In a nutshell
This study looked at the safety and effectiveness of urinary slings in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI). It concluded that urinary slings are safe and effective.
Some background
Stress incontinence (SUI) is urine leakage when there is pressure on the bladder. It is often observed when a patient coughs, sneezes or exercises. Stress incontinence happens as a result of weak muscles around the bladder. These muscles hold urine in. Urge incontinence occurs when the ability to hold urine in is lost.
Surgical slings are used to treat SUI. Surgeons insert a sling which then supports the pelvic organs and stops urine leakage. Sometimes, the type of sling and procedure used to insert it can affect SUI improvement.
Methods & findings
110 women with SUI were included in this study. Patients had their urinary sling fit in a procedure called ALTIS (Coloplast). Follow-up visits were carried out after the procedure. Patients were assessed by physical exam and questionnaires about incontinence symptoms. Patients were also assessed for any side effects. Patients were assessed at 1, 6, 12 and 24 months after the procedure.
82.7% were cured of SUI according to test results. 88.2% of patients were cured according to themselves. The pressure on the urinary system did not affect urine leakage. Body mass index also did not affect urine leakage. There was a 20% reduction in the number of patients with urge incontinence. 8.1% of patients developed urge incontinence.
The bottom line
This study concluded that urinary slings are safe and effective in treating SUI.
The fine print
The authors note that longer studies are needed to confirm this study's results.
What’s next?
If you would like to learn more about different types of urinary sling procedures, talk to your doctor.
Published By :
BJU international
Date :
Sep 29, 2018
