Long-term efficacy of Burch colposuspension: a 14-year follow-up study

Mid-urethral sling operations for stress urinary incontinence in women

BACKGROUND

Urinary incontinence is a very common and debilitating problem affecting about 50% of women at some point in their lives. Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a predominant cause in 30% to 80% of these women imposing significant health and economic burden on society and the women affected. Mid-urethral sling (MUS) operations are a recognised minimally invasive surgical treatment for SUI. MUS involves the passage of a small strip of tape through either the retropubic or obturator space, with entry or exit points at the lower abdomen or groin, respectively. This review does not include single-incision slings.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the clinical effects of mid-urethral sling (MUS) operations for the treatment of SUI, urodynamic stress incontinence (USI) or mixed urinary incontinence (MUI) in women.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched: Cochrane Incontinence Specialised Register (including: CENTRAL, MEDLINE, MEDLINE In-Process, ClinicalTrials.gov) (searched 26 June 2014); Embase Classic (January 1947 to Week 25 2014); WHO ICTRP (searched 30 June 2014); reference lists.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials amongst women with SUI, USI or MUI, in which both trial arms involve a MUS operation.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently assessed the methodological quality of potentially eligible studies and extracted data from included trials.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 81 trials that evaluated 12,113 women. We assessed the quality of evidence for outcomes using the GRADE assessment tool; the quality of most outcomes was moderate, mainly due to risk of bias or imprecision.Fifty-five trials with data contributed by 8652 women compared the use of the transobturator route (TOR) and retropubic route (RPR). There is moderate quality evidence that in the short term (up to one year) the rate of subjective cure of TOR and RPR are similar (RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.00; 36 trials, 5514 women; moderate quality evidence) ranging from 62% to 98% in the TOR group, and from 71% to 97% in the RPR group. Short-term objective cure was similar in the TOR and RPR groups (RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.00; 40 trials, 6145 women). Fewer trials reported medium-term (one to five years) and longer-term (over five years) data, but subjective cure was similar between the groups (RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.87 to 1.09; 5 trials, 683 women; low quality evidence; and RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.80 to 1.12; 4 trials, 714 women; moderate quality evidence, respectively). In the long term, subjective cure rates ranged from 43% to 92% in the TOR group, and from 51% to 88% in the RPR group.MUS procedures performed using the RPR had higher morbidity when compared to TOR, though the overall rate of adverse events remained low. The rate of bladder perforation was lower after TOR (0.6% versus 4.5%; RR 0.13, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.20; 40 trials, 6372 women; moderate quality evidence). Major vascular/visceral injury, mean operating time, operative blood loss and length of hospital stay were lower with TOR.Postoperative voiding dysfunction was less frequent following TOR (RR 0.53, 95% CI 0.43 to 0.65; 37 trials, 6200 women; moderate quality evidence). Overall rates of groin pain were higher in the TOR group (6.4% versus 1.3%; RR 4.12, 95% CI 2.71 to 6.27; 18 trials, 3221 women; moderate quality evidence) whereas suprapubic pain was lower in the TOR group (0.8% versus 2.9%; RR 0.29, 95% CI 0.11 to 0.78); both being of short duration. The overall rate of vaginal tape erosion/exposure/extrusion was low in both groups: 24/1000 instances with TOR compared with 21/1000 for RPR (RR 1.13, 95% CI 0.78 to 1.65; 31 trials, 4743 women; moderate quality evidence). There were only limited data to inform the need for repeat incontinence surgery in the long term, but it was more likely in the TOR group than in the RPR group (RR 8.79, 95% CI 3.36 to 23.00; 4 trials, 695 women; low quality evidence).A retropubic bottom-to-top route was more effective than top-to-bottom route for subjective cure (RR 1.10, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.19; 3 trials, 477 women; moderate quality evidence). It incurred significantly less voiding dysfunction, and led to fewer bladder perforations and vaginal tape erosions.Short-and medium-term subjective cure rates between transobturator tapes passed using a medial-to-lateral as opposed to a lateral-to-medial approach were similar (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.06; 6 trials, 759 women; moderate quality evidence, and RR 1.06, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.23; 2 trials, 235 women; moderate quality evidence). There was moderate quality evidence that voiding dysfunction was more frequent in the medial-to-lateral group (RR 1.74, 95% CI 1.06 to 2.88; 8 trials, 1121 women; moderate quality evidence), but vaginal perforation was less frequent in the medial-to-lateral route (RR 0.25, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.53; 3 trials, 541 women). Due to the very low quality of the evidence, it is unclear whether the lower rates of vaginal epithelial perforation affected vaginal tape erosion (RR 0.42, 95% CI 0.16 to 1.09; 7 trials, 1087 women; very low quality evidence).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Mid-urethral sling operations have been the most extensively researched surgical treatment for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in women and have a good safety profile. Irrespective of the routes traversed, they are highly effective in the short and medium term, and accruing evidence demonstrates their effectiveness in the long term. This review illustrates their positive impact on improving the quality of life of women with SUI. However, a brief economic commentary (BEC) identified three studies suggesting that transobturator may be more cost-effective compared with retropubic. Fewer adverse events occur with employment of a transobturator approach with the exception of groin pain. When comparing transobturator techniques of a medial-to-lateral versus a lateral-to-medial insertion, there is no evidence to support the use of one approach over the other. However, a bottom-to-top route was more effective than top-to-bottom route for retropubic tapes.A salient point illustrated throughout this review is the need for reporting of longer-term outcome data from the numerous existing trials. This would substantially increase the evidence base and provide clarification regarding uncertainties about long-term effectiveness and adverse event profile.

