In a nutshell
This study aimed to investigate if Bulkamid was safe and effective in the long-term for the treatment of stress urinary incontinency and mixed urinary incontinence. The results suggest that Bulkamid was safe and effective over a 7 year period.
Some background
Stress urinary incontinency (SUI) is the involuntary leakage of urine due to sneezing or coughing. Urgency urinary incontinence (UUI) is the leaking of urine because the bladder contracts at the same time there is a sudden urge to urinate. Mixed urinary incontinence is a combination of the symptoms of both SUI and UUI.
Bulking agents are commonly used to treat SUI or MUI with mainly stress-related symptoms. The bulking agent is injected into the urethra (waterpipe). It acts to make a watertight seal, stopping the leak of urine from the bladder. Bulkamid is a bulking agent that has been recently approved. It has shown good effectiveness and safety profile over a 12-month period. However, the long-term safety and effectiveness of Bulkamid for SUI and MUI remain under investigation.
Methods & findings
This study included 388 women treated with Bulkamid for SUI or MUI with follow up over a 7 year period. The satisfaction of the participants was the main outcome measured. This was rated on a 4 point scale of cured, improved, unchanged, or worse. Other outcomes measured were the number of incontinence pads used by the participants, quality of life, and any side effects of the treatment.
67.1% of the patients who had Bulkamid as the first treatment reported feeling cured or improved following treatment. Of the patients who had Bulkamid as a second procedure for UI, 61.5% reported feeling cured or improved.
19.5% of patients underwent another treatment for incontinence. 39.2% of these reported feeling improvements with Bulkamid, but were not fully satisfied with the treatment.
Side effects reported following treatment included longer bladder emptying time (15.3% of patients), nighttime urination (8.6%), and urinary tract infection (3.5%).
The bottom line
This study suggests that Bulkamid is a safe and effective long-term treatment for SUI and MUI related mainly to stress.
The fine print
This study included participants treated at one medical center only. Therefore, the results may not apply to the entire patient population.
What’s next?
If you have questions about the treatment of SUI and MUI, please consult your doctor.
Published By :
Neurourology and urodynamics
Date :
Jan 07, 2021
