Tension Free Vaginal Tape Versus Burch Colposuspension for Treatment of Female Stress Urinary Incontinence

Sonography as a Diagnostic Tool in Midurethral Sling Complications: A Narrative Review

Despite the established safety and efficacy of midurethral slings (MUS), which are the current gold standard treatment for stress urinary incontinence (SUI), the potential for postoperative complications remains a significant concern for both healthcare professionals and patients. Meanwhile, sonography has emerged as a significant diagnostic tool in urogynecology, and one of the applications of this imaging modality may be the evaluation of complications arising from MUS procedures. This review, based on a comprehensive literature search, focuses on the use of pelvic floor ultrasound (US) in the context of MUS complications. It includes analyses of randomized controlled trials, prospective, and retrospective studies, covering preoperative and postoperative investigations, to assess complications such as persistent and recurrent SUI, urinary retention and obstructive voiding, de novo urgency/overactive bladder, vaginal exposure, sling erosion, pain, and hematoma. The review critically examines the existing literature, with a particular focus on recent publications. Despite the variability in findings, it appears that for each of the discussed complications, the application of pelvic floor US can significantly support the diagnostic and therapeutic process. The paper also identifies potential future directions for the development of US applications in diagnosing MUS complications.

The efficacy of intravaginal electrical stimulation (IVES) in treating female with urinary incontinence symptom from meta-analysis of nine randomized controlled trials

Background

Urinary incontinence (UI) is a common disease in the middle-aged and elderly women, and physical therapy has gradually become the mainstream treatment of UI. We conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of intravaginal electrical stimulation (IVES) in the treatment of UI.

Methods

From January 2006 to December 2021, we finally selected nine randomized controlled trials (RCTs) including 657 participants from PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases to evaluate the efficacy of IVES in the treatment of female UI. Continuous data were represented by mean difference and 95% CI, while dichotomous data were represented by odds ratio and 95% CI. All the data were analyzed by the Review Manager Version 5.4.

Results

Compared with the control group, there were significant improvements in urine pad test (P = 0.01), urinary incontinence frequency (P = 0.04), some indicators in the incontinence quality of life questionnaire and King's health questionnaires, and subjective feeling of cure (P = 0.009) in the IVES group. However, in other indicators reflecting UI, there was no significant difference between the IVES group and the control group. In addition, subgroup analysis showed that IVES and IVES combined with training could significantly reduce the weight of the urine pad, which reflected the improvement of urine leakage.

Conclusion

This meta-analysis proved that IVES can partially improve the symptoms of female patients with UI compared with the control group. However, it still needs to be further evaluated through more high-quality research in the future.

Surgical treatments for women with stress urinary incontinence: the ESTER systematic review and economic evaluation

BACKGROUND

Urinary incontinence in women is a distressing condition that restricts quality of life and results in a large economic burden to both the NHS and women themselves.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical effectiveness, safety and cost-effectiveness of surgical treatment for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in women and explore women's preferences.

DESIGN

An evidence synthesis, a discrete choice experiment (DCE) and an economic decision model, with a value-of-information (VOI) analysis. Nine surgical interventions were compared. Previous Cochrane reviews for each were identified and updated to include additional studies. Systematic review methods were applied. The outcomes of interest were 'cure' and 'improvement'. Both a pairwise and a network meta-analysis (NMA) were conducted for all available surgical comparisons. A DCE was undertaken to assess the preferences of women for treatment outcomes. An economic model assessed the cost-effectiveness of alternative surgeries and a VOI analysis was undertaken.

RESULTS

Data from 175 studies were included in the effectiveness review. The majority of included studies were rated as being at high or unclear risk of bias across all risk-of-bias domains. The NMA, which included 120 studies that reported data on 'cure' or 'improvement', showed that retropubic mid-urethral sling (MUS), transobturator MUS, traditional sling and open colposuspension were more effective than other surgical procedures for both primary outcomes. The results for other interventions were variable. In general, rate of tape and mesh exposure was higher after transobturator MUS than after retropubic MUS or single-incision sling, whereas the rate of tape or mesh erosion/extrusion was similar between transobturator MUS and retropubic MUS. The results of the DCE, in which 789 women completed an anonymous online questionnaire, indicate that women tend to prefer surgical treatments associated with no pain or mild chronic pain and shorter length of hospital stay as well as those treatments that have a smaller risk for urinary symptoms to reoccur after surgery. The cost-effectiveness results suggest that, over a lifetime, retropubic MUS is, on average, the least costly and most effective surgery. However, the high level of uncertainty makes robust estimates difficult to ascertain. The VOI analysis highlighted that further research around the incidence rates of complications would be of most value.

LIMITATIONS

Overall, the quality of the clinical evidence was low, with limited data available for the assessment of complications. Furthermore, there is a lack of robust evidence and significant uncertainty around some parameters in the economic modelling.

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, this is the most comprehensive assessment of published evidence for the treatment of SUI. There is some evidence that retropubic MUS, transobturator MUS and traditional sling are effective in the short to medium term and that retropubic MUS is cost-effective in the medium to long term. The VOI analysis highlights the value of further research to reduce the uncertainty around the incidence rates of complications. There is a need to obtain robust clinical data in future work, particularly around long-term complication rates.

STUDY REGISTRATION

This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42016049339.

FUNDING

The National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme.

