without anorectal disorders were used as controls.

All subjects were investigated with anorectal manometry using a microtransducer catheter. A standardized questionnaire concerning bowel function was answered at interview. The manometry and interview were performed preoperatively and one year after the Burch colposuspension.

According to the preoperative questionnaire, fecal incontinence was found in 62%, constipation in 38% and straining at defecation in 71%. There were no significant differences in any of the manometric parameters between the preoperative and the one-year postoperative assessment. The patients with prolapse operations after the colposuspension (n = 6) had a significantly lower anal squeeze pressure area (p = 0.029) preoperatively compared to the control subjects. The patients without prolapse surgery (n = 15) did not differ in manometric parameters from the control subjects.

Bowel dysfunction is common in women with stress urinary incontinence. The women with low anal squeeze pressure area preoperatively are at risk for the development of genital prolapse after Burch colposuspension.