In a nutshell
This study examined if bariatric surgery (surgery to help lose weight) helped obese women with urinary incontinence (UI – leaking urine). The study found that weight loss surgery improved UI and other bladder/pelvic floor symptoms.
Some background
Obesity affects more than a third of women in the United States. The extra weight can cause strain on the bladder and other structures in the body. This may lead to UI and other bladder problems. Bariatric surgery may involve removing part of the stomach so the patient will eat less. Weight loss can be difficult for some patients, therefore it is important to see if bariatric surgery is helpful with UI.
Methods & findings
77 women were included in this study. They completed questionnaires before and after bariatric surgery.
Before surgery, 29 (37.7%) of women reported UI. 15 (52%) of these women had complete improvement in UI after the weight loss. There was also improvement in other symptoms such as sexual function and quality of life.
The bottom line
The study concluded that weight loss through bariatric surgery is effective in improving urinary incontinence and quality of life.
The fine print
Larger studies with longer follow-up are required to study side effects of surgery.
What’s next?
Talk to your doctor/surgeon about bariatric surgery for weight loss to improve UI.
Published By :
Neurourology and urodynamics
Date :
Jan 01, 2017
