URETHRAL PRESSURE PROFILE BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER PUBOCOCCYGEAL REPAIR FOR STRESS INCONTINENCE

Abstract

In 2 groups of women the urethral pressure profile was recorded using a microtransducer catheter. Both groups were of approximately the same age, 1 consisting of continent women, the other consisting of women with severe stress incontinence. Sixteen stress incontinent women were examined before and after pubococcygeal repair, and 10 of these were examined during the operation. The 2 groups were compared for differences in the urethral pressure profile in the continent and incontinent states. Stress incontinent women had a significantly shorter functional length of the urethra (10 mm) but the same maximal urethral pressure as continent women. Remarkable changes in these parameters were seen during the operation. At the examination 3 mo. postoperatively, they had totally disappeared. The only change in the urethral pressure profile which persisted after the operation was a higher pressure in the proximal part of the urethra, so that a urethral maximal pressure plateau had been established. This plateau was also seen on a higher level in the continent state.