Perioperative complications of surgery for genital prolapse: Does concomitant anti-incontinence surgery increase complications?

Objectives. To establish whether the short-term risks of prolapse surgery are increased by a concomitant anti-incontinence procedure. Methods. Using data from the past 4 years of the National Hospital Discharge Survey, we identified women admitted for surgery for pelvic organ prolapse (specifically, suspension of the vagina or obliteration of the cul-de-sac, with or without concomitant hysterectomy or vaginal repairs). We identified women diagnosed with complications (including infections, bleeding complications, surgical injuries, pulmonary complications, and cardiovascular complications). We used multiple logistic regression analysis to compare women with and without complications with respect to concurrent continence procedures, controlling for demographic characteristics, concurrent procedures, and medical comorbidity (using the Charlson index). Results. Of the 1931 women who underwent prolapse surgery, concomitant anti-incontinence procedures were performed in 514 (26.6%). Complications were reported in 288 patients (14.9%) and were associated with medical comorbidity (odds ratio 11.2) and concomitant hysterectomy (odds ratio 1.5). Concomitant surgery for incontinence was not associated with an increased risk of complications. Conclusions. These data suggest that medical comorbidity is strongly associated with complications after surgery for pelvic organ prolapse. A concomitant anti-incontinence procedure did not significantly increase the immediate morbidity of prolapse surgery.