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.     

Variations in strategy for the treatment of urethral obstruction after a pubovaginal sling procedure

PURPOSE: We evaluated the success of several techniques for treating urethral obstruction and erosion after a pubovaginal sling procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between April 1998 and June 1999, 32 women 33 to 79 years old (average age 62) who underwent a pubovaginal sling procedure with various materials were referred for the assessment of urethral obstruction. Patients were evaluated with a urogynecologic history, physical examination, voiding diary, cystoscopy and video urodynamics. Surgical procedures to resolve urethral obstruction were performed transvaginally and the specific techniques used were based on the type of sling material, urethral erosion and concomitant stress incontinence or other urethral pathology. Outcome measures were assessed by disease specific quality of life questionnaires, voiding diary and urogynecologic questionnaire. RESULTS: Preoperatively 30 of the 32 women (93.7%) noticed urge incontinence, 20 (62.5%) performed intermittent self-catheterization, 6 (18.7%) had an indwelling catheter and 3 (9%) complained of concomitant stress urinary incontinence. After the sling takedown 29 patients (93.5%) achieved efficient voiding within week 1 postoperatively. Urge incontinence symptoms resolved in 20 cases (67%) but stress incontinence developed in 3 (9%). Of the 32 women 27 (84%) indicated that continence was much better than before the initial sling procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Managing urethral obstruction after a pubovaginal sling procedure is challenging. Using various techniques based on sling material, urethral erosion and bladder neck integrity a successful outcome is possible in the majority of cases.     

Clinical and urodynamic outcomes of pubovaginal sling procedure with autologous rectus fascia for stress urinary incontinence

AIM: We report the clinical and urodynamic outcomes of the pubovaginal sling procedure with autologous rectus fascia for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and determined the urodynamic parameters that could predict the occurrence of postoperative voiding difficulty. METHODS: Between 1998 and 2005, a total of 29 consecutive women with SUI underwent pubovaginal sling surgery with autologous rectus fascia. Patients were preoperatively and postoperatively evaluated with regard to symptoms and urodynamic findings including uroflowmetry (UFM), postvoid residual urine volume (PVR), filling cystometry (CMG) and pressure flow study (PFS). RESULTS: Overall SUI was cured in 23 patients (80%) and improved in 3 patients (10%). Three patients (10%) who developed persistent urinary retention or severe voiding difficulty after surgery underwent urethrolysis. Of 17 patients who had urgency before the pubovaginal sling, urgency was cured postoperatively in seven, while de novo urgency appeared in one patient. Maximum flow rate (Qmax) in UFM was significantly decreased (P < 0.05) and PVR was increased (P = 0.08) after surgery. PFS showed a significant increase in detrusor opening pressure and detrusor pressure at Qmax (P < 0.01) after surgery. Eight patients (28%) needed prolonged intermittent self-catheterization. Patients who had PVR >100 mL (P < 0.05) or Qmax < or = 20 mL/s (P = 0.09) in preoperative UFM were more likely to require prolonged intermittent catheterization after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The pubovaginal sling procedure with autologous rectus fascia is an effective treatment for SUI. A comparison of preoperative and postoperative urodynamic parameters indicates an increase in urethral resistance after pubovaginal sling surgery. PVR >100 mL and Qmax < or = 20 mL/s before surgery are risk factors for postoperative voiding difficulty.     

TRANSVAGINAL URETHROLYSIS FOR URETHRAL OBSTRUCTION AFTER ANTI-INCONTINENCE SURGERY

Purpose

Urethral obstruction following a stress incontinence procedure occurs in 5 to 20% of patients. We examine the success of transvaginal urethrolysis in resolving voiding dysfunction.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed on 39 patients who had undergone transvaginal urethrolysis for urethral obstruction following an anti-incontinence procedure. Preoperatively, a history was taken, and pelvic examination and either video urodynamics or cystoscopy were done.

