Study of Overactive Bladder in Women With Prolapse

Prevalence of Overactive Bladder (OAB) in Patients With Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) and Predictors of Symptoms of OAB After Surgical Correction of POP

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a common problem. Symptoms of overactive bladder (OAB) are present in approximately 50% of patients with POP. For many women the accompanying symptoms of OAB are an important reason for seeking help for their POP. Surgical repair of prolapse may improve OAB complaints. Persisting or de novo OAB symptoms are strongly correlated with dissatisfaction with the final results of an operation for POP.

The primary aim of this research project is to investigate the difference in prevalence (i.e. improvement) of OAB and bothersome OAB symptoms at 6 and 12 months after POP repair surgery. The secondary objectives are to determine changes in bladder function at 6 and 12 months after surgery and to identify predictive factors for persistence, disappearance or de novo symptoms of OAB after POP surgery.

Women who present with POP and who will undergo surgical treatment will be evaluated at baseline before their surgery and will be followed for the duration of one year after surgery.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Female patients, age 18 or greater, with a pelvic organ prolapse stage II to IV as defined by the POP-Q system
• Patient is a candidate for prolapse repair surgery (as based on history and physical examination)
• Patient is capable to fill out bladder diaries and questionnaires and understands the Dutch written and spoken language

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients who currently use anticholinergic medication
• Patients with neurological causes of OAB
• Patients who are pregnant
• Patients with a history of cancer in the pelvic region, treated with radiotherapy or surgery