Effects of vaginal surgery on the lower urinary tract

Vaginal surgery performed for pelvic floor relaxation, genuine stress incontinence or both can have intended and unintended effects on the lower urinary tract. Intended effects are restoration of anatomy and urinary continence; unintended effects include operative injury, recurrent prolapse, persistent or unmasked stress incontinence, and voiding difficulties. Objective long-term follow-up and new investigational techniques have led to a critical reexamination of standard and time-honoured vaginal operations, particularly anterior colporrhaphy. This review addresses the effects of different vaginal operations on the lower urinary tract and conduction studies of the perineal nerve.