Results

All 39 patients complained of urge incontinence, 13% had urinary retention, 51% had incomplete bladder emptying and 36% voided to completion but had irritative voiding symptoms. Previous surgery included retropubic urethropexy in 41% of the cases, pubovaginal sling in 38% and bladder neck suspension in 21%. Mean length of followup after urethrolysis was 16 months. Of the 39 patients 33 (85%) had resolution of urge incontinence but 5 still required occasional intermittent catheterization. The remaining 6 patients had continued urge incontinence. An augmentation procedure was performed in 4 patients with improvement of symptoms.

Conclusions

Our data support transvaginal urethrolysis for the treatment of iatrogenic urethral obstruction. It is a rapid, effective and minimally invasive technique that should be considered if voiding dysfunction does not resolve spontaneously.     

Erosion of a fascial sling into the urethra

When synthetic materials are used for the construction of pubovaginal slings, urethral erosions may occur. This complication has not been reported with fascial slings. We present a case of a 34-year-old woman who underwent a pubovaginal sling procedure using rectus fascia. After 10 weeks of urinary retention, urethroscopy identified an erosion of the sling at the midurethra. Surgical revision restored normal voiding without recurrent stress incontinence. Although urethral erosions have been reported with synthetic suburethral slings, this case suggests that erosions can also occur with fascial slings. Careful positioning and minimal tension on the sling arms may minimize this risk.     

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.     

Disabling complications with slings for managing female stress urinary incontinence

OBJECTIVE

To report an increase in the referral of patients with disabling complications after the failure of conservative therapy, their presentation, final surgical management and clinical outcome, following the use of non‐autologous slings (NAS), currently the primary surgical procedure for managing stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in women.

PATIENT AND METHODS

Thirty‐eight patients (mean age 64 years) required surgical management for disabling complications after placing a NAS for SUI. Sling types were synthetic (25), xenografts (six) and allografts (four). Twenty (53%) patients presented with bladder outlet obstruction, 13 (34%) with sling erosion, three (8%) with worsened SUI, and two (5%) with unobstructive severe urgency and frequency.

RESULTS

The sling was dissected and incised with no complication in 19 of 20 patients. One had a posterior urethral defect during sling dissection. Twelve patients (60%) acquired normal voiding and were continent. Among the 13 patients who had the sling dismantled and urethrolysis, two had recurrent or persistent SUI, two de‐novo urgency/frequency and one developed osteitis pubis. Three patients with disabling SUI received a pubovaginal sling placed proximal to the bladder neck, and had an overall improvement in their urinary control with no retention. Two unobstructed patients with urgency and frequency did not improve with anticholinergic medication and pelvic floor therapy, and are now candidates for botulinum toxin injection or neurostimulation.

CONCLUSIONS

The complication rate with periurethral NAS for managing SUI in females is substantial. Patients with refractory urgency/frequency after the sling need a complete evaluation with cystoscopy and video‐urodynamics. Obstruction and erosion are the commonest problems and require surgical correction.     

Treatment options for outlet obstruction following anti-incontinence surgery in females

Urethral obstruction following surgical treatment of stress incontinence can result in a wide spectrum of symptoms ranging from mild urgency to complete retention at its most extreme. Management of these symptoms can be challenging and requires a careful history, pelvic examination, and urodynamics in some instances. In patients refractory to medications or conservative measures, urethrolysis is commonly used to treat the underlying outlet obstruction. The selection of which urethrolysis technique to use can be difficult, as many different methods have been described. In many cases, the choice of technique can be tailored to the original procedure(s) that caused the obstruction. Multiple urethrolysis procedures using a transvaginal approach have been described. One type involves perforation of the endopelvic fascia through a lateral approach. This urethrolysis usually is successful in treating obstruction after needle suspensions and pubovaginal slings, whereas retropubic procedures such as a Marshall-Marchetti-Krantz (MMK) or Burch procedure may require an anterior urethrolysis using a suprameatal approach. In cases where a Burch or MMK was performed and a sling subsequently placed, a combined lateral and anterior approach may be needed to treat the obstruction. In certain cases, a suprapubic approach may be required when the vaginal anatomy was drastically altered or a prior transvaginal urethrolysis failed. Using a urethrolysis technique tailored to the procedure that caused the obstruction, most cases of iatrogenic urethral obstruction should be treatable and result in resumption of normal voiding without producing stress urinary incontinence.     

