Incontinence Surgery: UAB leads nationwide study
It is an embarrassing problem that affects millions of women. For them, simply laughing, sneezing or coughing can cause urine leakage known as stress urinary incontinence. In the age group of women 50 or older, anywhere from 20 to 50 percent suffer from it. Sometimes surgery is needed to help correct the problem.
A multi-center study that included nine institutions led by UAB urogynecologists is helping doctors determine which surgical procedure is most effective in helping women. More than 650 women who had one of two surgeries were studied two years after their surgery to rate the outcome. The Burch colposuspension technique, a procedure whereby sutures are placed to provide extra support to the urethra, and the rectus fascial sling procedure, also known as the sling surgery, were compared. The study published in the New England Journal of Medicine determined there was a higher cure rate and greater satisfaction with the sling method.
The UAB Division of Women’s Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery has become the state’s leading expert in the field of urogynecology. A urogynecologist is a gynecologist with advanced training and education in the evaluation and treatment of women with pelvic floor disorders including urinary and bowel leakage, as well as pelvic relaxation defects or pelvic organ prolapse. The division is recognized nationally for its quality of care and state of the science research initiatives.
When making a decision about which surgery to choose, the patient and her doctor should always weigh the options and the drawbacks for her individual set of circumstances. This study does not mean the sling procedure is better for everyone. For more information on the sling surgery, visit uabhealth.org/sling.
For more information on the treatment options available at UAB for stress incontinence or to schedule an appointment, please call HealthFinder at (205) 934-9999 or 1-800-UAB-8816.