Are women with pelvic organ prolapse at a higher risk of developing hernias?

Abstract

Pelvic organ prolapse and hernia are common disorders which share several pathopysiological and epidemiological features. We therefore aimed to assess whether women with advanced pelvic organ prolapse have a higher prevalence of hernia. We reviewed charts of women undergoing surgery for advanced pelvic organ prolapse and compared them to age-matched controls with mild or no prolapse. We identified 60 patients who underwent surgery for advanced pelvic organ prolapse and 60 controls. The total prevalence of hernias was significantly higher among patients with pelvic organ prolapse (31.6% vs. 5%, p = 0.0002), attributed to hiatal (16.6% vs. 1.6%, p = 0.004) and inguinal (15% vs. 3.3%, p = 0.04) hernias. Patients with advanced pelvic organ prolapse have a higher prevalence of hiatal and inguinal hernias. This finding may be explained by similar pathophysiological mechanisms shared by both disorders.