Efficacy of an external urethral device in women with genuine stress urinary incontinence

The efficacy of a new external anti-incontinence device in patients with a videourodynamic diagnosis of genuine stress incontinence (GSI) in an open longitudinal study is reported. Fourteen women with GSI underwent assessment before and after 3-4 weeks of device use. Assessment consisted of visual analog scores (VAS), quality of life (QOL) questionnaires, urine for culture and a 1 hour pad test. VAS scores showed a significant improvement for the symptom of stress incontinence (P < 0.05). QOL scores improved significantly by 38% (P < 0.05) and 29% (P < 0.01) for the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire and Urogenital Distress Inventory, respectively. The mean pad weight decreased by 47% (P = 0.056). Of the 9 women who had a positive pad test (> 2 g) without the device, 5 were dry (< 2 g) with the device (P < 0.05). These preliminary data suggest that this device is effective in women with GSI.