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SURGICAL THERAPY FOR ABNORMALITIES OF THE URINARY SPHINCTER IN THE FEMALE 1
Author(s) -
Lapides Jack
Publication year - 1965
Publication title -
british journal of urology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.773
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1464-410X
pISSN - 0007-1331
DOI - 10.1111/j.1464-410x.1965.tb09651.x
Subject(s) - urethra , urethral sphincter , sphincter , urology , urinary system , artificial urinary sphincter , medicine , urinary incontinence , anatomy , urinary continence , surgery , prostate , prostatectomy , cancer
SUMMARY In the female the urinary sphincter is synonymous with the proximal three‐fourths of urethra and is a tubular structure with a wall composed of smooth muscle and elastic tissue. The efficiency of the tube as a sphincter varies directly with the length of intact urethra. Most cases of non‐neurogenic urinary incontinence are due to a decrease in length of intact urinary sphincter. The shortened sphincter may be caused by a drooping of the urethra in the erect position, a defect in the wall of the urethra or by a defective urethra which droops. Treatment incorporates restoration of normal length to the involved urethra by anterior urethropexy, excision of the urethral defect or by a combination of the two procedures. Posterior buttressing of the urethra and urethrocystopexies which do not lengthen the urethra are inadequate, unphysiological procedures for restoring urinary continence.