OPERATIONS FOR STRESS URINARY-INCONTINENCE IN THE UNITED-STATES, 1988-1992

Objectives. To determine the frequency and cost of operations for stre ss urinary incontinence in the United States. Methods. We reviewed dat a from the 1988-1992 National Hospital Discharge Surveys and the 1991 California Office of Statewide Health Planning Survey. We determined t he frequency and type of surgical procedures performed for stress urin ary incontinence and estimated the total direct costs of these operati ons in the United States. Results. From 1988 to 1992, the total number of operations for stress incontinence increased from 78,000 to over 1 00,000. The rate of operations increased most in women older than 65 years of age. The total direct cost for treatment of stress urinary in continence in the United States in 1991 was about $0.5 billion. Conclu sions. Operations for treatment of stress urinary incontinence are inc reasing in frequency in the United States. They are both more commonly performed and more costly than have been previously reported.