Role of stem cells in stress urinary incontinence: a systematic review

Authors

  • Noura Salman Alghamdi Senior Registrar, SBOG, MBBS, Obstetrics & Gynecology Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynecology Department, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Author
  • Noor Hussain Almousa Consultant, Urogynecology & Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery, Riyadh First Cluster, King Saud Medical City, Women Health Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Author
  • Ismail A. Al-Badawi Women and Children Center of Excellence, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Author
  • Hind Mousa Ahmad Faqeeh Obstetrics & Gynecology Saudi Board Resident, Obstetrics & Gynecology Department, AlKhamis Maternity and Children Hospital. Author
  • Alanoud Saed Alnefaie Obstetrics & Gynecology Saudi Board Resident, Obstetrics & Gynecology Department, Dallah Al-Nakheel Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Author
  • Reem Aaidh Alnefayi Obstetrics & Gynecology Saudi Board Resident, Obstetrics & Gynecology Department, Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Center Author
  • Amjad Saad Ali Hemaid Senior Registrar, SBOG, MBBS, Obstetrics & Gynecology Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynecology Department, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Author
  • Fatima Moeesh Altalhi Saudi Board Resident, Obstetrics & Gynecology Residency Program, Riyadh Second Cluster, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Author
  • Kawakeb Mohammed Daraj Saudi Board Resident, Obstetrics & Gynecology Residency Program, Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.65759/nyh53x96

Keywords:

stress urinary incontinence, stem cells, muscle-derived cells, myoblasts, adipose-derived stem cells

Abstract

Background: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) results from urethral support failure, intrinsic sphincter deficiency, or both, and affected patients seek less invasive options than repeat surgery. Stem-cell therapy restore urethral sphincter structure through myogenic replacement, stromal support, angiogenesis, and paracrine modulation. Objective: This systematic review evaluated studies on stem-cell and cell-based therapy for SUI, focusing on efficacy, safety, cell source, delivery route, and methodological quality. Methods: We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library from inception to Jan 2026. Eligible studies enrolled humans with SUI or stress-predominant mixed urinary incontinence and reported original clinical outcomes after periurethral, transurethral, or intrasphincteric administration of stem-cell-derived or regenerative cell products. Results: Ten studies were included. Most studies used autologous muscle-derived cells or myoblasts; fewer used adipose-derived stem cells or cord blood cells. Reported outcomes included weight, cough or stress tests, leakage diaries, quality-of-life scales, urodynamics, and adverse events. Safety was good, with transient local symptoms and no consistent severe treatment-related signal. Efficacy ranged from modest subjective improvement to complete dryness in a subset of patients, with stronger signals in higher-dose muscle-derived protocols. Conclusion: Our included studies supports feasibility and early safety, while clinical efficacy still heterogeneous and insufficient for routine adoption outside regulated research settings.

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Published

2026-10-05

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 04 (2026): Journal of Tazeez for Public Health

Section

Articles