COLLAGEN FOR FEMALE GENUINE STRESS-INCONTINENCE AFTER A MINIMUM 2-YEAR FOLLOW-UP

Objective To evaluate the medium-term outcome of gluteraldehyde cross- linked (GAX) collagen in the treatment of genuine stress incontinence in women. Patients and methods The study comprised 111 women (age rang e 33 - 90 years) with genuine stress incontinence who were treated wit h para-urethral collagen injections between 1990 and 1995. The patient s were followed prospectively and their clinical outcome documented. P re-and post-operative urodynamic data were examined to determine any p rognostic indicators. Results The overall results at a minimum 2-year followup (mean 3.3) showed 25% of patients to be dry and a further 40% improved. Although there were significant changes in some urodynamic values, no predictive factors of success were identified. Previous sur gery for stress incontinence did not influence the final outcome. Conc lusion Para-urethral collagen injection is a safe and relatively simpl e procedure with acceptable results at the medium-term follow-up. It c ould be offered as a primary or secondary procedure to women with genu ine stress incontinence who are unable or unwilling to undergo surgica l treatment. Objective urodynamic assessment revealed no factors of pr ognostic significance.