Treatments & Procedures - Non-surgical
Periurethral Bulking Agents
Authored by: Jane
L. Miller
Last updated: March 22, 2006
Overview
Periurethral bulking agents are used to treat stress urinary incontinence. The bulking agents are designed to bulk and "tighten" the urethra to treat urinary incontinence. The bulking agents most commonly used are Collagen, Durasphere, Deflux, and Tegress. The agents are injected into the urethra using a special cystoscope that is placed inside the urethra. The procedure is done in the office, and usual takes 15 minutes. No sedation is required, and patients may go home after they demonstrate that they can void effectively. It is well tolerated and effective.
Considerations
Any women who is bothered by her incontinence, and who has already used pelvic floor exercises without significant improvement.
Effectiveness
60-70 percent of women will have an improvement in their incontinence after 2 injections. The average duration of collagen material is 7 months. Durasphere, Deflux and Tegress are thought to last somewhat longer.
Risk
Some people can have an allergic reaction to collagen, and therefore need to have a skin test 1 month prior to the procedure. After injection, some women will have difficulty urinating, and may need a catheter to empty their bladder for a period of time.
Related Treatments
Slings, Retropubic Bladder Neck Suspension, Pelvic Floor PT, Pessary, Urethral Plug
Request an Appointment
At UWMC
Call (206) 598-4294.
For
more information, go to the UWMC Urology Clinic Web page.
At HMC
Call (206) 731-3241
For
more information, go to the HMC Urology Clinic Web page.
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