Vaginal Bipolar Radiofrequency Treatment of Mild SUI: A Pilot Retrospective Study

Abstract

Background and Objectives: This retrospective study investigates the action of a bipolar, temperature controlled, endovaginal RF handpiece for the treatment of mild, moderate, and severe stress urinary incontinence with a minimally invasive approach. Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a common condition resulting in involuntary urine leakage, with an associated social and psychological impact. SUI is the most common type of urinary incontinence in women. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively studied 54 patients for this study. The bipolar radiofrequency energy used in all patients was 50 W, with temperatures maintained between 41 °C and 44 °C. Two sessions were performed four weeks apart. In order to monitor all patients before the first treatment and 4 months after the second treatment, the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF) was used. Paired Student’s t test was used to elaborate the statistical data. Results: The average frequency of urine leak improved from “2–3 times a week” (2.1 ± 1.3 points before the treatment) to “once a week” (0.8 ± 1.3 points 4 MFU post-treatment). The average volume improved from “small/moderate quantity” (3.2 ± 1.6 points before the treatment) to “none” (0.9 ± 1.4 points 4 MFU post-treatment). No adverse events or side effects were found. Conclusion: Our preliminary results represent a good starting point to check the effectiveness and validity of the bipolar radiofrequency temperature-controlled method in the treatment of SUI.

Effect of monopolar capacitive resistive radiofrequency in treating stress urinary incontinence: A pilot randomized control trial

“…The observed improvement could be attributed to the time of collagen denaturation and neo-synthesis, which lasts around 28 days after therapy. The mechanism of urethral closure will improve when the collagen changes ( Mezzana et al, 2022 ). Rechberger et al (1998) also demonstrated that there is a strong correlation between collagen content, urethral pressure, the length of the urethra, and the maximum closure pressure of the urethra.…”

Non-Ablative Transvaginal Radiofrequency in the Treatment of Stress Urinary Incontinence: Review of the Literature

“…Mezzana et al in a non-controlled retrospective study with 54 women ranging in age from 40 to 71 years (mean, 70.1 years) using bipolar RF grouped the participants into a scale of SUI severity: 7 (13%) mild, 33 (61%) moderate and 14 (26%) severe. At the follow-up visit, 4 months after treatment, participants' symptomatology improved: 35 (65%) had mild SUI, 18 (33%) moderate and 1 (2%) severe [10].…”

“…Another study used monopolar non-ablative RF with the temperature set at 41˚C while maintaining circular movements for two minutes in the anterior and posterior vaginal walls for five sessions at 7-day intervals [9]. The studies that used bipolar RF applied energy only to the anterior wall of the vagina and vaginal introitus, adjusting the temperature to 43˚C for a period of seven to ten minutes, for two or three sessions with an interval of four weeks [8] [10]. In the non-ablative modality, the H. Calcagnotto et al Open Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology use of topical anesthetic is not necessary.…”

“…The studies that compared non-ablative RF, monopolar or bipolar, there were no records of side effects or secondary infections [8] [9] [10].…”

A Qualitative and Quantitative Study to Evaluate the Effectiveness and Safety of Magnetic Stimulation in Women with Urinary Incontinence Symptoms and Pelvic Floor Disorders

“…About 90% of patients experience an improvement in incontinence with surgical intervention, through the use of urethral slings or periurethral injections of bulking agents [ 9 ]. However, because these treatment options are invasive and may have risks and complications [ 10 ], patients are hesitant when considering them.…”