Open retropubic colposuspension for urinary incontinence in women

BACKGROUND

Urinary incontinence is a common and potentially debilitating problem. Stress urinary, incontinence as the most common type of incontinence, imposes significant health and economic burdens on society and the women affected. Open retropubic colposuspension is a surgical treatment which involves lifting the tissues near the bladder neck and proximal urethra in the area behind the anterior pubic bones to correct deficient urethral closure to correct stress urinary incontinence.

OBJECTIVES

The review aimed to determine the effects of open retropubic colposuspension for the treatment of urinary incontinence in women. A secondary aim was to assess the safety of open retropubic colposuspension in terms of adverse events caused by the procedure.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Incontinence Group Specialised Register, which contains trials identified from the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, MEDLINE in process, ClinicalTrials.gov, WHO ICTRP and handsearching of journals and conference proceedings (searched 5 May 2015), and the reference lists of relevant articles. We contacted investigators to locate extra studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials in women with symptoms or urodynamic diagnoses of stress or mixed urinary incontinence that included open retropubic colposuspension surgery in at least one trial group.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Studies were evaluated for methodological quality or susceptibility to bias and appropriateness for inclusion and data extracted by two of the review authors. Trial data were analysed by intervention. Where appropriate, a summary statistic was calculated.

MAIN RESULTS

This review included 55 trials involving a total of 5417 women.Overall cure rates were 68.9% to 88.0% for open retropubic colposuspension. Two small studies suggested lower incontinence rates after open retropubic colposuspension compared with conservative treatment. Similarly, one trial suggested lower incontinence rates after open retropubic colposuspension compared to anticholinergic treatment. Evidence from six trials showed a lower incontinence rate after open retropubic colposuspension than after anterior colporrhaphy. Such benefit was maintained over time (risk ratio (RR) for incontinence 0.46; 95% CI 0.30 to 0.72 before the first year, RR 0.37; 95% CI 0.27 to 0.51 at one to five years, RR 0.49; 95% CI 0.32 to 0.75 in periods beyond five years).Evidence from 22 trials in comparison with suburethral slings (traditional slings or trans-vaginal tape or transobturator tape) found no overall significant difference in incontinence rates in all time periods evaluated (as assessed subjectively RR 0.90; 95% CI 0.69 to 1.18, within one year of treatment, RR 1.18; 95%CI 1.01 to 1.39 between one and five years, RR 1.11; 95% CI 0.97 to 1.27 at five years and more, and as assessed objectively RR 1.24; 95% CI 0.93 to 1.67 within one year of treatment, RR 1.12; 95% CI 0.82 to 1.54 for one to five years follow up, RR 0.70; 95% CI 0.30 to 1.64 at more than five years). However, subgroup analysis of studies comparing traditional slings and open colposuspension showed better effectiveness with traditional slings in the medium and long term (RR 1.35; 95% CI 1.11 to 1.64 from one to five years follow up, RR 1.19; 95% CI 1.03 to 1.37).In comparison with needle suspension, there was a lower incontinence rate after colposuspension in the first year after surgery (RR 0.66; 95% CI 0.42 to 1.03), after the first year (RR 0.56; 95% CI 0.39 to 0.81), and beyond five years (RR 0.32; 95% CI 15 to 0.71).Patient-reported incontinence rates at short, medium and long-term follow-up showed no significant differences between open and laparoscopic retropubic colposuspension, but with wide confidence intervals. In two trials incontinence was less common after the Burch (RR 0.38; 95% CI 0.18 to 0.76) than after the Marshall Marchetti Krantz procedure at one to five year follow-up. There were few data at any other follow-up times.In general, the evidence available does not show a higher morbidity or complication rate with open retropubic colposuspension compared to the other open surgical techniques, although pelvic organ prolapse is more common than after anterior colporrhaphy and sling procedures. Voiding problems are also more common after sling procedures compared to open colposuspension.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Open retropubic colposuspension is an effective treatment modality for stress urinary incontinence especially in the long term. Within the first year of treatment, the overall continence rate is approximately 85% to 90%. After five years, approximately 70% of women can expect to be dry. Newer minimal access sling procedures look promising in comparison with open colposuspension but their long-term performance is limited and closer monitoring of their adverse event profile must be carried out. Open colposuspension is associated with a higher risk of pelvic organ prolapse compared to sling operations and anterior colporrhaphy, but with a lower risk of voiding dysfunction compared to traditional sling surgery. Laparoscopic colposuspension should allow speedier recovery but its relative safety and long-term effectiveness is not yet known. A Brief Economic Commentary (BEC) identified five studies suggesting that tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) and laparoscopic colposuspension may be more cost-effective compared with open retropubic colposuspension.

Open retropubic colposuspension for urinary incontinence in women

BACKGROUND

Urinary incontinence is a common and potentially debilitating problem. Open retropubic colposuspension is a surgical treatment which involves lifting the tissues near the bladder neck and proximal urethra in the area behind the anterior pubic bones to correct deficient urethral closure to correct stress urinary incontinence.

OBJECTIVES

The review aimed to determine the effects of open retropubic colposuspension for the treatment of urinary incontinence in women. A secondary aim was to assess the safety of open retropubic colposuspension in terms of adverse events caused by the procedure.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Incontinence Group Specialised Register, which contains trials identified from the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, MEDLINE in process, ClinicalTrials.gov, WHO ICTRP and handsearching of journals and conference proceedings (searched 5 May 2015), and the reference lists of relevant articles. We contacted investigators to locate extra studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials in women with symptoms or urodynamic diagnoses of stress or mixed urinary incontinence that included open retropubic colposuspension surgery in at least one trial group.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Studies were evaluated for methodological quality or susceptibility to bias and appropriateness for inclusion and data extracted by two of the review authors. Trial data were analysed by intervention. Where appropriate, a summary statistic was calculated.

