Concurrent Repair of Stress Incontinence and Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Impact on Surgical Outcomes and Additional Considerations

Purpose of Review Pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence are highly prevalent conditions and may occur simultaneously. As such, surgical repairs for both conditions may be performed concurrently. The aim of this review is to discuss the literature reporting on efficacy and safety outcomes of concurrent surgery, as well as additional considerations for performing combined repairs. Recent Findings There is limited data focused on the potential impact of concurrent surgery on incontinence or prolapse outcomes. Generally, the majority of data suggest that performing concomitant repairs has little impact on outcomes. Further, the type of prolapse or incontinence repair does not appear to affect incontinence outcomes. In general, patient satisfaction is high following concurrent surgery, though concurrent surgery may increase rates of adverse events. Some data suggest that a staged repair may be appropriate in select patients. Concomitant surgery may affect costs and follow-up and are additional considerations. Available data suggest that performing concomitant repairs likely has little impact on outcomes. Given the prevalence of concurrent prolapse and incontinence, surgeons should be familiar with the effect of concomitant surgery on operative risks and benefits, costs and burdens of procedures, and patient expectations to allow for optimal patient counseling.