A prospective study of transobturator tape as treatment for stress urinary incontinence after transvaginal mesh repair

Introduction and hypothesis

The transobturator suburethral sling is a common surgical treatment for stress urinary incontinence (SUI). In patients with incontinence after trocar-guided transvaginal mesh repair (Prolift?), data on outcome remain limited. In the present study, we hypothesized that transobturator tape in such cases is assumed to be as effective as surgery alone.

Methods

This was a prospective analysis of outcomes of transobturator slings in women who had undergone transvaginal mesh repair and in those who underwent sling surgery alone (controls). Objective cure was defined as the absence of urinary leakage during the stress test at filling cystometry and a negative cough test during pelvic examination. The success rates were evaluated 3–6 months postoperatively.

Results

One hundred women were recruited for the study. Compared to the control group, women after transvaginal mesh repair had a significantly lower objective success rate (62 vs 86 %, p?=?0.005) and poorer bladder neck mobility (0.5?±?0.8 vs 1.1?±?0.5 cm, p?=?0.001).

Conclusions

The transobturator sling has lower objective success rate in women after transvaginal mesh that may be due to decreased bladder neck mobility. Patients with post-mesh repair SUI who opt for sling surgery should be informed of these less satisfactory outcomes during preoperative counseling.     

Long-term surgical results of pubovaginal sling procedure using polypropylene mesh in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence

INTRODUCTION: Surgery for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in women might cure incontinence symptom but develop new problems. This study assessed the long-term outcome of pubovaginal sling procedure using polypropylene mesh in patients with SUI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 108 patients with various types of SUI received pubovaginal sling procedure using polypropylene mesh. A surgical technique that did not create bladder outlet obstruction after operation was used in all the patients. Video urodynamic study was performed at baseline, 2 weeks and 3 months after operation. The long-term surgical results and patients' satisfaction were assessed. RESULTS: The age of patients ranged from 33 to 94 years (mean 62.6 +/- 12.0 years). The follow-up period ranged from 24 to 72 months (median 46 months). Among the 108 patients, a successful result was noted in 92 (85.2%), including a continence rate of 65.7% and mild SUI in 19.4% of patients. Treatment failure was noted in 16 patients (14.8%), including 13 (12%) with urge incontinence and 3 (2.8%) with severe SUI that was cured by a second sling. There were 104 patients (96.3%) who could void volitionally with little residual urine, whereas 4 (3.7%) needed transvaginal urethrolysis. Urodynamic study revealed no significant changes in the mean values of parameters at 3 months after operation. However, 22 (20%) patients had an increase in voiding pressure by 50% at 3 months postoperatively. The reported satisfactory rate was 89.8%. CONCLUSIONS: Pubovaginal sling procedure using polypropylene mesh had a high success rate in all types of SUI. The continence rate was suboptimal, indicating that the absence of bladder outlet obstruction might result in inadequate urethral compression after pubovaginal sling procedure.     

The surgical results of the pubovaginal sling procedure using polypropylene mesh for stress urinary incontinence

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the surgical results after a pubovaginal sling procedure using polypropylene mesh in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty-four women with different types of SUI underwent a pubovaginal sling procedure, using polypropylene mesh. The sling was placed at the level of the proximal half of the urethra and tied with adequate tension, but not obstructing the bladder outlet. A video-urodynamic study and transrectal ultrasonography were undertaken before and after surgery. The surgical results were assessed and the urodynamic changes compared at different stages. RESULTS: At a median follow-up of 24 months, 52 patients (81%) were completely continent, 10 (16%) had an improvement but with mild SUI, and two had persistent SUI requiring a second sling procedure. The treatment result was considered satisfactory by 55 patients (86%). The video-urodynamic study showed no significant change in voiding pressure, cystometric capacity and residual urine volume after surgery. The bladder neck opening time was increased at 7 days and the maximum flow rate increased at 3 months after surgery. Transrectal ultrasonography showed that all the polypropylene mesh slings were located beneath the bladder neck and proximal urethra, with no notable granuloma formation around the sling. CONCLUSION: The pubovaginal sling procedure is effective in treating female SUI, using polypropylene mesh as the sling material. The video-urodynamic results showed that a pubovaginal sling of polypropylene mesh causes no bladder outlet obstruction when the correct surgical technique is used.     

