Quantification of urethral closure function by SUI threshold after pubococcygeal sling operation

Thirty-one female patients were investigated 4.8 +/- 2.5 years after pubococcygeal repair for stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Eighteen patients had a successful operation with total cure or marked improvement and 13 had a failed operation. The results of the operation were further evaluated clinically by detailed patient history and urodynamically by urethrocystometry (UCM). The severity of the SUI symptoms was evaluated by recording the physical stress causing incontinence, restrictions of daily activities and social life and use of protective pads. The symptoms were graded by the SUI score ranging from 0 to 10. The bladder pressure rise necessary for urinary leakage during coughing (The SUI threshold) was measured by UCM. The mean SUI score was 2.2 +/- 1.0 and 6.9 +/- 4.8 after successful and failed operations, respectively and the SUI threshold was 85 cm H2O and 57.5 cm H2O after successful and failed operations, respectively. The SUI threshold had a significant negative correlation with the SUI score. It is suggested that the SUI threshold is a valuable addition to UCM determining objectively the results of incontinence surgery. It should be measured each time an UCM is performed.