Urethral pressure measurement in stress incontinence: does it help?

Abstract

Introduction and objectives

The resting urethral pressure profile (UPP), used for the assessment of women with stress incontinence, is routine in many urodynamic units. It is time- and effort-consuming, and its diagnostic value is controversial, as well as its value in the prediction of outcome of anti-incontinence surgery. Herein, we assessed its value in the prediction of the outcome of surgery.

Patients and methods

Sixty women were randomized to fascial sling or TVT. Urodynamics were performed preoperatively, 6 months and annually thereafter. After filling and voiding cystometry, resting UPP was performed while sitting. Automated catheter pulling, at a rate of 1 mm/s, was adopted. Averaged readings were obtained. Comparison of maximum urethral closure pressure (MUCP) in success and failure, as well as in sling and TVT, was performed, utilizing ANOVA.

Results

Preoperative MUCP and functional urethral length (FUL) were 72.9 ± 27.9 cmH2O and 2.4 ± 0.7 cm. At last follow-up, they were 71.1 ± 20.7 cmH2O and 2.7 ± 0.7 cm, respectively. The differences between sling and TVT as regards value of MUCP and FUL were not significant. The relationship of the outcome of surgery and UPP parameters showed no statistical difference. No significant effect was shown for the success of surgery, duration of follow-up, and interaction of outcome and time over MUCP (P = 0.82, 0.56 and 0.69, respectively) or FUL (P = 0.82, 0.11 and 0.67, respectively).

Conclusion

The routine use of resting UPP has no added value in terms of the prediction of success of incontinence surgery. It does not help with follow-up and adds to the time and cost of the examination.