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Insertion of extraurethral (non-circumferential) retropubic adjustable compression devices for stress urinary incontinence in women

 
Guidance issued
 
Number: IPG133

Summary

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has issued full guidance to the NHS in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland on the insertion of extrauretheral (non-circumferential) retropubic adjustable compression devices for stress urinary incontinence in women.

Description

Stress urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine during exercise or certain movements such as coughing, sneezing and laughing. It is usually due to weak or damaged muscles in the pelvic floor or sphincter.

Conservative treatments include pelvic floor muscle training, electrical stimulation, and biofeedback. Surgery is usually used if conservative treatments fail. There are four main types of surgical intervention: colposuspension, insertion of a tension-free vaginal tape, traditional suburethral slings, and injectable agents.

This procedure involves inserting two small silicone balloons on either side of the urethra, using either local or regional anaesthesia. Specially designed instruments are used to introduce the balloons via a percutaneous perineal approach and radiological guidance is used to ensure correct positioning. Each balloon is then attached to a subcutaneous port sited in the major labia. These ports can be used to add or remove fluid to the balloon postoperatively, thereby achieving the best balance between controlled leakage and voiding.

OPCS code:

Details

Arrangement:
Special
Topic area:
Surgical procedures
Urogenital
Specialty:
Genito-urinary medicine
Urology
Specialist advice has been sought from:

British Association of Urological Surgeons

Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists

Date notified to NICE:
15 November 2003
Provisional consultation date:
April 2005
Guidance issue date:
27 July 2005

Contact details:

Project manager (for general enquiries or comments)
(for general enquiries or comments)
Technical lead
(for procedure specific enquiries or comments)
Helen Gallo
ip@nice.org.uk
Contact Address:

Interventional Procedures Programme
National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence
MidCity Place
71 High Holborn
London
WC1V 6NA

Links: