Effects of laser procedure for female urodynamic stress incontinence on pad weight, urodynamics, and sexual function.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

The impact of the IncontiLase procedure on lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) remains unclear. Our aim was to evaluate the effects of the IncontiLase procedure for urodynamic stress incontinence (USI).

METHODS

All consecutive women with USI prospectively underwent the IncontiLase procedure. Urodynamic studies, pad testing, LUTS, and sexual function questionnaires were assessed before and after treatment.

RESULTS

Thirty-five women underwent the IncontiLase procedure. Among the 28 women with baseline pad weights >1 g, 11 (39.3 %) were objectively cured and 11 (39.3 %) improved. Among the 18 women with mild USI (i.e., baseline pad weight 1-10 g), nine (50 %) were cured and five (27.8 %) improved. Among ten women with baseline pad weight >10 g, two (20 %) were cured and six (60 %) improved. Among the 32 women with complete questionnaire data at 6 months, seven (21.9 %) were subjectively cured, and four (12.5 %) improved. Regarding LUTS, the majority of domains on the King's Health Questionnaire and female sexual desire and function exhibited significant improvements. Forty percent (12/30) of the partners of these patients felt their sexual function had improved at 6 months. Nonetheless, urodynamic values did not differ across the timeline.

CONCLUSIONS

The effect of the IncontiLase procedure for mild USI was moderate at 6-month follow-up but was not effective for pad weight >10 g. Moreover, it improved LUTS, quality of life, QoL, and sexual function of both partners. Further studies should be performed to assess long-term sustained efficacy.