Comparative cost analysis of collagen injection and fascia lata sling cystourethropexy for the treatment of type III incontinence in women [ssee comments].
OBJECTIVE
We examined the cost of 2 common forms of surgical treatment of genuine stress urinary incontinence due to intrinsic sphincter deficiency, that is sling cystourethropexy and periurethral collagen injection.


METHODS
Between May 1994 and July 1995, 14 women with intrinsic sphincter deficiency underwent sling cystourethropexies. A total of 14 matched patients with intrinsic sphincter deficiency underwent endoscopic collagen injection during the same period.


RESULTS
The total cost per treatment of fascia lata sling cystourethropexy ($10,382) was 2.1 times greater than that for collagen injection ($4,996, p < 0.001). At an average followup of 14.9 months for fascia lata cystourethropexy and 21.3 months for collagen injection, 71.4% of patients in the former and 26.7% in the latter groups were completely continent (p = 0.05). One or no pads were used daily by 85 and 40% of the patients, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
Fascia lata sling cystourethropexy may be a more cost-effective surgical treatment than periurethral endoscopic collagen injection for treating genuine stress urinary incontinence in women with intrinsic sphincter deficiency when the greater success rate of the former procedure is considered.
Berman
C J
CJ
Department of Urology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, USA.
Kreder
K J
KJ
D003094:Collagen / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D005206:Fascia Lata / Q000637:transplantation*; D005260:Female; D017048:Health Care Costs; D006801:Humans; D007267:Injections; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014550:Urinary Incontinence, Stress / Q000145:classification / Q000191:economics / Q000628:therapy*
D003094:Collagen