A followup on transurethral collagen injection therapy for urinary incontinence

Purpose: Transurethral collagen injection therapy has been used successfully in treating stress urinary incontinence due to intrinsic sphincter deficiency since United States Food and Drug Administration approval in October 1993, Materials and Methods: Telephone interview and chart review were performed on 139 women with intrinsic sphincter deficiency documented using video urodynamics, of whom 73% had grade 3 incontinence (leakage without effort). Median followup was 18 months (range 6 to 36). Median patient age was 72 years. Results: A total of 103 patients (74%) was substantially improved after collagen therapy, 29 (20%) were improved and 7 had no improvement. Of the substantially improved group 72% obtained continence after 2 or fewer injections. Of the patients 11% required a ''booster Injection more than 6 months after initial treatment. Complications, such as hematuria, urinary tract infections or transient urinary retention, were rare. Conclusions: Our results confirm the safety and efficacy of transurethral collagen. Once continence is achieved further collagen therapy is rarely necessary.