SUI in postmenopausal women: advantages of an intraurethral plus intravaginal Er:YAG laser

EREL C. T., Gambacciani M., ÖZÇİVİT ERKAN İ. B., Gökmen İnan N., Canbolat K. H., Fidecicchi T.

CLIMACTERIC, 2023 (SCI-Expanded) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Publication Date: 2023
  • Doi Number: 10.1080/13697137.2023.2210282
  • Journal Name: CLIMACTERIC
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, CINAHL, EMBASE, Food Science & Technology Abstracts, MEDLINE
  • Istanbul University Affiliated: No

Abstract

ObjectiveThis study aimed to compare the efficacy of concomitant application of an intraurethral (IU) + intravaginal (IV) non-ablative Erbium (Er):YAG laser with IV application in improving the symptoms of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in women.MethodsThis observational retrospective cohort study included 122 patients with SUI, 60 women in the IU + IV laser arm and 62 in the IV laser arm. The primary outcome was the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Urinary Incontinence Short Form score at entry and at 3, 6 and 12 months from baseline.ResultsDemographic characteristics were comparable in both arms. Significant improvement in SUI symptoms was seen 3 months after the intervention and was sustained until the end of month 12 in both arms. The women who had severe SUI symptoms initially showed greater improvement. A higher number of women who initially had mild to moderate SUI symptoms were dry after treatment. Patients treated with IU + IV Er:YAG laser showed significant improvement in SUI symptoms compared to IV laser only, especially at postmenopausal state (p = 0.003).ConclusionsThe Er:YAG laser appears to be an efficient treatment method for SUI. Concomitant application of an IU + IV Er:YAG laser is more effective in relieving SUI symptoms at postmenopausal state.