[Endoscopic surgery of stress urinary incontinence, using the Stamey needle].

OBJECTIVE

To describe the utility of endoscopic management of stress urinary incontinence with Stamey's needle.

METHODS

50 multiparas (2-8 deliveries; mean 4) aged 26-72 years (mean 42) consulted for stress urinary incontinence. All patients were evaluated by the Valsalva maneuver, cough and perineal ultrasound and were classified as mild (8 cases), moderate (26 cases) and severe (16 cases). Thirty-eight patients had cystocele. Bladder neck suspension with Stamey's needle was performed in all patients. A cystostomy and not a urethrovesical catheter, was left indwelling in all patients.

RESULTS

Multiparity and management at childbirth were the most common factors associated with stress urinary incontinence. Perineal ultrasound was found to be useful in the evaluation of the incontinent patient and the surgical procedure. The endoscopic procedure permits physiologic correction of stress urinary incontinence and cystocele.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic surgery with Stamey's needle reduces the operating time, length of hospital stay, recovery time and surgery-related pain. Patient management is facilitated by cystostomy.