Open and Laparoscopic Colposuspension in Girls with Refractory Urinary Incontinence

INTRODUCTION

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are very common in children. Standard treatments consist of urotherapy, antibiotic prophylaxis, anti-muscarinics, physical therapy, and the treatment of coexisting constipation. A small group of girls also present with stress incontinence or with stress-induced urge incontinence. In cases of persistent LUTS due to congenital bladder neck insufficiency (BNI), surgical treatment might be considered. The aim of this paper is to assess the results of open and laparoscopic colposuspension in children with refractory urinary incontinence (UI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The results of 18 open and 18 laparoscopic consecutive colposuspensions were analyzed. All patients had UI and failed conservative treatment. BNI was proven by repeated perineal ultrasound and video-urodynamic study. The laparoscopic procedure was performed preperitoneally and the open procedure was via a transverse lower abdominal incision. The same postoperative protocol was used in both groups.

RESULTS

The mean operation time was 65 min for the open and 90 min for the lap procedure (p < 0.05). Full success was achieved in 7/18 in the open and in 8/18 in the lap group and partial response was seen in 3/18 and in 5/18, respectively (p = 0.64). No intraoperative complications occurred in this cohort.

CONCLUSION

Open and laparoscopic colposuspension can be used to treat refractory UI in children with BNI when non-invasive methods fail.

Evaluation of the efficacy of transobturator tape surgery in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence using urodynamics and questionnaires

OBJECTIVE

To measure the efficiency of transobturator tape (TOT) surgery using urodynamics and questionnaires in stress urinary incontinence.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ninety-two patients with stress and mixed urinary incontinency who underwent TOT surgery were selected for the study. We retrospectively examined the patients' urodynamics, ultrasonography, demographic characteristics, incontinency surveys, life quality scores [incontinence impact questionnaire, (IQ-7) and urinary distress inventory (UDI-6)], diagnostic findings, Q-type test, surgical records, and complications. Patients treatment adherence, life quality scores, and urodynamics were evaluated as per the findings and complications following discharge of the patients between 12 and 36 months. Patients with a surgical history as the result of incontinence were excluded from the study.