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.     

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.     

Various surgical approaches to treat voiding dysfunction following anti-incontinence surgery

Objective The aims of this study are to report the efficacy of retropubic urethrolysis, vaginal urethrolysis, and cutting of synthetic suburethral slings in treating postoperative voiding dysfunction that occurs after anti-incontinence surgery and to report the recurrence rate of stress urinary incontinence (SUI).Methods All patients from January 1996 to October 2003 who presented with voiding dysfunction following an anti-incontinence procedure and who subsequently underwent either retropubic urethrolysis, vaginal urethrolysis, or synthetic suburethral sling takedown were included in the study. Pre- and postoperative irritative symptoms (urinary frequency or urgency), obstructive symptoms (hesitancy, voiding difficulty, and incomplete emptying), and stress urinary incontinence symptoms were obtained in a standardized fashion. The Incontinence Impact Questionnaire and Urogenital Distres Invetory quality of life (QOL) questionnaires were also obtained to objectify these symptoms. Other objective postoperative analysis included simple uroflowmetry, measurement of postvoid residual (PVR), and simple or subtracted cystometry.Results Forty-four patients were included in the study (suburethral sling takedown=14, vaginal urethrolysis=20, and retropubic urethrolysis=10), 77% of whom had objective follow-up. Preoperatively, 31 patients (70.5%) had irritative symptoms, 41 (93.2%) had obstructive symptoms, and 6 (13.6%) had symptoms of stress urinary incontinence (SUI), while postoperatively, these symptoms were found in 30 (68.2%), 11 (25.0%), and 18 (40.9%), respectively. Postoperatively, 6 patients (17.6%) had a PVR> 100 cc, 5 patients (14.7%) had a bladder contractions, and 16 patients (47.1%) demonstrated the sign or diagnosis of (SUI). Additionally, there was a statistically significant improvement in both QOL questionnaires.Conclusions Various surgical approaches may be used to treat voiding dysfunction following an anti-incontinence procedure. Following a vaginal or retropubic urethrolysis or takedown of a synthetic suburethral sling, obstructive symptoms are likely to improve, irritative symptoms may remain unchanged, and almost half will develop recurrence of SUI.     

Urethral erosion of tension-free vaginal tape presenting as recurrent stress urinary incontinence

The suburethral sling with tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) has become a popular treatment for stress urinary incontinence. Erosion of the mesh into the urethra is rare, usually presenting with hematuria, pain, voiding dysfunction or urge incontinence. A patient with stress incontinence was treated with a TVT suburethral sling. One month later, symptoms of recurrent stress incontinence developed. Cystourethroscopy revealed urethral mesh erosion. Surgical removal involved cystourethroscopic-assisted transurethral resection of the mesh, followed by vaginal dissection and periurethral withdrawal. Urethral mesh erosion should be considered in a patient who presents with atypical symptoms after being treated with a suburethral sling. It is important to obtain a detailed history and have a high clinical index of suspicion for erosion. Careful and comprehensive urethroscopy, in addition to cystoscopy, should be a mandatory part of the TVT procedure. Further study is needed to determine the optimal technique for mesh removal.Abbreviations TVT Tension-free vaginal tape     

Transvaginal urethrolysis after obstructive urethral suspension procedures

Obstructive uropathy after an operation for stress incontinence was treated by transvaginal urethrolysis in 13 women. Bladder outlet obstruction developed after retropubic urethropexy in 6 patients, after needle suspension in 4 and after a pubovaginal sling operation in 3. Transvaginal urethrolysis was accompanied by a needle suspension in 2 patients, an Inglemann-Sundberg denervation in 1 and a pubovaginal sling in 1. Of 13 patients 10 are voiding and none has stress incontinence but 3 continue to perform intermittent self-catheterization.     

