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The objective of this study was to obtain the perspectives of surgeons who treat female stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and better understand their range of experiences with mesh mid urethral sling (MUS) surgery.This qualitative study recruited gynecologic and urological surgeons who treat SUI. Surgeons were interviewed by phone and in person using a standardized interview guide. Interviews were transcribed, de-identified, and analyzed by 2 independent researchers. The transcripts were coded and summarized using the principles of thematic analysis. The research team came to consensus that a saturation of ideas representing a diverse demographic of surgeons had been achieved.Twenty-four interviews of surgeons from diverse geographic locations and practice types were performed. Many surgeons described MUS surgery as rewarding and favorably impactful for women with SUI, while others grappled with the serious risks associated with MUS surgery. Those who had treated women with life-altering pain after MUS recounted impactful patient stories. Many stated that recognition, acknowledgement, and appropriate referral of complications were fundamental to responsible and ethical care. Some surgeons expressed frustration and concern about the raised level of controversy and anxiety regarding the MUS landscape. All participants expressed that there was substantial room for improvement in multiple domains. Participants also shared their optimal strategies relevant to MUS surgery.Despite diverse views regarding the role of the MUS, there was agreement among surgeons that the surgeon-patient relationship, thorough informed consent and patient counseling, and accountability are essential when implanting MUSs.

We sought to determine whether a center's surgical volume affects patient reoperation rates after mid urethral sling (MUS) surgery.We performed a retrospective cohort study evaluating a large managed care organization from 2005 to 2016. The primary outcome was the MUS reoperation rate. Perioperative factors and reoperation of patients were compared using Wilcoxon rank-sum for continuous variables and chi-square for categorical variables. We estimated the adjusted hazard ratio and the 95% confidence interval of reoperation using Cox proportional hazards model.Within the managed care system, 13,404 primary MUSs were performed at 11 centers over the study period (19/105 center years were considered low volume). Higher-volume centers (58 procedures/year based on concentration curve) performed 93% of surgeries in this cohort. Overall reoperation risk for patients of higher-volume centers was smaller than those of lower-volume centers, 4.9% vs 9.8% at 9 years (hazard ratio 0.45 [p0.01]). Risk of reoperation for recurrent stress urinary incontinence (SUI) for patients was lower in the higher-volume centers, 4% vs 9.1% at 9 years (p0.01). Patient of higher-volume centers were less likely to have a reoperation for mesh exposure 0.2% vs 0.7% (p0.01) or infection 0% vs 0.2% (p0.01).Patients who had their MUS surgery at a higher-volume medical center were less likely to have any reoperation including for recurrent SUI, mesh exposure or infection. These findings persisted even when controlling for potential covariates including patient demographics and surgeon volume and specialty.

Background:. The study is amined to correlate the voiding pattern after successful mini sling Ophira implantation with postoperative symptoms and satisfaction, in addition to identifying obstructions. Materials and methods:. From 2012 to 2015 in a single institution, all consecutive patients who had stress urinary incontinence treated by using the mini sling Ophira had a pre- and 12 months postoperative urodynamic test. The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire – Urinary Incontinence – Short Form (ICIQ-UI-SF) and the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire – Overactive Bladder (ICIQ-OAB) translated into Portuguese, were given. Patients were objectively considered cured when presenting no urinary incontinence at the Valsalva test and subjectively cured when the ICIQ-UI-SF was zero. Results:. Questionnaire scores were obtained from 29 patients and urodynamic data from 20 patients. Mini sling Ophira implantation resulted in a significant improvement of urinary symptoms evidenced by a significant mean reduction in ICIQ-UI-SF from 16 to 5 (p

