Periurethral injection of silicone microparticles in the treatment of sphincter deficiency urinary incontinence

OBJECTIVE: To assess the mid-term efficacy of periurethral injection of silicone micro-implants in women with urinary incontinence due to intrinsic sphincter deficiency. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between July 1992 and March 1999, 25 women (mean age 65.17 +/- 13.5 years) with intrinsic sphincter deficiency underwent periurethral injection of silicone micro-implants. Urodynamic investigations were performed prior to and after surgery. The subjective degree of continence was also assessed for 3 years. RESULTS: Subjective success rate were 80%, 72%, 65%, 60%, and 60% at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year and 3 years, respectively. Post-operative maximum urethral closure pressure was significantly increased (post-op 32.35 +/- 18.04 cm H2O versus pre-op 23.68 +/- 9.4 cm H2O; P < 0.01) No serious operative or postoperative complication occurred. CONCLUSION: In spite of time-dependent decrease in success rate periurethral silicone micro-implants injection remains an effective and safe procedure for women with urinary incontinence due to intrinsic sphincter deficiency.