Urinary Incontinence — MCQs

10 questions

A 40-year-old G3P3 complains of urge incontinence. Sometimes she gets the urge to void, but passes urine before reaching the washroom. She had three normal spontaneous vaginal deliveries of infants weighing between 3.5 and 3.8 kg. Urine examination is normal. All of the following are appropriate treatments in the management of this patient EXCEPT:

A 50-year old woman complains of leakage of urine. Other than genuine stress urinary incontinence, the most common cause of urinary leakage is ?

Investigation of choice for Posterior urethral valves?

Which is false about stress urinary incontinence?

Which urinary bladder spasmolytic has local anesthetic properties?

An elderly female presented with dribbling of urine only on coughing and straining. What type of urinary incontinence is she suffering from

3 pad test is done for:

Ectopic ureter may be frequently associated with which of the following conditions?

The disadvantage of Marshall-Marchetti-Krantz procedure compared with other surgical alternatives for treatment of stress urinary incontinence includes

Q10

Urinary bladder can be injured in all of the following operations EXCEPT:

Urinary Incontinence Indian Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs

Question 1: A 40-year-old G3P3 complains of urge incontinence. Sometimes she gets the urge to void, but passes urine before reaching the washroom. She had three normal spontaneous vaginal deliveries of infants weighing between 3.5 and 3.8 kg. Urine examination is normal. All of the following are appropriate treatments in the management of this patient EXCEPT:

A. Kegel exercises
B. Biofeedback
C. Bladder training
D. Antidepressants (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***Antidepressants*** - **Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)** like imipramine have anticholinergic properties that can help with urge incontinence, but they are **NOT first-line therapy**. - **Anticholinergic medications** (oxybutynin, tolterodine, solifenacin) are the **preferred pharmacological agents** for urge incontinence, not antidepressants. - TCAs have **significant side effects** including sedation, orthostatic hypotension, and cardiac effects, making them less suitable as initial treatment. - They are typically reserved for **refractory cases** or when anticholinergics are contraindicated. *Kegel exercises* - **Pelvic floor muscle training (Kegel exercises)** is recommended as **first-line therapy** for urge incontinence per ACOG guidelines. - While more effective for stress incontinence, they improve overall **pelvic floor function** and bladder control. - They help strengthen the **periurethral and pelvic floor muscles**, which can help suppress detrusor contractions. *Biofeedback* - **Biofeedback** is an effective adjunct to pelvic floor muscle training for urge incontinence. - It helps patients **identify and control pelvic floor muscles** correctly during Kegel exercises. - Provides real-time feedback to improve the efficacy of **behavioral therapy**. *Bladder training* - **Bladder training** is a **cornerstone first-line treatment** for urge incontinence. - Focuses on **scheduled voiding** and gradually increasing the inter-voiding interval. - Helps patients learn to **suppress urgency** and regain bladder control through behavioral modification.

Question 2: A 50-year old woman complains of leakage of urine. Other than genuine stress urinary incontinence, the most common cause of urinary leakage is ?

A. Vesico vaginal fistula
B. Overflow incontinence
C. Detrusor dyssynergia
D. Urge incontinence (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***Urge incontinence*** - **Urge incontinence**, characterized by an **involuntary leakage of urine accompanied or immediately preceded by urgency**, is the most common form of urinary incontinence after stress urinary incontinence, especially in older women [1]. - It results from **detrusor overactivity**, leading to sudden, strong urges to void that are difficult to defer. *Vesico vaginal fistula* - A **vesicovaginal fistula** involves an abnormal connection between the bladder and the vagina, leading to continuous and spontaneous leakage of urine into the vagina, which would present differently from typical urge symptoms [1]. - While it causes leakage, it's a relatively rare cause compared to urge incontinence and is often associated with prior surgery or radiation. *Overflow incontinence* - **Overflow incontinence** occurs when the bladder is overfilled and unable to empty properly, leading to continuous leakage of small amounts of urine due to retention [1]. - This is often caused by **bladder outlet obstruction** or **neurogenic bladder**, and the patient might report difficulty voiding or a sensation of incomplete emptying [1]. *Detrusor dyssynergia* - **Detrusor dyssynergia** describes a lack of coordination between the detrusor muscle contraction and external urethral sphincter relaxation, typically seen in neurological disorders [2]. - This condition is a specific type of voiding dysfunction that can lead to incontinence but is not the most common cause of leakage after stress incontinence in the general population.