Polypropylene mesh used as a pubovaginal sling in the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence — Preliminary experience

Objective  

There is some lack of consensus regarding the best method to treat female patients with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). In the past, pubovaginal slings were reserved for recurrent, complicated cases associated with intrinsic sphincteric deficiency, but this is not the case any more. We report our own experience using the polypropylene mesh in the treatment of all types of SUI in women.     

Three-year results from a randomised trial of a retropubic mid-urethral sling versus the Miniarc single incision sling for stress urinary incontinence

Introduction and hypothesis

There are limited long-term efficacy data on single-incision slings. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the success rate of a single-incision sling versus a retropubic mid-urethral sling for cure of SUI at 3 years’ follow-up, in order to assess whether there is a deterioration in efficacy over time. The secondary aims were to assess re-operation rates for each procedure and to evaluate any differences in disease-specific quality of life.

Methods

This study was a 3-year questionnaire-based follow-up of a randomised controlled trial of the Miniarc single-incision sling versus the Advantage retropubic mid-urethral sling. Patients were considered failures if they documented stress incontinence on the symptom domain of the King’s Health questionnaire (KHQ) or had undergone repeat surgery for stress incontinence.

Results

Follow-up was available from 35 out of 38 women in the single-incision sling group (92.1 %) and from 26 out of 33 in the retropubic mid-urethral sling group (79.0 %). The overall 3-year failure rate was 20 out of 38 (52.6 %) in the single-incision sling group and 3 out of 33 (9.0 %) in the retropubic mid-urethral sling group (odds ratio 10.0, 95 % confidence interval 2.6–38.4). In the single-incision sling group, the failure rate increased from 40.5 % at 6 months to 52.6 % at 3 years with corresponding figures of 3 to 9 % in the retropubic mid-urethral sling group.

Conclusions

In this study, there was a significantly higher 3-year failure rate for the single-incision sling versus the retropubic mid-urethral sling. Both procedures had reduced efficacy over time.     

A repeat mid-urethral sling as valuable treatment for persistent or recurrent stress urinary incontinence

Introduction and hypothesis

The value of a repeat mid-urethral sling (MUS) after a failed primary sling is not generally accepted. We hypothesize that repeat MUS can be performed with favorable results and acceptable complication rates.

Methods

We reviewed the medical records of 80 women (mean age 62?±?12.3 years) who underwent repeat MUS surgery from January 2000 to January 2009 at a single tertiary academic centre. Mean follow-up was 44.8 months (range 3–104). Three of these 80 patients were lost to follow-up. Twenty-six (33%) transobturator (TOT), 25 (31%) retropubic (TVT) and 16 (20%) minislings were placed as secondary slings. Thirteen slings (15%) were biological (Pelvicol?). In 4 patients (5%) a release of the primary sling was performed, and in 6 (7.5 %) the extruded sling fragment was totally excised prior to secondary sling placement.

Results

The overall subjective cure rate was 61.0%. Of the study group 74.0% reported subjective improvement. The amounts of pads reduced from a mean of 3.8 pads a day to a mean of 0.75 pads a day postoperatively. The objective cure rate was 63.5%. The incidence of de novo urgency was 8.2% (4 patients). When comparing different secondary sling types no difference was found in the overall continence rate, except for the biological sling. More than half (7 out of 13) of the patients from whom the secondary sling was a biological sling, were not satisfied (p?=?0.01). The subjective improvement rates in patients with recurrent or persistent stress urinary incontinence (SUI) were 68.2% and 75.0% respectively. This difference is not statistically significant (p?=?0.94). Excision versus release of the MUS showed a slightly higher satisfaction rate after excision, 84.6% and 74.0 % respectively (p?=?0.63).

Conclusions

Cure rates and improvement rates of a repeat MUS are favorable and complication rates are acceptable. It should be offered to patients with persistent or recurrent SUI after a failed primary sling, even after previous release or excision.     

Repeat mid-urethral sling for recurrent female stress urinary incontinence

Introduction and hypothesis

The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of repeat mid-urethral sling after a failed primary sling for stress urinary incontinence.

Methods

A total of 112 women with recurrent stress incontinence after primary mid-urethral sling underwent a repeat procedure between 2000 and 2011. All patients had a preoperative clinical and urodynamic evaluation. Outcomes were divided into three groups: cured (no more leaks), improved (decrease of leaks), or failed.

Results

All patients had urethral hypermobility and 12.9 % had intrinsic sphincter deficiency [maximum urethral closure pressure (MUCP)?≤?20 cmH₂O]. Median MUCP was 41 cmH₂0. Overactive bladder was found in 5.7 % of women. The second sling placed was one of the following: retropubic Tension-free Vaginal Tape (49 %), transobturator tape (48 %), or mini-sling (3 %). No intraoperative morbidity was reported. After the second sling was placed, 68 (60.7 %) patients were subjectively cured and 18 (16.1 %) improved (76.8 % success overall) with a mean follow-up of 21 months. Success rates were 72.2 and 81.8 % for transobturator and retropubic slings, respectively, with no significant difference. Multivariable analysis showed higher odds of cure and improvement with the retropubic approach after adjusting for MUCP. Late complication rates were comparable to those observed after a first sling. Urodynamic parameters were not associated with postoperative success.

Conclusions

Repeat mid-urethral sling for recurrent female stress urinary incontinence is nearly 77 % successful ?in a group of patients with persistent urethral hypermobility. ?A retropubic approach might be preferred for patients with low urethral closure pressures.     

Videourodynamic evaluation of urge syndrome following pubovaginal sling procedure for stress urinary incontinence in women

Introduction and hypothesis  

The purpose of this study is to evaluate women with urge syndrome following pubovaginal sling procedure for stress urinary incontinence using a polypropylene mesh.     

Simple sling incision for the treatment of iatrogenic bladder outlet obstruction

Introduction and hypothesis

Bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) is reported to occur in 15 % of women after anti-incontinence surgery. In the past, iatrogenic BOO from slings was treated with urethrolysis. However, urethrolysis is not without morbidity, including significant bleeding, urethral injury, and recurrent stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Several studies have shown simple sling incision to be as effective as urethrolysis with less morbidity and lower rates of recurrent SUI. [1–3]

Methods

We demonstrate the technique of transvaginal simple sling incision in two patients, one with a synthetic midurethral sling, and one with a biologic bladder-neck sling.

Results

Simple sling incision is an effective and less morbid treatment than urethrolysis for iatrogenic urethral obstruction; 70–90 % of women will have significant improvement in obstructive voiding symptoms. Recurrent SUI is seen in approximately 20 % of women after sling incision.

Conclusions

This video shows that simple sling incision is an effective, simple, and safe treatment for women with iatrogenic BOO after sling surgery and should be used as a first-line treatment.     

Comparison of video urodynamic results after the pubovaginal sling procedure using rectus fascia and polypropylene mesh for stress urinary incontinence

