Correlation between Mediterranean diet, bowel function, and isolated posterior vaginal defect: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objective: Isolated posterior prolapse is a unique entity that was previously linked to chronic obstructive defecation. Our objective is to evaluate the relationship of low adherence to a Mediterranean diet (LAMD) with bowel dysfunction and isolated posterior compartment prolapse (IPCP).

Methods: This multicenter, cross-sectional study compared the dietary outcomes (validated Mediterranean diet [MD] questionnaire) of women who underwent pelvic organ prolapse (POP) repair surgery between August 2020 and October 2021.

Results: Among 204 patients enrolled, 108 (52.9%) patients adhered to the MD and 96 (47.0%) did not. Among the LAMD patients, increased symptoms of constipation (P = 0.047) and higher body mass index (P < 0.001) were more prevalent. Surgical repairs of the posterior compartment, combined (P = 0.033) and isolated (P = 0.021), were more prevalent in the LAMD group. Prolapse of all compartments except the apical compartment was found to be more prevalent in the LAMD group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was found to be significant as a protective factor for the primary outcome (IPCP).

Conclusion: Low adherence to a Mediterranean diet displays a higher prevalence of posterior vaginal defects, both isolated and combined. Hence, we can conclude that LAMD and subsequent bowel dysfunction are significant contributory factors to the prolapse of the posterior vaginal compartment.

Keywords: Mediterranean; bowel function; constipation; diet; pelvic organ prolapse; posterior prolapse.