Question 3: Investigation of choice for Posterior urethral valves?

A. Ultrasound
B. Retrograde urethrography
C. Micturating Cystourethrography (MCU) (Correct Answer)
D. Intravenous Pyelography

Explanation: ***Micturating Cystourethrography (MCU)*** - The **Micturating Cystourethrography (MCU)** is the gold standard for diagnosing posterior urethral valves (PUV) as it directly visualizes the posterior urethra during voiding. - It classically shows a **dilated posterior urethra** with a narrow opening at the level of the valves, often accompanied by **vesicoureteral reflux** and bladder wall abnormalities. *Ultrasound* - **Antenatal ultrasound** can suggest PUV by showing bilateral **hydronephrosis**, a dilated bladder, and thick-walled bladder with a "keyhole sign" (dilated posterior urethra). - However, ultrasound alone **cannot definitively diagnose** the valves or rule out other causes of obstruction. *Retrograde urethrography* - **Retrograde urethrography (RGU)** involves injecting contrast against the flow of urine, which can mask the presence of posterior urethral valves, as they are typically obstructive to antegrade flow. - While RGU can highlight urethral strictures and other anterior urethral pathologies, it is **not ideal** for visualizing posterior urethral valves. *Intravenous Pyelography* - **Intravenous Pyelography (IVP)** assesses kidney function and the collecting system, but it provides **limited detailed visualization** of the urethra itself. - While it might show features of obstructive uropathy like **hydronephrosis** or delayed excretion, it cannot directly confirm the presence or location of posterior urethral valves.

Question 4: Which is false about stress urinary incontinence?

A. More common in men (Correct Answer)
B. It is due to weakening of pelvic floor muscles
C. Prostate surgery may be a cause
D. It occurs during increased abdominal pressure

Explanation: ***More common in men*** - **Stress urinary incontinence (SUI)** is significantly more prevalent in **women** due to anatomical differences and factors like childbirth. - While it can occur in men, especially after prostate surgery, the overall incidence is higher in females. *It is due to weakening of pelvic floor muscles* - Weakening of the **pelvic floor muscles** is a primary cause of SUI, leading to insufficient support for the urethra and bladder neck. - This weakness compromises the ability to maintain urethral closure pressure during activity. *Prostate surgery may be a cause* - **Radical prostatectomy** for prostate cancer is a common cause of SUI in men, as it can damage the urethral sphincter. - Damage to the internal or external urethral sphincter during surgery impairs the ability to control urine flow. *It occurs during increased abdominal pressure* - SUI characteristically involves involuntary urine leakage during activities that increase **intra-abdominal pressure**, such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising. - This increased pressure overcomes the weakened urethral resistance, leading to urine loss.

Question 5: Which urinary bladder spasmolytic has local anesthetic properties?

A. Tamsulosin
B. Terazosin
C. Oxybutynin (Correct Answer)
D. Yohimbine

Explanation: ***Oxybutynin*** - Possesses both **anticholinergic properties** (bladder smooth muscle relaxation) and **direct local anesthetic properties**, which contribute to its spasmolytic effect on the detrusor muscle. - The **local anesthetic action** directly reduces bladder detrusor muscle contractions, explaining its efficacy in treating urge incontinence and overactive bladder. - This dual mechanism makes it unique among bladder spasmolytics. *Tamsulosin* - Is an **alpha-1 adrenergic receptor blocker** used for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) by relaxing smooth muscle in the prostate and bladder neck. - Does **not have local anesthetic properties** and is not a bladder detrusor spasmolytic. *Terazosin* - Also an **alpha-1 adrenergic receptor blocker**, similar to tamsulosin, used for BPH and hypertension. - Acts via **vascular and prostatic smooth muscle relaxation**, without local anesthetic or bladder spasmolytic effects. *Yohimbine* - Is an **alpha-2 adrenergic receptor antagonist** known for increasing sympathetic outflow. - Does **not have bladder spasmolytic effects** or local anesthetic properties.