MAIN RESULTS

This review included 55 trials involving a total of 5417 women.Overall cure rates were 68.9% to 88.0% for open retropubic colposuspension. Two small studies suggested lower incontinence rates after open retropubic colposuspension compared with conservative treatment. Similarly, one trial suggested lower incontinence rates after open retropubic colposuspension compared to anticholinergic treatment. Evidence from six trials showed a lower incontinence rate after open retropubic colposuspension than after anterior colporrhaphy. Such benefit was maintained over time (risk ratio (RR) for incontinence 0.46; 95% CI 0.30 to 0.72 before the first year, RR 0.37; 95% CI 0.27 to 0.51 at one to five years, RR 0.49; 95% CI 0.32 to 0.75 in periods beyond five years).Evidence from 22 trials in comparison with suburethral slings (traditional slings or trans-vaginal tape or transobturator tape) found no overall significant difference in incontinence rates in all time periods evaluated (as assessed subjectively RR 0.90; 95% CI 0.69 to 1.18, within one year of treatment, RR 1.18; 95%CI 1.01 to 1.39 between one and five years, RR 1.11; 95% CI 0.97 to 1.27 at five years and more, and as assessed objectively RR 1.24; 95% CI 0.93 to 1.67 within one year of treatment, RR 1.12; 95% CI 0.82 to 1.54 for one to five years follow up, RR 0.70; 95% CI 0.30 to 1.64 at more than five years). However, subgroup analysis of studies comparing traditional slings and open colposuspension showed better effectiveness with traditional slings in the medium and long term (RR 1.35; 95% CI 1.11 to 1.64 from one to five years follow up, RR 1.19; 95% CI 1.03 to 1.37).In comparison with needle suspension, there was a lower incontinence rate after colposuspension in the first year after surgery (RR 0.66; 95% CI 0.42 to 1.03), after the first year (RR 0.56; 95% CI 0.39 to 0.81), and beyond five years (RR 0.32; 95% CI 15 to 0.71).Patient-reported incontinence rates at short, medium and long-term follow-up showed no significant differences between open and laparoscopic retropubic colposuspension, but with wide confidence intervals. In two trials incontinence was less common after the Burch (RR 0.38; 95% CI 0.18 to 0.76) than after the Marshall Marchetti Krantz procedure at one to five year follow-up. There were few data at any other follow-up times.In general, the evidence available does not show a higher morbidity or complication rate with open retropubic colposuspension compared to the other open surgical techniques, although pelvic organ prolapse is more common than after anterior colporrhaphy and sling procedures. Voiding problems are also more common after sling procedures compared to open colposuspension.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Open retropubic colposuspension is an effective treatment modality for stress urinary incontinence especially in the long term. Within the first year of treatment, the overall continence rate is approximately 85% to 90%. After five years, approximately 70% of women can expect to be dry. Newer minimal access sling procedures look promising in comparison with open colposuspension but their long-term performance is limited and closer monitoring of their adverse event profile must be carried out. Open colposuspension is associated with a higher risk of pelvic organ prolapse compared to sling operations and anterior colporrhaphy, but with a lower risk of voiding dysfunction compared to traditional sling surgery. Laparoscopic colposuspension should allow speedier recovery but its relative safety and long-term effectiveness is not yet known.

EAU guidelines on surgical treatment of urinary incontinence

CONTEXT

The European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines on urinary incontinence published in March 2012 have been rewritten based on an independent systematic review carried out by the EAU guidelines panel using a sustainable methodology.

OBJECTIVE

We present a short version here of the full guidelines on the surgical treatment of patients with urinary incontinence, with the aim of dissemination to a wider audience.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

Evidence appraisal included a pragmatic review of existing systematic reviews and independent new literature searches based on Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome (PICO) questions. The appraisal of papers was carried out by an international panel of experts, who also collaborated in a series of consensus discussions, to develop concise structured evidence summaries and action-based recommendations using a modified Oxford system.

EVIDENCE SUMMARY

The full version of the guidance is available online (www.uroweb.org/guidelines/online-guidelines/). The guidance includes algorithms that refer the reader back to the supporting evidence and have greater accessibility in daily clinical practice. Two original meta-analyses were carried out specifically for these guidelines and are included in this report.

CONCLUSIONS

These new guidelines present an up-to-date summary of the available evidence, together with clear clinical algorithms and action-based recommendations based on the best available evidence. Where high-level evidence is lacking, they present a consensus of expert panel opinion.

EAU guidelines on surgical treatment of urinary incontinence

CONTEXT

The European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines on urinary incontinence published in March 2012 have been rewritten based on an independent systematic review carried out by the EAU guidelines panel using a sustainable methodology.

OBJECTIVE

We present a short version here of the full guidelines on the surgical treatment of patients with urinary incontinence, with the aim of dissemination to a wider audience.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

Evidence appraisal included a pragmatic review of existing systematic reviews and independent new literature searches based on Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome (PICO) questions. The appraisal of papers was carried out by an international panel of experts, who also collaborated in a series of consensus discussions, to develop concise structured evidence summaries and action-based recommendations using a modified Oxford system.

EVIDENCE SUMMARY

The full version of the guidance is available online (www.uroweb.org/guidelines/online-guidelines/). The guidance includes algorithms that refer the reader back to the supporting evidence and have greater accessibility in daily clinical practice. Two original meta-analyses were carried out specifically for these guidelines and are included in this report.

