Emerging treatments
Surgical treatment for overactive bladder (detrusor overactivity)
Bladder augmentation cystoplasty or urinary diversion surgery are options that can be offered by highly specialized clinicians for a small subset of very severely affected patients with overactive bladder who have not responded to all other therapeutic interventions.[60] A comprehensive discussion of the potential risks, benefits and alternatives is essential to enable the patient to make a fully informed decision.[60][136][137] Significant risks include short- and long-term surgical morbidity, the potential need for clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) and the lack of data on quality of life outcomes.[60] Urinary diversion, in the form of an ileal conduit/stoma, may be a last-resort option for patients who are unable or unwilling to perform CIC.[136]
Vaginal laser therapy
Vaginal lasers have been investigated for efficacy in the treatment of mild and moderate stress incontinence. Laser therapy induces the denaturation of collagen and subsequent neocollagenesis, which is followed by the thickening and strengthening of the anterior vaginal wall, and could provide support of the bladder and urethra.[138] Most studies have evaluated yttrium-aluminum-garnet (YAG) lasers and carbon dioxide (CO₂) lasers.[139][140] Studies show there may be some benefit, but more robust randomized data is needed to further understand if there is a true benefit for patients.[140]
Use of this content is subject to our disclaimer