Pelvicol pubovaginal sling versus tension-free vaginal tape for treatment of urodynamic stress incontinence: a prospective randomized three-year follow-up study

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the long-term success rates, complication rates and patient satisfaction rates for Pelvicol pubovaginal sling (Bard) versus TVT (Gynecare) in surgical treatment of urodynamic stress incontinence (USI) in women. DESIGN: Prospective randomized cohort trial. SETTING: District General Hospital, South West of England. METHODS: One hundred and forty-two women with urodynamic stress incontinence were randomized to either surgical procedure (Pelvicol = 74, TVT = 68) with median follow-up of 36 month. A postal questionnaire was sent to all women and the response rate was excellent at approximately 90% in both groups. RESULTS: Cure of incontinence, as identified by a quality of life improvement >90%, and/or patient-determined continent status as dry, were comparable in both groups. When the cure rates were adjusted assuming the non-respondents as failures the figures were almost identical (p > 0.05). Preoperative continence pad usage was similar for both groups. Overall, a postoperative significant decrease in pad score was noted in both groups (p = 0.01) but there was no significant difference between the groups (p > 0.05). Statistical analysis failed to detect significant differences between both groups as regards complication rates such as frequency, nocturia, de-novo urgency or dyspareunia. CONCLUSION: Pelvicol sling is a safe procedure in the surgical management of USI with similar success rate and patient satisfaction rate to TVT up to three years of follow-up.     

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.     

Polytetrafluoroethylene patch sling for type 2 or type 3 stress urinary incontinence

BACKGROUND: Surgical success rates and complications of anti-incontinence surgery were evaluated according to the type of stress incontinence and the type of surgery. METHODS: From 1989 to 1998, we treated 137 women for stress urinary incontinence with anti-incontinence surgery. Of the 137 patients, 110 had type 2 stress urinary incontinence and 27 had type 3 stress urinary incontinence. Of 110 patients with type 2 stress urinary incontinence, 57 underwent pubovaginal sling procedure and 53 were treated with the Gittes procedure. All of the patients with type 3 stress urinary incontinence underwent the pubovaginal sling procedure. RESULTS: Cure rates with the pubovaginal sling procedure were 82% in type 2 incontinence and 70% in type 3 incontinence. Cure rates with the Gittes procedure were 56%. The occurrence of de novo urge symptom and pelvic pain was low and bore no relation to either operative method or type of stress incontinence. CONCLUSIONS: The pubovaginal sling procedure using the polytetrafluoroethylene patch was effective for type 2 or 3 stress urinary incontinence.     

Randomized trial of porcine dermal sling (Pelvicol implant) vs. tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) in the surgical treatment of stress incontinence: a questionnaire-based study.

The objective of this study was to compare porcine dermal sling (Pelvicol implant, Bard) with tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) in the surgical treatment of stress incontinence. One hundred and forty-two women with genuine stress incontinence (GSI) were randomly assigned to either Pelvicol implant pubovaginal sling (n=74) or TVT (n=68). They were followed up at a minimum of 6 months (range 6-24 months), with a median follow-up of 12 months. The majority (n=109) of procedures were carried out in a day surgery unit. The median operation time was 35 minutes (range 15-60) in the TVT group and 30 minutes (range 20-80) in the Pelvicol implant group; 81% of the TVT group and 77% of the Pelvicol implant group were able to void urine within 24 hours, and had insignificant residual bladder volumes. The prevalence of postoperative symptomatic voiding dysfunction was 3.4% after TVT and 1.4% after Pelvicol implant. Nine percent of the TVT group developed de novo urge incontinence and 6% of the Pelvicol implant group had de novo urge incontinence 6 months after the procedure. Postoperative evaluation was done at the outpatient department, and a postal questionnaire was also completed to determine subjective continence status. The patient-determined cure rate was 85% in the TVT group and 89% in the Pelvicol implant group. The Pelvicol implant sling had a comparable patient- determined success rate with TVT and should be considered in the surgical treatment of women with genuine stress incontinence.     

High failure rate using allograft fascia lata in pubovaginal sling surgery for female stress urinary incontinence

Objectives. To present our unfavorable experiences using allograft fascia lata. Allograft fascia lata is an attractive sling material providing less pain, a shorter operation time, and a reported effectiveness equal to autologous fascia.Methods. A total of 18 women (mean age 51.7 years, range 37 to 76) underwent pubovaginal sling surgery for stress urinary incontinence between March 1999 and July 1999 and were enrolled in this study. Solvent dehydrated gamma-irradiated human fascia lata with a size of 7 × 2 cm was used as the sling. The results were collected with a questionnaire survey.Results. All patients were followed up for a mean of 9.2 months (range 6.9 to 11.6). Thirteen patients considered the surgery successful or to have provided improvement, with a mean of 82.5% (range 50% to 100%) subjective improvement. Five patients (27.8%) had significant failure with full recurrence of incontinence within 3 to 6 months.Conclusions. Solvent dehydrated gamma-irradiated allograft fascia is not reliable in pubovaginal sling surgery. The high failure rates within a short period prohibit its use in the operative management of stress urinary incontinence.     

