[Urinary incontinence in the elderly. 1: Forms of urinary incontinence--basic diagnosis--additional diagnosis]

Every geriatric patient should routinely be questioned about possible urinary incontinence. The basic diagnostic work-up comprises the clinical history, wherever indicated a geriatric assessment, a nursing care history, a physical examination and a micturition protocol. Furthermore, determination of postvoid residual urine, laboratory investigations and a urine-analysis should be done in all patients. Ultrasonography of the urinary tract is a simple non-invasive procedure that can exclude the presence of large tumors, stones in the bladder and urinary retention. Only selected patients require a greater diagnostic effort prior to treatment, for example, urologic and/or gynecologic investigations or a urodynamic evaluation.