RESULTS

Prior to surgery, 57 (61%, 95) patients had stress urinary incontinence (SUI), and 35 (38%, 05) patients had mixed urinary incontinence (MUI). During surgery, 45 (48%, 91) patients underwent extra pelvic surgical intervention. The mean follow-up time was 22.17±7.55 months. Our subjective success rate was 91%, 3 and the objective success rate was 78%, 3. In the life quality evaluation, a statistically significant improvement was found between IIQ-7 and UDI-6 scores. Parity over 4 was an important failure reason. Two (2%, 17) patients developed vaginal erosion, 2 (2%, 17) of the patients developed temporary urine retention, and 1 (1%, 08) patient developed nova urge incontinence.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrates that TOT surgery provides high objective and subjective success and has a positive impact on life quality. The ease of application and lower complication rate makes TOT a valuable alternative for other treatment approaches in the surgical treatment of SUI.

Long Term Patient Satisfaction of Burch Colposuspension with or Without Concomitant Total Abdominal Hysterectomy

INTRODUCTION

Urinary incontinence negatively affects the quality of life. Various methods are used in the treatment of stress incontinence. Burch colposuspension (BC) is the classical treatment of urinary incontinence.

AIM

To compare the long-term satisfaction in patients receiving BC with or without concomitant total abdominal hysterectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred and twenty patients with stress incontinence underwent burch colposuspension with or without concomitant total abdominal hysterectomy. Ninety-three (77.5%) patients were interviewed by telephone. Of these, 91(75, 8%) patients agreed to participate in the study. The patients were divided into two groups according to the type of the surgical procedure. Group 1(N=48, 52.7%) had received burch colposuspension with concomitant total abdominal hysterectomy. Group 2 (N=43, 47.3%) had received burch colposuspension without concomitant total abdominal hysterectomy.

RESULTS

In Group 1, 41 patients (85%) were satisfied with the surgery and did not complain of urinary incontinence (p<0.05). In Group 2, 37 (86%) patients were satisfied with the surgery (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

There were no difference in patient satisfaction between hysterectomy and BC and only BC to treat incontinence.

Evaluation of indication-specific genuine stress urinary incontinence procedures in a pelvic floor center

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to assess the indication-related safety, feasibility, and efficacy of laparoscopic Burch colposuspension (LBC), open Burch colposuspension (OB), and midurethral sling (MUS), retropubic vaginal tape (TVT) and transobturator vaginal tape (TOT) procedures for surgical treatment of female stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

METHODS

Perioperative outcome was assessed in 321 patients treated for SUI by a single surgeon (LBC, n = 120; OB, n = 23; TVT, n = 129; TOT, n = 49) between April 2001 and December 2007 at a single center. Follow-up was available for 115 patients at 30, 40, and 26 months for LBC, OB, and MUS, respectively. The primary outcome was the objective continence measured by a negative cough stress test. The secondary outcome was the subjective continence measured by subjective perception of cure, the King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ), and visual analog score (VAS).

RESULTS

The LBC group had one (0.8%) intra-operative complication (bladder injury) and a mean operation time of 56.5 min. The objective and subjective cure rate associated with LBC was 90.3 and 71%, respectively. The OB group had three (13%) intra-operative complications and a mean procedure time of 44.6 min. The objective and subjective cure rate was 69.2 and 61.5%, respectively. MUS had 7 (TVT, n = 2; retropubic I-STOP, n = 5) procedure-related complications (5.4%) and an operation time of 19.8 min. The objective and subjective efficacy rate for MUS was 84.5 and 62%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

LBC was shown to be safe and feasible with a high objective and subjective success rate. Use of this minimally invasive procedure should be considered in patients with concomitant intra-abdominal pathology.

Long-term durability, functional outcomes, and factors associated with surgical failure of tension-free vaginal tape procedure

PURPOSE

The cure rate of tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) appeared to decrease overtime, with an associated increased in the stress urinary incontinence (SUI) recurrence rate. We evaluated the long-term durability and functional outcomes of TVT and identified the risk factors that may affect recurrence.

