Vaginal surgery in female urinary incontinence: Physiopathological concepts

— The theoretical advantages and disadvantages of the vaginal approach for the treatment of female urinary incontinence are outlined on the basis of a literature review and personal experience. The need for a better understanding of the influence of the anatomy and function of the pelvic floor on the anatomy and function of the female bladder neck and urethra is highlighted. The main advantage of vaginal surgery is the simultaneous correction of anterior, central and posterior defects, restoring or preserving vesicourethral, sexual and rectoanal anatomy and function.