CONCLUSIONS

These new guidelines present an up-to-date summary of the available evidence, together with clear clinical algorithms and action-based recommendations based on the best available evidence. Where high-level evidence is lacking, they present a consensus of expert panel opinion.

Open retropubic colposuspension for urinary incontinence in women

BACKGROUND

Urinary incontinence is a common and potentially debilitating problem. Open retropubic colposuspension is a surgical treatment which involves lifting the tissues near the bladder neck and proximal urethra in the area behind the anterior pubic bones to correct deficient urethral closure.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of open retropubic colposuspension for the treatment of urinary incontinence.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Incontinence Group Specialised Register (searched 13 March 2012), which contains trials identified from the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE and CINAHL, and handsearching of journals and conference proceedings, and the reference lists of relevant articles. We contacted investigators to locate extra studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials in women with symptoms or urodynamic diagnoses of stress or mixed urinary incontinence that included open retropubic colposuspension surgery in at least one trial group.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Studies were evaluated for methodological quality or susceptibility to bias and appropriateness for inclusion and data extracted by two of the review authors. Trial data were analysed by intervention. Where appropriate, a summary statistic was calculated.

MAIN RESULTS

This review included 53 trials involving a total of 5244 women.Overall cure rates were 68.9% to 88.0% for open retropubic colposuspension. Two small studies suggested lower incontinence rates after open retropubic colposuspension compared with conservative treatment. Similarly, one trial suggested lower incontinence rates after open retropubic colposuspension compared to anticholinergic treatment. Evidence from six trials showed a lower incontinence rate after open retropubic colposuspension than after anterior colporrhaphy. Such benefit was maintained over time (risk ratio (RR) for incontinence 0.51; 95% CI 0.34 to 0.76 before the first year, RR 0.43; 95% CI 0.32 to 0.57 at one to five years, RR 0.49; 95% CI 0.32 to 0.75 in periods beyond five years).Evidence from 20 trials in comparison with suburethral slings (trans-vaginal tape or transobturator tape) found no significant difference in incontinence rates in all time periods assessed.In comparison with needle suspension, there was a lower incontinence rate after colposuspension in the first year after surgery (RR 0.66; 95% CI 0.42 to 1.03), after the first year (RR 0.48; 95% CI 0.33 to 0.71), and beyond five years (RR 0.32; 95% CI 15 to 0.71).Patient-reported incontinence rates at short, medium and long-term follow-up showed no significant differences between open and laparoscopic retropubic colposuspension, but with wide confidence intervals. In two trials incontinence was less common after the Burch (RR 0.38; 95% CI 0.18 to 0.76) than after the Marshall Marchetti Krantz procedure at one to five year follow-up. There were few data at any other follow-up times.In general, the evidence available does not show a higher morbidity or complication rate with open retropubic colposuspension compared to the other open surgical techniques, although pelvic organ prolapse is more common than after anterior colporrhaphy and sling procedures.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Open retropubic colposuspension is an effective treatment modality for stress urinary incontinence especially in the long term. Within the first year of treatment, the overall continence rate is approximately 85% to 90%. After five years, approximately 70% of patients can expect to be dry. Newer minimal access procedures such as tension-free vaginal tape look promising in comparison with open colposuspension but their long-term performance is not known and closer monitoring of their adverse event profile must be carried out. Laparoscopic colposuspension should allow speedier recovery but its relative safety and long-term effectiveness is not known yet.

[Urodynamic aspects of feminine urinary incontinence treated with slings]

OBJECTIVES

Treatment of feminine stress urinary incontinence (SUI) with slings aims to supplement the function of the damaged ligaments, favoring the correct transmission of the tensions. Our objective is to determine which preoperative variables could predict the outcome of surgical treatment of SUI and to study the urodynamic changes produced by the surgery.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

139 women (age X =61.7; σ=10.88) operated on due to SUI were studied retrospectively. In 118 cases (84.8%), sling techniques (TVT, TOT, TVT-Safyre, REEMEX) were used. Clinical evaluation and complete preoperative video -urodynamics were made pre-operatively and at 3 months of surgery. A statistical study (Fisher's test, Wilcoxon, Friedman, Student's T and Pearson's χ(2)) and analysis of multivariant logistic regression analysis by step elimination method were performed.

RESULTS

Post-operatively, the SUI (p=0.000) and bladder hyperactivity syndrome decreased. The success percentages (urodynamic absence of SUI) for each technique were: TVT-Safyre (75%), TOT (73%), TVT (60%) and REEMEX (57%), without significant differences. Age (ROC cut-off: 61 years) was a prognostic factor of success (p=0.024). Preoperative maximum flow (Qmax) (16 ml/s) constituted the only urodynamic parameter with a predictive value for success (p=0.026). An open bladder neck was a risk factor for persistence of postoperative SUI (RR=2.78). A significant decrease of the postsurgical Qmax (p=0.017) was verified, without increase of the post micturation residue or of the Wmax. An increase of the postsurgical urethral resistance (UR) was also observed (p=0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

The pre-operative Qmax is the most important urodynamic prognostic parameter in feminine SUI surgery, its normality being associated to a greater probability of cure of the incontinence. In the cases of decreased preoperative flow, use of slings that increase urethral resistance more (REEMEX) is not recommended. Hyperactivity of the preoperative detrusor does not significantly modify the results of surgery of the SUI.

