Urinary incontinence: When to refer for procedural therapies

Urinary incontinence is not life-threatening but rather is a social problem for older women. Therefore, 'patient selection' for a surgical interventio n is up to the patient. The physician's role is to educate patients about a vailable procedures, including potential complications and success rates. I nvasive treatments for stress incontinence include retropubic or needle sus pension, sling procedures, injections of periurethral bulking agents such a s collagen, and implantation of an artificial sphincter. An electrical nerv e stimulation device has recently been approved for urge incontinence. Many consumer advocacy groups provide support and patient education, on inconti nence.