Gastrointestinal complications following abdominal sacrocolpopexy for advanced pelvic organ prolapse.

OBJECTIVE

The aims of this secondary analysis of the "Colpopexy And Urinary Reduction Efforts" (CARE) study were to estimate the incidence of postoperative gastrointestinal complications and identify risk factors.

METHODS

We prospectively identified gastrointestinal complications and serious adverse events (SAE) for 12 months after sacrocolpopexy. Two surgeons independently reviewed reports of ileus or small bowel obstruction (SBO).

RESULTS

Eighteen percent of 322 women (average age 61.3 years) reported "nausea, emesis, bloating, or ileus" during hospitalization and 9.8% at 6 weeks. Nineteen women (5.9%; CI 3.8%, 9.1%) had a possible ileus or SBO that generated SAE reports: 4 (1.2%, CI 0.5%,3.2%) were reoperated for SBO, 11 (3.4%, CI 1.9%,6.1%) were readmitted for medical management, and 4 had a prolonged initial hospitalization. Older age (P < .001) was a risk factor for ileus or SBO.

CONCLUSIONS

One in 20 women experiences significant gastrointestinal morbidity after sacrocolpopexy. This information will aid preoperative counseling.