A randomised trial of a retropubic tension-free vaginal tape versus a mini-sling for stress incontinence

Single-incision sling operations for urinary incontinence in women

BACKGROUND

Stress urinary incontinence imposes a significant health and economic burden on individuals and society. Single-incision slings are a minimally-invasive treatment option for stress urinary incontinence. They involve passing a short synthetic device through the anterior vaginal wall to support the mid-urethra. The use of polypropylene mesh in urogynaecology, including mid-urethral slings, is restricted in many countries. This is a review update (previous search date 2012).

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of single-incision sling operations for treating urinary incontinence in women, and to summarise the principal findings of relevant economic evaluations.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Incontinence Specialised Register, which contains trials identified from: CENTRAL, MEDLINE, MEDLINE In-Process, MEDLINE Epub Ahead of Print, and two trials registers. We handsearched journals, conference proceedings, and reference lists of relevant articles to 20 September 2022.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials in women with stress (or stress-predominant mixed) urinary incontinence in which at least one, but not all, trial arms included a single-incision sling.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard Cochrane methodological procedures. The primary outcome was subjective cure or improvement of urinary incontinence.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 62 studies with a total of 8051 women in this review. We did not identify any studies comparing single-incision slings to no treatment, conservative treatment, colposuspension, or laparoscopic procedures. We assessed most studies as being at low or unclear risk of bias, with five studies at high risk of bias for outcome assessment. Sixteen trials used TVT-Secur, a single-incision sling withdrawn from the market in 2013. The primary analysis in this review excludes trials using TVT-Secur. We report separate analyses for these trials, which did not substantially alter the effect estimates. We identified two cost-effectiveness analyses and one cost-minimisation analysis. Single-incision sling versus autologous fascial sling One study (70 women) compared single-incision slings to autologous fascial slings. It is uncertain if single-incision slings have any effect on risk of dyspareunia (painful sex) or mesh exposure, extrusion or erosion compared with autologous fascial slings. Subjective cure or improvement of urinary incontinence at 12 months, patient-reported pain at 24 months or longer, number of women with urinary retention, quality of life at 12 months and the number of women requiring repeat continence surgery or sling revision were not reported for this comparison. Single-incision sling versus retropubic sling Ten studies compared single-incision slings to retropubic slings. There may be little to no difference between single-incision slings and retropubic slings in subjective cure or improvement of incontinence at 12 months (risk ratio (RR) 0.99, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.91 to 1.07; 2 trials, 297 women; low-certainty evidence). It is uncertain whether single-incision slings increase the risk of mesh exposure, extrusion or erosion compared with retropubic minimally-invasive slings; the wide confidence interval is consistent with both benefit and harm (RR 1.55, 95% CI 0.24 to 9.82; 3 trials, 267 women; low-certainty evidence). It is uncertain whether single-incision slings lead to fewer women having postoperative urinary retention compared with retropubic slings; the wide confidence interval is consistent with possible benefit and harm (RR 0.47, 95% CI 0.12 to 1.84; 2 trials, 209 women; low-certainty evidence). The effect of single-incision slings on the risk of repeat continence surgery or mesh revision compared with retropubic slings is uncertain (RR 4.19, 95% CI 0.31 to 57.28; 2 trials, 182 women; very low-certainty evidence). One study reported quality of life, but not in a suitable format for analysis. Patient-reported pain at more than 24 months and the number of women with dyspareunia were not reported for this comparison. We downgraded the evidence due to concerns about risks of bias, imprecision and inconsistency. Single-incision sling versus transobturator sling Fifty-one studies compared single-incision slings to transobturator slings. The evidence ranged from high to low certainty. There is no evidence of a difference in subjective cure or improvement of incontinence at 12 months when comparing single-incision slings with transobturator slings (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.03; 17 trials, 2359 women; high-certainty evidence). Single-incision slings probably have a reduced risk of patient-reported pain at 24 months post-surgery compared with transobturator slings (RR 0.12, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.68; 2 trials, 250 women; moderate-certainty evidence). The effect of single-incision slings on the risk of dyspareunia is uncertain compared with transobturator slings, as the wide confidence interval is consistent with possible benefit and possible harm (RR 0.78, 95% CI 0.41 to 1.48; 8 trials, 810 women; moderate-certainty evidence). There are a similar number of mesh exposures, extrusions or erosions with single-incision slings compared with transobturator slings (RR 0.61, 95% CI 0.39 to 0.96; 16 trials, 2378 women; high-certainty evidence). Single-incision slings probably result in similar or reduced cases of postoperative urinary retention compared with transobturator slings (RR 0.68, 95% CI 0.47 to 0.97; 23 trials, 2891 women; moderate-certainty evidence). Women with single-incision slings may have lower quality of life at 12 months compared to transobturator slings (standardised mean difference (SMD) 0.24, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.39; 8 trials, 698 women; low-certainty evidence). It is unclear whether single-incision slings lead to slightly more women requiring repeat continence surgery or mesh revision compared with transobturator slings (95% CI consistent with possible benefit and harm; RR 1.42, 95% CI 0.94 to 2.16; 13 trials, 1460 women; low-certainty evidence). We downgraded the evidence due to indirectness, imprecision and risks of bias.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Single-incision sling operations have been extensively researched in randomised controlled trials. They may be as effective as retropubic slings and are as effective as transobturator slings for subjective cure or improvement of stress urinary incontinence at 12 months. It is uncertain if single-incision slings lead to better or worse rates of subjective cure or improvement compared with autologous fascial slings. There are still uncertainties regarding adverse events and longer-term outcomes. Therefore, longer-term data are needed to clarify the safety and long-term effectiveness of single-incision slings compared to other mid-urethral slings.

