Reduction in the prevalence of urinary incontinence was significantly associated with the magnitude of weight loss.
As the prevalence of morbid obesity in women increases, so has the number of women who undergo bariatric surgery. Investigators prospectively examined changes in the prevalence and severity of urinary and fecal incontinence in 101 morbidly obese women (age range, 20–55) after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery.
The mean BMI decreased from 49 kg/m2 before surgery to 30 at 12 months after surgery. Based on questionnaire responses, the prevalence of urinary incontinence decreased significantly from 67% before surgery to 37% at 12 months after surgery. Reductions in the prevalence of urinary incontinence were significantly associated with the magnitude of weight loss. The severity of urinary incontinence was significantly reduced as well. The prevalence of involuntary loss of solid or liquid stool decreased significantly from 19% before surgery 9% at 12 months after surgery.
Comment: Although these results are based solely on questionnaire responses and the study did not include a control group of women who did not undergo surgery or lose weight, the reduced prevalence of self-reported urinary and fecal incontinence after bariatric surgery is impressive and consistent with other reports. The severity of the symptoms lessened with weight loss as well. Add incontinence to the growing list of disorders associated with obesity and apparently relieved by weight loss.
Published in Journal Watch General Medicine November 20, 2007
Burgio KL et al. Changes in urinary and fecal incontinence symptoms with weight loss surgery in morbidly obese women. Obstet Gynecol 2007 Nov; 110:1034.