Effect of intra-abdominal position of the bladder neck and stability of its supporting structures on pressure transmission ratio after colposuspension

The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the influence of the higher intra-abdominal position of the bladder neck and the stability of its supporting structures after colposuspension, on pressure transmission to the urethra at the level of the bladder neck. Twenty-eight patients were included in the study. The pressure transmission ratio (PTR) was calculated at the level of the bladder neck, whereas the position and mobility of the bladder neck during coughing were evaluated with perineal ultrasound examination. The measurements were performed before and 3 months after colposuspension. After colposuspension we found a significant elevation of the PTR (P=0.001), a significantly higher intra-abdominal position (P=0.001) and decreased mobility (P=0.001) of the bladder neck during coughing. Also, a negative correlation between the elevation of PTR and decreased mobility of the bladder neck during coughing (r = -0.5049; P = 0.006) and a weak correlation between the elevation of PTR and a higher intra-abdominal position of the bladder neck during coughing were found (r = 0.3828; P=0.044). Reinforced tension resistance of the bladder neck supporting structures seems to be more important than intra-abdominal position of the bladder neck in achieving effective pressure transmission after colposuspension.