Long-term quality of life and pelvic floor dysfunction after bariatric surgery

Abstract

To evaluate effects of bariatric surgery on pelvic floor mediated quality of life in morbidly obese women. Prospective cohort study of 44 women undergoing bariatric surgery. Thirty-six women gave data at baseline and at mean follow-up of 3.15 years following bariatric surgery. Although urinary impact questionnaire scores improved (-34.92, P = .0020), colorectal-anal impact questionnaire and pelvic organ prolapse impact questionnaire scores did not improve despite significant weight loss. Baseline female sexual function index scores were low (17.70 ± 8.38) and did not improve with weight loss (16.91 ± 9.75, P = .5832). Pelvic organ prolapse/urinary incontinence sexual questionnaire scores did improve (35.78 ± 6.06 preoperatively vs 38.22 ± 6.03 postoperatively, P = .0193). Bariatric surgery is associated with significant improvement in the impact of urinary incontinence on quality of life. Sexual function was poor, and improved only on the pelvic organ prolapse/urinary incontinence sexual questionnaire that evaluated urinary incontinence.