Cadaveric versus autologous fascia lata for the pubovaginal sling: surgical outcome and patient satisfaction

PURPOSE: We report our initial experience with cadaveric fascia lata in pubovaginal sling procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We compared 121 consecutive women who underwent a sling procedure using cadaveric fascia lata from February 1997 through June 1999 (group 1) with 46 consecutive women who underwent a sling procedure using autologous fascia lata from May 1994 through July 1997 (group 2). RESULTS: Mean followup was longer in group 2 (44 versus 12 months). A total of 104 of the 121 group 1 patients (86%) responded to the questionnaire, of whom 85% were cured of stress incontinence, 83% reported overall improvement in urinary control and 74% had no or minimal leakage not requiring pads. Median catheterization time was 9 days (range 4 to 120). Overall 89% of the women were satisfied with the results and 83% would recommend this surgery. A total of 30 of the 46 group 2 patients (65%) responded to the questionnaire, of whom 90% were cured of stress incontinence, 90% reported overall improvement in urinary control and 73% had no or minimal leakage not requiring pads. Median catheterization time was 14 days (range 6 to 180). Overall 90% of the women were satisfied with the results and 83% would recommend this surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Cadaveric fascia lata pubovaginal slings appear to be safe. Early experience suggests that cadaveric fascia lata may be considered an alternative to autologous fascia. Cadaveric and autologous fascia lata appear to have a high success rate.     

Comparison of solvent-dehydrated allograft dermis and autograft rectus fascia for pubovaginal sling: questionnaire-based analysis

Objectives To evaluate the efficacy of pubovaginal sling using human cadaveric dermis processed by solvent dehydration and compare results to those of another group in which autograft rectus fascia was used. Material and methods The efficacy of autologous rectus fascia (group 1, n = 25) or solvent-dehydrated cadaveric dermis (group 2, n = 24) for pubovaginal sling were compared in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Surgical outcome, patient satisfaction and quality of life was assessed by the urogenital distress inventory (UDI-6) and the incontinence impact questionnaire (IIQ-7). Results Mean follow-up for patients in group 1 and group 2 were 18 and 13 months, respectively. Our questionnaire-based assessment revealed that SUI was either cured or improved in a total of 21 (84%) patients in group 1 and 19 (79%) patients in group 2. No statistically significant difference was found for the overall success (P < 0.05) and no major complications were encountered in both groups. Conclusions Use of allograft dermis as an alternative to autologous rectus fascia for pubovaginal sling had comparable improvement in patient satisfaction and quality of life at intermediate term.     

Long-term urinary continence rates after simple sling incision for relief of urinary retention following fascia lata pubovaginal slings

PURPOSE: We examined long-term urinary continence rates in patients after midline simple sling incision for urinary retention following suburethral fascia lata slings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was completed of 13 women undergoing a simple sling incision for catheter dependent obstruction after suburethral sling surgery more than 4 years previously. Urinary continence was evaluated by use of the Groutz-Blaivas anti-incontinence surgery response score. The scores were statistically compared as binary categories at mean 111-day and 60.8-month followup. RESULTS: A total of 13 women underwent a simple sling incision for catheter dependent urinary retention after sling surgery, and 11 patients (mean age 73.4 years) were available for long-term followup (60.8 months). The simple sling incision procedure was completed an average of 65 days (range 36 to 235) after original sling placement. Mean post-void residual urine volume at least 1 month after sling surgery was 289 ml (range 75 to 500). At a mean followup of 60.8 months, no patient required catheterization. Of 11 patients 5 wore no pads. There was no statistical difference in leakage episodes per day (p = 1.0), pads per day (p = 0.3), or patient perceived condition (p = 0.3) during long-term followup. The mean Groutz-Blaivas score did not change statistically during the 5-year followup period (p = 0.6). CONCLUSIONS: Midline simple sling incision provides relief of catheter dependent obstruction following fascia lata sling surgery while preserving urinary continence in the majority of patients during a 5-year followup period.     

