OFFICE MANAGEMENT OF FEMALE URINARY-INCONTINENCE

The majority of incontinent women are manageable using office-based te chniques. This article reviews the basic causes of per urethram urinar y incontinence, and summarizes how to optimally evaluate them from a c linical and urodynamic standpoint in the office setting. Emphasis is m ade on the progress and efficiency of the wide range of ambulatory tre atment options, which include behavioral treatments, pharmacotherapy, periurethral injection of bulking agents, anti-incontinence devises, a nd the use of absorbent products. The economy-driven trend to decrease hospital management of disease and patient interest in noninvasive te chniques will continue to increase the importance of the key role play ed by the office urologist in the management of female urinary inconti nence.