The value of colpo-cysto-urethrography in female stress- and urge incontinence and following operation.

The value of colpo-cysto-urethrography (CCU) in female stress- and urge incontinence was measured. In a prospective series of 172 consecutive females with stress- or urge incontinence, CCU was performed and assessed with regard to no suspension defects, anterior defects, or posterior defects, respectively. Six months following operative repair for stress incontinence, CCU was repeated in 97 patients and compared with operative success. CCU was of minor value in the differentiation between stress- and urge incontinence. In stress incontinence, CCU was of greater value for the preoperative planning of operative technique, vaginal or abdominal, but could be omitted when pelvic examination did not disclose genital prolapse, as this excluded posterior suspension defects at CCU. Postoperative CCU was of minor value, and poorly correlated to operative success or failure. Stress incontinence with anterior suspension defects was best treated by abdominal colposuspension, even when complicated by genital prolapse. With no suspension defect at CCU, vaginal and abdominal repair were equally good alternatives. Posterior suspension defects had the lowest cure rate.