Try collagen injection if surgery fails.

• Position: Urinary Incontinence - Brief article

Collagen injections can benefit women who still suffer from stress urinary incontinence (SUI) even after urethral or periurethral surgery, report researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas.

"Patients with persistent or recurrent incontinence often do not wish to undergo another surgery," indicates Philippe Zimmern, professor of urology. "The collagen injection is also a good alternative for those who cannot afford recovery time from surgery or are too medically unfit or frail to undergo a second surgical intervention."

The prevalence of SUI tends to be higher in women than men. While not fife threatening, the condition socially can cripple those afflicted because of its embarrassing nature. Despite surgical advancements for treatment, existing procedures sometimes fail. Collagen has been used on SUI patients because its injection into the tissue surrounding the urethra tightens the urethral sphincter and stops urine from leaking.

The study reviewed the records of patients who underwent periurethral collagen injection between January 2000 and December 2006. Patients were...