Understanding and evaluating chronic urinary incontinence

Urinary incontinence is a geriatric syndrome of large proportions financially and psychosocially. It may be one of the most neglected ailments. An understanding of the anatomy and pathophysiology of the problem is necessary to creatively assess and treat individual cases. The physician should have in mind an orderly and reasonably complete classification of urinary incontinence and be familiar with the terms traditionally used to describe various mechanisms and phenomena related to the condition. Evaluation of patients involves a discriminating selection of studies and, at times, trials of therapy. A "bedside cystometrogram" may yield much information.