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01-01-2020 | Stress Incontinence | Special Contribution

A structured review on the female urethral anatomy and innervation with an emphasis on the role of the urethral longitudinal smooth muscle

Authors: Michelle Alexandra Mistry, Niels Klarskov, John O. DeLancey, Gunnar Lose

Published in: International Urogynecology Journal | Issue 1/2020

Abstract

A damaged sphincteric unit or support system, unstable urethral deformability or damaged sensory innervation are all potential causes of a dysfunctional urethral sphincter. With the current improvement in pharmacological targets and urodynamic understanding, studies have begun quantifying individual structures and their importance in closure pressure and consequently urethral continence. However, when it comes to the function of the longitudinal urethral smooth muscle layer, there is currently no consensus. The intent of this structured review is to critically examine literature regarding the female urethral anatomy and closure mechanism. We hypothesized that the longitudinal smooth muscle is a prerequisite for sufficient urethral closure and not merely involved during micturition. Overall opinions on a dysfunctional closure mechanism are controversial. Nonetheless, basic mechanics may be applied to understand simple urodynamics. With the assumption of longitudinal muscles forming a plug when contracted, this could have a substantial effect on the continence mechanism.

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Title: A structured review on the female urethral anatomy and innervation with an emphasis on the role of the urethral longitudinal smooth muscle
Authors: Michelle Alexandra Mistry
Niels Klarskov
John O. DeLancey
Gunnar Lose
Publication date: 01-01-2020
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Keywords: Stress Incontinence
Injectable Filler
Published in: International Urogynecology Journal / Issue 1/2020
Print ISSN: 0937-3462
Electronic ISSN: 1433-3023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-019-04104-7

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A structured review on the female urethral anatomy and innervation with an emphasis on the role of the urethral longitudinal smooth muscle

Abstract

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