Hysterectomy and the risk of urinary incontinence: a systematic review and meta-analysis - Report - MDSpire

Hysterectomy and the risk of urinary incontinence: a systematic review and meta-analysis

  • By

  • Liping Wang

  • Leilei Gao

  • Xuechai Bai

  • Juan Gu

  • June 4, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: The Relationship Between Hysterectomy and Urinary Incontinence Risk

Overview

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the association between hysterectomy and the risk of developing urinary incontinence (UI). The findings indicate a significant increase in UI risk post-hysterectomy, particularly among patients undergoing abdominal hysterectomy.

Background

Hysterectomy is a common surgical procedure for various benign gynecological conditions. While effective, it may disrupt pelvic floor anatomy, potentially leading to complications such as urinary incontinence. Understanding the relationship between hysterectomy and UI is crucial for patient counseling and management of postoperative outcomes.

Data Highlights

MeasureOdds Ratio (OR)95% Confidence Interval (CI)P-value
Overall UI Risk1.311.03-1.660.029
Abdominal Hysterectomy1.211.10-1.340.000

Key Findings

  • The meta-analysis included 12 studies with 146,759 individuals.
  • Hysterectomy is associated with a significant increase in urinary incontinence risk (OR = 1.31).
  • Abdominal hysterectomy shows a notably higher risk of UI (OR = 1.21).
  • Increased incidence of UI was particularly noted in studies conducted in Asia.
  • No significant association was found for regions such as Europe and North America.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare professionals should be aware of the potential increased risk of urinary incontinence following hysterectomy, especially in abdominal procedures. This information is vital for preoperative counseling and postoperative management.

Conclusion

The findings suggest a clear association between hysterectomy and increased urinary incontinence risk, highlighting the need for careful consideration in surgical decision-making.

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  3. World Journal of Urology — Preoperative urodynamics and the risk of overdiagnosis and overtreatment of occult urinary incontinence in continent women with advanced pelvic organ prolapse
  4. Efficacy of Combined Midurethral Sling and Anterior Colporrhaphy in Treating Stress Urinary Incontinence Linked to Cystocele: A Systematic Review and Single-Arm Study
  5. Frontiers in Surgery — Risk Factors for Recurrence and Surgical Site Infection after Abdominal Wall Hernia Repair:A Systematic Review and Meta analysis
  6. Stress Urinary Incontinence Guideline - American Urological Association
  7. Associations between hysterectomy and pelvic floor disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis - ScienceDirect
  8. Hysterectomy and risk of stress-urinary-incontinence surgery: nationwide cohort study - ScienceDirect

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