The Purpose of Surgical Intervention for Incontinence

The purpose of surgical intervention for incontinence is to correct, compensate for, or circumvent the underlying pathology causing urinary loss.

To select the appropriate surgical procedure for intrinsic sphincter deficiency, one must assess the position of the urethra and the degree of axial urethral mobility by physical examination, cystogram, ultrasound, or cystoscopy.

Factors associated with increased risk of failure are:

• Symptomatic DI

• Obesity

• Prior surgery

• Hypoestrogenism

• Chronic cough

• Strenuous physical radiation therapy

• Advanced age

• Poor nutrition