Urinary incontinence in women: part 1 of a series of articles on incontinence

BACKGROUND

Urinary incontinence can arise in a woman of any age. Its prevalence is between 10% and 40%. The main clinical problems in urogynecology are stress urinary incontinence (involuntary leakage of urine on exertion, sneezing, or coughing) and the overactive bladder syndrome (nycturia, pollakisuria, and urinary urgency with or without incontinence).

METHOD

Selective literature search, with special attention to large-scale studies and to the guidelines of the German Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Gynäkologie und Geburtshilfe, DGGG) and its Task Force on Urogynecology and Pelvic Floor Reconstruction (Arbeitsgemeinschaft Urogynäkologie und Beckenbodenrekonstruktion).

RESULTS

There are many diagnostic and therapeutic options, whose use should be based on the degree of the patient's suffering and on her motivation to be treated. Anticholinergic drugs are of established value in the treatment of overactive bladder. They are used in combination with possible lifestyle changes and bladder training. In some circum-stances, botulinum toxin injections can be considered as well. Stress incontinence should be treated conservatively (with pelvic floor training) before any surgical treatment is provided. The new tension-free vaginal tapes are just as effective as classic treatments, such as colposuspension, while being less invasive and enabling a more rapid recovery.

CONCLUSION

All women with urinary incontinence should undergo appropriate, specialized diagnostic evaluation and well-founded counseling in order to benefit from individualized treatment.

Abdominal, laparoscopic, and robotic surgery for pelvic organ prolapse

Abdominal correction of pelvic organ prolapse remains a viable option for patients and surgeons. The transition from open procedures to less invasive laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgeries is evident in the literature. This article reviews the surgical options available for pelvic organ prolapse repair and their reported outcomes. Procedures reviewed include apical support (sacral, uterosacral, and others), and abdominal anterior and posterior vaginal wall support. Long-term follow-up and appropriately designed studies will further help direct surgeons in deciding which approach to incorporate into their practice.

Minimally invasive synthetic suburethral sling operations for stress urinary incontinence in women

BACKGROUND

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a common condition affecting up to 30% of women. Minimally invasive synthetic suburethral sling operations are among the latest forms of procedures introduced to treat SUI.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of minimally invasive synthetic suburethral sling operations for treatment of SUI, urodynamic stress incontinence (USI) or mixed urinary incontinence (MUI) in women.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Cochrane Incontinence Group Specialised Register (searched 20 March 2008), MEDLINE (January 1950 to April 2008), EMBASE (January 1988 to April 2008), CINAHL (January 1982 to April 2008), AMED (January 1985 to April 2008), the UK National Research Register, ClinicalTrials.gov, and reference lists of relevant articles.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials amongst women with SUI, USI or symptoms of stress or mixed urinary incontinence, in which at least one trial arm involved a minimally invasive synthetic suburethral sling operations.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

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

MAIN RESULTS

Sixty two trials involving 7101 women were included. The quality of evidence was moderate for most trials. Minimally invasive synthetic suburethral sling operations appeared to be as effective as traditional suburethral slings ( trials, n = 599, Risk Ratio (RR) 1.03, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.94 to 1.13) but with shorter operating time and less post-operative voiding dysfunction and de novo urgency symptoms.Minimally invasive synthetic suburethral sling operations appeared to be as effective as open retropubic colposuspension (subjective cure rate at 12 months RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.90 to 1.03; at 5 years RR 0.91, 95% CI 0.74 to 1.12) with fewer perioperative complications, less postoperative voiding dysfunction, shorter operative time and hospital stay but significantly more bladder perforations (6% versus 1%, RR 4.24, 95% CI 1.71 to 10.52).There was conflicting evidence about the effectiveness of minimally invasive synthetic suburethral sling operations compared to laparoscopic colposuspension in the short term (objective cure, RR 1.15, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.24; subjective cure RR 1.11, 95% CI 0.99 to 1.24). Minimally invasive synthetic suburethral sling operations had significantly less de novo urgency and urgency incontinence, shorter operating time, hospital stay and time to return to daily activities.A retropubic bottom-to-top route was more effective than top-to-bottom route (RR 1.10, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.20; RR 1.06, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.11) and incurred significantly less voiding dysfunction, bladder perforations and tape erosions.Monofilament tapes had significantly higher objective cure rates (RR 1.15, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.30) compared to multifilament tapes and fewer tape erosions (1.3% versus 6% RR 0.25, 95% CI 0.06 to 1.00).The obturator route was less favourable than the retropubic route in objective cure (84% versus 88%; RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.93 to 0.99; 17 trials, n = 2434), although there was no difference in subjective cure rates. However, there was less voiding dysfunction, blood loss, bladder perforation (0.3% versus 5.5%, RR 0.14, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.26) and shorter operating time with the obturator route.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The current evidence base suggests that minimally invasive synthetic suburethral sling operations are as effective as traditional suburethral slings, open retropubic colposuspension and laparoscopic colposuspension in the short term but with less postoperative complications. Women were less likely to be continent after operations performed via the obturator (rather than retropubic) route, but they had fewer complications. Most of the trials had short term follow up and the quality of the evidence was variable.

