Efficacy of Two Modes of Transvaginal Temperature-Controlled Radiofrequency for Female Stress Urinary Incontinence

This study was aimed at comparing the efficacy of different modes of transvaginal temperature-controlled radiofrequency (TTCRF) in improving female stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

A randomized trial with a nested prospective cohort included 89 women with SUI, who were randomized into a unipolar group (n = 35) and a comprehensive group (n = 54). The comprehensive mode group was treated with unipolar and bipolar combination therapy. The 1-h pad test (1-h PWT) was used as the primary metric by which to gauge improvement of SUI. The effective rate was defined as (cure + improvement cases/total cases) × 100%. Daily leakage episodes and urinary incontinence questionnaires were also documented to compliment this metric in assessing treatment efficacy. Patient satisfaction was assessed and adverse reactions were monitored.

No significant difference in the effective rate between the unipolar and comprehensive groups was observed at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after the end of treatment (62.9% vs 66.7%, 68.6% vs 68.5%, 80.0% vs 71.7%, 74.3% vs 62.5% respectively). Objective improvement of SUI symptoms and subjective satisfaction for all SUI patients were achieved after TTCRF treatment. Ten-course treatment of TTCRF achieved significantly greater treatment effects than five-course treatment as measured by 1-h PWT, daily leakage episodes, International Consultation on Incontinent Questionnaire-Short Form, and Pelvic Organ Prolapsed-Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire-12. No significant side effects occurred in any patients during treatment.

We consider TTCRF treatment to be a viable outpatient option for SUI, with unipolar and comprehensive modes both showing similar efficacy for SUI.