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.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of single-incision mini-slings (MiniArc) versus transobturator mid-urethral slings in surgical management of female stress urinary incontinence

BACKGROUND

To assess the current evidence of effectiveness and safety of single-incision mini-slings (MiniArc) versus transobturator midurethral slings in the management of female stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

METHODS

A systematic search was performed from the electronic databases including PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library by November 2017. Using RevMan5.3 statistical software, the primary outcomes including subject and objective cure rates at 6 to 24 months follow-up were evaluated. Meanwhile, analysis was also performed for comparing the secondary outcomes such as peri- and postoperative complications, operative data, and quality of life.

RESULTS

Six randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 6 retrospective cohort studies involving 1794 patients with SUI were analyzed based on the inclusion criteria. On the basis of our analysis, MiniArc was proven to have a noninferior clinical efficacy compared with transobturator midurethral slings with respect to the objective cure rate (risk ratio [RR] = 0.98, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.94-1.03, P = .43) and subjective cure rate (RR = 0.97, 95% CI 0.91-1. 04, P = .38). In addition, pooled analysis showed that MiniArc had significantly lower postoperative pain scores (mean difference [MD] = -1.70, 95% CI -3.17 to -0.23, P = .02) and less postoperative groin pain (RR = 0.42, 95% CI 0.18-0.98, P = .04). Moreover, the MiniArc group also had a significantly shorter operation time (MD = -6.12, 95% CI -8.61 to -3.64, P < .001), less blood loss (MD = -16.67, 95% CI -26.29 to -7.05, P < .001), shorter in-patient stay (MD = 1.30, 95% CI -1.74 to -0.86, P < .001), and less urinary retention risk (RR = 1.15, 95% CI 0.46-2.87, P = .77). However, overall evidence was insufficient to suggest a statistically significant difference in the adverse event profile for MiniArc compared with transobturator slings.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis indicates that MiniArc is an effective method treating SUI. When compared with transobturator slings, it not only has a similar high cure rates, but also is associated with shorter operation time, less blood loss, more favorable recovery time, lower postoperative pain scores, less postoperative groin pain, less urinary retention, and absence of a visible wound. However, the findings of this study should be further confirmed by well-designed prospective RCTs with a larger patient series.

Single-incision sling operations for urinary incontinence in women

BACKGROUND

Urinary incontinence has been shown to affect up to 50% of women. Studies in the USA have shown that up to 80% of these women have an element of stress urinary incontinence. This imposes significant health and economic burden on society and the women affected. Colposuspension and now mid-urethral slings have been shown to be effective in treating patients with stress incontinence. However, associated adverse events include bladder and bowel injury, groin pain and haematoma formation. This has led to the development of third-generation single-incision slings, also referred to as mini-slings.It should be noted that TVT-Secur (Gynecare, Bridgewater, NJ, USA) is one type of single-incision sling; it has been withdrawn from the market because of poor results. However, it is one of the most widely studied single-incision slings and was used in several of the trials included in this review. Despite its withdrawal from clinical use, it was decided that data pertaining to this sling should be included in the first iteration of this review, so that level 1a data are available in the literature to confirm its lack of efficacy.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effectiveness of mini-sling procedures in women with urodynamic clinical stress or mixed urinary incontinence in terms of improved continence status, quality of life or adverse events.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched: Cochrane Incontinence Specialised Register (includes: CENTRAL, MEDLINE, MEDLINE In-Process) (searched 6 February 2013); ClinicalTrials.gov, WHO ICTRP (searched 20 September 2012); reference lists.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials in women with urodynamic stress incontinence, symptoms of stress incontinence or stress-predominant mixed urinary incontinence, in which at least one trial arm involves one of the new single-incision slings. The definition of a single-incision sling is "a sling that does not involve either a retropubic or transobturator passage of the tape or trocar and involves only a single vaginal incision (i.e. no exit wounds in the groin or lower abdomen)."

