Female urine incontinence: vaginal erbium laser (VEL) effectiveness and safety

Abstract

Abstract Urinary incontinence is a common health problem that impacts the quality of life of women at different ages. Its physiopathology is not unequivocal, and it is necessary to consider the stress urinary incontinence (SUI), the overactive bladder syndrome and the mixed incontinence (MUI). According to the type of incontinence, its impact on the quality of life and age of the patients, therapeutic strategies are currently summarized in physiotherapy, surgery and drug treatments. We already know the benefit/risk ratio of each of these strategies. Our objective is to evaluate the potential effectiveness and safety of the VEL, an innovative vaginal laser technique (VEL – Vaginal Erbium Laser, erbium yttrium-aluminum-garnet -Er: YAG) a non-invasive laser proposed as a treatment for SUI, overactive bladder syndrome and MUI. The mechanisms of action of lasers are discussed in general and those of VEL in particular with the description of the Smooth® mode. To do this, we have collected the 21 published studies including the first randomized vs. placebo and two pilot studies of intra-urethral VEL. In conclusion: VEL procedures already have their place between the rehabilitation of the perineal floor and surgery. Further properly sized, randomized studies are needed to evaluate the laser treatments in comparison with other therapies, as well as to assess the duration of the therapeutic effects and the safety of repeated applications.