In a nutshell
This study investigated the effects of Er:YAG laser treatment for mild and moderate stress urinary incontinence in women. The main finding was that the treatment appeared to improve the quality of life for patients with SUI.
Some background
Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) happens when an activity such as coughing, sneezing or exercising causes a small amount of urine to leak from the bladder. Er:YAG laser is one treatment option for SUI. This laser uses erbium yttrium-aluminum-garnet and may stimulate the strengthening of the pelvic floor. This may reduce SUI. As such it is important to investigate the effects of Er:YAG laser treatment on SUI.
Methods & findings
This study included 33 women with mild or moderate SUI. Each participant received vaginal laser treatment twice over a 4 week period. Patients were followed up at 4 weeks, 8 weeks and 6 months after the initial round of laser treatment. Patients filled out a questionnaire on the frequency, severity, and impact on the quality of life (QoL) of the SUI. QoL was rated on a scale of 1-10. Medical history was also assessed.
Patients reported an improvement in QoL 5 months on average after receiving the second treatment. The average QoL score increased from 6 to 7.6 following treatment. 22 (66.7%) women experienced an improvement in QoL. However, 7 women reported a lower QoL following treatment. 75% of patients reported that they would choose this treatment option again and 78% would recommend it to a friend.
30% experienced side effects after the first round of treatment. The most common included vaginal discharge, spotting, a burning sensation and irritation which lasted up to 4 weeks.
The bottom line
This study suggested that Er:YAG laser treatment improved QoL in some patients with SUI.
The fine print
This study included a small number of participants. Therefore, the results may not be applicable to a larger patient population.
What’s next?
If you have questions about the management of SUI, please consult a doctor.
Published By :
Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics
Date :
Oct 14, 2019