Effective Non-invasive Bladder Tests for Female Incontinence: Findings from The Lancet
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Synopsis
A recent study highlights that non-invasive bladder pressure tests are as effective as traditional invasive assessments for female urinary incontinence, offering a more comfortable alternative. Conducted by the University of Aberdeen, the research emphasizes the potential of Comprehensive Clinical Assessment (CCA) to guide treatment without invasive methods.
Key Takeaways
- Non-invasive bladder tests match the effectiveness of invasive methods.
- Women can avoid uncomfortable procedures for urinary incontinence.
- Comprehensive Clinical Assessment (CCA) offers valuable insights.
- Study involved 1,099 women across 63 UK hospitals.
- Results indicate no significant difference in outcomes.
New Delhi, March 22 (NationPress) Non-invasive bladder pressure tests are shown to be as effective as invasive assessments that can be uncomfortable and embarrassing for women dealing with ongoing urinary incontinence, according to a recent study published in The Lancet on Saturday.
The research, conducted by experts from the University of Aberdeen in Scotland, indicates that women experiencing persistent urinary incontinence or an overactive bladder—characterized mainly by a sudden urge to urinate—can bypass invasive bladder pressure tests.
Invasive urodynamics testing, a common procedure in clinical practice for over four decades, evaluates the bladder's ability to store and release urine, often causing discomfort.
This invasive method involves filling the bladder with water via a catheter, which is inserted into the bladder, while another catheter is placed into the vagina or rectum to measure bladder and abdominal pressure.
Conversely, Comprehensive Clinical Assessment (CCA) for female incontinence can provide equally beneficial information for treatment guidance without resorting to invasive procedures, according to the research team.
CCA encompasses a detailed medical questionnaire, a thorough physical examination, a bladder diary, and a “cough test” to evaluate stress incontinence.
It may also include urinalysis and a measurement of residual urine in the bladder after urination.
“Invasive urodynamics tests can be both uncomfortable and embarrassing. For numerous women seeking effective treatment for urinary incontinence, our trial indicates they can avoid such experiences while still improving their symptoms and overall quality of life,” stated lead researcher Professor Mohamed Abdel-Fattah, Director of the Aberdeen Centre for Women’s Health Research at the University of Aberdeen.
To assess the effectiveness of both evaluation methods, the team involved 1,099 women suffering from an overactive bladder or urinary incontinence across 63 hospitals in the UK.
Participants were randomly assigned to either undergo invasive urodynamics testing alongside CCA or solely CCA.
The trial revealed no significant difference in outcomes between the two assessments during the 15–24-month follow-up. Approximately 23.6% of women in the urodynamics group reported their symptoms had improved 'very much' or 'much' compared to 22.7% in the CCA-only group.
Women who only received CCA noted earlier symptom improvement. Around 13% of women undergoing urodynamics had their diagnosis revised to urodynamic stress incontinence, leading to changes in their treatment plan.
The researchers suggest that clinicians can now adopt a more selective approach in deciding who should be referred for invasive urodynamics testing.
