Outcome measures and definition of cure in female stress urinary incontinence surgery: a survey of recent publications.
OBJECTIVE
Much variability exists in outcome measures used to report success of SUI surgery. We set out to evaluate outcome measures and definitions of cure in SUI surgery studies.


METHODS
Outcome measures, success rates, and definition of cure were analyzed from published series and compared to recommendations by leading authorities.


RESULTS
Ninety-one publications were analyzed. Thirty (33%) utilized solely subjective measures, four (4%) utilized only objective measures, and 57 (63%) included both. Sixty-one (67%) used symptom questionnaires, 56 (60%) QOL questionnaires, and six (7%) visual analog scale. Twelve (13%) used voiding diaries and 52 (56%) used self-reporting as an outcome measure. Objective measures: 52 (57%) cough stress test, 37 (41%) urodynamic evaluation, 28 (31%) pad testing and a combination in 33 (36%). Few studies adhered to one set of outcome recommendations.


CONCLUSIONS
Outcome measures used to evaluate success of anti-incontinence procedures lack consensus and comparability.
Castillo
Peter A
PA
Urogynecology and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Gynecology, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL 33331, USA.
Espaillat-Rijo
Luis M
LM
Davila
G Willy
GW
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D014550:Urinary Incontinence, Stress / Q000601:surgery*