PURPOSE: Video urodynamic changes were compared after the pubovaginal sling procedure using rectus fascia or polypropylene mesh in women with stress urinary incontinence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 50 women with various types of stress urinary incontinence were treated with the pubovaginal sling procedure using randomly abdominal rectus fascia in 24 or polypropylene mesh in 26. The sling was placed at the level of the bladder neck and tied with sufficient tension to prevent urinary leakage without obstructing the bladder outlet. Video urodynamics were performed preoperatively, and 7 to 14 days and 3 to 6 months postoperatively in all cases. Surgical results and urodynamic changes after the pubovaginal sling procedure were compared in the 2 groups. Long-term results were evaluated at a mean followup of 2 years. RESULTS: Complete continence was achieved in 23 patients (95.8%) in the rectus fascia group and 26 (100%) in the polypropylene mesh group, including 1 initial failure with reoperation, at a median followup of 24 and 23 months, respectively. The subjective success rate was 91.6% for rectus fascia and 92.3% for polypropylene mesh. The main cause of dissatisfaction was persistent urge incontinence and dysuria in 2 cases each. In each group video urodynamics revealed a mild but nonsignificant decrease in maximum urinary flow and a significant increase in bladder neck opening time at 7 to 14 days versus baseline. However, these parameters returned to baseline within 3 to 6 months postoperatively. Voiding pressure, cystometric capacity and post-void residual urine also showed no significant change in either group after the pubovaginal sling procedure. Patients treated with a polypropylene mesh sling had a shorter operative time and hospital stay, a higher spontaneous voiding rate after catheter removal and a lower incidence of wound pain after surgery. One patient treated with polypropylene mesh had sling margin extrusion. The incidence of new onset detrusor instability and persistent dysuria was similar in the 2 groups. Transrectal sonography of the sling showed that it was located beneath the bladder neck and proximal urethra in all patients in each group. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study show that the pubovaginal sling procedure using rectus fascia or polypropylene mesh as the sling material had similar effectiveness for treating female stress incontinence but the polypropylene group had more rapid recovery. Postoperatively video urodynamics demonstrated that the pubovaginal sling using either sling material did not cause bladder outlet obstruction with proper surgical technique.     

Lack of effect of concomitant stage II cystocele repair on lower urinary tract symptoms and surgical outcome after tension-free vaginal tape procedure: randomized controlled trial

Introduction and hypothesis

The aim of this study was to compare the lower urinary tract symptom changes and surgical outcome between the tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) procedure with and without concomitant stage II pelvic organ prolapse (cystocele) repair in a randomized clinical trial setting.

Methods

Patients with urodynamically proven stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and asymptomatic stage II cystocele were randomly and equally allocated to either a TVT and concomitant cystocele repair group or TVT only group. SUI was corrected with TVT in all cases. The cystocele repair procedure was performed with Gynemesh®. Lower urinary tract symptoms and surgical outcome were assessed at postoperative year 1. Lower urinary tract symptoms were assessed with the American Urological Association Symptom Score (AUASS) questionnaire, uroflowmetry, and postvoid residual (PVR).

Results

The cure rate of TVT only and the concomitant repair group was 87 and 91 %, respectively (p?>?0.05). Cystocele was cured in all patients in the concomitant repair group. After the operation, the total AUASS were 6.4 and 8.4 in the TVT only group and concomitant repair group, respectively, with no statistical difference. There was no difference in the change in peak flow rate (Q_max) and PVR between the two groups. The prevalence of postoperative mixed incontinence was not different between the two groups.

Conclusions

In patients with stage II cystocele and SUI, there was no difference in the surgical outcome and lower urinary tract symptoms between the TVT sling only group and concomitant repair group. Cystocele repair can be safely omitted in patients with stage II cystocele.     

Pelvic floor ultrasound in the diagnosis of sling complications

Purpose

The mid-urethral synthetic sling (MUS) procedure has become the standard of care for treatment of female stress urinary incontinence. However, a small number of patients will have complications following MUS including failure, obstructive voiding, sling erosion, or chronic pain. This paper discusses the role of 2D and 3D ultrasound imaging in the evaluation of the female patient with complications following placement of a synthetic mid-urethral sling.

Results

The MUS is easily visualized as an echogenic structure on ultrasound and can be imaged by transperineal, transvaginal and introital approaches. Ultrasound allows dynamic assessment of the sling and can assist in the diagnosis of sling failure, obstruction, erosion and mesh related pain.

