Results and relevance of urodynamic studies in the management of urinary incontinence in women over eighty.

Urinary incontinence among the elderly is a major problem that is often neglected. The results of urodynamic studies in a group of 32 women greater than 80 years old with incontinence revealed that detrusor instability was the primary cause of incontinence in 23 (72%), while 9 (28%) patients demonstrated signs of sphincter incompetence. Urodynamic study results were normal in four patients. Medical treatment on a self-regulated dose and bladder training were effective in controlling incontinence in 25 (78%) of the study group. It is suggested that, although detrusor instability is the major cause of incontinence in elderly women, urodynamic studies should be performed for accurate diagnosis to ensure optimal therapeutic results.