METHODS

Eighty-eight patients, who were cured of SUI 6 months after undergoing TVT, were followed-up for at least 12 years. At post-operative, the patients were evaluated with a Severity Index for Urinary Incontinence questions regarding cure, patient's satisfaction, goal achievement, 3-day voiding diary with urinary urgency scale, uroflowmetry, and complications.

RESULTS

Cure rates decreased from 96.6 % at 1-year post-surgery to 83.0 % at 5 years and that the cure rates between 5 and 12 year were similar (83.0 vs. 79.6 %). Valsalva leak point pressure (VLPP) < 60 H(2)O was the only independent factor that predicted recurrence (p = 0.011; hazard radio 5.31). At last follow-up, 39.2 and 70.0 % of patients were free of urgency and urgency incontinence, respectively; and de novo urgency and urgency incontinence developed in 40.5 and 17.2 % of these patients, respectively. Age was the only factor that predicted freedom from overactive bladder (OAB) symptom. There was a significant reduction in the maximal flow rate from 23.3 ± 9.0 ml/s pre-operation to 18.8 ± 6.7 ml/s at 12 years post-operation.

CONCLUSIONS

TVT is an effective long-term treatment for SUI, although the cure rate may decrease with time. A low VLPP was predictive of SUI recurrence, and patients showing no OAB symptoms tended to be younger.

A 5-year follow-up study comparing Burch colposuspension and transobturator tape for the surgical treatment of stress urinary incontinence

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effectiveness of transobturator tape (TOT) and Burch colposuspension in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

METHODS

The present retrospective study included 770 patients who underwent SUI surgery with Burch colposuspension (n=498) or TOT (n=272). Clinical follow-up occurred at 2 weeks, 3, 6, and 12 months, and annually thereafter. Objective and subjective cure rates and intra- and postoperative complications were assessed.

RESULTS

Among patients who had SUI surgery without another concomitant procedure, the Burch group had a significantly longer mean operation time (41.48 ± 10.61 minutes versus 23.77 ± 10.49 minutes; P<0.001) and a significantly longer length of hospital stay (3.11 ± 0.49 days versus 1.98 ± 0.40 days; P<0.001), compared with the TOT group. The rates of unintended functional outcomes were lower among women undergoing TOT than among those undergoing the Burch procedure (long-term voiding dysfunction 0.7% versus 4.2%, P=0.007; urinary retention 10.7% versus 26.9%, P<0.001). The 5-year cure rates were similar in the 2 groups (objective cure rate, 73.9% versus 77.5%, P=0.574; subjective cure rate, 76.8% versus 81.7%, P=0.416).

CONCLUSION

In terms of efficacy, TOT appears equal to Burch colposuspension; however, TOT has fewer unintended functional outcomes than Burch colposuspension.

Pleated colposuspension: Our modification of Burch colposuspension

Introduction:

Burch colposuspension is a standard treatment for stress urinary incontinence. However, it is associated with recurrence and urinary retention. We describe a modification of this technique to overcome these problems and evaluate the results in comparison with the standard procedure.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 145 patients with isolated stress urinary incontinence (SUI), underwent either our modified pleated colposuspension (PC); n = 97) or standard Burch colposuspension (BC) (n = 48). Description of PC: Three No. 0 non-absorbable sutures were placed in the side-to-side manner at the mid-urethral level with 0.5-1.0 cm distance between them using double bites and were passed through the Cooper's ligament. The patients were followed-up every 6 months for SUI and genital prolapse evaluation. Successful surgery was defined as (1) No self-reported SUI symptoms, (2) Negative Marshall's coughing test (MT), (3) No retreatment for SUI, (4) Absence of urodynamic SUI. In addition, failure was defined as the occurrence of urinary retention, use of catheter on 6-week visit, maximum flow rate >15 ml/s, flow time <60 s, or residual urine <100 ml. Data was compared using Student's paired test and Mantel-Haenzel's χ² test. P > 0.05 was considered significant.

