Long-term follow-up of the In-Flow (TM) intraurethral insert for the treatment of women with voiding dysfunction

Objective: The aim of the current study is to report the long-term follow-u p of women treated with the In-Flow(TM) device for periods longer than 1 ye ar. Methods: The efficacy of the intraurethral insert was evaluated in 92 women . Data regarding their urodynamic diagnosis, complications and satisfaction were collected. Results: Early and late discontinuation of the device use was recorded in 5 2 patients (56.5%) and 19 patients (20.6%), respectively. Twenty-one patien ts (22.8%) are now being followed for more than 1 year with a follow-up tim e of 12-44 months (mean 24.6). Complications include device migration into the bladder (4 patients), asymptomatic bacteriuria (15 patients), and sympt omatic urinary tract infections (4 cases, 1 of them pyelonephritis). In the 3 women who were sexually active before treatment, the use of the device d id not preclude sexual intercourse, although mild dyspareunia was reported in 1 patient. Two patients complained of episodic inconvenience between the ir legs during walking. All patients were satisfied with the device and pre ferred it to previous treatment modalities used. The reasons for early and late discontinuation of treatment are described and discussed. Conclusions: The In-Flow(TM) intraurethral insert can serve as a long-term treatment for the management of women with voiding difficulties. Women who continue treatment for a prolonged time are satisfied with the device use. Further studies comparing this treatment with other modalities are needed t o support the role of the In-Flow(TM) device in the management of women wit h voiding dysfunction. Copyright (C) 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel.