With over 18 million women reported to be affected, stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is definitely a medical condition that deserves much attention. A number of concerned sectors have been extending extra efforts in coming up with alternative methods in treating this very common pelvic disorder especially with the vaginal mesh surgery mired in controversy.
Described by researchers as very promising, the intravesical pressure-attenuation device is one such innovation. Episodes of SUI among patients may be reduced or eliminated with the use of these novel balloon-like devices.
After inserting the polyurethane balloon-like device into the urethra, this is then inflated with correct volume of air. The balloon may then act as cushion to the bladder when abdominal pressure is exerted through coughing, laughing, and other activities, once this device is inflated. Urine leakage may be reduced or entirely eliminated when the sudden changes in pressure in the bladder is absorbed.
Results of Study
A clinical trial involving 166 women with SUI was conducted by a group of medical researchers aimed at testing the device’s efficacy and safety. Of this number, 112 women were assigned to the pressure-attenuation device group while the remaining 54 women formed the control group. Placement of the devices was done by the doctors at the start of the study and replaced after 90 days.
For every month up to the sixth month, the outcomes were recorded and evaluated by the researchers. Based on the subjects’ three-day voiding diaries, it was determined at the end of six months that there was a reduction in urine leakage by 43.2 percent – from 4.4 episodes per day to only 2.5 episodes. This was a considerable improvement especially when compared to the control group which only registered a 24.1 percent reduction.
While the initial results may be impressive, product developers may still have to hurdle a few challenges before this device may be embraced by the patients and healthcare providers. A number of non-serious adverse effects were reported and the 41 percent drop-out rate among participants may be far from satisfactory.
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Advantages of the Pressure-Attenuation Device
Medical experts have acknowledged that as a first-generation device, the emergence of problems may be understandable. Much may still be done to make the necessary improvements or modifications to address all the issues that were encountered.
Notwithstanding these challenges, researchers have expressed optimism on this device as a new method in addressing SUI. It has been shown that this type of approach is effective, generally safe, simple to apply, completely reversible, and minimally invasive.
Any new method of treating SUI that shows great promise should be good news to all the women affected with this disorder. For the thousands of women, a surgical option, such as a vaginal mesh surgery, which has caused severe complications, is something to be wary of.
Due to these mesh implants, serious injuries have been experienced by women, which have resulted to the filing of vaginal mesh lawsuits against mesh manufacturers. Several of these lawsuits were filed by women exposed to risks of POP and SUI surgeries after a hysterectomy.
References:
medscape.com
jurology.com
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov