Patient-Reported Outcomes in Women With Postpartum Abdominal Wall Insufficiency (PPAWIS)

Overview

Postpartum abdominal wall insufficiency syndrome (PPAWIS) is a multidimensional condition that may affect physical function, quality of life, body image, and sexual health in women after childbirth. Anatomical findings alone do not fully explain symptom burden or patient experience. This prospective observational cohort study will collect validated patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) from women with PPAWIS receiving routine care. PROMs will be assessed at baseline and during follow-up to describe symptom burden and changes over time. The study aims to improve understanding of the patient-centered impact of PPAWIS and to support development of standardized assessment pathways in clinical practice.

his is a prospective observational cohort study conducted in the setting of routine clinical care at Śmietański Hernia Center in Gdańsk (LUX MED Hospital) with collaboration from Medical University of Gdańsk. The study focuses on patient-centered outcomes in women with postpartum abdominal wall insufficiency syndrome (PPAWIS), a condition characterized by variable combinations of abdominal wall dysfunction and psychosocial impact after childbirth. Participants will complete standardized, validated PROMs capturing quality of life, body image, and sexual function. Assessments will be performed at baseline (at/around qualification for routine care) and at predefined follow-up time points (e.g., 6 and 12 months). Clinical and demographic variables relevant for interpretation (e.g., time since last delivery, BMI, coexisting abdominal wall findings, and type of routine care received) will be recorded in a structured manner. The study is non-interventional: treatment decisions and clinical management are determined by clinicians and patients according to usual practice and are not assigned by the research protocol. The primary purpose is to quantify baseline burden and describe longitudinal changes in PROMs, and to explore associations between patient-reported outcomes and selected clinical characteristics to inform future standardization of assessment and care pathways. Data will be collected and stored using pseudonymized study identifiers. Participation is voluntary and can be withdrawn at any time without affecting clinical care.