Abdominal procedures for stress incontinence.

Abdominal operative procedures in properly selected patients have a 90 per cent 5-year success rate in alleviating stress incontinence. The best overall method of selection is by radiographic and preferably fluoroscopic characterization of the response of the urethra and bladder to a change in intra-abdominal pressure. Discussed specifically are standard and nonstandard retropubic procedures and pubovaginal sling operations.