Conclusions

Pelvic floor ultrasound has an emerging role in the assessment of complications following MUS surgery. 3D ultrasound can assist the clinician in assessment of the complex patient with multiple slings or meshes in situ.

     

Single-incision sling compared with transobturator sling for treating stress urinary incontinence: a randomized controlled trial

Introduction and hypothesis

We tested the hypothesis that the single-incision sling, TVT-Secur (TVT-S), placed in U position is not inferior to transobturator midurethral sling (TVT-O) for treating stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

Methods

This was a noninferiority, prospective, randomized controlled trial in which women with SUI, confirmed by physical and urodynamic evaluation, were randomly assigned to receive either TVT-O (n?=?56) or TVT-S (n?=?66). Exclusion criteria were voiding dysfunction, detrusor overactivity (DO), and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) beyond the hymen. The primary outcomes were objective and subjective cure rates, which were assessed at the 12-month follow-up visit, defined as negative stress, pad, and urodynamic tests and absence of self-reported SUI symptoms. Secondary outcomes were quality of life (QoL) by King’s Health Questionnaire (KHQ) validated for Portuguese language, postoperative pain, and complication rate. The power of the study was 80 % to test the hypothesis that TVT-S is not inferior to TVT-O by >15 %. Statistical significance was fixed at 5 % (p?<?0.05).

Results

Groups were similar regarding demographic and clinical preoperative parameters. Objective cure rates for TVT-S and TVT-O groups were 84.1 % vs 87 % [90 % confidence interbal (CI) ?15 to 9.8], and subjective cure rates were 92.1 % vs 90.7 % (95 % CI ?11.4 to 6.7), respectively. TVT-S resulted in less postoperative general and thigh pain (p?<?0.001). A few, but not statistically significant different complications, were observed in both groups: vaginal mucosa perforation, urinary retention, urinary infection, tape exposure, and de novo urgency. There was a significant improvement in all KHQ domains in both groups (p?<?0.001).

Conclusion

TVT-S was not inferior to TVT-O for treating SUI at 12-month follow-up.     

Broad based tension-free synthetic sling for stress urinary incontinence: 5-year outcome

PURPOSE: The use of nonabsorbable synthetic material has been questioned due to reports of erosion and infection. We present the 5-year followup outcome of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) treated using polypropylene mesh as a pubovaginal sling. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed of 58 consecutive patients who underwent pubovaginal sling procedures using polypropylene mesh since April 1996 for types II and III SUI at our institution. The technique included a single midline anterior vaginal wall incision with full-thickness flaps. Broad based polypropylene mesh was used to support the vesicourethral junction entering the retropubic space through the endopelvic fascia and bone anchors were used for fixation. Patient satisfaction was evaluated during followup office visits and/or telephone interview by an individual not involved in any surgeries. All procedure failures were evaluated by urodynamics. RESULTS: Of the 58 patients 49 were available for analysis. Average followup was 59.34 months (range 29 to 77). Of the 49 patients 40 (81.63%) were dry and 2 (4.08%) improved (1 pad daily). De novo urgency and urgency related incontinence was reported in 1 case each. Three patients (8.16%) had recurrent SUI, while prolonged retention developed with subsequent urethrolysis required in 2 (4.08%). None of the patients have experienced infection, nonhealing or erosion of the synthetic slings to date. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience polypropylene mesh used as a broad based tension-free sling was successful for treating all types of SUI. In our opinion technique and case selection have a bearing on outcomes.     

Short-term surgical outcomes and characteristics of patients with mesh complications from pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence surgery

Introduction and hypothesis

Surgical treatment of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI) can include the use of synthetic materials. Placement of synthetic materials into the vaginal wall, through either the vagina or the abdomen, includes the risk of complications such as vaginal wall extrusion or pain. There is little data regarding outcomes following treatment of mesh complications.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of patients who underwent excision of mesh placed for POP or SUI between 1 January 2001 and 31 October 2012 was performed at the University of Virginia. Chart abstraction queried patient demographics, clinical history, physical examination, pre- and post-excision symptoms, and operative findings. The International Continence Society (ICS) and International Urogynecological Association (IUGA) classification system was used to define the nature and location of mesh complications.

