Assessment and treatment of urinary incontinence. Scientific Committee of the First International Consultation on Incontinence

Abstract

The first International Consultation on Incontinence was held under the auspices of WHO in 1998. The multidisciplinary consultation covered anatomy, physiology, pathology, and the investigation and management of incontinent individuals. Because incontinence is a prevalent global disease, the consultation was mindful of the need to make its recommendations applicable in all health-care systems. The management recommendations are presented as nine algorithms divided into basic management (five) and specialised management (four), for men, women, children, the frail elderly, and individuals with neurogenic incontinence separately. The basic algorithms are intended for all health-care professionals working with incontinent individuals and are applied worldwide. The specialised algorithms are presented on The Lancet website.