We evaluated mid urethral sling outcomes in overweight and obese patients compared to normal weight patients and identified risk factors for failure in this population.Records of 688 women between January 2004 and July 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients received urodynamic studies, 1-hour pad test, Urogenital Distress Inventory-6 and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-7, and were divided into normal weight, overweight and obese. Objective cure at 1 year was defined as no involuntary urine leakage during filling cystometry and pad test less than 2 gm. Subjective cure was established by negative response to question 3 on Urogenital Distress Inventory-6. McNemar's test, chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U and Fisher's exact test were used for paired categorical variables. Independent samples t-tests and paired t-test were used for continuous parametric variables. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for failure.Objective and subjective cure in normal, overweight and obese patients was 91.4% and 89.1%, 87.5% and 86%, and 76% and 70.1%, respectively. There was no difference in surgical complications. Obese patients had worse quality of life scores preoperatively and postoperatively. Risk factors in obese patients with failed mid urethral sling included 66 years old or older (OR 2.02, 1.56-3.98), menopause (OR 4.21, 1.21-14.22), previous prolapse surgery (OR 4.57, 2.36-8.52), diabetes (OR 2.79, 1.61-5.99) and intrinsic sphincter deficiency (OR 5.06, 3.08-9.64).Obese women with mid urethral sling had lower objective and subjective cure at 1 year and worse quality of life scores compared to normal and overweight women. Risk factors for failure include age, diabetes, menopause, previous prolapse surgery and intrinsic sphincter deficiency.

Objective This study aimed to assess whether the use of visual aids to augment the consent process for pelvic floor surgeries affects patient understanding and satisfaction. Methods We conducted a single-blind, randomized controlled trial. Adults planning robotic sacrocolpopexy or suburethral sling surgeries were eligible. All participants received standard preoperative consent counseling. Participants randomized to the intervention also viewed slides with visual aids that paralleled standard counseling; participants randomized to the control group received only standard counseling. All participants completed surveys after their preoperative visit, the day of surgery, and at their postoperative visit. Each survey contained 12 true-false questions about risks, benefits, and alternatives of surgery, and expectations during recovery. The primary outcome was the percentage of correct true-false questions. We conducted an intention-to-treat analysis. Results We randomized 32 participants undergoing robotic sacrocolpopexy and 32 undergoing suburethral sling surgeries, yielding 16 in the intervention group and 16 in the control group for each procedure. The intervention and control groups for both surgeries were similar in age, body mass index, race, education, and previous surgery for similar symptoms.Among participants undergoing robotic sacrocolpopexies, median knowledge scores at the preoperative visit were similar between the intervention (92% [interquartile range {IQR}, 86%-100%]) and control (86% [IQR, 75%-94%]) groups (P = 0.21). Similar results were seen for participants undergoing suburethral sling procedures in the intervention (83.3% [IQR, 71%-92%]) and control (83% [IQR, 75%-88%]) groups (P = 0.64). Conclusions We found that using visual aids during the consent process for patients undergoing robotic sacrocolpopexy or suburethral sling surgeries did not improve knowledge.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE:We evaluated the effectiveness and safety of 3 surgical procedures (Artificial Urinary Sphincter, Suburethral Sling, Urethral Bulking agents) for treating stress urinary ...

Introduction: Although long-term rates of sling revision after urethral sling placement have been well studied, details of these revisions have not been addressed. In this study we explore the timing, location and migration of patients from one facility to another for revision procedures.Methods: Using data from the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD) for the state of California (2005 to 2011), all females who underwent index outpatient urethral sling procedures at nonfederal facilities were identified (CPT 57288). Cases requiring eventual sling revision or urethrolysis were subsequently identified. Location, distance traveled and factors associated with seeking a new facility for revision were explored.Results: Of the 44,605 patients undergoing urethral sling surgery 842 (1.9%) underwent sling revision, with 178 (22.5%) at a new facility. Facilities in the top 10% of surgical volume placed 41% of the slings and performed more than 50% of revisions. Patient proximity to mul...