Results

A total of 57 patients (26 mid-urethral slings, 23 transvaginal prolapse, 9 intraperitoneal prolapse) with the diagnosis of mesh extrusion into the vaginal wall were analyzed. Twenty-five (average 2.8 cases/year) original mesh surgeries occurred between January 2001 and January 2010 and 41 (average 20.5 cases/year) occurred after January 2010. The most common presenting patient complaints were chronic pelvic pain (55.9 %), dyspareunia (54.4 %), and vaginal discharge (30.9 %). At a 6-week post-operative visit, 57.3 % of patient’s symptoms were completely resolved and 14.6 % were improved.

Conclusion

Clinicians should be cognizant of the variable presentations of post-operative vaginal mesh complications. Mesh excision by experienced pelvic surgeons is an effective and safe treatment for these complications; however, a significant number of patients may have persistent symptoms following surgery.     

Repair of complete urethral disruption due to synthetic sling complication

Introduction and hypothesis

Urethral complications due to synthetic midurethral slings are rare. Possible causes may include unrecognized trocar injury, mesh implantation despite recognized injury, mesh contamination leading to inflammation and delayed perforation, and excessive sling tension. There is no consensus as to the surgical management of urethral complications with regard to how much mesh should be excised, whether an interposition flap should be used, and whether a pubovaginal sling should be placed at the time of surgery. The purpose of this video is to present a technique of repairing complete urethral disruption due to a synthetic midurethral sling complication.

Methods

In this video, we demonstrate the steps to perform primary end-to-end urethral reconstruction for repairing complete urethral disruption. Any residual synthetic mesh must first be excised, after which the anastomosis may be completed.

Results

Complete urethral disruption is a rare complication of synthetic midurethral sling surgery that can be repaired primarily with good results.

Conclusions

There is no consensus regarding surgical management of urethral complications caused by synthetic midurethral slings, and thus an individualized approach should be used based on patient presentation and surgeon expertise.     

Indications and risk factors for midurethral sling revision

Introduction and hypothesis

To determine the indications and risk factors for needing midurethral sling revision in a cohort of women undergoing midurethral sling placement.

Methods

This was a case–control study of all women undergoing midurethral sling placement for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) between January 2003 and December 2013. Cases were patients who underwent midurethral sling placement followed by sling revision (incision, partial or complete excision). Controls were patients who underwent sling placement only. Once all subjects had been identified, the electronic medical record was queried for demographic and perioperative and postoperative data.

Results

Of 3,307 women who underwent sling placement, 89 (2.7 %, 95 % CI 1.9 – 3.4) underwent sling revision for one or more of the following indications: urinary retention (43.8 %), voiding dysfunction (42.7 %), recurrent urinary tract infection (20.2 %), mesh erosion (21.3 %), vaginal pain/dyspareunia (7.9 %), and groin pain (3.4 %). The median time from the index to the revision surgery was 7.8 months (2.3 – 17.9 months), but was significantly shorter in patients with urinary retention. The type of sling placed (retropubic or transobturator) was not associated with indication for revision. Patients who underwent revision surgery were more likely to have had previous SUI surgery (adjusted odds ratio 4.4, 95 % CI 1.7 – 6.5) and to have undergone concomitant vaginal apical suspension (adjusted odds ratio 2.4, 95 % CI 1.4 – 4.5).

Conclusions

The rate of sling revision after midurethral sling placement was 2.7 %. Urinary retention and voiding dysfunction were the most common indications. Patients with a history of previous SUI surgery and concomitant apical suspension at the time of sling placement may be at higher risk of requiring revision surgery.

     

Autologous transobturator midurethral sling placement: a novel outpatient procedure for female stress urinary incontinence

Introduction

We present a novel outpatient transobturator autologous rectus fascia midurethral sling procedure.