Results:

The mean follow-up after surgery for PC was 102.4 months and for BC was 103.6 months. At last follow-up, data suggesting failure (Stress score ≥7, urge score ≥7, Pad test with weight < 15 g/day and positive MT during lithotomic/upright position) were more frequent in BC group (P > 0.05; P > 0.0; P > 0.01; P > 0.05; P > 0.05, respectively). The incidence of recurrent SUI was 5.2% after PC and almost triple (14.6%) after BC. Residual urine <100 ml and weak stream were more frequent in the BC group (P > 0.05; P > 0.01, respectively). Detrusor over-activity on urodynamic studies, Flow time <60 s, urethral pressure profilometry positive for obstruction had a higher incidence in BC group (P > 0.01; P > 0.001; P > 0.01, respectively).

Conclusion:

Our modified pleated colposuspension showed improved outcomes when compared with standard Burch colposuspension.

Surgical management of female SUI: is there a gold standard?

Many surgical options exist for women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). The traditional gold standards of Burch retropubic colposuspension and pubovaginal slings are still appropriate treatment options for some patients, but randomized controlled trials have demonstrated that synthetic midurethral slings are just as effective as these traditional procedures but with less associated morbidity. Thus, midurethral slings--inserted via a retropubic or transobturator approach--have become the new gold standard first-line surgical treatment for women with uncomplicated SUI. Retropubic midurethral slings are associated with slightly higher success rates than transobturator slings, but at the cost of more postoperative complications. Pubovaginal slings remain an effective option for women with SUI who have failed other procedures, have had mesh complications, or who require concomitant urethral surgery. Single-incision slings have a number of benefits, including decreased operative times and early return to regular activities, but they are yet to be shown to be as effective as midurethral slings. Both retropubic and transobturator midurethral slings are effective for patients with mixed urinary incontinence, but the overall cure rate is lower than for patients with pure SUI. Based on the literature a new gold standard first-line surgical treatment for women with SUI is the synthetic midurethral sling inserted through a retropubic or transobturator approach [corrected].

Ten-year follow-up after the tension-free vaginal tape procedure

OBJECTIVE

The current study aimed to evaluate objective and subjective results 10 years after the tension-free vaginal tape procedure.

STUDY DESIGN

Two hundred ten patients who underwent a tension-free vaginal tape procedure at the 2 participating units between 1999 and 2001 were invited for follow-up. Evaluation at 10 years included history, clinical examination, cystoscopy, urodynamics, a cough stress test, and the Incontinence Outcome Questionnaire.

RESULTS

Interview data were available for 67%; full clinical investigation was performed in 56% of patients. At 10 years, the clinical stress test was negative in 84%, slightly positive in 8.5%, and strongly positive in 4.3%. Subjectively, 57% of patients considered themselves "cured," 23% "improved," 6.4% "unchanged," and 11% "worse." Eleven of 141 (7.8%) had been reoperated in the interim. The rate of de novo urgency was 20%. Obesity seemed to be a risk factor for failure.

CONCLUSION

These data indicate satisfactory objective and subjective cure rates 10 years after tension-free vaginal tape procedure placement.

One-year outcomes of tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) mid-urethral slings in overweight and obese women

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of body mass index (BMI) on tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) success rates, patient satisfaction, and complications 1 year following surgery.

METHODS

Baseline and 1-year postsurgery outcomes were abstracted, including Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6) scores, Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7) scores, and patient satisfaction ratings. Multivariable logistic and linear regression analyses were performed to examine relationships between outcomes and BMI.

RESULTS

Subjects (N = 195) with a mean age of 59.3 +/- 12.6 were included. There was significant improvement within each group (all p values <0.01) in total UDI-6 and IIQ-7 scores from baseline to 1 year postsurgery; all groups had high patient satisfaction. No differences in improvement or complications rates were observed among the BMI cohorts (all p values >0.05).

