The 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 Observational Cohort Study
IRAS ID
313247
Contact name
Philip Toozs-Hobson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The University of Birmingham
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 5 months, 29 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.
This study will observe participants as they undertake their bariatric journey with the bariatric team. We will assess their urinary symptoms with a questionnaire before their operation and at intervals following their procedure. They will be offered an optional vaginal examination also to see if their symptoms correlate with the vaginal examination findings and assess the changes with weight loss. We will conduct semi-structured interviews on a portion of the participants prior to surgery and after. We will not be carrying out any surgical interventions ourselves.
REC name
North West - Liverpool Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/NW/0128
Date of REC Opinion
13 Jul 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion