Women's views on autologous cell-based therapy for post-obstetric incontinence

Aim: Fecal and urinary incontinence are devastating consequences of obstetric-related perineal injury. The aim of the present study is to determine acceptability to parous women of autologous cell-based therapy for fecal and urinary incontinence that arises due to pelvic diaphragm tearing during vaginal childbirth. Materials & methods: A multiple choice questionnaire survey was offered to 76 parous women at the Maternity Unit, University College Hospital, London, UK. Seventy completed questionnaires – response rate: 92%. Results: In total, 84% of women indicated a willingness to accept autologous cell-based therapy for obstetric injury-induced incontinence rather than surgery. Conclusion: These observational data provide an indication of likely acceptance of autologous cell-based therapies for birth injury incontinence and will help with designing new therapeutic approaches.