Quality of life following bladder training in older women with urinary incontinence

The elaboration of new mortality tables by the Swiss statistical office has allowed to estimate the impact of different pathology or risk factors on the average life duration of the resident population in Switzerland. Thus, attributable death of the smoking habits have for effect to decrease the life expectancy of swiss citizens of 2.9 years for men and 0.7 years for women, for the period 1988/1993. The calculation of mortality rates attributable to this factor of risk shows nevertheless that the risk of death has decreased since the end of years 1960 for all quinquennial age groups between 35 and 74 years. The smoking habits would be responsible of approximately 16% of deaths observed in the swiss population and 20% of premature deaths (between 25 and 64 years). The present analysis shows furthermore that different evolutions of the mortality associated with the smoking habits characterize men and women.     

Treatment of stress urinary incontinence in women

Involuntary urinary leakage due to a rise in abdominal pressure caused by stress (cough, laugh, change in position, walking, running or carrying heavy weight) is a clinical entity often experienced by women. Management can be based on physical therapy techniques, drugs or surgery but indications and results to be expected are still very largely debated. Cure of an underlying condition such as obesity, or chronic bronchitis may be sufficient in some cases and others may benefit from "preventive" physical therapy to reinforce the perineum after difficult pregnancy and delivery. Alpha-stimulating drugs have also been proposed to increase sphincter tone. Surgery gives the best results. Several procedures have been proposed, usually based on classical retropubic colposuspension and aponevrosis loops. Success rate is approximately 80 to 90% although the lack of a sufficient understanding of the underlying mechanism involved, makes it impossible to predict outcome. Results in women with recurrent incontinence are less satisfactory.     

Stamey-Lorenz operation for treatment of stress urinary incontinence in women

The Stamey-Lorenz operation was presented as a new method for treatment of stress urinary incontinence in women. During operation the urethra is suspended by using special needles and under cystoscopic control, thus proper vesico-urethral angle is restored. 10 incontinent women were cured using this method, 8 with good results. In two cases we failed.     

Pelvic floor rehabilitation in women affected with stress urinary incontinence. Authors' experience

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated pelvic floor rehabilitation as a possible treatment for urinary stress incontinence: a challenge to tradition. METHODS: In this study 20 female subjects with urinary stress incontinence had rehabilitation therapy, at first in the outpatients clinic with motivated physiotherapists and afterwards by home exercises. RESULTS: At the end of 3 months of training, stress incontinence had disappeared in 7 patients (35%), while an improvement was recorded in 13 (65%). CONCLUSIONS: In summary, pelvic floor rehabilitation program can be an effective alternative to surgical approach in reducing the frequency of urinary leakage. Further studies are needed to identify factors predicting success and to improve the techniques of pelvic floor rehabilitation.     

Transrectal sonographic investigation of urethral and paraurethral structures in women with stress urinary incontinence

Transrectal sonography of the urethra was used in 14 asymptomatic volunteers, 37 women with frequency-urgency syndrome, 42 patients with mild stress urinary incontinence, and 18 with severe stress urinary incontinence. Transverse scanning over the midurethra was performed and cross-sectional images of the urethral and paraurethral structures were compared among the four groups, with P < 0.05 being considered statistically significant. The total cross-sectional area of the midurethra was significantly smaller in patients with stress urinary incontinence than in those without this disorder (86.7+/-29.9 versus 104+/-35.6 mm2, P = 0.005); this difference resulted from a significantly smaller peripheral striated muscle component in patients with stress urinary incontinence (42.8+/-20.7 versus 58.3+/-27.3 mm2, P = 0.001). The thickness of the urethropelvic ligaments was significantly thinner in patients with stress urinary incontinence than in those without (5.9+/-1.7 versus 8.9+/-2.1 mm, P < 0.001). The distribution of the peripheral striated muscle around the urethra was variable: complete surrounding the urethra was noted in 35.7% of the control women and in 48.6% of frequency-urgency patients, but only in 16.7% of patients with mild stress urinary incontinence and 5.3% of patients with severe disease. Bladder neck incompetence was seen in 42 patients with stress urinary incontinence but in none of the control women. The length of the pubourethral ligaments was similar in the four groups. Our finding showed that stress urinary patients had a smaller striated muscle component in the midurethra and thinner urethropelvic ligaments. These defects in the continence mechanisms might have great implications in the pathophysiology of stress urinary incontinence. Transrectal sonography of the urethra is a valuable investigative tool in assessing urethral and paraurethral conditions in patients with stress urinary incontinence before deciding treatment modality.     

