Management of intrinsic sphincter deficiency in adolescent females with normal bladder emptying function

Intrinsic sphincter deficiency is rare in adolescent females with normal bladder emptying function. Information regarding the long-term outcome of therapy in this group of patients is sparse. We report our long-term experience with 3 adolescent females with intrinsic sphincter deficiency and normal bladder function who were treated with an artificial urinary sphincter. We critically reviewed the literature regarding experience with anti-incontinence surgery in adolescent females, not only regarding the outcome of the surgical technique, but also issues not usually considered in older adults, including the impact of physical development and future childbearing.

The charts of 3 adolescent females with intrinsic sphincter deficiency were reviewed. In addition, relevant peer reviewed articles were selected by a MEDLINE search. The results of the artificial urinary sphincter, pubovaginal sling and periurethral injection of bulking agents were reviewed. Long-term efficacy, the complication rate, impact of pregnancy and physical development were assessed.

The 3 patients had an excellent long-term outcome with the artificial urinary sphincter, including 1 with 2 pregnancies that ended in a normal vaginal delivery. The literature showed that a good long-term outcome was consistently achieved with the artificial urinary sphincter. An equally good outcome was achieved with the pubovaginal sling but long-term data are lacking. While periurethral injection of a bulking agent provides good initial results, they do not appear to be durable. In addition, the artificial urinary sphincter does not appear to impact pregnancy or physical development negatively.

Data support the artificial urinary sphincter and pubovaginal sling as effective therapies in adolescent females with intrinsic sphincter deficiency. However, long-term data on the pubovaginal sling are not available. When considering the impact on future childbearing and physical development, the artificial urinary sphincter is a favorable option.