Introduction and hypothesis
Our objective was to evaluate bowel symptoms after colpocleisis.
Methods
This was a planned ancillary analysis of a prospective, colpocleisis cohort study of 152 women. Those with baseline and 1-year questionnaires (Colorectal-Anal Distress Inventory (CRADI) and the Colorectal-Anal Impact Questionnaire (CRAIQ)) were included. “Bothersome” CRADI symptoms (score>2(“moderately”, “quite a bit”)) were identified. CRADI and CRAIQ scores were compared, and postoperative symptom resolution and new symptom development were measured.
Results
Of 121 (80%) subjects with complete data, mean age was 79.2 ± 5.4 years and all had stage 3–4 prolapse. Procedures performed: partial colpocleisis (61%), total colpocleisis (39%), levator myorrhaphy (71%), and perineorrhaphy (97%). Bothersome bowel symptom(s) were present in 77% at baseline (obstructive (17–26%), incontinence (12–35%) and pain/irritation (3–34%)). All bothersome obstructive and most bothersome incontinence symptoms were less prevalent 1 year after surgery. CRADI and CRAIQ scores significantly improved. The majority of bothersome symptoms resolved (50–100%) with low rates of de novo symptoms (0–14%).
Conclusions
Most bothersome bowel symptoms resolve after colpocleisis, especially obstructive and incontinence symptoms, with low rates of de novo symptoms.