Sling procedures, which have become the dominant method of surgical management of stress urinary incontinence, are frequently performed by urologists and gynecologists. Few studies investigating trends in surgical management have focused on differences in provision of care between the specialties. In this study we compared national practice patterns of sling procedures by provider type.We analyzed the 2006 to 2013 ACS (American College of Surgeons) NSQIP (National Surgical Quality Improvement Program) database. CPT-4 codes were used to identify patients who underwent sling procedures and any concomitant pelvic floor procedures. Patient and operative characteristics were compared between urologists and gynecologists using bivariate and multivariate analysis.Our analytical cohort included 22,192 sling procedures, of which 5,718 (25.8%) and 16,474 (74.2%) were performed by urologists and gynecologists, respectively. Urologists performed a greater percent of autologous fascial sling procedures than gynecologists (1.16% vs 0.06%, p0.001). Concomitant prolapse repair was performed in 8,664 patients (44.1%), including 954 (16.7%) of urologists and 7,710 (46.8%) of gynecologists. On multivariable analysis urology patients were less likely to undergo concomitant prolapse repair or hysterectomy. Urology patients were more likely to have hypertension and be older, have a higher ASA® (American Society of Anesthesiologists®) class and be current smokers.Gynecologists perform the majority of sling procedures for stress urinary incontinence. While gynecologists perform more concomitant procedures, urologists tend to operate on older patients with more comorbidities. Urologists also perform a greater proportion of autologous fascial sling procedures. These findings demonstrate that, although gynecologists perform a greater number of surgeries, urologists treat a unique population of patients who require operative management of stress urinary incontinence.

We evaluated urinary incontinence outcomes following synthetic suburethral sling removal in women.We reviewed a prospectively maintained database of 360 consecutive women who underwent transvaginal suburethral sling removal from 2005 to 2015. We excluded patients with neurogenic bladder, nonsynthetic or multiple slings, prior mesh for prolapse, concomitant surgery during sling excision, urethral erosion or fistula, postoperative retention or less than 6-month followup. Demographics, sling type, indications for removal, time to removal and patient reported outcomes were recorded. Outcomes were stratified by incontinence type, including stress predominant, urge predominant and mixed urinary incontinence. Subsequent management was evaluated, including observation, minimally invasive outpatient interventions (bulking agents, neuromodulation or onabotulinumtoxinA) or more invasive surgery (autologous fascial sling or bladder suspension). No patients elected to receive a subsequent synthetic sling. Success was defined by responses to UDI-6 (Urogenital Distress Inventory) questions 2 and 3, self-reported satisfaction with continence at the last visit and no further intervention.Of the 99 patients who met inclusion criteria 27 denied any subjective leakage after suburethral sling removal alone while 72 experienced some degree of incontinence after removal. Stress predominant urinary incontinence occurred in 26 patients, which was persistent in 7 and de novo in 19, urge predominant incontinence was noted in 14, which was persistent in 6 and de novo in 8, and mixed urinary incontinence occurred in 32, which was persistent in 13 and de novo in 19. Mean followup was 23 months (range 6 to 114). The success rate following a single minimally invasive intervention after suburethral sling removal was 81%, 86% and 75% in patients with stress predominant, urge predominant and mixed urinary incontinence, respectively.Patients who undergo suburethral sling removal may show urinary control, or de novo or persistent incontinence with a higher predilection for stress predominant or mixed urinary incontinence. However, after a single minimally invasive intervention following suburethral sling removal the success rate reached 75% to 86%.

Introduction: We investigated the volume and sources of MDRs (medical device reports) on transvaginal mesh and sling complications in the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) MAUDE (Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience) database.Methods: We extracted and analyzed reports on transvaginal mesh and sling complications submitted to the MAUDE database from 2008 to 2014. We also examined reports for major mesh and sling brands as well as reporter occupation.Results: The number of reports on transvaginal mesh and sling implants increased slowly from 2008 to 2011, ending with 1,687 reports in 2011. In 2012 the volume increased nearly sevenfold, yielding 11,710 reports. The year 2013 witnessed an even greater surge, with a total of 43,680 complication reports. This trend quickly subsided in 2014 as the number of reports decreased to 5,467. Meanwhile, the number of attorney submitted reports greatly increased by a factor of 18.6 in 2012 and then by a smaller increment in 2013. Physician submitted ...

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES:Following suburethral sling removal (SSR) for synthetic sling complications, stress urinary incontinence (SUI) may occur in up to 59% of patients(1). Our study sought to...