Suprameatal transvaginal urethrolysis

PURPOSE: We describe and assess a method of urethrolysis using a transvaginal suprameatal approach without lateral perforation of the urethropelvic ligament. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between March 1993 and December 1997, 32 consecutive women 32 to 79 years old underwent suprameatal transvaginal urethrolysis at 2 institutions. In all cases anti-incontinence surgery was done previously, including a pubovaginal sling procedure in 12, Marshall-Marchetti-Krantz procedure in 8, Burch colposuspension in 6, modified Pereyra transvaginal urethropexy in 4, and Gittes suspension and anterior repair in 1 each. Of the 32 patients 20 were in urinary retention and 12 had primarily urge and/or irritative voiding symptoms, or urge incontinence. In the patients in urinary retention average maximal detrusor pressure was 41.4 cm. water. In all cases physical examination, cystourethroscopy and video urodynamics were done before suprameatal transvaginal urethrolysis. Obstruction was defined as detrusor pressure greater than 20 cm. water at maximum urinary flow of less than 12 ml. per second. Urethral obstruction was presumed when examination revealed urethral angulation, tethering, narrowing or scarification. Impaired detrusor contractility was diagnosed when detrusor pressure at maximum urinary flow was less than 20 cm. water at maximum urinary flow of less than 12 ml. per second. RESULTS: After suprameatal transvaginal urethrolysis 13 of the 20 women (65%) in urinary retention voided well and in 8 of the 12 (67%) with urgency symptoms resolved. Postoperative stress urinary incontinence developed in only 1 case. CONCLUSIONS: The success rate of suprameatal transvaginal urethrolysis to treat urinary obstruction associated with anti-incontinence procedures compares favorably to that of other described alternative approaches. The success rate in patients with definite urodynamic criteria for obstruction was not significantly better than in those who underwent suprameatal transvaginal urethrolysis based on physical examination and clinical judgment. Preoperative maximal urinary flow rate was associated with operative success (p = 0.018), while preoperative post-void residual urine and maximum detrusor pressure failed to reveal a difference between operative success and failure.     

Evaluation and management of urinary retention after a suburethral sling procedure in women

Suburethral slings have become the most commonly offered surgical procedure for the correction of stress urinary incontinence in women. Overcorrection of urethral angle or exaggerated applied tension may lead to urethral obstruction, causing complete urinary retention or obstructive voiding symptoms. Acute urinary retention usually indicates immediate surgical intervention. Conversely, obstructive voiding symptoms after a sling procedure require a more thorough evaluation to plan the most appropriate therapy. Different operative procedures ranging from urethrolysis to midline sling incision have been described with high success rates and a small risk of recurrent stress urinary incontinence.     