Autologous fascial sling vs polypropylene tape at short-term followup: a prospective randomized study

PURPOSE: The incidence of urinary incontinence in women of childbearing age is about 30%. Around half have stress incontinence. Many treatment modalities have been elucidated to treat stress incontinence, and among the most popular are rectus fascia sling and tension-free vaginal tape (TVT). The introduction of TVT to the urological armamentarium put a multiplicity of synthetic materials into use in the correction of stress urinary incontinence. A comparison of the impact of these 2 commonly used techniques is needed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 53 female patients older than 21 years (mean age 45.09) were randomized, using closed envelopes, to undergo TVT or rectus fascia sling. Randomization was performed after patients received spinal anesthesia. One surgeon performed the 2 types of treatment. Associated grade 2 cystocele was simultaneously corrected. Patients with bladder or urethral pathology, as well as those with cystocele greater than grade 2, were excluded from analysis. RESULTS: All 53 patients completed 6 months of followup and all had stress urinary incontinence. There were 15 patients who underwent sling surgery and 17 who underwent TVT who had concomitant grade 1 or 2 cystocele. No statistically significant difference was found between the 2 groups at baseline. Cure was accomplished in 23 of 25 (92%) with sling and in 26 of 28 (92.9%) with TVT at first followup visit (1 week). There were 7 patients who needed at least 1 extra week of catheterization in the sling group and 3 in the TVT group. No significant difference was detected in terms of post-void residual urine, symptom score, and filling and voiding parameters. At 6 months 1 patient had de novo detrusor overactivity and 7 had wound pain. Compared to those with TVT, 2 cases of sling were considered treatment failures, none had de novo overactivity and 2 had wound pain. None of the patients had symptoms suggestive of urethral erosion. CONCLUSIONS: Rectus fascia sling and TVT seem to be equally effective regarding primary outcome measure (ie cure of stress incontinence). Symptom score related to incontinence surgery as well as simultaneous correction of cystocele are comparable in the 2 groups. Fascial sling is a longer treatment process yet it is more economical. Longer followup is vital before rigorous conclusions can be drawn.     

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 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.     

Intermediate term failure of pubovaginal slings using cadaveric fascia lata: a case series

PURPOSE: The pubovaginal sling procedure using autologous fascia has become the gold standard for treating intrinsic sphincter deficiency and stress urinary incontinence in women. A recent modification has been the use of cadaveric fascia as the sling material. We recently reported similar results for cadaveric fascia lata in 121 women and autologous fascia lata in 46 at a mean followup of 12 months. We have now identified 8 patients who experienced intermediate term failure at 4 to 13 months using cadaveric fascia lata. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 8 of 121 patients who received a pubovaginal sling using cadaveric fascia lata between February 1997 and June 1999 and had recurrent stress incontinence after 4 to 13 months. We reviewed the type of fascia, surgical technique, preoperative and postoperative urodynamics, surgical history and medical co-morbidities. RESULTS: We identified 8 patients who underwent a pubovaginal sling using cadaveric fascia lata and had recurrent stress urinary incontinence at a mean of 6.5 months (range 4 to 13) after the procedure. Fresh frozen fascia from a local tissue bank was used and the surgical technique was identical in all cases. Postoperatively urodynamics confirmed recurrent intrinsic sphincter deficiency. Previous incontinence surgery had been done in 7 of the 8 patients. Patient co-morbidities included neurological disease, diabetes mellitus, previous pelvic irradiation and previous pelvic surgery. CONCLUSIONS: We identified a higher than expected intermediate term failure rate using fresh frozen cadaveric fascia lata. This risk must be weighed against the advantages of decreased operative time and patient morbidity. Longer followup and larger numbers are necessary to determine how much of a problem exists and what patient characteristics are relevant when selecting cadaveric grafts.     

Suprapubic sling adjustment: minimally invasive method of curing recurrent stress incontinence after sling surgery