PurposeTo determine the best predictor of the mid urethral sling outcome we calculated the AUC of ROC curves of preoperative parameters, including Valsalva leak point pressure, maximum urethral closure pressure, urinary NTx (N-telopeptide of crosslinked type I collagen) and plasma vitamin D values (D2, D3 and D2 plus D3).Materials and methodsThis was an ancillary study of TOMUS (Trial of Mid-urethral Slings) and the ValUE (Value of Urodynamics Evaluation) trial in which subjects underwent mid urethral sling surgery for stress urinary incontinence. Valsalva leak point pressure and maximum urethral closure pressure were measured in 427 subjects, whereas NTx, vitamin D2, vitamin D3 and vitamin D2 plus D3 levels were obtained from 150, 116, 115 and 116 subjects respectively. Outcome success was defined using identical outcome (subjective and objective) variables for all subjects. ROC curves with corresponding AUC values were compared.ResultsTOMUS and ValUE subjects were significantly different in age, body mass index, UDI (Urogenital Distress Inventory) scores. TOMUS subjects had a lower surgical success rate compared to ValUE subjects (66.3% vs 76.0%, p = 0.03). The AUC values of Valsalva leak point pressure, maximum urethral closure pressure, NTx, and vitamins D2, D3 and D2 plus D3 were 0.542, 0.561, 0.702, 0.627, 0.645 and 0.640, respectively. The AUC of NTx was significantly higher than the AUCs of Valsalva leak point pressure and maximum urethral closure pressure (p = 0.02 and 0.03, respectively).ConclusionsUrinary NTx was the best predictor of the mid urethral sling outcome. This test is not only noninvasive, it is also modifiable. Finding ideal modifiable risk factors prior to mid urethral sling surgery should be subject to future investigations.

ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to produce and evaluate a new technique using a small-fashioned prolene tape to treat female genuine stress incontinence.Patients and methodsA total of 120 (n=120) female patients with genuine stress urinary incontinence were subjected to history taking, physical ex

BACKGROUND Midurethral slings are an effective treatment method for stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Although success rates can be as high as 90%, the remaining patients with disappointing results may require further surgical intervention. In particular, those patients with persistent SUI may need further revision of the existing sling. Literature is limited in the optimal treatment of these patients. CASE SERIES Five patients who underwent midurethral slings for SUI and had subsequent sling revision were included in this analysis. The technique of revision is outlined in this article. Subsequently, these patients had greatly improved continence. CONCLUSIONS Our patients did benefit from this method of sling revision. Further information on sling revisions with increased patient populations would allow us to make appropriate recommendations.

Sling procedures are the most common surgery for stress urinary incontinence in women. Lower urinary tract symptoms are well documented complications of these procedures that develop in 5% to 20% of patients. A common treatment for postoperative urinary retention and bothersome obstructive voiding symptoms after anti-incontinence surgery is sling release. While previous studies indicated the risk of recurrent stress urinary incontinence after surgical release of slings, there is a paucity of data on how many patients require repeat anti-incontinence procedures.After receiving institutional review board approval we retrospectively reviewed the records of 143 consecutive female sling release procedures performed by 2 subspecialized urologists at our clinic from January 2000 through August 2012. A total of 121 patients underwent documented followup at our clinic, of whom 93 were treated with sling release for obstruction or retention after sling placement. We identified the characteristics of this patient population, specifically the incidence of subsequent anti-incontinence procedures.Mean ± SD patient age was 58 ± 13.2 years and median patient followup after surgical sling release was 32 months (IQR 6, 67). Of the 93 patients 13 (14%) required a repeat anti-incontinence procedure after sling release at a median of 3 months.Sling release remains an important treatment option in patients with obstruction after anti-incontinence surgery. Only a small percent of patients require repeat anti-incontinence surgery for recurrent stress urinary incontinence.

Transperineal sonography (TPS) affords dynamic evaluation of suburethral slings using tensionless vaginal tape and mesh implants used to treat complications associated with surgical procedures of the pelvic floor. This review describes and illustrates the TPS findings in postoperative complications such as recurrent prolapse, cystocele, enterocele, and rectocele. The potential use of live 3-dimensional TPS to delineate the dynamics aspects of pelvic floor disorder is also mentioned.

