Preoperative and postoperative ultrasound assessment of stress urinary incontinence

INTRODUCTION: The role of ultrasound imaging in urogynecology is not defined. Significant developments in visualization techniques and interpretation of images allowed to study structures of the lower genitourinary tract and pelvic floor. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: PubMed and Scopus database were searched for publications on the following item: stress urinary incontinence, ultrasound, perineal ultrasound and preoperative and postoperative assessment. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: The role of ultrasound in urogynecology could be helpful in diagnosing of urinary incontinence and urethral hypermobility, to document pelvic floor anatomy and to assess anatomic and functional changes before and after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound could be an important step during preoperative and post-operative assessment of patients affected by stress urinary incontinence.