Pelvic floor stimulation in the treatment of mixed incontinence complicated by a low-pressure urethra.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the efficacy and safety of transvaginal pelvic floor stimulation in the treatment of women with genuine stress incontinence and detrusor instability complicated by a low-pressure urethra.

METHODS

Twenty-six consecutive women with mixed incontinence complicated by a low-pressure urethra who elected to try pelvic floor stimulation were studied. Visual analogue symptom scales and weekly incontinence episodes were compared before and after 8 weeks of twice-daily device use.

RESULTS

The symptoms of stress and urge incontinence were completely resolved in six (23%) and ten (38%) women, respectively. Ten of 26 subjects (38%) had greater than 50% overall symptomatic improvement, and two subjects (8%) were completely dry during their last week of therapy. Symptoms of urinary frequency, urgency, and stress incontinence improved significantly. No factors were found to be predictive of treatment success.

CONCLUSION

Pelvic floor stimulation was found to be an effective and safe treatment for some patients with genuine stress incontinence and detrusor instability complicated by a low-pressure urethra.