To estimate the rates of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) surgery from 2000 to 2009 by type of procedure, year, age, and region of the country.We used data between 2000 and 2009 from a database containing health care claims data from employer-based plans in the United States. We analyzed data for all women age 18-64 years, identifying all SUI procedures in this population. Rates per 100,000 person-years and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated each year by procedure type, age, and region.The study population included 32.9 million women age 18-64 years observed for 74,007,937 person-years between 2000 and 2009. During that time, there were 182,110 SUI procedures for a rate of 246.1 per 100,000 person-years (95% CI 239.7-252.6). The most common SUI surgery was sling (198.3 per 100,000 person-years, 95% CI 192.8-203.9) followed by Burch (25.9 per 100,000 person-years, 95% CI 24.8-27.2). There was a dramatic increase in slings, with a corresponding decrease in Burch procedures from 2000 to 2009. Other SUI surgeries had lower rates. Although this trend was evident across all regions, the Northeast had the lowest rate of SUI surgery, whereas rates in the West, Midwest, and South were 1.44-times, 1.76-times, and 2.09-times higher, respectively.In a dramatic shift over the past decade, slings have become the dominant procedure for SUI among women age 18-64 years. Although this trend was seen across the United States, considerable variability exists in the SUI surgery rates by region.III.

We examined the effect of the Monarc suburethral sling on urethral mobility.We retrospectively studied the records of 54 consecutive women who received a Monarc suburethral sling between July 2005 and November 2008. All patients were examined by volume ultrasound preoperatively and at followup (average 0.7 years). Volume data sets were analyzed using post-processing software. Urethral mobility was described by vectors of movement from rest to a maximum Valsalva maneuver of 6 equidistant points marked evenly along the urethra from bladder neck (point 1) to external urethral meatus (point 6), as identified in the mid sagittal view. Measurements were made of point coordinates relative to the pubic symphysis dorsocaudal margin at rest and during maximal Valsalva maneuver. To determine the urethral motion profile we calculated mobility vectors of the 6 points using the formula, square root [(x(val) - x(rest))(2) + (y(val) - y(rest))(2)], where val represents the value during the Valsalva maneuver and rest represents the value at rest. We compared values before and after sling placement.The subjective cure rate for stress urinary incontinence was 78% (42 cases). There was a statistically significantly decreased mobility at points 2 to 4, corresponding to the urethral central aspect (p = 0.002 to 0.018). No significant change in mobility was noted at the bladder neck and distal urethra (p = 0.39 to 0.89).Monarc suburethral sling placement decreases mid urethral mobility but does not seem to affect the bladder neck.

Background: The efficacy of certain challenging surgical procedures has been reported to correlate with surgeon volume. The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate a singl

To compare the effectiveness of transobturator tape with tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) in terms of objective cure of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) at 12 months postoperatively.Women with SUI were randomly allocated to either transobturator tape or TVT procedures and reviewed at 12 months after surgery. The primary outcome was objective evidence of "cure," evaluated by standardized pad test (cure defined as less than 1 g urine leaked). Other outcomes included complications, subjective cure, incontinence-related quality of life, return to usual sexual activity, and satisfaction with surgery. Primary analysis compared the proportion of patients in each group who were cured at 12-month follow-up.A total of 199 women participated (94 in the transobturator tape group, 105 in the TVT group). Sixty-eight women (81%) in the transobturator tape group were cured, compared with 67 (77%) in the TVT group (relative risk 1.05, 95% confidence interval 0.90-1.23, P=.577). On vaginal examination, the tape was palpable for 68 women (80%) in the transobturator tape group and for 24 (27%) in the TVT group (relative risk 0.22, 95% confidence interval 0.13-0.37, P.001). More women in the transobturator tape group experienced groin pain during vaginal palpation (13 [15%] in the transobturator tape group and five [6%] in the TVT group, P=.044). Quality of life improved significantly from baseline in both groups (30-point improvement in IIQ-7 score for both groups).At 12 months, the majority of women had minimal leakage and their quality of life had improved significantly, but differences were not observed between groups. The presence of palpable tape, particularly among the transobturator tape group, is concerning; longer follow-up is needed to determine whether this outcome leads to extrusion or resolves over time.ClinicalTrials.gov, www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT00234754.I.

