How Well Recognized Is the Integral Theory

Abstract

Background, hypothesis and aim: The Integral Theory (IT) is a universal, ligament-based theory of pelvic floor function and dysfunction which encompasses organ prolapse, bladder, bowel and chronic pelvic pain dysfunction. The aim was to systematically analyse the applicability of the Integral Theory System (ITS) to publications in a pelvic floor journal. Methods: We chose a journal Pelviperineology journal www.pelviperineology.org (PPJ) which encompasses all aspects of the Integral Theory System’s reach: Urology, Gynecology, Coloproctology, Perineology. We scanned every publication in PPJ over a two year period to check the applicability of the ITS to the paper in hand. Results: An analysis of manuscripts published in Pelviperineology journal (Volume 36 and 37), only 29 clinical research articles were included as being suitable for analysis. Among the 29 clinical research articles, only 11 (37.9%) mentioned IT and/or related articles as a reference. However, according to evaluation of the clinical papers with respect to the concordance with IT predictions, 26 (90%) manuscripts were regarded as being consistent with IT predictions. Conclusions: Our review indicates consistency with the Integral Theory in 90% of clinical papers, though almost 2/3 of these authors did not seem to be aware of the theory. Why? We can only speculate. One reason may the difficulty in accepting that pathogenesis for bladder and bowel dysfunctions comes not from the organ itself, but from weak ligaments inactivating the opening and closure muscles which act on the ligaments. © Galenos Publishing House. All rights reserved.