Pelvic pain and recurrent urinary incontinence after laparoscopic colposuspension with the endo-stapler

Laparoscopic colposuspension is one of many new operations for treating female urinary stress incontinence. With initially reported success rates similar to those of the traditional open procedure, it appears to combine the advantages of laparoscopy (such as minimal invasiveness and quicker return to normal activities) with the effectiveness of the standard procedure. Different methods and approaches are used, but endoscopic suture techniques remain difficult and time-consuming. The use of endostapling devices for fixation of alloplastic material has been a tempting alternative. We present a case during which laparoscopic colposuspension was performed using staples and mesh. Incontinence did not improve, and the patient suffered severe chronic pain for 18 months postoperatively. Removal of the alloplastic material and traditional abdominal resuspension led to complete cure.