The Stamey operation for correction of genuine stress incontinence in the elderly woman

Abstract

Forty-four elderly women underwent the Stamey procedure for urethral sphincter incompetence; six had coincidental detrusor instability. All had pre- and postoperative urodynamic assessment. At follow-up, 15 patients continued to complain of stress incontinence and 11 of urge incontinence. Overall, 27 patients still had objective evidence of genuine stress incontinence, and 15 had evidence of detrusor instability. Although the operation has minimal operative and postoperative morbidity, we do not consider its success rate satisfactory for use in the elderly.