Long-term results of pelvic floor training and surgery for female genuine stress incontinence

Fifty-two women with genuine urinary stress incontinence were randomized to pelvic floor training or surgery. At 4 and 12 months follow-up patients not satisfied with the outcome were offered the alternative treatment. Ten patients (42%) were satisfied following the training program, 20 patients (71%) were satisfied following surgery, while 22 patients underwent both treatment modalities. The patients were re-evaluated 4–8 years later (median 6 years) by history (n=48), pad-weighing test (n=41), and urinary diary (n=37). The beneficial effect of pelvic floor training continues for years. The longterm results were practically the same as after 1 year for all treatments. Patients with significant incontinence may be well-adapted to the situation, and indication for treatment is very much dependent on the hazards involved. Objective measurement of the degree of incontinence is essential when different treatments are compared.