Open retropubic colposuspension for urinary incontinence in women

BACKGROUND

Urinary incontinence is a common and potentially debilitating problem. Open retropubic colposuspension is a surgical treatment which involves lifting the tissues near the bladder neck and proximal urethra in the area behind the anterior pubic bones to correct deficient urethral closure.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of open retropubic colposuspension for the treatment of urinary incontinence.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Cochrane Incontinence Group Specialised Register (searched 30 June 2008) and reference lists of relevant articles. We contacted investigators to locate extra studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials in women with symptoms or urodynamic diagnoses of stress or mixed urinary incontinence that included open retropubic colposuspension surgery in at least one trial group.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Studies were evaluated for methodological quality/susceptibility to bias and appropriateness for inclusion and data extracted by two of the reviewers. Trial data were analysed by intervention. Where appropriate, a summary statistic was calculated.

MAIN RESULTS

This review included 46 trials involving a total of 4738 women.Overall cure rates were 68.9% to 88.0% for open retropubic colposuspension. Two small studies suggest lower failure rates after open retropubic colposuspension compared with conservative treatment. Similarly, one trial suggests lower failure rates after open retropubic colposuspension compared to anticholinergic treatment. Evidence from six trials showed a lower failure rate for subjective cure after open retropubic colposuspension than after anterior colporrhaphy. Such benefit was maintained over time (RR of failure 0.51; 95% CI 0.34 to 0.76 before the first year, RR 0.43; 95% CI 0.32 to 0.57 at one to five years, RR 0.49; 95% CI 0.32 to 0.75 in periods beyond 5 years). In comparison with needle suspensions there was a lower failure rate after colposuspension in the first year after surgery (RR 0.66; 95% CI 0.42 to 1.03), after the first year (RR 0.48; 95% CI 0.33 to 0.71), and beyond five years (RR 0.32; 95% CI 15 to 0.71). Evidence from twelve trials in comparison with suburethral slings found no significant difference in failure rates in all time periods assessed. Patient-reported failure rates in short, medium and long-term follow-up showed no significant difference between open and laparoscopic retropubic colposuspension, but with wide confidence intervals. In two trials failure was less common after Burch (RR 0.38 95% CI 0.18 to 0.76) than after the Marshall Marchetti Krantz procedure at one to five year follow-up. There were few data at any other follow-up time.In general, the evidence available does not show a higher morbidity or complication rate with open retropubic colposuspension, compared to the other open surgical techniques, although pelvic organ prolapse is more common than after anterior colporrhaphy and sling procedures.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The evidence available indicates that open retropubic colposuspension is an effective treatment modality for stress urinary incontinence especially in the long term. Within the first year of treatment, the overall continence rate is approximately 85 to 90%. After five years, approximately 70% of patients can expect to be dry. Newer minimal access procedures like tension free vaginal tape look promising in comparison with open colposuspension but their long-term performance is not known and closer monitoring of its adverse event profile must be done. Laparoscopic colposuspension should allow speedier recovery but its relative safety and effectiveness is not known yet.

Open retropubic colposuspension for urinary incontinence in women

BACKGROUND

Urinary incontinence is a common and potentially debilitating problem. Open retropubic colposuspension is a surgical treatment which involves lifting the tissues near the bladder neck and proximal urethra in the area behind the anterior pubic bones to correct deficient urethral closure.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of open retropubic colposuspension for the treatment of urinary incontinence.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Cochrane Incontinence Group Specialised Register (searched 30 June 2008) and reference lists of relevant articles. We contacted investigators to locate extra studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials in women with symptoms or urodynamic diagnoses of stress or mixed urinary incontinence that included open retropubic colposuspension surgery in at least one trial group.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Studies were evaluated for methodological quality/susceptibility to bias and appropriateness for inclusion and data extracted by two of the reviewers. Trial data were analysed by intervention. Where appropriate, a summary statistic was calculated.

MAIN RESULTS

This review included 46 trials involving a total of 4738 women.Overall cure rates were 68.9% to 88.0% for open retropubic colposuspension. Two small studies suggest lower failure rates after open retropubic colposuspension compared with conservative treatment. Similarly, one trial suggests lower failure rates after open retropubic colposuspension compared to anticholinergic treatment. Evidence from six trials showed a lower failure rate for subjective cure after open retropubic colposuspension than after anterior colporrhaphy. Such benefit was maintained over time (RR of failure 0.51; 95% CI 0.34 to 0.76 before the first year, RR 0.43; 95% CI 0.32 to 0.57 at one to five years, RR 0.49; 95% CI 0.32 to 0.75 in periods beyond 5 years). In comparison with needle suspensions there was a lower failure rate after colposuspension in the first year after surgery (RR 0.66; 95% CI 0.42 to 1.03), after the first year (RR 0.48; 95% CI 0.33 to 0.71), and beyond five years (RR 0.32; 95% CI 15 to 0.71). Evidence from twelve trials in comparison with suburethral slings found no significant difference in failure rates in all time periods assessed. Patient-reported failure rates in short, medium and long-term follow-up showed no significant difference between open and laparoscopic retropubic colposuspension, but with wide confidence intervals. In two trials failure was less common after Burch (RR 0.38 95% CI 0.18 to 0.76) than after the Marshall Marchetti Krantz procedure at one to five year follow-up. There were few data at any other follow-up time.In general, the evidence available does not show a higher morbidity or complication rate with open retropubic colposuspension, compared to the other open surgical techniques, although pelvic organ prolapse is more common than after anterior colporrhaphy and sling procedures.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The evidence available indicates that open retropubic colposuspension is an effective treatment modality for stress urinary incontinence especially in the long term. Within the first year of treatment, the overall continence rate is approximately 85 to 90%. After five years, approximately 70% of patients can expect to be dry. Newer minimal access procedures like tension free vaginal tape look promising in comparison with open colposuspension but their long-term performance is not known and closer monitoring of its adverse event profile must be done. Laparoscopic colposuspension should allow speedier recovery but its relative safety and effectiveness is not known yet.

