Pelvic Floor Exercise versus Surgery for Female Urinary Stress Incontinence

Authors:
  • PKP. Klarskov
    P. Klarskov
  • DBD. Belving
    D. Belving
  • NBN. Bischoff
    N. Bischoff
  • SDS. Dorph
    S. Dorph
  • TGT. Gerstenberg
    T. Gerstenberg
  • BOB. Okholm
    B. Okholm
  • PPP.H. Pedersen
    P.H. Pedersen
  • GTG. TikjØB
    G. TikjØB
  • MWM. Wormslev
    M. Wormslev
  • THT. Hald
    T. Hald
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Abstract
Fifty consecutive female patients with genuine urinary stress incontinence were randomized either to surgery or to a pelvic floor training program. The operative procedure was chosen according to the type of bladder suspension defect on micturition cystourethrography. The training program was given 5 times in weekly lessons and the patients were guided by trained physiotherapists. Surgery was superior to the pelvic floor training program both subjectively and objectively. However, a significant improvement was found following the training program. Forty-two percent were satisfied with the outcome of the training and did not want operation. We find physiotherapist-guided pelvic floor exercise a realistic alternative to surgery in patients with mild degrees of stress incontinence. Also patients with residual symptoms after surgery are candidates for pelvic floor training.