Effect of Hysterectomy on Bowel Function

Abstract

Patients undergoing abdominal hysterectomy may run an increased risk for developing mild to moderate anal incontinence postoperatively and this risk is increased by simultaneous bilateral salpingo-oopherectomy. An increased risk of anal incontience symptoms could not be identified in patients undergoing vaginal hysterectomy. Our study does not support the assumption that hysterectomy is associated with de novo or deteriorating constipation.

Effects of Hysterectomy on Bowel Function: A Three-Year, Prospective Cohort Study

“…19 This increase persisted at three-year follow-up compared with preoperatively, although not increasing in severity. Compared with our one year data, anal incontinence symptoms after vaginal hysterectomy also increased significantly at three year follow-up.…”

“…17,18 In a previous prospective study by our research team, hysterectomy was not associated with postoperative constipation symptoms, although there was a significant increase in anal incontinence symptoms after abdominal hysterectomy. 19 This study was limited to one year after surgery and long-term effects could not be assessed.…”

Descending Perineum Syndrome: Are Abdominal Hysterectomy and Bowel Habits Linked?

“…It describes the clinical picture of fecal incontinence in DPS. 1 Both pelvic surgery, with its destructive effect on weak pelvic floor muscles, 3,14 and traction pudendal neuropathy, which is a form of neurogenic damage that occurs during the DP process, 15,16 might explain the emergence of fecal incontinence. Pelvic connective tissue damage could also play a role.…”

“…Hysterectomy can contribute to the development of fecal disorders 2 and patients undergoing abdominal hysterectomy may have an increased risk of postoperative anal incontinence. 3 Moreover, women who have undergone a hysterectomy are more likely to have excessive floor descent than women who have never undergone the procedure. 4 The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate bowel movements and fecal continence in women affected by DPS and who also had received an abdominal total hysterectomy for benign diseases.…”

The risk of anal incontinence in obese women

“…A large number of factors related to anal incontinence have been identified over the last decade including increasing age [9], obstetrical anal sphincter rupture [21], hysterectomy [22], diabetes [23] and pelvic organ prolapse [24]. Although obesity frequently appears as a risk factor for anal incontinence in population-based studies, the correlation is poorly investigated, and only a few studies have been performed with anal incontinence as the focus of investigation [12,13].…”