CONCLUSION

Differential counseling of overweight or obese women regarding outcomes of the TVT procedure is not supported by these results; longer follow-up is warranted.

[Stress incontinence in women. Is there still an indication to perform the Burch colposuspension and the fascial sling procedure?]

Open Burch colposuspension has been the gold standard for many years in therapy for stress urinary incontinence and still has a major position in this field by virtue of its excellent long-term results. Tension-free transvaginal tapes nowadays also achieve the same success rates and replace the Burch operation due to less invasiveness of the procedure (1). Burch colposuspension is still used in cases of recurrence and as a combination procedure for stress urinary incontinence and vaginal prolapse. The laparoscopic Burch procedure has been increasingly performed in recent years.Fascial sling procedures are used primarily for recurrence of female stress urinary incontinence and intrinsic sphincter deficiency. The treatment principle is based on repositioning both the urethra when it has descended and the bladder neck as well as increasing the reduced outlet resistance. This approach is still employed today to treat stress urinary incontinence in women.

Obesity and outcomes after sacrocolpopexy

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes after sacrocolpopexy (SC) between obese and healthy-weight women.

STUDY DESIGN

Baseline and postoperative data were analyzed from the Colpopexy And Urinary Reduction Efforts (CARE) randomized trial of SC with or without Burch colposuspension in stress continent women with stages II-IV prolapse. Outcomes and complications were compared between obese and healthy-weight women.

RESULTS

CARE participants included 74 obese (body mass index >/=30 kg/m(2)), 122 overweight (25-29.9 kg/m(2)), and 125 healthy-weight (18.5-24.9 kg/m(2)) women, and 1 underweight (< 18.5 kg/m(2)) woman. Compared to healthy-weight women, obese women were younger (59.0 +/- 9.9 vs 62.1 +/- 10.3 yrs; P = .04), more likely to have stage II prolapse (25.7% vs 11.2%; P = .01), and had longer operative times (189 +/- 52 vs 169 +/- 58 min; P = .02). Two years after surgery, stress incontinence, prolapse, symptom resolution, and satisfaction did not differ between the obese and healthy-weight groups.

CONCLUSION

Most outcomes and complication rates after SC are similar in obese and healthy-weight women.

Reoperation for urinary incontinence

OBJECTIVE(S)

The objective of the study was to describe the rate and associated factors of reoperation for urinary incontinence.

STUDY DESIGN

A cohort study using Washington state hospitalization records from 1987 to 2005 of inpatient urinary incontinence surgeries. The cumulative reoperation rate was estimated for the entire cohort and by procedure. Cox regression was used to estimate the hazard of reoperation.

RESULTS

A total of 41,705 women underwent either a sling or retropubic colposuspension (Burch); 1895 underwent reoperation for urinary incontinence (8.6%; 95% confidence interval, 7.8-9.5%), a rate of 5.5 per 1000 woman-years. Women undergoing Burch had a lower reoperation rate than those undergoing slings (4.2 vs 6.7 per 1000 woman-years; P < .001). Concomitant hysterectomy was associated with a lower reoperation rate for Burch and sling repairs (5.4-2.9 and 7.7-4.2 per 1000 woman-years).

CONCLUSION(S)

Reoperation for urinary incontinence occurs commonly in the general population. The variable reoperation rate observed should be further investigated, given current trends toward increased Sling use.

Obesity and pelvic floor disorders: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

To review the current literature and summarize the effect of obesity on outcomes of surgical treatment of pelvic floor disorders as well as the effect of weight loss on pelvic floor disorder symptoms.

DATA SOURCES

Relevant sources were identified by a MEDLINE search from 1966 to 2007 using the key words obesity, pelvic floor disorders, urinary incontinence (UI), fecal incontinence, and pelvic organ prolapse (POP). References of relevant studies were hand searched.

METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION

Relevant human observational studies, randomized trials, and review articles were included. A total of 246 articles were identified; 20 were used in reporting and analyzing the data. Meta-analyses were performed for topics meeting the appropriate criteria.

TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS

There is good evidence that surgery for stress UI in obese women is as safe as in their nonobese counterparts, but cure rates may be lower in the obese patient. Meta-analysis revealed cure rates of 81% and 85% for the obese and nonobese groups, respectively (P<.001; odds ratio [OR] 0.576, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.426-0.779). Combined bladder perforation rates were 1.2% in the obese and 6.6% in the nonobese (P=.015; OR 0.277, 95% CI 0.098-0.782). There is little evidence on which to base clinical decisions regarding the treatment of fecal incontinence and POP in obese women, because few comparative studies were identified addressing the outcomes of prolapse surgery in obese patients compared with healthy-weight patients. Weight loss studies indicate that both bariatric and nonsurgical weight loss lead to significant improvements in pelvic floor disorder symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Surgery for UI in obese women is safe, but more trials are needed to evaluate its long-term effectiveness as well as treatments for both fecal incontinence and POP. Weight loss, both surgical and nonsurgical, should be considered in the treatment of pelvic floor disorders in the obese woman.

Long-term efficacy of tension-free vaginal tape in the management of stress urinary incontinence in women: efficacy at 5- and 7-year follow-up

The objective of the study was to obtain a prospective assessment of the efficacy and the complications associated with the use of tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) for the management of urodynamic stress incontinence at 5- and 7-year follow-up. Sixty-five female patients with stage I cystocele or less who have been operated with TVT procedure for management of urodynamic stress incontinence have been included in the study. At 5-year follow-up, the objective cure rate was 83% and failure rate 9.4%. At 7-year follow-up, the objective cure rate was 80% and the failure rate 13.5%. De novo detrusor overactivity was seen in 9.4% and 11.4% of patients at 5- and 7-year follow-up, respectively. TVT operation is an effective and safe minimally invasive procedure for the management of urodynamic stress incontinence in women without significant cystocele in the long-term follow-up. The 10- and 20-year results are awaited.

Radiofrequency remodelling of the endopelvic fascia is not an effective procedure for urodynamic stress incontinence in women

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of transvaginal radiofrequency remodelling of the endopelvic fascia as a primary procedure for urodynamic stress incontinence due to urethral hypermobility in women. It included 24 patients who had the procedure at two district general hospitals. Outcome measures included the pad test, urodynamic assessment, continence diary, pain scores and operative as well as post-operative complications and assessment was made on recruitment during hospital admission and at 3, 6 and 12 months follow-up. A rising failure rate was noted as early as 3 months, leading to a cumulative cure rate of 45.8% at 12 months follow-up. This low effectiveness could be attributed to inherent weakness of the endopelvic fascia. No major complications were encountered and pain scores were mild.

How does a concomitant surgery effect the outcomes of Burch colposuspension?

AIM

To evaluate the outcomes of 90 Burch colposuspension procedures with or without concomitant surgery after a 6-year follow-up period.

METHODS

The study was carried out in the urogynecology department of Ankara Etlik Women's and Maternity Teaching Hospital, Turkey. Ninety women who were diagnosed as having genuine stress urinary incontinence (GSI) were enrolled in this study. The Burch colposuspension procedure was performed for the treatment of genuine stress urinary incontinence with or without a concomitant surgery

RESULTS

After a 6-year follow-up, it has been noted that concomitant surgeries have no effect on the outcome of continence (P>0.05). Pelvic prolapse incidence was 7%. No voiding difficulty was observed.

CONCLUSION

The study shows that concomitant surgeries have no effect on the outcome of continence. However, concomitant surgery can increase operational morbidity. Modified McCall culdoplasty does not seem to be a preventive measure for pelvic organ prolapse.

