[Incontinence aids]

Incontinence aids are mechanical devices that help reduce, capture, absorb or channel urinary and stool loss. They can exert a significant positive impact on the quality of life and the social integration of those affected, as well as provide relief to their care-givers. Incontinence aids are used as a bridge until conservative and operative treatments bring continence, as a complement to other therapies or as a long-term course of treatment. The selection of appropriate incontinence aids, such as vaginal pessaries, penis clamps, and tampons, urinals, urine and faecal collectors, absorbing aids, urethral and suprapubic catheter channelling systems--requires a great deal of experience and an extensive assortment of various products in different sizes. In order to provide the patient with optimal treatment and advice where not only the products available are changing rapidly, but the conditions and environment as well (e.g., insurance reimbursement), close-knit teamwork is required among the physician, incontinence nurse, and the care-providers. Likewise to be considered is the fact that incontinence aids and care requirements vary significantly among the specialties of urogynaecology, urology, paraplegic centres, paediatrics and nursing homes; specific competence centres are therefore required for these areas.