Question 6: An elderly female presented with dribbling of urine only on coughing and straining. What type of urinary incontinence is she suffering from

A. Overflow incontinence
B. Stress incontinence (Correct Answer)
C. Urge incontinence
D. Neurogenic bladder

Explanation: ***Stress incontinence*** - **Dribbling of urine** specifically with activities that increase intra-abdominal pressure like **coughing or straining** is the hallmark of stress incontinence. - This type of incontinence results from **weakness of the pelvic floor muscles** and/or intrinsic urethral sphincter deficiency. *Overflow incontinence* - This occurs when the bladder is **overfilled and unable to empty**, leading to constant dribbling or leakage. - Patients typically experience a **poor stream**, hesitancy, and a feeling of incomplete emptying, which are not described here. *Urge incontinence* - Characterized by a **sudden, strong urge to urinate** that is difficult to defer, often leading to involuntary leakage before reaching the toilet. - It is caused by **involuntary contractions of the detrusor muscle** and is not directly related to physical exertion like coughing. *Neurogenic bladder* - This refers to bladder dysfunction due to a **neurological condition** affecting bladder control, such as spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis. - Symptoms can vary broadly (flaccid or spastic bladder) and are not limited to leakage with coughing alone.

Question 7: 3 pad test is done for:

A. Rectovaginal fistula
B. Urethrocoele
C. Stress incontinence (Correct Answer)
D. Urinary fistula

Explanation: ***Stress incontinence*** - The **3-pad test (pad weighing test)** is a standardized, objective method to **quantify urinary incontinence**, particularly stress incontinence - The test involves weighing absorbent pads before and after a specified period (1-hour test or 24-hour test) to measure the exact amount of urine leakage - **Stress incontinence** is the most common indication, where involuntary urine leakage occurs during activities that increase intra-abdominal pressure (coughing, sneezing, laughing, exercise) - The test helps **grade severity** (mild <50g, moderate 50-100g, severe >100g) and **monitor treatment response** - It provides objective documentation of incontinence severity for clinical decision-making *Urinary fistula* - A urinary fistula is an abnormal communication between the urinary tract and another structure (vesicovaginal, ureterovaginal fistula) - While severe continuous leakage occurs, diagnosis is made by **clinical examination**, **dye tests** (methylene blue test, double dye test), **speculum examination**, and **imaging** (cystoscopy, IVP) - The pad test is not the primary diagnostic method for fistulas, though it may show continuous heavy leakage *Rectovaginal fistula* - This is an abnormal connection between the rectum and vagina, causing passage of stool or gas through the vagina - The 3-pad test specifically measures **urine loss**, not fecal incontinence - Not relevant for rectovaginal fistula assessment *Urethrocoele* - A urethrocoele is a herniation or prolapse of the urethra into the anterior vaginal wall - This is a **structural/anatomical diagnosis** made by pelvic examination - While patients may have associated stress incontinence, the pad test measures the leakage, not the anatomical defect itself - Diagnosis is clinical, not based on pad testing

Question 8: Ectopic ureter may be frequently associated with which of the following conditions?

