Cough stress tests to diagnose stress urinary incontinence in women with pelvic organ prolapse with indication for surgical treatment

AIMS: To evaluate the diagnostic ability of different cough stress tests (CSTs) in women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP), performed during outpatient urogynaecological exams. METHODS: Prospective, multicentre observational study involving women on waiting lists for POP surgery. With a subjectively full bladder, patients were asked to perform five different CSTs: without prolapse reduction ([a] standing, followed by [b] semilithotomy position); keeping semilithotomy position with prolapse reduced (by [c] posterior speculum, followed by [d] pessary); [e] standing again with the pessary in place. Primary outcome was positive CST in at least one of the five CSTs. Bladder volume was measured and symptoms of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) were detected by two validated questionnaires. RESULTS: A total of 297 women completed all CSTs and were included in the analyses. Mean (SD) age, parity, and body mass index were 64.8 (9.9) years, 2.7 (1.3) deliveries, and 26.6 (3.4) kg/m(2), respectively. In total, 99 women (33.3%) reported SUI symptoms. At least one positive CST was recorded in 152 patients (51.1%), and in 90 (59.2%) of these 152, a positive CST was observed only when POP was reduced (occult SUI). The CST was positive in 92 (92.9%) of the 99 patients with coexisting SUI symptoms and in 60 (30.3%) of the 205 asymptomatic patients. The percentage of patients with a positive CST was significantly lower when bladder volume was <200 mL vs ≥200 mL (P = .046). CONCLUSIONS: The identification of urinary leakage cases with CSTs is best achieved using multiple different patient positions, different prolapse reduction methods, and bladder volumes ≥200 mL.