The appearance of a bulge with visual encirclement and closure of the bladder outlet is desired. The entire procedure takes less than 30 minutes, and is extremely well tolerated by most patients, including the very elderly. Afterward, the patient is observed until able to void or, rarely, is taught to perform intermittent self-catheterization until normal voiding returns within 1 to 2 days. An immediate improvement of SUI symptoms usually occurs. A minor degree of irritative or obstructive voiding symptoms may be expected for several days.
Most patients are able to resume their normal daily activities immediately following the procedure.
They are not required to limit physical activity other than to avoid intercourse for several weeks, in order to prevent redistribution of the collagen before it is incorporated. Patients are evaluated for treatment results in 1 month. Results Typical patients undergoing collagen implantation experience an immediate benefit from the treatment. The average patient requires two treatments to achieve a satisfactory, subjective level of improvement. It is rare that a patient undergoes more than three separate injections without a significant, sustained improvement, and this usually triggers reassessment and alternate therapy.