Erosion of woven polyester pubovaginal sling

PURPOSE: Various materials have been used for pubovaginal slings to correct female stress urinary incontinence. Use of synthetic materials provides a theoretical advantage in that no graft harvesting is necessary. Major risks of synthetic material use are erosion and infection of the sling. We report on erosion of woven polyester slings treated with pressure injected bovine collagen (ProteGen) which required removal. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Office records of patients who had ProteGen slings removed at 5 centers during the last 24 months were retrospectively reviewed. Presenting symptoms, interval between sling placement and removal, subsequent procedures and continence status following sling removal were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 34 women required removal of the polyester sling secondary to erosion, infection or pain. The most common presenting complaints were delayed vaginal discharge in 21 patients (62%), vaginal pain or pressure in 21 (62%), suprapubic pain in 11 (32%) and recurrent urinary tract infection in 5 (15%) at a mean of 7.95 months (range 1 to 22) after sling placement. Of the patients 17 (50%) had vaginal erosion only, 7 (20%) isolated urethral erosion and 6 (17%) urethrovaginal fistulas. In 4 patients no erosion was obvious but slings were removed secondary to vaginal pain. Before sling removal 16 patients (47%) were totally dry, 13 (38%) had some degree of urinary incontinence and 3 (8%) had retention. Following sling removal 7 patients (20%) remained dry, 25 (74%) had mild to severe stress urinary incontinence with or without urgency and urge incontinence, and 2 (6%) are pending followup. CONCLUSIONS: Woven polyester slings treated with pressure injected bovine collagen are prone to erosion. Although the ProteGen sling was recalled in January 1999, patients who have had the sling placed must be followed closely.     

Pubovaginal or Vicryl Mesh Rectus Fascia Sling in Intrinsic Sphincter Deficiency

The aim of this study was to compare the pubovaginal sling with a new Vicryl mesh rectus fascia (VMRF) sling in the surgical treatment of low urethral pressure genuine stress incontinence. Fifty-one consecutive women who had a VMRF (n= 27) or a pubovaginal sling (n= 24) procedure between March 1995 and December 1997 were evaluated. The patient-determined subjective success rate of the VMRF sling (85%) was significantly higher than that of the pubovaginal sling (58%) in women with low urethral pressure stress incontinence (P=0.03). The objective success rates following the VMRF and the pubovaginal sling were 52% and 50%, respectively. The prevalence of postoperative symptomatic voiding dysfunction and de novo detrusor instability was 7% after the VMRF sling and 25% following the pubovaginal sling (P=0.08). The VMRF sling had a higher patient-determined success rate and a lower complication rate than the pubovaginal sling, and should be considered in the surgical management of women with low urethral pressure stress incontinence.     

Simple release of pubovaginal sling

Overcorrection of bladder stress urinary incontinence is an infrequent result of a commonly performed procedure, the pubovaginal sling operation. Obstructive voiding symptoms and frank urinary retention may persist until the sling is partially or completely released. Transection of the sling material on either side of the urethra should correct retention while preserving continence. A simple procedure using a Lowsley retractor is described that achieves spontaneous voiding.     

Management of vaginal erosion of polypropylene mesh slings

PURPOSE: The SPARC (American Medical Systems, Minneapolis, Minnesota) polypropylene sling has recently been introduced as an alternative delivery system to TVT (Ethicon, New Brunswick, New Jersey) tension-free vaginal tape for placement of a tension-free mid urethral sling. Erosion must always be considered a risk of synthetic materials. We present 4 cases of vaginal erosion of polypropylene mesh placed with this system and the successful conservative management done. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 90 patients received a SPARC polypropylene pubovaginal sling at our institution between October 1, 2001 and October 1, 2002. During followup 3 of our patients and 1 patient with tension-free vaginal tape who was referred from elsewhere presented with vaginal exposure of the mesh. RESULTS: Two patients described persistent vaginal discharge 6 weeks postoperatively, including 1 who complained primarily of partner discomfort during sexual intercourse. Two patients were completely asymptomatic and mesh erosion was discovered at routine physical examination 6 weeks postoperatively. Pelvic examination demonstrated vaginal exposure of the mesh in all cases. Each patient was observed conservatively and 3 months postoperatively all 4 had complete spontaneous epithelialization over the mesh. None had stress incontinence, urgency or urge incontinence, all emptied the bladder to completion and all patients were completely satisfied with the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: The recent literature suggests that polypropylene mesh erosion should be treated with complete removal of the sling material. We present 4 cases of vaginal erosion of polypropylene slings that were managed conservatively with observation and resulted in complete spontaneous healing. Sling preservation with continued patient continence and satisfaction is a feasible option in those with vaginal exposure of polypropylene mesh.     

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.