Comparison of transurethral versus periurethral collagen injection in women with intrinsic sphincter deficiency.

Two different injection techniques for collagen injection have been described for the treatment of intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD) in women: periurethral and transurethral. The purpose of this review was-to compare these two different techniques to determine whether or not one method clearly is superior. Forty-five women, ages 43 to 88 years (mean 67 years), with ISD underwent collagen injection therapy using either the periurethral or transurethral route. A retrospective analysis was performed comparing initial and final incontinence grades, change in daily pad use, initial Valsalva leak point pressure (VLPP), total amount of collagen used, number of treatment sessions performed, anesthesia required, and complications related to injections. Twenty-four patients underwent transurethral injection, and 21 underwent periurethral injection. There was no significant difference in preoperative incontinence grade, initial VLPP, or age between the two groups. At a mean follow-up of 6.3 months, 11 (46%) of the transurethral group were cured, 12 (50%) improved, and 1 (4%) unchanged. The periurethral group with a mean follow-up of 8.8 months experienced a 33% cure rate and 67% improvement rate (p > .05). The average amount of collagen injected was 4.7 cc (1.5-12.5) transurethrally and 10.1 cc (5-20) periurethrally (p < .001). The number of treatment sessions was identical (1.3) regardless of the method used. Complications were minimal [minor bleeding (2), urinary tract infection (1) in periurethral vs. minor bleeding (2), urinary tract infection (1) in the transurethral group, and not significant between the two groups]. Overall, success was equivalent using either method. The amount of collagen injected was significantly more when utilizing the periurethral method. The transurethral method appears to offer similar results as the more commonly described periurethral technique. The transurethral method is an acceptable technique for collagen injection therapy in women.