[Stress urinary incontinence in women. Our experience with 218 cases]

From November 1992 to March 1994, in the Gynaecological ward of the Obstetrical and Gynaecological section of Cannizzaro Hospital, 218 patients suffering from urinary stress incontinence (U.S.I.) were observed. Using computerized clinical cards, U.S.I. was found in the 71.79% cases. From the clinical evaluation 38.39% of patients were found to be suffering from 1st degree bladder prolapse, 34.82% from 2nd degree bladder prolapse and 16.97% from, 3rd degree. 9.82% of the patients did not manifest signs of bladder prolapse. Therapy was mainly surgical. Burch colposuspension was carried out on 65 patients. When necessary a total hysterectomy and perineal plastic surgery was carried out. A Perrin-Leger bladder neck suspension was carried out on 10 patients and a Pereyra-Raz on 5. Given the varied aspects of U.S.I., the Authors would conclude that the best results are obtained by combining medical, surgical and rehabilitative treatment.