Ultrasound imaging of the lower urinary system in women after Burch colposuspension

Abstract

Objective: Most of the relevant surgical procedures employed in the management of genuine stress urinary incontinence (GSI) involve the technique of bladder neck elevation. The appropriate level of suspension is an important (but frequently overlooked) consideration as the clinical consequences of over-correction of the posterior angle are voiding dysfunction and urgency symptoms. The aim of our study was to compare ultrasound characteristics in women with GSI with those of women before and after Burch colposuspension. The findings of our study should have implications for GSI management.

Design: Prospective randomized clinical study at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.

Setting: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.

Methods: Seventy women with previously untreated GSI (preoperative group) and 52 women (42 of whom had been in the preoperative group) who were studied 3-12 months after receiving Burch colposuspension (postoperative group) took part in the study. The standard transperineal and introital ultrasound scans were performed. The mobility of the bladder neck was assessed transperineally with a curved array probe after instillation of 300 mL of saline. The bladder was then evacuated and the thickness of the urinary bladder wall in the sagittal plane in defined regions (base, vertex and anterior wall) was measured.

Results: We found significant differences in bladder neck position, mobility, and in bladder wall thickness. Where symptoms of urgency occurred, the average bladder wall thickness was > 5 mm, the gamma angle < 40 degrees, and lower bladder neck mobility was evident.

Conclusion: These findings supported our hypothesis that signs of urgency follow over-elevation of the bladder neck. These results helped us significantly to refine our GSI management.