Non-ablative radiofrequency therapy differs from ablative therapy by promoting collagen denaturation at a microscopic level using a milder temperature, sparing tissue from its destruction and necrosis.(1) In studies evaluating the efficacy of this long-term therapy, a functional gain without anatomical distortion can be observed, due to the reduction of local tissue compliance without change of thickness. (2) This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and outcome of non-ablative radiofrequency techniques in women with stress urinary incontinence with an emphasis on its adverse effects.

This is a SCOPE study that seeks to provide an overview of the outcomes of radiofrequency therapy whose search inclusion factors include women with complaints of urinary incontinence, older than 18 years and treated with non- ablative. The search was carried out comprehensively in several databases: LILACS, PUBMED, MEDLINE, COCHRANE, CAPES. COCHRANE, CAPES.

Of the studies found that were related to the effects of non-ablative radiofrequency, in short, radiofrequency treatment showed a significant reduction of urinary symptoms. One of the studies showed a significant improvement measured by the International Consulation on Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-SF) and Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6 (p <0.05). scale and significant reduction of its baseline. However, one of these studies did not show a sustained in the 12 months and subsequent more RF sessions. Besides these, the analysis of a prospective, multicentric and non randomized trial showed a reduction in the frequency of incontinence Urinary from 2.15 ± 1.03 to 1.0 ± 0.78 after the last session and after a month reduced to 0.44-0.55. The frequency, volume and interference in Quality of Life significantly reduced. After treatment, 81% of the patients reported were satisfied or very satisfied with treatment for SUI. In this same study, no patient reported dissatisfaction with the treatment of radiofrequency. Finally, a pilot study whose the main outcome was based on the evaluation of the Pad-Test, that at the end of the first month, all patients reduced the value of the Pad Test at the end of treatment. Most of women (around 70%) reduced urinary loss by performing the implementation of the defined protocol Pad Test while 90% of the women reported being satisfied with treatment. There was a reduction of the pad test until the 3 (p <0.05). In all studies, no observed adverse effects by the participant or observed.

The results were in agreement with the current literature, where good tolerability and a reduction of urinary stress loss were observed in female patients submitted to non-ablative radiofrequency therapy. (3)

Therefore, radiofrequency therapy showed a significant improvement in the incontinence profile, being reflected through the Pad-Test, ICIQ-IU, ICIQ-SF, EVA, UDI-6 and Likert Satisfaction Scale. In addition, RF proved to be safe, with few or no side effects, evidencing a non-invasive treatment alternative.

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