Final diagnosis and therapeutic implications of mixed symptoms of urinary incontinence in women

Abstract

The final diagnosis of 244 females who presented with mixed symptoms of stress incontinence (SI) and urge incontinence (UI) was made based on clinical, urodynamic, and cystoscopic findings. The UD studies consisted of cystometrogram, uroflow and urethral pressure profiles in the supine and standing positions. Diagnosis of genuine stress urinary incontinence (GSI) in 72 patients (30%) was based on the presence of positive Marshall test result or maximum urethral closure pressure 40 cm of water or less, in addition to the symptoms of stress incontinence. Diagnosis of reduced bladder storage (RBS) in 36 patients (15%) was based on MCC 300 mL or less, or the findings of bladder instability on cystometrogram in addition to the symptoms of urge incontinence. Ninety-five patients (39%) with the criteria of both GSI and RBS were classified as the mixed group. The diagnosis of interstitial cystitis in 19 patients (8%) was made according to the criteria outlined by Messing. Urethral stenosis was diagnosed in 6 patients (2%) based on a reduced maximal flow rate by at least 2 S.D. and a tight urethra to F16 calibration at cystoscopy. Sixteen patients (7%) with inconclusive diagnosis had symptoms only of SI and UI but no objective findings. The clinical and urodynamic findings in each group and the results of the surgical and medical treatment are compared.