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Are Multichannel Urodynamics Required Prior to Surgery in a Woman with Stress Urinary Incontinence?

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Abstract

The National Institute for Clinical Excellence recommends that cystometry need not be performed before conservative therapy for incontinence in women, nor is cystometry routinely recommended in the small group of women with a clearly defined diagnosis of pure stress incontinence. Nonetheless, it is frequently utilized in the assessment of women with stress urinary incontinence in the hope that results will shed light on preoperative risk factors for failure or postoperative voiding dysfunction. The ability of urodynamic studies to characterize these parameters reliably remains under investigation. Because urodynamic studies are invasive, costly, and not always available, it is imperative that its benefit be carefully explored. This review highlights the recent arguments for and against this recommendation.

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Disclosure

Dr. Arthur Mourtzinos is a consultant for Ethicon Women’s Health and Urology and Coloplast, has previously served as a consultant for American Medical Systems, and has received research funding from Allergan and Coloplast.

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Correspondence to Arthur Mourtzinos.

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Mourtzinos, A. Are Multichannel Urodynamics Required Prior to Surgery in a Woman with Stress Urinary Incontinence?. Curr Urol Rep 11, 323–327 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11934-010-0127-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11934-010-0127-3

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