Study Finds Abdominoplasty Can Help Improve Urinary Incontinence Symptoms

A new study published in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reports that abdominoplasty may contribute to improvement in urinary incontinence symptoms. The study titled “Can Abdominoplasty Relieve Symptoms of Urinary Incontinence?” systematically reviewed the existing literature to evaluate the functional benefits of abdominoplasty on urinary incontinence.

Authors of the study searched MEDLINE (1946-present) and EMBASE (1974-present) databases using the terms “abdominoplasty” or “panniculectomy” and “incontinence.” After full-length manuscripts were appraised and data was extracted for analysis. Thirteen studies comprising 719 patients were included. Mean age was 43 to 48 years; 710 were female and 9 were male. Rate of previous pregnancy, when reported, was 93.20% and mean BMI was 28.94. Rectus plication was performed in 91.31% of cases, and the mean excisional tissue weight was 1498.53g. Rate of preoperative urinary incontinence was 72.81%, whereas post-operative was 38.88%, representing a reduction in the rate of urinary incontinence of 46.60%. Change in urinary incontinence was described as improved, the same or worse based on each study’s available data. Improvement was reported in 54.98%, no change in 35.17%, and worse was reported in 6.80%. Mean follow up was 26.92 months.

The study concludes that urinary incontinence improvement is a life-altering functional benefit associated with abdominoplasty, though it remains generally under-recognized.