Effects of Bariatric Surgery on the Pelvic Floor and Psychology
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The Effects of Bariatric Surgery on Urinary Symptoms and the Pelvic Floor, and the Psychological Changes Associated with Weight Loss in Relation to Urogynaecology Symptoms: A Single service Prospective Cohort Study
IRAS ID
296408
Contact name
Philip Toozs-Hobson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Birmingham
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 2 days
Research summary
The rate of obesity is ever-increasing, and its impact is far-reaching. Pelvic floor dysfunction is usually confined to the realms of urogynaecology, yet the implications on the quality of life of an individual can be quite severe. It is already recognised that lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) increase with obesity. Obesity has 2 effects, firstly the direct “physical” effect, but secondly and increasingly recognised, the metabolic effects characterised in “metabolic syndrome.” The situation is further complicated by the psychological effects firstly associated with developing obesity and secondly the impact of treatment and weight loss.
The main project will prospectively look at 2 groups of women with obesity; the first group undergoing bariatric surgery, the second will be a control group. We look to assess their urinary symptoms and pelvic floor dysfunction at baseline and at intervals as patients lose weight. The principle tool will on online questionnaire patients' can access from home. We will compare the treatment group to a group not undergoing surgery. We will follow them up at three, six, nine, twelve and eighteen months and statically analyse the data. Women who are agreeable will also have a pelvic examination to assess objective changes in any pelvic wall prolapse.
In depth qualitative interviews will be conducted to understand how underlying psychological drivers change with particular emphasis on LUTS and based around the responses to the questionnaire.
The results of this study will inform on decision making relating to treatment of LUTS in women with obesity and also to help women understand the components of their condition.REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - South Yorkshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/YH/0020
Date of REC Opinion
1 Feb 2022
REC opinion
Unfavourable Opinion