PURPOSE: Recurrent stress urinary incontinence after sling surgery is a complex problem. A minimally invasive method of correcting recurrent stress urinary incontinence after pubovaginal sling surgery is described. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed suprapubic sling adjustment in 10 women with recurrent stress urinary incontinence after sling surgery. Of these 10 women 4 had received antibacterial polytetrafluoroethylene patch sling, 3 an autologous dermis patch sling and 3 an autologous rectus fascia patch sling but stress incontinence recurred. To correct recurrent incontinence, a pubovaginal sling was revised by adjusting the sling tension suprapubically with the aid of a cotton swab test and bladder leak test. RESULTS: Mean followup was 13 months (range 8 to 28). Of the 10 women 9 became completely dry and 1 was greatly improved. One patient who had persistent stress incontinence generated an abdominal leak point pressure of 189 cm. H(2)O compared to a preoperative pressure of 120 cm. H(2)O. The incidence of de novo urge incontinence was 2% (2 of 10 cases). Mean resting cotton swab angle was (+) 20 and (+) 5 degrees, and mean Valsalva cotton swab angle was (+) 40 and (+) 5 preoperatively and postoperatively. Mean pad use decreased from 3 pads to less than 1 pad a day. Mean self-reported satisfaction score was 9 (range 8 to 10) on a visual analog scale. CONCLUSIONS: Pubovaginal slings may be revised safely with excellent results. Adjusting the sling tension suprapubically is a minimally invasive technique. Suprapubic sling adjustment may be performed as an intermediary step before resorting to a complete sling takedown/revision.     

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.     

Long-term patient satisfaction following cadaveric pubovaginal sling incontinence surgery using the UDI and IIQ-7 questionnaires

AIMS: The goal of any incontinence surgery is overall long-term patient satisfaction. The purpose of our study was to assess long-term patient satisfaction following cadaveric fascia lata pubovaginal sling surgery using the urogenital distress inventory (UDI) and the short form of the incontinence impact questionnaire (IIQ-7). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 47 patients who underwent pubovaginal sling incontinence surgery with a minimum follow-up of 2 years were sent by mail the UDI (total score = 300) and the IIQ-7 (total score = 100). Thirty-seven responses (78.7%) were obtained, with a mean follow-up of 3.8 years (range 2.0-6.2). RESULTS: Of the 37 patients who responded, the mean UDI score was 75.8 and the mean IIQ-7 score was 21.4. There was no difference in the mean IIQ-7 score for patients with more than 4 years follow-up as compared to the entire group (28.8, P = 0.22). In contrast, the mean UDI score for patients with more than 4 years follow-up was greater compared to the entire group (99.1, P = 0.04). UDI subscale analysis revealed that patients mainly complained of both irritative and stress symptoms as opposed to obstructive/discomfort symptoms (P < 0.01). Patients with pre-operative mixed incontinence had greater mean UDI and IIQ-7 scores compared to patients with pre-operative pure stress incontinence (96.7 vs. 58.0, P = 0.04; 32.5 vs. 11.9, P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Overall long-term scores assessing quality of life (IIQ-7) were good and those assessing symptom distress (UDI) were satisfactory following pubovaginal sling surgery. Patients with pre-operative mixed incontinence are at greatest risk for post-operative dissatisfaction.     

An assessment of the surgical outcome and urodynamic effects of the pubovaginal sling for stress incontinence and the associated urge syndrome.

PURPOSE: We assessed the urodynamic changes after pubovaginal sling procedure for stress incontinence, particularly in regard to the associated symptoms of urgency, frequency, nocturia and urge incontinence, known as the urge syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 85 women with proved stress incontinence underwent a pubovaginal sling procedure using rectus fascia between 1992 and August 1996. Of the women 41 (48%) had undergone previous anti-incontinence surgery and 59 (69%) had the associated urge syndrome. There was at least some degree of hypermobility in 51 cases and type III stress incontinence was diagnosed in 34. Patients were assessed with a questionnaire and video urodynamics preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively. Preoperative and postoperative ambulatory studies were performed in 25 cases. RESULTS: Of the 85 patients 83 (97%) were symptomatically cured of stress incontinence. The urge syndrome resolved in 32 patients (69%), almost all of whom had a closed bladder neck at rest. Overall bladder neck incompetence at rest decreased from 57 to 18% (p<0.001). Of 27 patients with the persistent urge syndrome postoperatively 9 (41%) had an open bladder neck at rest compared to 4 of 50 (8%) without urge incontinence (p<0.01). Despite symptomatic control of stress incontinence in 83 patients (97%), only 66 were satisfied with the surgical result, mainly because of the persistent urge syndrome in 27. Despite care to avoid obstruction overall, there were statistically significant obstructive changes in detrusor pressure at maximum flow rate, maximum flow rate and residual urine volumes. CONCLUSIONS: The pubovaginal sling is effective in curing genuine stress incontinence and, when correctly placed at the right tension, the associated urge syndrome also can be managed, usually by achieving bladder neck closure at rest. However, despite careful maneuvers, obstruction occasionally persists.     

