[Urinary incontinence in old age]

Incontinence with onset in old age is due mainly to neurological factors, and in men to the presence of prostatic hypertrophy. Quite often, it is a combination of several different diseases that leads to urinary incontinence. A simple examination schedule suffices for a diagnosis in 90% of all cases. The examination schedule is presented. In the case of a non-inhibited neurogenic bladder, continence training is the most important therapeutic measure. However, various criteria must be observed if continence training is to be successful. The second most frequent cause of incontinence in women is a noncontractile muscle acontractility in the presence of diabetes mellitus. Suprapubic urinary puncture has considerable advantages over transurethral urinary diversion.