In a nutshell
This study examined the effect of a mid-urethral sling on mixed urinary incontinence (MUI). Researchers found that this sling surgery is effective in patients with MUI not controlled by exercises and medication.
Some background
Mixed urinary incontinence is the leakage of urine when coughing or sneezing (stress continence) and an inability to hold on to urine when the bladder fills (urge incontinence). This is often treated by medication or pelvic floor exercises to strengthen the muscles that help continence (holding urine in the bladder). A surgical sling is a material that can be inserted to hold and support these muscles. It is important to research if this sling is effective when other treatments fail.
Methods & findings
86 women underwent mid-urethral sling surgery for mixed urinary incontinence. Patients were followed-up at 6 and 12 months after the surgery and then annually, for an average of 59 months. Outcomes on continence and other urinary symptoms were measured.
Researchers found that stress incontinence was cured in 83.7% of patients. 74.4% of patients were cured of urge incontinence. 66.3% of patients were cured for MUI. 87.2% of patients reported that their symptoms were “much better” or “very much better” after sling surgery. Age 60 and older and menopause were found to be risk factors for persistent urge incontinence.
The bottom line
The study concluded that a sling procedure is an effective treatment in people with mixed urinary incontinence.
The fine print
More research that measures the psychological and sexual effects of sling therapy are needed.
What’s next?
Talk to your doctor about sling surgery.
Published By :
European journal of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology
Date :
Dec 06, 2017
