Effect of Bariatric Sleeve Gastrectomy Technique on Women’s Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms and Quality of Life: A Prospective Study

Objective Obesity triggers lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to accumulation of excess fat which may lead to increase in intra-abdominal/intravesical pressures and subsequent impairment in pelvic floor muscles. However, it is considered that weight loss resolve these symptoms. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of bariatric surgery and especially Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) on women’s LUTS, and quality of life. Materials and Methods A total of 53 patients who have undergone laparoscopic SG in our clinics between April 2014 and March 2015 were included in this prospective study. Age, body weight and body mass index (BMI) of the participants were preoperatively and postoperatively recorded. The patients have pre/post-operatively filled the Beck depression inventory (BDI), International prostate symptom score (IPSS), International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF) and the 36-Item Short Form health survey (SF-36) scores were recorded. Additionally, post-operative decrease in body weight and BMI of the patients was recorded. Results There was a statistically significant decrease in mean BDI, IPSS and ICIQ-SF scores and SF-36 (prominent increment in physical and mental component summary (PCS and MCS) scores), when compared with pre-operative values. A positive correlation was found between BMI and parameters including age, BDI and IPSS. However, no significant correlation was present between BMI and the parameters including ICIQ-SF, PCS and MCS. Conclusion Negative effect of obesity on LUTS and quality of life cannot be ignored. We assume that bariatric surgery can induce dramatic weight loss, amelioration in symptoms of urinary dysfunction and increase in quality of life of women.