Previous literature has shown that urodynamic evidence of intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD) decreases the surgical success of traditional antistress incontinence surgeries. The aim of this review is to assess recent evidence on the effectiveness of the increasingly popular midurethral slings (MUS) in women with ISD and stress urinary incontinence.Using the ISD definition of maximum urethral closure pressure of 20 cm H2O or less and/or abdominal/valsalva leak point pressure of 60 cm H2O or less, current literature would suggest that the effectiveness of retropubic MUS is reduced but remained acceptable in women with stress urinary incontinence and ISD. There are conflicting data on whether coexisting poor urethral mobility could further compromise surgical success. Of note, there is now emerging evidence to suggest that transobturator tapes are associated with much higher failure rates in this setting and retropubic MUS should be used instead. Currently, there is too little data on the new single-incision mini-slings for any recommendation of use in women with stress incontinence with good or poor intrinsic urethral function.MUS is an effective treatment for stress urinary incontinence. However, when urodynamic evidence of ISD is present, the retropubic approach may be preferable to the transobturator approach.

Two randomized trials have reported no differences in efficacy between suprapubic arc and tension-free vaginal tape at 2 years. There are no long-term studies comparing the inside-out and outside-in transobturator (TOT) approach, although short-term data show no difference in cure rates or complications. The short-term efficacy of TOT midurethral slings is comparable with the retropubic slings; however, preliminary evidence suggests that TOT slings may have a lower success rate compared with retropubic slings for the treatment of intrinsic sphincter deficiency. The risk of bladder injury may be the least with the "inside-out" approach, whereas retropubic techniques have a higher risk of cystotomy as compared with the TOT approach. Four randomized controlled trials comparing the retropubic and TOT approaches show no differences in rate of de novo urgency, retention, frequency, nocturia, or incomplete voiding.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW The aim of this article is to review the year's literature on the treatment of female incontinence with suburethral slings. RECENT FINDINGS The use of slings to treat female stress urinary incontinence has had resurgence with new surgical techniques. The tension-free vaginal tape created in 1996 was the basis of most of the studies performed over the past year. The device was compared with more traditional surgical techniques as well as new techniques such as the trans-obturator tape. In addition the tension-free vaginal tape was examined in women with pelvic organ prolapse and older in age. The complications of the device are well known and several studies recounted these with an attempt to predict patients who will have success. Modifications to surgical technique are described to improve patient results as well as further analysis of outcomes with post-surgical urodynamic-based studies. SUMMARY The majority of papers center on the tension-free vaginal tape and comparing other methods of incontinence surgery with the tape's success. With 7-year data, the device has secured its place in the treatment of female stress incontinence. Newer methods are being explored and are now compared with the tension-free vaginal tape's outcomes.

Objective: To determine the time to resumption of normal voiding after a fascia lata sling and whether any clinical, operative, or urodynamic variables predict it. Methods: Between January 1993 and September 1996, 62 women underwent fascia lata suburethral sling operations for intrinsic sphincter deficiency or recurrent stress incontinence. The demographic, operative, and urodynamic data of 61 of these patients were analyzed. Results: The mean number of days to resumption of normal voiding was ten. Three patients (5%) developed permanent retention. Patients 65 years and older were more likely than younger patients to have prolonged catheterization (16 versus 7 days, P = .008). Women who had additional procedures voided at a mean of 15 days compared to nine days for those having slings only (P = .029). A preoperative urine flow rate less than 20 mL/sec was associated with late voiding. There was no significant relationship between preoperative voiding mechanism and voiding time. Conclusion: Resumption of normal voiding occurred earlier than reported by others. Age over 65 years, additional surgical procedures, and low peak flow rates were risk factors for delayed voiding. Time to normal voiding was independent of the preoperative voiding mechanism.

