10 years of non-ablative Erbium laser treatment of female stress urinary incontinence

Objetivos: The purpose of this lecture is to report about technology and clinical evidence of efficacy and safety of new laser treatment used for therapy of female stress urinary incontinence Introducción: Since its introduction to the market in 2012, the non-ablative ErYAG laser treatment for female urinary incontinence was showing good efficacy and high safety. In spite of initial resistance and many doubts, after ten years on the market this treatment proved its worth and is becoming accepted by more and more professional organizations around the globe. Materiales / método: In last ten years many clinical studies were published in which the authors were assessing the efficacy and safety of non-ablative Erbium YAG laser for the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence. In these studies many different subjective and objective measurements tools were used for assessment of efficacy and safety of this novel method. Patients received between one and three laser treatment sessions and were followed up between 3 months and 3 years. Adverse effects were observed at every follow-up. Resultados: 36 clinical studies were published in which more than 2000 patients were treated for SUI, but also for MUI, ISD and OAB. Various objective and subjective tools were used for measurements of efficacy, like were: 1 hour pad test, 3D voiding diary, US for bladder neck mobility and residual urine volume, ISIQ-UI, UDI-6, IIQ7, OABSS. Whichever measurement tool was used a 75 - 90% of patients were significantly improved (21 - 70% dry) and the effect was lasting at least 12 months. The adverse effects were all mild and transient. Majority of interviewed patients were satisfied with the treatment. Conclusión: Non-ablative ErYAG laser therapy is effective and safe treatment for female stress urinary incontinence.