**1. Introduction**

218 Urinary Incontinence

Ulmsten, U., Henriksson, L., Johnson, P. & Varhos, G. (1996). An ambulatory surgical

*International Urogynecology Journal*, Vol. 7, No.2, pp. (81-86), ISSN 0937-3462 Webster, G. D., Sihelnik, S. A. & Stone, A. R. (1984). Female urinary incontinence: The

*and Urodynamics*, Vol. 3, No.4, pp. (235-242), ISSN 1520-6777

procedure under local anesthesia for treatment of female urinary incontinence.

incidence, identification, and characteristics of detrusor instabiiity. *Neurourology* 

The pelvic floor is a highly complex structure and plays a dual role in supporting the pelvic viscera (bladder, bowel, and uterus) and maintaining the functional integrity of these organs. Pelvic organ support is maintained by complex interactions between the levator ani muscles of the pelvic floor and connective tissues along with the urethra, vaginal wall, rectum, and normal innervation (Boreham et al., 2002; Wei and DeLancey, 2004). The pelvic floor and pelvic cavity is an integral structure and can be functionally divided into three compartments. Each compartment is not discrete and is comprised of different pelvic organs. The anterior compartment contains the urethra and bladder, the middle compartment holds the vagina and uterus, and the posterior compartment consists of the anus and rectum.

Conventionally, the pathophysiology of stress urinary incontinence at the bladder neck is caused by proximal urethral hypermobility and/or intrinsic sphincter deficiency (Schick et al., 2004). The urethra and bladder lie on the supportive or suspension layers which are composed of the pubourethral ligament, endopelvic fascia, pubucoccygeal muscle, and the anterior vaginal wall. The breakdown of these layers can attenuate the urethra and/or cause asymptomatic or symptomatic anterior vaginal wall prolapse.
