Evaluation of urodynamic parameters following Burch colposuspension

Burch colposuspension is a very popular operation for the correction of genuine stress incontinence, due to its very good long-term results. The effect of the operation on the urodynamic parameters at the level of the bladder neck evaluated in this study, and correlated with clinical outcome. A total of 29 female patients with urinary stress incontinence who underwent a Burch colposuspension were clinically and urodynamically studied pre- and postoperatively. The urodynamic parameters chosen pre- and post-operatively were: maximum flow rate, residual urine, first sensation, bladder capacity, maximum detrusor pressure, detrusor pressure at maximum flow, functional urethral length and maximum closure pressure. Complete cure was obtained in 76% of the patients and improvement in 14%, the overall success rate being 90% for a mean follow-up of 18.4 months (range 8-27). Comparison of the pre- and postoperative urodynamic data revealed that the maximum urine flow rate, functional urethral length, maximum urethral closure pressure and residual urine were changed significantly after the operation. There were no statistical differences in the other parameters. All the urodynamic results that improved, however, only arrived at the lower limits of the values accepted as standard for normal individuals. This fact, however, did not prevent a good clinical result.