Measurement of urethral compliance in females with stress incontinence

Abstract

Urodynamic evaluation of stress incontinence has failed to result in consistent diagnostic parameters. Using retrospective female bladder pressure and urine flow data, we evaluated two parameters based on a conductance formula. This formula was derived from fitting a classical fluid dynamic equation to published data of voiding cystourethography. The Area Equivalent Factor-female at maximal flow represents maximal urethral opening and this value further divided by the pressure is the urethral compliance. A stress incontinent group had a strong trend toward greater maximal urethral opening and urethral compliance than a continent group. These parameters may, therefore, have potential in the evaluation and understanding of stress urinary incontinence.