A. Dysuria
B. Paradoxical incontinence (Correct Answer)
C. Bilateral hydroureter
D. Oliguria

Explanation: ***Paradoxical incontinence*** - Ectopic ureters in females often insert distal to the external sphincter (e.g., vagina, vestibule), leading to **continuous leakage of urine** despite periods of normal voiding. This is known as paradoxical incontinence, where the bladder fills and empties normally, but urine also constantly dribbles from the ectopic opening. - In males, ectopic ureters usually insert proximal to the external sphincter (e.g., prostatic urethra, seminal vesicle) and therefore rarely cause incontinence but rather present with **ureteral obstruction** or **epididymitis**. *Oliguria* - **Oliguria** refers to a decreased urine output and is typically associated with **renal failure**, dehydration, or severe obstruction, not directly or frequently with an ectopic ureter itself. - An ectopic ureter may cause obstruction leading to **hydronephrosis** or renal damage, which could eventually lead to oliguria, but it is not the immediate or frequent direct association. *Dysuria* - **Dysuria** means painful urination, most commonly associated with **urinary tract infections (UTIs)**, urethritis, or bladder inflammation. - While an ectopic ureter can predispose to UTIs, dysuria is a symptom of infection rather than a direct, frequent consequence of the anatomical anomaly itself. *Bilateral hydroureter* - **Bilateral hydroureter** suggests obstruction of both ureters, often at the level of the bladder or urethra, or a systemic condition affecting both kidneys. - An ectopic ureter is usually a unilateral anomaly, causing **unilateral hydroureter** if it is obstructed, not typically bilateral.

Question 9: The disadvantage of Marshall-Marchetti-Krantz procedure compared with other surgical alternatives for treatment of stress urinary incontinence includes

A. Increased incidence of urinary tract infections
B. Urinary retention
C. High failure rate
D. Osteitis pubis (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***Osteitis pubis*** - **Osteitis pubis** is a known, though rare, complication specifically associated with the Marshall-Marchetti-Krantz (MMK) procedure due to the sutures placed in the periosteum of the pubic symphysis, leading to inflammation. - This complication presents as **groin pain** and tenderness over the symphysis pubis, and it is less common with modern sling procedures or colposuspension techniques. *Increased incidence of urinary tract infections* - While **urinary tract infections (UTIs)** can occur after any pelvic surgery, there is no evidence to suggest that the MMK procedure specifically carries a higher incidence compared to other stress urinary incontinence (SUI) surgeries. - Post-surgical catheterization and manipulation can increase UTI risk universally regardless of the specific surgical approach. *Urinary retention* - **Urinary retention** is a potential complication of many SUI surgeries, including MMK, due to over-correction or urethral obstruction. - However, newer procedures like mid-urethral slings have also been associated with significant rates of transient or persistent urinary retention, suggesting it's not a unique disadvantage of MMK. *High failure rate* - The **failure rate** of MMK, while debated and variable across studies, is generally comparable to or sometimes better than some older SUI procedures. - Modern tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) and other sling procedures have often superseded MMK due to less invasiveness or similar efficacy, not necessarily a universally higher failure rate of MMK.

Question 10: Urinary bladder can be injured in all of the following operations EXCEPT:

A. Surgery for rectum
B. Inguinal hernia repair (Correct Answer)
C. Inguinal lymph node dissection
D. Hysterectomy

Explanation: ***Inguinal hernia repair*** - While theoretically possible, bladder injury during **inguinal hernia repair** is exceedingly rare, often less than 1% as the bladder is not typically in the direct field of dissection. - The surgical approach for inguinal hernias generally involves layers superficial to the bladder, making direct injury much less common than in pelvic surgeries. - Rare cases occur with **sliding hernias** where the bladder may form part of the hernia sac wall. *Surgery for rectum* - **Anterior resection of the rectum** or abdominoperineal resection involves dissecting close to the bladder's posterior and inferior aspects, particularly the **bladder base** and **ureteral entries**. - Procedures like low anterior resection for rectal cancer pose a significant risk due to the **proximity of the bladder** to the surgical field in the pelvis. *Inguinal lymph node dissection* - **Inguinal lymph node dissection** is primarily a superficial groin procedure involving removal of superficial and deep inguinal nodes. - While bladder injury is **theoretically possible** if dissection extends unusually deep or medially toward the retropubic space, this is **extremely rare** in standard practice. - The risk is significantly lower than pelvic operations but higher than standard inguinal hernia repair due to the extent of dissection. *Hysterectomy* - During a **hysterectomy** (removal of the uterus), the bladder lies anterior and inferior to the uterus and cervix, making it highly susceptible to injury. - The dissection planes for detaching the bladder from the lower uterine segment and cervix pose a substantial risk, especially during **total abdominal hysterectomy** or **vaginal hysterectomy**. - This is one of the **most common** causes of iatrogenic bladder injury.

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