[Stress incontinence: a critical evaluation of diagnosis and treatment]

The diagnosis and treatment of urinary incontinence remain controversial. For the diagnosis different methods are used which yield divergent results. Only correlation of different methods and results give a satisfactory diagnosis. Stress incontinence needs individualized operations. Several operative methods are available. Unstable bladders need to be recognized prior to operation and treated conservatively. Many times a combined operative and conservative management is necessary.