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Three review authors assessed the methodological quality of potentially eligible trials and independently extracted data from individual trials.

MAIN RESULTS

We identified 31 trials involving 3290 women. Some methodological flaws were observed in some trials; a summary of these is given in the 'Risk of bias in included studies' section.No studies compared single-incision slings versus no treatment, conservative treatment, colposuspension, laparoscopic procedures or traditional sub-urethral slings. No data on the comparison of single-incision slings versus retropubic mid-urethral slings (top-down approach) were available, but the review authors believe this did not affect the overall comparison versus retropubic mid-urethral slings.Types of single-incision slings included in this review: TVT-Secur (Gynecare); MiniArc (American Medical Systems, Minnetonka, USA); Ajust (CR Bard Inc., Covington, USA); Needleless (Mayumana Healthcare, Lisse, The Netherlands); Ophira (Promedon, Cordoba, Argentina); Tissue Fixation System (TFS PTY Ltd, Sydney, Australia) and CureMesh (DMed Co. Inc., Seoul, Korea).Women were more likely to remain incontinent after surgery with single-incision slings than with retropubic slings such as tension-free vaginal tape (TVTTM) (121/292, 41% vs 72/281, 26%; risk ratio (RR) 2.08, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04 to 4.14). Duration of the operation was slightly shorter for single-incision slings but with higher risk of de novo urgency (RR 2.39, 95% CI 1.25 to 4.56). Four of five studies in the comparison included TVT-Secur as the single-incision sling.Single-incision slings resulted in higher incontinence rates compared with inside-out transobturator slings (30% vs 11%; RR 2.55, 95% CI 1.93 to 3.36). The adverse event profile was significantly worse, specifically consisting of higher risks of vaginal mesh exposure (RR 3.75, 95% CI 1.42 to 9.86), bladder/urethral erosion (RR 17.79, 95% CI 1.06 to 298.88) and operative blood loss (mean difference 18.79, 95% CI 3.70 to 33.88). Postoperative pain was less common with single-incision slings (RR 0.29, 95% CI 0.20 to 0.43), and rates of long-term pain or discomfort were marginally lower, but the clinical significance of these differences is questionable. Most of these findings were derived from the trials involving TVT-Secur: Excluding the other trials showed that high risk of incontinence was principally associated with use of this device (RR 2.65, 95% CI 1.98 to 3.54). It has been withdrawn from clinical use.Evidence was insufficient to reveal a difference in incontinence rates with other single-incision slings compared with inside-out or outside-in transobturator slings. Duration of the operation was marginally shorter for single-incision slings compared with transobturator slings, but only by approximately two minutes and with significant heterogeneity in the comparison. Risks of postoperative and long-term groin/thigh pain were slightly lower with single-incision slings, but overall evidence was insufficient to suggest a significant difference in the adverse event profile for single-incision slings compared with transobturator slings. Evidence was also insufficient to permit a meaningful sensitivity analysis of the other single-incision slings compared with transobturator slings, as all confidence intervals were wide. The only significant differences were observed in rates of postoperative and long-term pain, and in duration of the operation, which marginally favoured single-incision slings.Overall results show that TVT-Secur is considerably inferior to retropubic and inside-out transobturator slings, but additional evidence is required to allow any reasonable comparison of other single-incision slings versus transobturator slings.When one single-incision sling was compared with another, evidence was insufficient to suggest a significant difference between any of the slings in any of the comparisons made.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

TVT-Secur is inferior to standard mid-urethral slings for the treatment of women with stress incontinence and has already been withdrawn from clinical use. Not enough evidence has been found on other single-incision slings compared with retropubic or transobturator slings to allow reliable comparisons. A brief economic commentary (BEC) identified two studies which reported no difference in clinical outcomes between single-incision slings and transobturator mid-urethral slings, but single-incision slings may be more cost-effective than transobturator mid-urethral slings based on one-year follow-up. Additional adequately powered and high-quality trials with longer-term follow-up are required. Trials should clearly describe the fixation mechanism of these single-incisions slings: It is apparent that, although clubbed together as a single group, a significant difference in fixation mechanisms may influence outcomes.

