Nonsurgical, radiofrequency collagen denaturation for stress urinary incontinence: retrospective 3-year evaluation

Expert Rev Med Devices. 2007 Jul;4(4):455-61. doi: 10.1586/17434440.4.4.455.

Abstract

Transurethral radiofrequency collagen denaturation, a nonsurgical treatment for stress urinary incontinence, reduces regional dynamic tissue compliance without causing tissue necrosis or gross tissue shrinkage, unlike transvaginal radiofrequency tissue ablation. This retrospective study evaluated long-term safety and efficacy in 21 patients from a 12-month, randomized controlled trial utilizing 3-day diaries and the Incontinence Quality of Life (I-QOL) survey. Significant increases in overall I-QOL scores 3 years or more post treatment was the primary end point. Secondary end points were reductions in frequency and severity of incontinence episodes. After 3 years, mean overall I-QOL score improvement was 12.7 (+/-26); 56% of patients achieved 50% or more reduction in frequency. No new adverse events occurred. These results indicate that radiofrequency collagen denaturation is safe and provides durable efficacy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Collagen / chemistry*
  • Equipment Design
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Protein Denaturation
  • Quality of Life
  • Radio Waves*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Urethra / radiation effects
  • Urinary Incontinence, Stress / therapy*

Substances

  • Collagen