Urogynaecology research team recruit first UK patient to first line treatment for stress urinary incontinence study
Congratulations to the urogynaecology research team at Saint Mary’s Hospital, who have recruited the first patient in the UK to an observational study investigating the effectiveness of a urethral bulking procedure in women with stress incontinence and the impact on subsequent surgery, if required. The study is also exploring patient choice in relation to stress incontinence management options.
Urinary incontinence affects around 3 million people in the UK, with stress incontinence being the most common type diagnosed in women. It is usually the result of the weakening of or damage to the muscles used to prevent urination. Women with this condition find that urine may leak out at times when their bladder is under pressure; for example, when coughing, laughing or sneezing.
Most often, exercise for the pelvic floor muscles are used as the first form of treatment for stress incontinence. If the leakage continues and remains a problem despite exercises, then an operation may be required. The latest surgical procedure that has been developed is known as urethral bulking, benefits include: no hospital admission needed, limited side effects,no requirements for synthetic tape to be inserted.
Up until now bulking has only been offered as a last resort to women with complex stress incontinence (that other procedures have failed to improve) and to elderly or frail women. This limits the evidence available about the efficacy of the procedure in the wider population.
The study is led by Dr Fiona Reid, Consultant Urogynaecologist at Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (CMFT), and funded by Speciality European Pharma. Dr Reid said;
Urogynaecology has only been recognised as a clinical speciality for the last 30 years or so and because of this, there has been a distinct lack of research in this area. It is important that we continue to drive forward and develop treatment and procedures for women, as urinary incontinence can have such a detrimental effect on millions of people’s lives.
Last year Dr Reid established the 53° North Pelvic Floor Research Network, a group of research active Urogynaecologist consultants from across the North of England. They meet to share best practice, explore opportunities for joint working partnerships and to develop research into urogynaecology further. You can find out more about this network here
53° North Pelvic Floor Research Network
