Reconstructive surgery for urinary incontinence

The clinical urologist often is faced with the referral of a patient with u rinary incontinence refractory to conservative measures. Given the broad sp ectrum of causes of urinary incontinence, the clinician must base evaluatio n and therapeutic management on current principles of urinary tract pathoph ysiology. This article organizes the pertinent diagnostic considerations th at must be addressed in guiding the clinician to the appropriate surgical t reatment option.