Methods

A 55-year old woman presented with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) as documented by history, physical exam, and 24-h pad test. Conservative and surgical treatment options were discussed. The patient was interested only in outpatient surgical options, however, and was adamantly opposed to any mesh procedures due to concerns regarding complications. Therefore, following an in-depth discussion and informed consent, a transobturator, autologous sling procedure was performed. The vaginal dissection was performed in the standard fashion. A rectus fascial strip measuring 7?×?1 cm rectus fascia was harvested. A trocar was passed through each obturator foramen. Fascial stay sutures were retracted through the skin incisions. The sling was then appropriately tensioned and the stay sutures tied together.

Results

The patient had an uncomplicated perioperative course. She voided spontaneously with low postvoid residual. At follow-up, she had no urinary leakage.

Conclusions

The transobturator autologous midurethral sling procedure is technically feasible and, in the short term, effective. Longer follow-up and larger series are needed to validate this procedure, which, however, may become a suitable option for patients and surgeons concerned with potential mesh complications.     

Road to recovery after transvaginal surgery for urethral mesh perforation: evaluation of outcomes and subsequent procedures

Introduction and hypothesis

Urethral injury resulting from transvaginal mesh slings is a rare complication with an estimated incidence of <1%. Our objective was to review the surgical management and functional outcomes of women presenting with urethral mesh perforation following midurethral sling (MUS) placement.

Methods

This was a retrospective multicenter review of women who from January 2011 to March 2016 at two institutions underwent mesh sling excision for urethral perforation with Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery fellowship-trained surgeons. Data comprising preoperative symptoms, operative details, and postoperative outcomes were collected by telephone (n?13) or based on their last follow-up appointment.

Results obtained

Nineteen women underwent transvaginal sling excision for urethral mesh perforation. Eight (42%) patients had undergone previous sling revision surgery. Sixty percent of women had resolution of their pelvic pain postoperatively. At follow-up, 92% reported urinary incontinence (UI), and three had undergone five additional procedures for vaginal prolapse mesh exposure (n?1), incontinence (onabotulinum toxin injection n?1, rectus fascia autologous sling n?1), prolapse (colpopexy n?1), and pain (trigger-point injection n?1). Patient global impression of improvement data was available for 13 patients, of whom seven (54%) rated their postoperative condition as Very much better or Much better.

Conclusions

The management of urethral mesh perforation is complex. Most women reported resolution of their pelvic pain and a high rate of satisfaction with their postoperative condition despite high rates of incontinence.

     

Slings in surgery of genuine stress incontinence

Purpose

To summarize the available evidence concerning efficacy and safety of standard mid-urethral sling (SMUS) operations for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

Methods and results

A non-systematic literature review was carried out in order to collect the available evidence concerning efficacy and safety of SMUS operations for the treatment of SUI. According to the data of our prior meta-analysis, patients receiving SMUS had significantly higher overall and objective cure rates than those receiving Burch colposuspension, although they had a higher risk of bladder perforations. Patients undergoing SMUS and pubovaginal slings had similar cure rates, although the latter were slightly more likely to experience storage lower urinary tract symptoms and had a higher reoperation rate. Patients treated with retropubic SMUS had slightly higher objective cure rates than those treated with transobturator tape (TOT); however, subjective cure rates were similar, and patients treated with TOT had a much lower risk of some complications. Meta-analysis demonstrated similar outcomes for TOTs. With regard to the novel mini-sling, another meta-analysis from Abdel-fattah et al. demonstrated that repeat continence surgery and de novo urgency incontinence were significantly higher in the patients treated with mini-slings.

Conclusion

Patients treated with retropubic tape (RT) experienced slightly higher continence rates than those treated with Burch colposuspension, but they faced a much higher risk of intraoperative complications. RT and pubovaginal slings were similarly effective. The use of RT was followed by objective cure rates slightly higher than TOT and by higher risk of complications. The novel mini-slings do not seem to be more effective than the SMUS.