Perioperative Physiotherapy as an Adjunct to Prolapse Surgery: An In-Depth Analysis of a Study With a Negative Result

Abstract

A recently published randomized controlled trial that investigated physiotherapy as an adjunct to prolapse surgery or hysterectomy did not show a benefit in the group receiving perioperative pelvic floor muscle training, lifestyle modification, and bladder and bowel advice. This article explores the rationale for why physiotherapy is hypothesized to be beneficial and the evidence for physiotherapy in surgical populations. It also provides an in-depth analysis of why that recent study may not have shown a benefit in the group receiving this intervention. In addition, suggestions for the design and direction of future studies are made within the context of these results. © 2010 Springer Scienc..