New developments in the management of urinary incontinence

Urinary incontinence is a common and distressing condition known to adversely affect quality of life. In this article the authors aim to highlight developments in the methods of classification, investigation and the treatment of incontinence. It gives a detailed description of the newer drugs and their mode of action, that have recently come on to the market. These include duloxetine for the treatment of stress incontinence and the newer M3 selective antagonists. It also describes the latest surgical procedures, for example the newer slings and injectables used to treat stress incontinence. They are compared with the standard forms of treatment used and the evidence in favour and against these have been given.