Which placement of the tension-free vaginal tape is more important for urinary continence: midurethral position or bladder neck? Consideration from a case report

The tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) is a well-established surgical procedure for the treatment of female urinary stress incontinence. Midurethral position was thought not to be necessary to achieve continence. But in our study, a patient with stress urinary incontinence was treated with a TVT suburethral sling. The symptoms of stress urinary incontinence still exist after the TVT procedure. With physical treatment and anti-inflammatory treatment, no relief was found. At the 50-day follow-up, the symptoms of stress incontinence worsened. Transperineal three-dimensional ultrasound revealed that the sling migrated from the midurethra to the bladder neck. With adjustment of the sling, the symptom of stress incontinence was improved and no complication was observed at the 6- and 12-month follow-up. Sling migration should be considered in a patient who presents with recurrent stress incontinence at the earlier postoperative period. We think that the midurethral position is necessary to achieve continence.     

Solvent-dehydrated cadaveric dermis: a new allograft for pubovaginal sling surgery

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of solvent-dehydrated cadaveric dermis in pubovaginal sling surgery for the first time in the literature. METHODS: Twenty-five women with stress urinary incontinence underwent pubovaginal sling surgery using 2 x 12 cm allograft dermis. Preoperatively, all patients were evaluated by a detailed urogynecologic evaluation, voiding diary, pelvic examination and urodynamic investigation. Outcome was assessed by the Urogenital Distress Inventory short form and standardized follow-up questionnaires. RESULTS: Twenty (80%) patients were cured of stress incontinence symptoms. Seventeen wore no pad and three reported occasional stress urinary incontinence and used no or one pad at a mean follow up of 12 months. Five (20%) patients in our series experienced the same amount of leakage as before the surgery. Seventy-six percent of the patients indicated that urinary incontinence was no longer negatively affecting their daily life and were satisfied with the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Questionnaire-based assessment of outcome suggests that solvent-dehydrated cadaveric dermis is effective in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence. However, larger and comparative prospective studies with long-term results and randomized comparison of tissue preparation techniques are warranted.     

Bladder outlet obstruction after pubovaginal fascial sling

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate patients’ satisfaction and urodynamic findings in women undergoing pubovaginal fascial sling procedure. We have evaluated, clinically and urodynamically, 45 women who underwent the rectus fascia pubovaginal sling for urodynamically proven stress urinary incontinence with at least 12 months of postoperative follow-up. After a mean follow-up of 25 months, 93.3% of patients reported being stress continent and 73.3% were satisfied with the result of the surgery. Patients with longer follow-up had a significantly lower satisfaction score (6.4 vs. 9.3, p = 0.005). Using the Blaivas–Groutz nomogram, some degree of obstruction was observed in 51.1% of women. Storage symptoms were related to obstruction (p = 0.004), longer follow-up (p = 0.022), and negative impact on quality of life. Half of the patients had some degree of obstruction, which was directly related to urge syndrome and decrease in quality of life.     

Preoperative urodynamic evaluation may predict voiding dysfunction in women undergoing pubovaginal sling

PURPOSE: We determine which urodynamic parameters can best predict postoperative voiding dysfunction following pubovaginal sling surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The records of 98 consecutive women who had undergone pubovaginal sling surgery with allograft fascia lata between July 1998 and July 2000 were reviewed. Urodynamic and followup data were sufficient for evaluation for 73 patients. Urodynamic and clinical parameters were correlated with urinary retention, time to return of efficient voiding and development of postoperative urgency symptoms. RESULTS: Average time to return of efficient voiding was 3.92 days (median 3). Of 21 women who voided without a detrusor contraction urinary retention developed in 4 (23%) versus 0 of 48 who voided with detrusor contraction (p = 0.007). Urinary retention was defined as the need to perform even occasional self-catheterization. All 4 women with urinary retention had a detrusor pressure of less than 12 cm. H(2)O (0 in 3, 4 in 1). None of the women with a detrusor pressure of greater than 12 cm. H(2)O had urinary retention (p = 0.047). The presence of Valsalva voiding in women without a detrusor contraction did not affect the incidence of urinary retention (11.1%) compared to those who did not demonstrate Valsalva voiding (5.1%) (p = 0.603). Peak flow rate, detrusor instability on preoperative urodynamics and post-void residual urine volume were not associated with postoperative urinary retention. Finally, post-void residual urine volume predicted delayed return to normal voiding (p = 0.001). There were no other urodynamic parameters that were significantly associated with urinary retention, delayed return to normal voiding or postoperative urgency symptoms including peak flow rate, capacity or compliance. CONCLUSIONS: Women who void without or with a weak detrusor contraction are most likely to have urinary retention postoperatively. Therefore, we conclude that preoperative urodynamic evaluation may be used to counsel women regarding the risk of urinary retention following the pubovaginal sling procedure.