Long-term administration study of propiverine hydrochloride (BUP-4 tablets) in pollakiuria and urinary incontinence

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between osseous changes in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and dental attrition in the Japanese macaque. One hundred and thirty Japanese macaque skulls (54 male and 76 female) from animals which had been bred in the same environment, were randomly sampled from a collection at the Primate Research Institute of Kyoto University. The age at death had been recorded in all cases. TMJ osseous changes were independently evaluated by three examiners, and were defined as an irregular surface or a perforated compact bone layer with a markedly irregular surface on either the temporal or condylar components. Age was a significant factor in predicting TMJ osseous changes (P < 0.001). A strong relation was observed between age and dental attrition (P < 0.001), while dental attrition was not a significant factor in predicting TMJ osseous changes (P = 0.334). The prevalence TMJ osseous changes in male animals was slightly higher than in females (P = 0.057). The results of this study suggest that osseous changes in the macaque TMJ are mainly related to age, not to dental attrition.     

Non-surgical management of urinary stress incontinence

This article reviews the non-surgical approach to urinary stress incontinence. As the cost of medical care increases and the waiting lists for surgical operations grow bigger, non-surgical management of incontinence takes on importance. The cure rates or improvement of quality of life with conservative management of urinary stress incontinence are not as good as with the surgical approach but it is an option which may be used in selected patients. Whenever a patient or the health care provider embarks upon the non-surgical options, consideration should be given to the success rates of the modality, either used alone or in combination. The motivation and compliance of patient is important, individuals who have realistic expectations from non-surgical management of urinary stress incontinence usually have the best result.Recent literature was reviewed and an attempt has been made to present an objective assessment for all the modalities currently available for the incontinent woman. It is necessary to stress the need for the use of a combination of modalities for better results when non-surgical approach is used as the first line option. It is also important to be empathetic and supportive of such women as they usually have an extremely poor self esteem, are depressed and reclusive.     

The pathophysiology of stress urinary incontinence in women and its implications for surgical treatment

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the total costs of multiple sclerosis (MS) for all Canadians in 1994. METHODS: Prevalence-based study estimating disease-related societal costs for Canadians with MS in 1994. The human capital approach was used to estimate the value of lost productivity due to illness. Two components were revealed: first, direct costs, in terms of expenditures on hospital care, other institutions, physician services, other health professionals, drugs, and other expenditures; and second, indirect costs, in terms of lost productivity due to premature mortality and disability. RESULTS: The total costs of MS for Canadians were $502.3 million in 1994, with direct and indirect cost components at $188.6 million and $313.7 million, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the scope and magnitude of the economic consequences of MS for Canadians. The costs calculated may be used to provide guidance in the setting of national priorities for research and prevention activities.     

Laparoscopic bladder-neck suspension for urinary stress incontinence in women: our first twenty patients

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic bladder-neck suspension for women with urinary stress incontinence avoids the problems associated with a large abdominal incision. This study reviews the short-term outcome of this minimally invasive operation. METHODS: Between September 1993 and February 1995, 20 female patients with type II urinary stress incontinence underwent laparoscopic bladder-neck suspension at our institution (mean age, 46.6 years; mean weight, 59.5 kg; mean duration of symptoms, 3.75 years; mean follow-up, 7 months). The extraperitoneal space was created with a preperitoneal distention balloon system; dissection of the bladder and bladder neck was done via 3 working ports. In 16 patients, the paraurethral vagina on either side of the bladder neck was hitched up to the iliopectineal ligament by 2-0 sutures. In the remaining 4 patients, the bladder-neck suspension was performed using hernia mesh and staples. Four patients had intraperitoneal suspension. RESULTS: The operative time ranged from 75 to 205 minutes, with a mean of 111.5 minutes. The period of urethral catheterization ranged from 2 to 7 days, with a mean of 3.1 days. The hospitalization stay ranged from 5 to 15 days, with a mean of 6.35 days. Thirteen patients (65%) had complete resolution of symptoms, 5 patients (25%) reported significant improvement, and 2 patients (10%) did not benefit from the operation. CONCLUSION: Long-term follow-up is necessary to determine the efficacy of this laparoscopic technique. The success rate for any incontinence procedure is usually inversely proportional to the duration of follow-up.     

Pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence

Pelvic organ prolapse presents a wide array of distressing symptoms to the female patient. Stress urinary incontinence is often considered a normal phenomenon of aging and tolerated for years before seeking medical attention. A detailed history outlining specific complaints and a targeted pelvic examination can usually elucidate the anatomic problems responsible for producing symptoms. Nonsurgical therapy can be initiated, often with great improvement in symptoms. If the results are not satisfactory, the patient can be referred for further evaluation and possible surgical intervention.     

The urethral sling and stress urinary incontinence

We report the case of a 40-year-old Filippino woman, with a 5-year history of a slowly spreading, painful skin lesion on her left foot. Histological examination showed a dermal, granulomatous infiltrate consisting of neutrophils, histiocytes and lymphocytes, with "sclerotic bodies" in the cytoplasm of phagocytic cells. Mycological culture revealed the presence of Phialophora verrucosa and confirmed the histopathological diagnosis of chromo-blastomycosis. Association of surgical curettage of the exuberant, infected tissue with systemic fluconazole administration gave good therapeutic results with no relevant side effects.     

