Effects of laser procedure for female urodynamic stress incontinence on pad weight, urodynamics, and sexual function

The impact of the IncontiLase^TM procedure on lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) remains unclear. Our aim was to evaluate the effects of the IncontiLase^TM procedure for urodynamic stress incontinence (USI).

All consecutive women with USI prospectively underwent the IncontiLase^TM procedure. Urodynamic studies, pad testing, LUTS, and sexual function questionnaires were assessed before and after treatment.

Thirty-five women underwent the IncontiLase^TM procedure. Among the 28 women with baseline pad weights >1 g, 11 (39.3 %) were objectively cured and 11 (39.3 %) improved. Among the 18 women with mild USI (i.e., baseline pad weight 1–10 g), nine (50 %) were cured and five (27.8 %) improved. Among ten women with baseline pad weight >10 g, two (20 %) were cured and six (60 %) improved. Among the 32 women with complete questionnaire data at 6 months, seven (21.9 %) were subjectively cured, and four (12.5 %) improved. Regarding LUTS, the majority of domains on the King’s Health Questionnaire and female sexual desire and function exhibited significant improvements. Forty percent (12/30) of the partners of these patients felt their sexual function had improved at 6 months. Nonetheless, urodynamic values did not differ across the timeline.

The effect of the IncontiLase^TM procedure for mild USI was moderate at 6-month follow-up but was not effective for pad weight >10 g. Moreover, it improved LUTS, quality of life, QoL, and sexual function of both partners. Further studies should be performed to assess long-term sustained efficacy.