Midurethral slings for stress urinary incontinence

Midurethral synthetic slings for female stress urinary incontinence are minimally invasive polypropylene mesh tapes, which are inserted under the midurethra with trocars. In the last decade this new technology has become the most commonly performed procedure for female stress urinary incontinence, replacing the traditional open procedures. Using only 3 small incisions, these outpatient procedures can be performed under local anesthesia with conscious sedation. Retropubic and transobturator approaches will be reviewed along with a review of efficacy, comparative studies, complications, and use in many different clinical situations.

Complication rates of tension-free midurethral slings in the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing tension-free midurethral tapes to other surgical procedures and different devices

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the complication rates of tension-free midurethral slings compared with other surgical treatments for stress urinary incontinence, including other tension-free midurethral slings.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science was performed in January 2007. Meta-analysis was conducted by using the Review Manager software 4.2.

RESULTS

Our search identified 33 randomized controlled trials reporting data on complication rates. Our meta-analysis showed that complication rates were similar after tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) and Burch colposuspension, with the exclusion of bladder perforation, which was more common after TVT (p=0.0001), and reoperation rate, which was significantly higher after Burch colposuspension (p=0.02). TVT and pubovaginal sling were followed by similar complication rates. With regards to the comparisons among retropubic tapes, TVT and intravaginal slingplasty had similar complication rates, whereas suprapubic arc sling (SPARC) was complicated by higher rates of voiding lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) (p=0.02) and reoperations (p=0.04). Comparing retropubic and transobturator tapes, the occurrence of bladder perforations (p=0.007), pelvic haematoma (p=0.03), and storage LUTS (p=0.01) was significantly less common in patients treated by transobturator tapes.

CONCLUSIONS

Tension-free slings were followed by lower risk of reoperation compared with Burch colposuspension, whereas pubovaginal sling and tension-free midurethral slings had similar complication rates. With regards to different tension-free tapes, voiding LUTS and reoperations were more common after SPARC, whereas bladder perforations, pelvic haematoma, and storage LUTS were less common after transobturator tapes. The quality of many evaluated studies was limited.

Surgical therapeutic index of tension-free vaginal tape and transobturator tape for stress urinary incontinence

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The aim of this study was to obtain the surgical therapeutic index (STI) of tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) and transobturator tape (TOT) and compare it with the previously obtained result of Burch colposuspension.

METHODS

The study population consisted of 121 patients who were diagnosed as having stress urinary incontinence, underwent TVT or TOT between January 1, 2000 and June 30, 2005 and were followed up for at least 1 year. Patients with detrusor overactivity, urinary tract infection, intrinsic sphincter deficiency and pelvic organ prolapse more than stage II according to the POP-Q system were excluded. The cure and complication rates were investigated, and the STI (median percent cure rate/median percent complication rate) of each operation was calculated.

RESULTS

Of the 121 patients, 61 underwent TVT and 60 received TOT. Patient characteristics and the results of preoperative urodynamic studies showed no significant difference between the two groups. The STI of TOT (2.72, 4.08, 4.23, 5.29) was higher than that of Burch colposuspension (1.19, 2.27, 2.89, 3.53) and TVT (2.77, 3.69, 3.23, 3.17) irrespective of follow-up months (at 1, 3, 6, 12 months).

CONCLUSION

TOT seems to be a more suitable surgical procedure for stress urinary incontinence with urethral hypermobility.

Anterior intravaginal slingplasty tunneller device for stress incontinence and posterior intravaginal slingplasty for apical vault prolapse: a 2-year prospective multicenter study

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to report the outcome for (1) anterior intravaginal slingplasty in the treatment of urodynamic stress incontinence and (2) posterior intravaginal slingplasty for apical prolapse (> or = stage II).

STUDY DESIGN

This was a 2-year prospective multicenter study: patients, 430; anterior intravaginal slingplasty, 144; posterior intravaginal slingplasty, 164; both procedures, 122 (552 tapes total). At 6 and 12 months, the results of the Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire, cough stress test, and Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantitation were assessed. Statistical analyses used paired t-tests.

RESULTS

Of the women in the study, 95% (42 women) had a negative cough stress test result through 12 months (n = 44 women), and 96% (127 women) had a negative cough stress test result at 6 months (n = 132). At 6 months, apical support was optimal in 95.3% (143/150 women) and was satisfactory in 2.7% (4/150 women) and at 12 months, 98.1% (52/53 women), 1.9% (1/53 women). Seventeen of 430 patients (4.0%) had vaginal mesh extrusion. Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire scores significantly improved (P < .0001).

CONCLUSION

Anterior intravaginal slingplasty and posterior intravaginal slingplasty are safe and effective when performed with other procedures. For anterior intravaginal slingplasty, the rates of perforation and retention are low, but early extrusions are seen. Patients showed improvements in the Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire, regardless of extrusion.

Tension-free midurethral slings in the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials of effectiveness

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy of tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) compared with other surgical treatments for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and with other tension-free midurethral slings.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature was performed in January 2007 using MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science. The searches used both "MeSH" and "free text" protocols. Meta-analysis was conducted using the Review Manager software 4.2 (Cochrane Collaboration).

