Viewing abstract #112

Improvement in Urinary Incontinence After Abdominoplasty Surgery

Katherine H. Carruthers, M.S., Ergun Kocak, M.D., M.S., James D. McMahan, M.D., F.A.C.S.

2013-02-19

Presenter: Ergun Kocak, M.D., M.S.

Affidavit:

Director Name:

Presentation Category: Clinical
Abstract Category: Aesthetics

Background
Abdominoplasty surgery is typically preformed in the cosmetic setting to improve body contour. However, several small studies have been published which indicate that abdominoplasty surgery could also have therapeutic effects on certain individuals with urinary incontinence. This study aimed to determine if the results of these previous studies could be confirmed on a larger scale, and if trends could be identified that characterized the types of patients who would see an improvement in their incontinence after surgery.

Methods
Medical charts were reviewed to determine the cohort of patients who received an abdominoplasty. These patients were contacted to participate in a survey. This survey determined which patients had urinary incontinence prior to their surgery, and whether any changes in their symptoms occurred after their recovery. Patients identified as having a change in their urinary incontinence symptoms were further evaluated to determine if any trends could be identified.

Results
From a total of 250 patients who were identified as having has previous abdominoplasty during the period of interest, 40.0% (n=100) completed the survey. After abdominoplasty, 60.0% (n=30) noted improvement in symptoms, and 40.0% (n=20) reported no improvement in symptoms. It was determined that having no history of cesarean sections was a predictor for improvement in incontinence symptoms after abdominoplasty.

Conclusions
For patients who experience urinary incontinence, abdominoplasty may be able to alleviate some symptoms while improving body contour. Although not all patients will see complete resolution of bladder leakage, any improvement should be considered a benefit to this traditionally cosmetic procedure.