SUI in postmenopausal women: advantages of an intraurethral + intravaginal Er:YAG laser

Erel, C.T., Gambacciani, M., Ozcivit Erkan, I.B., Gokmen Inan, N., Hamzaoglu Canbolat, K. & Fidecicchi, T.
Climacteric : the journal of the International Menopause Society, pp.1–7, 2023.

Background: 

This study aimed to compare the efficacy of concomitant application of an intraurethral (IU) + intravaginal (IV) non-ablative Erbium (Er):YAG laser with IV application in improving the symptoms of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in women.

Materials and methods:

This observational retrospective cohort study included 122 patients with SUI, 60 women in the IU + IV laser arm and 62 in the IV laser arm. The primary outcome was the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire – Urinary Incontinence Short Form score at entry and at 3, 6 and 12 months from baseline.

Results:

Demographic characteristics were comparable in both arms. Significant improvement in SUI symptoms was seen 3 months after the intervention and was sustained until the end of month 12 in both arms. The women who had severe SUI symptoms initially showed greater improvement. A higher number of women who initially had mild to moderate SUI symptoms were dry after treatment. Patients treated with IU + IV Er:YAG laser showed significant improvement in SUI symptoms compared to IV laser only, especially at postmenopausal state (p = 0.003).

Conclusion:

The Er:YAG laser appears to be an efficient treatment method for SUI. Concomitant application of an IU + IV Er:YAG laser is more effective in relieving SUI symptoms at postmenopausal state.

SUI in postmenopausal women: advantages of an intraurethral + intravaginal Er:YAG laser