The retroperitoneal approach in minimally invasive pelvic surgery

The retroperitoneal approach is a minimally invasive surgery than can be performed through direct access or through indirect access, with abdominal penetration. The choice of indirect transabdominal approach is appropriate when additional abdominal surgery is indicated (radical hysterectomy, pelviabdominal exploration). The advantages of the direct retroperitoneal access are the absence of risk of creating intra-abdominal adhesions associated with those of intraperitoneal operative laparoscopy.

Is the role of Burch colposuspension fading away in this epoch for treating female urinary incontinence?

The role of Burch colposuspension as the primary surgical treatment of stress urinary incontinence has been challenged by less invasive new surgical methods. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term results of Burch colposuspension in terms of subjective self-reported outcomes. Between 1993 and 1997, 159 women who underwent Burch colposuspension as the first operation for treating urodynamic stress incontinence were recruited for this study. We recorded the findings of preoperative and postoperative urodynamic studies and early postoperative complications or adverse effects related to the operation. In 2005, after a median follow-up of 10 years, telephone interviews were carried out and 152 (95.5%) women responded. Two main questions were asked of these women to evaluate the overall impression of improvement after the operation. Eighty-four (55.3%) women were dry according to their subjective reports, 55 (36.2%) women had improved, and 13 (8.5%) women had failed after an 8- to 12-year follow-up. One hundred and twenty-five (82.2%) women were satisfied with the outcome of the operation and 27 (17.8%) women were not. Among these 27 women, 16 (59.2%) women complained of urinary frequency and 9 (33.3%) women complained of urinary urgency as the reasons for their dissatisfaction. Our long-term subjective outcomes revealed that Burch colposuspension is an effective alternative surgery for urodynamic proven stress incontinence.

Sphincter incontinence: is regenerative medicine the best alternative to restore urinary or anal sphincter function?

Incontinence is a major public health concern in aging societies. It is caused by age-dependent spontaneous apoptosis of muscle cells in the urinary and fecal sphincters, and is aggravated in women due to birth trauma. Compared to other currently employed invasive surgical management techniques associated with morbidity and recurrence, replacement or regeneration of dysfunctional sphincter through stem cell therapy and tissue engineering techniques hold great promise. This review focuses on the pathophysiological analysis of urinary incontinence and the possible application of muscle-derived-stem cells, satellite cells, chondrocytes and adipose-derived-stem cells in restoring sphincter functions.

Risk of Stress Urinary Incontinence Twelve Years After the First Pregnancy and Delivery

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the impact of onset of stress urinary incontinence in first pregnancy or postpartum period, for the risk of symptoms 12 years after the first delivery.

METHODS

In a longitudinal cohort study, 241 women answered validated questions about stress urinary incontinence after first delivery and 12 years later.

RESULTS

Twelve years after first delivery the prevalence of stress urinary incontinence was 42% (102 of 241). The 12-year incidence was 30% (44 of 146). The prevalence of stress urinary incontinence 12 years after first pregnancy and delivery was significantly higher (P<.01) in women with onset during first pregnancy (56%, 37 of 66) and in women with onset shortly after delivery (78%, 14 of 18) compared with those without initial symptoms (30%, 44 of 146). In 70 women who had onset of symptoms during first pregnancy or shortly after the delivery but remission 3 months postpartum, a total of 40 (57%) had stress urinary incontinence 12 years later. In 11 women with onset of symptoms during the first pregnancy or shortly after delivery but no remission 3 months postpartum, a total of 10 (91%) had stress urinary incontinence 12 years later. Cesarean during first delivery was significantly associated with a lower risk of incontinence. Other obstetric factors were not significantly associated with the risk of incontinence 12 years later. Patients who were overweight before their first pregnancy were at increased risk.

CONCLUSION

Onset of stress urinary incontinence during first pregnancy or puerperal period carries an increased risk of long-lasting symptoms.