title: Outcome measures and definition of cure in female stress urinary incontinence surgery: a survey of recent publications.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Urogynecology and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Gynecology, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL 33331, USA.
authors.forename: Peter A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Castillo
authors.forename: Luis M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Espaillat-Rijo
authors.forename: G Willy
authors.initials: GW
authors.lastname: Davila
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D014550:Urinary Incontinence, Stress / Q000601:surgery*