Effect of vaginal CO2 laser terapy in mixed urinary incontinence

Abstract

Objective. This prospective study provides preliminary findings on the clinical effectiveness of minimally invasive CO2 vaginal laser for patients suffering from mixed urinary incontinence. Materials and Methods. Thirty females suffering from mild to moderate degrees of mixed urinary incontinence underwent CO2 laser treatment with a specialized applicator and wavelength of 10,600 nm in an outpatient setting without anaesthetics or postoperative drugs. All patients received a total of two sessions, each separated by a 4-week period. The ICIQ-UI SF questionnaire (Arabic form) as well as a cough stress test were used to assess the clinical outcome 3 months following treatment in all patients. Patients were given the ICIQ-UI SF to complete before starting treatment and once again three months after completing two sessions of therapy. Results. A statistically significant decline in the ICIQ UI -SF was observed from baseline (from 8 ± 0.58) to the 3-month follow-up (5.1 ± 0.79). Moreover, eight patients (26.7%) had a negative cough stress test 3 months after the second laser session. During the study duration, there were no severe side effects. Conclusions. Collagen remodeling and production induced by vaginal CO2 laser may assist in the recovery and repair of pelvic floor function. In patients with MUI, this treatment method demonstrated effective as well as safe clinical outcomes as evaluated by the ICIQ-UI SF questionnaire, despite the limited sample size and short follow-up.