The YAMA UroPatch sling for treatment of female stress urinary incontinence: a pilot study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: We report our initial experience using a new suburethral sling made from bovine pericardium for the treatment of urinary incontinence. To prevent rolling and curling of the sling, a unique anti-roll clip is incorporated into the UroPatch. In addition, the sling has a series of perforations that create evenly distributed tissue integration and avoid delayed seroma or hematoma formation, thereby reducing the risk of sling rejection, infection, and erosion. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-two female patients underwent suburethral sling procedures using the UroPatch. All patients demonstrated urethral hypermobility, intrinsic sphincteric deficiency, or both. Five patients had previous surgical treatment for urinary incontinence. RESULTS: All operations were completed successfully. No intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred. There was no evidence of local or systemic reaction to the UroPatch in any of the patients. With a mean follow-up of 20 months, sling rejection, erosion, or infection has not been demonstrated, and no sling required removal to date. Urinary incontinence was corrected in all but one case. CONCLUSION: The results of this pilot study suggest that the UroPatch is a promising alternative to current slings for the treatment of female urinary incontinence.