[Urinary incontinence. Evaluation and classification methods]

Arch Esp Urol. 2002 Nov;55(9):1015-34.
[Article in Spanish]

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate different methods for clinical evaluation of female urinary incontinence.

Methods: A through bibliographic review has been carried out with special attention to the diagnostic tests of greater importance currently. Additionally we present the various female incontinence classifications.

Results: There is a growing interest in the use of questionnaires for subjective evaluation of symptoms. Among the objective tests for evaluation and quantification of the urine leaks the frequency/volume charts and the diaper test are very useful. Video-urodynamics and the late contributions from ultrasonography must be highlighted in the field of imaging tests. From the Urodynamics point of view, abdominal leak point pressure plays an interesting role in the diagnosis of female's urinary incontinence.

Conclusions: After proper clinical evaluation, reasonable use of diagnostic tests and urologists experience will allow to set an exact diagnosis to offer the right treatment to the patients.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Urinary Incontinence / classification*
  • Urinary Incontinence / diagnosis*
  • Urinary Incontinence / physiopathology
  • Urination
  • Urodynamics