Imaging for urinary incontinence

Abstract

Ultrasonography and functional cine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are noninvasive and x-ray free tools, which are currently widely used in clinical diagnostics and scientific research of male and female urinary incontinence. The increasing use and improving techniques of modern imaging tools are closely linked to rapid development of minimally invasive surgery in patients with urinary incontinence and insights gained in continence mechanisms. Whereas ultrasonography is a cost-efficient and readily available diagnostic tool for a routine use, the more expensive functional MRI, as a tool with more precise visualization of functional interactions and spatial representation of anatomical structures of the pelvic floor, is suitable for complex diagnostic purposes and scientific research. Both tools are already well established for evaluations of the female pelvic floor. For evaluation of the male pelvic floor, and in particular postprostatectomy incontinence, perineal ultrasonography and functional cine MRI are becoming increasingly evident. Further development of both imaging tools will contribute to new insights into the continence mechanism and improve the techniques of radical prostatectomy and minimally invasive surgery of male and female urinary incontinence in the future.