RESULTS

Our search identified 37 randomized controlled trials. According to the Jadad score, the quality of the evaluated studies was limited in most papers. TVT outperformed Burch colposuspension in terms of postoperative continence rates (odds ratio [OR] from 0.38 to 0.59, according to the different end points), whereas success rates were similar after TVT and pubovaginal slings. Comparing TVT to the other retropubic tension-free midurethral vaginal slings, TVT was more efficacious than both intravaginal slingplasty (IVS; OR = 0.47; p = 0.007) and suprapubic arc (SPARC; OR from 0.53 to 0.56 according to the different evaluated end points). Indeed, the available data suggest similar efficacy for retropubic and trans-obturator tapes both in terms of subjective (OR = 0.98; p = 0.92) and objective (OR = 0.81; p = 0.34) cure rates.

CONCLUSIONS

Our meta-analysis showed that TVT outperformed Burch colposuspension; efficacies of TVT and pubovaginal sling were similar. TVT was more efficacious than IVS and SPARC, whereas retropubic and trans-obturator tapes showed overlapping cure rates. The poor quality of most of the studies, both in terms of methodologic and clinical parameters, limits the strengths of the recommendations derived by the meta-analysis.

A randomized comparison of transobturator tape and Burch colposuspension in the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence

This study was performed to compare the efficacy of transobturator tape (TOT) and Burch colposuspension in the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence (SUI). This is a prospective randomized single blind study of 100 women diagnosed as with urodynamic SUI who were randomized either to TOT procedure (n = 49) or Burch procedure (n = 51). The outcome was evaluated at 1 and 2 years. The mean operation time and hospital stay were significantly shorter in the TOT group compared to Burch group (p < 0.001). Procedure-related complications and postoperative voiding problems including postoperative urinary retention, de novo voiding difficulties and de novo urge incontinence were similar in the two groups. Both the subjective and objective cure rates of SUI at 1 year were 85.7 and 87.5%, respectively, in the TOT group. This was similar to subjective and objective cure rates at one year of 84.3% (p = 0.8) and 80.3% (p = 0.4) in the Burch group, respectively. At the end of 2 years, 32 patients were available in the TOT group and 31 patients were available in the Burch group for analysis. Both the subjective and objective cure rates of SUI at 2 years were 87.5 and 87.5% in the TOT group which was similar to the 87% (p = 0.9) and 83.8% (p = 0.6) in the Burch group, respectively. TOT procedure results in similar cure rates of SUI at 1 and 2 years compared to Burch procedure. The TOT procedure has a shorter operative time and length of hospital stay.

Clinical and quality-of-life outcomes in women treated by the TVT-O procedure

OBJECTIVES

To objectively assess the success rate at 6 months after tension-free vaginal tape obturator (TVT-O) procedure. To assess subjective success rates, complications, patient satisfaction, and quality of life (QOL).

DESIGN

A prospective observational study.

SETTING

A tertiary referral urogynaecology practice.

POPULATION

A cohort of 100 consecutive women who underwent the TVT-O procedure between March and October 2004.

METHODS

The TVT-O technique was performed as described. Three standardised QOL questionnaires were completed preoperatively at 6 months and 12 months. At 6 months, a urogenital history, visual analogue scale score (VAS) for patient satisfaction, uroflow, and urinary stress test were performed. After 12 months, a urogenital history and patient satisfaction verbal analogue score (VeAS) were obtained by telephone interview.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Objective success rate of the TVT-O procedure was measured by negative stress test. Secondary outcomes were subjective success rates at 6 and 12 months, pre- and postoperative comparison of urodynamic parameters, complications, postoperative symptomatology, QOL analysis, and patient satisfaction.

RESULTS

Mean follow up was 18.5 months. Objective success rate was 95%. Subjective success rates were 92 and 84% at 6 and 12 months. Complications included recurrent urinary tract infection (six), voiding difficulty (two), persistent groin discomfort (three), haematoma (one), wound infection (one), vaginal tape erosion (one), and urethral irritation (one). Prevalence of de novo urge incontinence was 4.1 and 4.8% at 6 and 12 months. QOL analysis showed significant improvements in QOL scores postoperatively. Visual and verbal analogue scores indicated high patient satisfaction (VAS, VeAS >or= 80%) in 77 and 67% at 6 and 12 months.

CONCLUSION

The TVT-O is a safe and effective treatment for female stress urinary incontinence.

Évolution des interventions chirurgicales pour incontinence urinaire d'effort chez la femme dans les services de chirurgie gynécologique de l'Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris entre 2002 et 2004

OBJECTIVE

To appreciate the evolution of surgical operations for female stress urinary incontinence.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Sixteen gynaecology departments of Parisian public hospitals were surveyed by postal questionnaire about their surgical practice for the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence in two successive periods, between 1st September 2002 and 31st August 2003 inclusive, and between the 1st of September 2003 and the 31st of August 2004 inclusive. The number, the type of operation, the type of suburethral tapes and their surgical routes were detailed.

RESULTS

The participation rate in the survey was 87.5%. Suburethral slings represent the technique of choice for stress urinary incontinence (505 [86.2%] in 2002-2003 and 468 [92.7%] in 2003-2004, P < 0.001). Other practices are exceptional. The transobturator approach has widely progressed between the two periods of the study (157 [31.1%] and 302 [64.5%], P < 0.001), and is more often performed than the ascending retropubic approach (245 [48.5%] in 2002-2003 and 117 [25.0%] in 2003-2004, P < 0.001).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Suburethral tape placement is nowadays the main surgical treatment for female stress urinary incontinence, in Gynaecology departments in Parisian public hospitals, in particular the transobturator approach.