[Subjective and objective success of Burch's method of colpo-suspension concerning continence, satisfaction and micturition pattern].

OBJECTIVE

A comparison of subjective and objective continence and satisfaction after Burch colposuspension in patients with stress incontinence.

SETTING

Department of gynaecology, Ikazia Hospital Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

DESIGN

Retrospective.

METHODS

61 patients completed a questionnaire with 9 questions about incontinence and micturition, comparing the pre- and postoperative situations. Satisfaction was scored on a five-point scale. Objective continence and micturition frequency were measured with a pad test during ambulatory urodynamics (n = 29).

RESULTS

The response was 100%, satisfaction 90%, subjective incontinence 70%, objective incontinence 59%. Subjective micturition frequency fell from 17.0 to 7.7, objective frequency from 10.4 to 8.1, urine loss from 10.8 to 2.0 g/h.

CONCLUSION

In determining postoperative satisfaction the severity and timing of urine loss appear more important than absolute absence of incontinence. The pad test is advised for objective assessment of success because of its easy interpretation and repeatability.