Our experience with pubovaginal slings in patients with stress urinary incontinence

PURPOSE: Pubovaginal slings successfully treat stress urinary incontinence in women with intrinsic sphincter deficiency. Because of its durability, it has been an attractive procedure in select patients with urethral hypermobility. We examine our experience with pubovaginal sling. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 150 patients were evaluated for pelvic prolapse and urinary incontinence. An abdominal leak point pressure was determined in all patients. Of patients with type II stress urinary incontinence, 36 patients (80%) underwent additional gynecological procedures at the time of the pubovaginal sling, compared to 29% with intrinsic sphincter deficiency and 33% with coexisting urethral hypermobility and intrinsic sphincter deficiency. RESULTS: The overall cure rate was 93% with a mean followup of 22 months. At 1 week postoperatively spontaneous voiding was accomplished by 56% of the patients with urethral hypermobility and 57% with intrinsic sphincter deficiency. Only 2.8% of patients required surgical therapy for prolonged urinary retention. De novo urgency/urge incontinence occurred in 19% of women with a 3% incidence of persistent urge incontinence. CONCLUSIONS: Pubovaginal slings are effective and durable. Voiding dysfunction is uncommon and is temporary in most patients.     

Value of transrectal ultrasonography in the assessment of failures of stress urinary incontinence surgery in women

OBJECTIVES: To describe the role of transrectal ultrasonography as an alternative imaging technique in the evaluation of women who continue to be incontinent following surgical management of female stress urinary incontinence. METHODS: The means of independent samples of transrectal ultrasound parameters of two groups of patients (group I, patients who were continent after surgery; group II, patients who remained incontinent after surgery) were compared. RESULTS: Patients who were continent after surgery showed scanty caudal and dorsal mobility of the bladder neck and proximal urethra during the periods of increased intraabdominal pressure. The US finding in this group of patients is characterized by a funnel surrounding the bladder neck and the proximal urethra. The existence of an intrinsically incompetent sphincter can also be determined with this technique. CONCLUSIONS: Transrectal ultrasonography constitutes an alternative imaging technique in the evaluation of women who continue to be incontinent following surgical management of female stress urinary incontinence. It permitis determining whether incontinence is due to a failed procedure, the existence of an intrinsically incompetent sphincter, or whether other causes of incontinence should be investigated.     

Bladder neck support prosthesis: a nonoperative treatment for stress or mixed urinary incontinence

PURPOSE: We evaluated the usefulness and safety of a bladder neck support prosthesis in patients with stress or mixed incontinence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 57 women with stress and 20 with mixed incontinence completed a 12-week prospective clinical trial of a bladder neck support prosthesis. While indexes of incontinence episodes, leakage amounts and urgency along with a bothersome index were subjectively evaluated, a 60-minute pad test and urinary flow parameters were objectively evaluated. Three patients scheduled to undergo surgery for stress incontinence voluntarily used the device, and provided urodynamic data and cystourethrograms. Two prongs at 1 end of the ring, a type of elastic vaginal pessary, elevate the bladder neck against the pubic bone and facilitate pressure transmission around the bladder neck, resulting in urinary continence. RESULTS: Four subjective indexes significantly improved. There was no urinary flow obstruction. Urine loss decreased from 20.6 to 4.8 gm. per hour (p < 0.001) on the 60-minute pad test. Of the patients 22 (29%) reported complete continence and 39 (51%) had decreased severity of incontinence by more than 50%. Minor adverse effects occurred in 26% of the patients. Taking subjective evaluation, changes in objective parameters and adverse effects into consideration, 62 patients (81%) had some or maximum benefit according to the global usefulness rating. CONCLUSIONS: The bladder neck support prosthesis is safe, well tolerated and clinically effective for the treatment of stress or mixed incontinence.     

Conservative treatment of stress urinary incontinence in women: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials

The role played by the ceramides in the sublytic interactions of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) with liposomes modeling the stratum corneum (SC) lipid composition was studied. The surfactant/lipid molar ratios (Re) and the bilayer/aqueous phase partition coefficients (k) were determined by monitoring the changes in the fluorescence intensity of liposomes due to the 5(6) carboxyfluorescein (CF) released from the interior of vesicles. The presence in liposomes of higher and lower ceramide proportions than that existing in the SC lipids led to a fall and to a rise in the sublytic activity of SDS on these structures. However, the SDS partitioning into liposomes (or affinity with these bilayer structures) increased as the proportion of Cer increased up to achieve almost a constant value for a Cer proportion similar to that in the SC lipids (about 40%). Thus, at low Cer proportions the ability of SDS molecules to alter these bilayer structures was higher than that for liposomes approximating the SC lipid composition despite their reduced partitioning into liposomes. These findings are in agreement with the recently reported dependencies of the level of ceramides in skin lipids and function barrier abnormalities and could explain in part these dependencies. The fact that the free surfactant concentration needed to achieve the two interaction levels investigated was lower than the surfactant critical micellar concentration (CMC) indicates that permeability alterations were mainly ruled by the action of surfactant monomers, regardless of the liposome lipid composition.