Long-term effect of thermoablative fractional CO 2 laser treatment as a novel approach to urinary incontinence management in women with genitourinary syndrome of menopause

摘要

Abstract Introduction and hypothesis The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term effect of thermoablative fractional CO~(2)laser (TACO2L) as an alternative treatment for early stages of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in postmenopausal women with genitourinary syndrome of menopause. Methods A total of 161 postmenopausal patients (age 53.38?±?5.1?years, range 45–65?years) with a clinical diagnosis of mild SUI were prospectively enrolled in the study. Patients received one treatment with TACO2L every 30–45?days, each treatment comprising four sessions, followed in all patients by a yearly treatment session at 12, 24 and 36?months. SUI was evaluated using the International Continence Society 1-h pad test and the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF) before and after TACO2L treatment. Results TACO2L treatment was associated with a significant improvement in ICIQ-UI SF scores and 1-h pad weight test at 12?months (both p ? p ? p ? Conclusions Our results suggest that TACO2L is an efficient and safe novel treatment strategy in patients with mild SUI. Further investigation to confirm the long-term results presented here is still warranted.