THE ROLE OF RADIATION VISUALIZATION IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF STRESS URINARY INCONTINENCE IN WOMEN WITH GENITAL PROLAPSE

Background. Diagnosis of genital prolapse (GP) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in women is a complex clinical problem. Aim. To improve the efficiency of diagnosis of cystocele and SUI by using methods of diagnostic radiology. Material and methods. Data of comprehensive examination of 73 female patients suffering from GP and SUI with the help of a modified one-hour pad test and MRI. Results. A positive modified one-hour pad test is a documentary confirmation of minimum volume SUI and an indication for an MRI investigation. If, according to the results of static MRI, there is a damage of the ligaments of the urethra and/or the value of the urethral inclination angle (UIA) is more than 30º, a dynamic MRI needs to be done. At values of UIA over 35º, as revealed by dynamic MRI, cystocele is diagnosed and classified. Conclusions. The modified one-hour pad test confirms and documents the minimum volume SUI. MRI of the pelvis detects and documents all cases of SUI in women with GP, and allows for an objective diagnosis of cystocele as well as its stage.