Stress Urinary Incontinence in the Elderly: Evaluation, Surgical Treatment, and Management of Postoperative Voiding Dysfunction

The goal of this review is to present a review of the literature regarding evaluation and treatment of stress urinary incontinence with commentary on the management of postoperative voiding dysfunction in the elderly. An extensive review of the literature was performed through MEDLINE using keywords of stress incontinence, urinary incontinence, geriatrics, elderly, evaluation, treatment, and outcomes. Urinary incontinence is a prevalent health concern that increases with advanced age. Studies have demonstrated that both stress and urgency incontinence can have a huge impact on quality of life and that successful treatment options exist. Surgical therapy may be safely considered, as appropriate, for each individual. Patient age should not preclude treatment for quality of life issues. Successful options are available, and though as with any intervention, potential complications can occur. Patients should be informed of their options and counseled on the choices available to them and the risks, benefits, and alternatives of these interventions.