Objective To report our initial experience with allogenic (human cadaver donor) fascia lata for the suburethral sling procedure. Methods Allogenic fascia lata for the suburethral sling procedure has been used in our practice since July 1994. Fascial grafts were obtained from licensed tissue banks. Women who underwent this procedure were followed prospectively to determine the incidence of perioperative complications, the incidence of local wound complications at the sling insertion site, and the subjective and objective cure rates. Results Sixteen women underwent the suburethral sling procedure with allogenic fascia. Fourteen had genuine stress urinary incontinence and two required replacement of a previously placed synthetic graft because of chronic infection. Follow-up ranged from 6 months to 1 year. No patient developed sinus tract formation or persistent granulation tissue. Two of 16 patients (12%) developed abdominal wound infections, which resolved with local care. The mean duration of postoperative bladder drainage was 29 days. One patient continued to require intermittent catheterization at 187 days. Among the 14 women with preoperative genuine stress incontinence, the subjective cure rate was 86% and the objective cure rate was 79%. The two patients who required replacement of a chronically infected synthetic graft remained subjectively continent. Conclusions These preliminary data suggest that allogenic fascia lata is an acceptable material for the suburethral sling procedure. This material may be considered as an alternative to autologous fascia, which must be harvested from the patient intraoperatively, and to synthetic materials, which have been associated with local complications in up to 40% of cases.

We determined the rate of recurrent female stress urinary incontinence after retropubic urethrolysis without a concomitant anti-incontinence procedure.We reviewed the charts of all women who underwent urethrolysis at our institution for urethral obstruction due to an anti-incontinence procedure. The study was limited to patients who underwent retropubic urethrolysis without a synchronous anti-incontinence operation or interposition flap inlay for obstruction associated with a suburethral sling. Variables reviewed included the history of urethrolysis, success of retropubic urethrolysis and incidence of urinary incontinence after the operation.A total of 12 patients met our study criteria, of whom 1 had stress urinary incontinence before retropubic urethrolysis. Of the 12 patients 10 achieved a successful result after urethrolysis and 2 achieved improvement but not success secondary to urinary urge incontinence. Protective padding was needed postoperatively for urinary incontinence in 5 of the 12 cases, including 3 (25%) and 2 (17%) due to stress and urgency incontinence, respectively. New onset stress urinary incontinence developed postoperatively in 2 of the 11 patients (18%) who did not have stress urinary incontinence before retropubic urethrolysis. A history of failed urethrolysis did not significantly increase the urinary incontinence rate postoperatively.Although retropubic urethrolysis has a high potential success rate for resolving urethral obstruction, it may cause a higher incidence of recurrent stress urinary incontinence than transvaginal approaches. There is no clear need for a synchronous anti-incontinence procedure at the time of retropubic urethrolysis.

Purpose: A pilot study was performed to evaluate the suitability of silicone as a substance for suburethral sling placement. Using rectus sheath for sling placement can be time-consuming and can result in increased morbidity. Adjustable synthetic materials of consistent strength are available. Silicone has previously been used successfully and was chosen for this trial.Materials and Methods: Slings were inserted in 7 women with stress urinary incontinence. Of the patients 3 had a history of continence surgery and presented with reduced vaginal mobility, and 2 who had not previously undergone continence surgery had intrinsic sphincter deficiency.Results: In all women stress urinary incontinence was subjectively cured. However, after 7 slings were inserted the study was terminated due to a high complication rate related to erosion and sinus formation in 5 slings which were removed. Complications developed immediately or up to 11 months after sling insertion. Continence was maintained in 4 of the 5 women aft...

Objective To assess stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and other lower urinary tract symptom outcomes in women undergoing a repeat midurethral sling compared to those undergoing primary midurethral sling.

Background The suburethral sling is an effective surgical procedure for curing genuine stress incontinence. However, a well-known complication is urinary retention. This report describes a method of modifying sling placement 6 weeks after the initial surgery to ameliorate the complication of urinary retention. Case A 68-year-old woman had undergone suburethral sling placement as part of her pelvic reconstructive surgery. Preoperatively, she had objective, urodynamic evidence of severe genuine stress incontinence, consistent with intrinsic sphincter deficiency. She was unable to void for 6 weeks postoperatively, at which time this procedure was offered. After an uneventful suburethral sling release, the patient had immediate return of voiding function, and symptoms resolved over the next 2 weeks. Conclusion This procedure may be a useful alternative to sling removal in cases of persistent urinary retention after placement of a suburethral sling.