In a nutshell
This study investigated the use of weight-loss surgery for the treatment of urinary incontinence (UI). This study found that half of obese patients report improvement of UI after weight-loss surgery.
Some background
Urinary incontinence is the unintentional loss of urine. Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) happens during physical movement or activity such as coughing, sneezing, running or heavy lifting. These activities put pressure (stress) on the bladder, causing it to leak. Urge UI is when a person feels an uncontrollable urge to urinate. Weight loss can be helpful in reducing pressure on the bladder. It is unclear if weight loss surgery (bariatric surgery) is helpful for patients with UI.
Methods & findings
This study analyzed 33 other studies. It included 2,910 patients overall. They were followed up for an average of 12 months. They filled out quality of life questionnaires.
Weight loss surgery resulted in improvement of UI in 56% of patients. Stress UI was improved in 47% of patients. Urge UI was improved in 53% of patients.
Complete disappearance of UI was reported in 48% of patients. Quality of life was improved for these patients.
The bottom line
This study found that half of obese patients report improvement of UI after weight-loss surgery.
The fine print
This study's evidence was of low quality. More research is needed in this area.
Published By :
BJU international
Date :
May 28, 2019
