Routine Use of Preoperative Cystourethroscopy on the Surgical Management of Urinary Incontinence and Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Abstract

To determine the impact of routine preoperative cystourethroscopy on the surgical management of urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. Retrospective review of consecutive women undergoing surgery for urinary incontinence and/or pelvic organ prolapse at a tertiary referral urogynecology center to determine whether the routine use of preoperative cystourethroscopy changed the surgical management. Patients with other indications for cystourethroscopy were excluded. A total of 283 consecutive charts were reviewed of which 235 met inclusion criteria. Five patients accounted for 6 abnormal findings on preoperative cystourethroscopic examination including 2 bladder calculi, 2 lesions suspicious for neoplasm, and 2 cases of absent unilateral ureteric efflux. In only one case (0.5%) was the surgical plan altered. The routine use of preoperative cystourethroscopy in low-risk patients being prepared for surgery for urinary incontinence and pelvic prolapse is not required when no other indications for cystourethroscopy exist.