Minimally invasive treatment of female stress urinary incontinence with the adjustable single-incision sling system (AJUST ™) in an elderly and overweight population

Introduction

The prevalence of urinary incontinence is increasing. Two major risk factors are overweight and age. We present objective and subjective cure rates of elderly and overweight patients treated with an adjustable single-incision sling system (AJUST™, C.R. BARD, Inc.).

Materials and Methods

Between 04/2009 and 02/2012 we treated 100 female patients with the single incision sling. Patients were retrospectively evaluated by Stamey degree of incontinence, cough test, pad use, and overall satisfaction. The primary outcomes of the study were objective and subjective cure rates, secondary outcomes were the safety profile of the sling and complications.

Results

The overall success rate in this population was 84.6% with a mean follow-up of 9.3 months. The average usage of pads per day decreased from 4.9 to 1.6 and was significantly lower in patients with a BMI <30 (p=0.004). Postoperative residual SUI was also lower in patients with a BMI <30 (p=0.006). Postoperative satisfaction was better in patients with a lower BMI, but this difference did not reach a level of significance (p=0.055). There were no complications such as bleeding, bladder injury, or tape infection.

Conclusions

In elderly and obese patients a considerable success rate is achievable with this quick and minimal invasive procedure. However, the success rate shows a clear trend in favor of a lower body-mass-index. The cut-off point has been identified at a BMI of 30. The AJUST™ system can be regarded as safe and beneficial for elderly and obese patients.

A comparison between adjustable single-incision sling and tension-free vaginal tape-obturator in treating stress urinary incontinence

PURPOSE

To compare the subjective and objective cure rates, postoperative pain, postoperative complications, and postoperative quality of life of adjustable single-incision sling (Ajust®) versus tension-free vaginal tape-obturator (TVT-O™) in the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

METHODS

Female patients with SUI (N = 368) were randomized to receive either Ajust® (N = 184) or TVT-O™ procedure (N = 184) between January 2012 and October 2013. Efficacy was evaluated using cure rate, postoperative complications, postoperative pain profile (using Visual Analogue Scale), Patient Global Impression of Improvement Scale, and International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form.

RESULTS

The patients from Ajust® and TVT-O™ groups had no statistically significant difference in subjective and objective cure rates (94.4 vs 90.7 %, P = 0.171; 97.2 vs 90.7 %, P = 0.195). Compared with the TVT-O™ group, patients in the Ajust® group had significantly less postoperative pain, shorter operative duration, and less intraoperative blood loss (all P values < 0.05). No significant difference in perioperative complications was observed between these two groups. Patients in Ajust® group had shorter recovery time (P < 0.001) compared to TVT-O™ group. The postoperative quality of life of patients in these two groups was significantly improved compared to baseline; however, no significant difference was observed in the average improvement of life between these two groups (P = 0.115).

CONCLUSIONS

Ajust® procedure is simple, safe, and effective for the treatment of SUI. Compared with TVT-O™, patients receiving Ajust® had less intraoperative blood loss, less postoperative pain, and shorter recovery time.

Transobturator Midurethral Slings versus Single-Incision Slings for Stress Incontinence in Overweight Patients

Purpose:

To compare transobturator midurethral sling (TOS) and single-incision sling procedures in terms of their effects on urinary incontinence and the quality of life in overweight (BMI ≥25-29.9 kg/m2) female patients using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire scoring form (ICIQ-SF) and Quality of Life of Persons with Urinary Incontinence scoring form (I-QOL).

Materials and Methods:

In this prospective trial, the patients were divided into two groups consecutively; first 20 overweight female patients underwent the TOS (Unitape T®,Promedon, Cordoba, Argentina) procedure and the subsequent 20 consecutive overweight female patients underwent the single-incision sling [TVT-secur (Ethicon Inc., Sommerville, USA)] procedure. Age, urinary incontinence period, parity and daily pads usage were recorded. No usage of pads was defined as subjective cure rate postoperatively. Before the operation and 6. month after the surgery, the patients completed the ICIQ-SF and I-QOL.

Results:

There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of mean age, duration of incontinence, parity, and BMI (p>0.05). ICIQ-SF and I-QOL revealed that the patients in the TOS group showed significantly better improvement (76.20% versus 64.10%, p=0.001, 81.31% versus 69.28%, p=0.001, respectively). In addition, subjective cure rates were found higher in TOS group (75% versus 55%, p=0.190).

Conclusions:

The existing data is showed that incontinence symptoms and the quality of life have higher improvement in overweight female patients who underwent the TOS procedure. It is likely that the TOS procedure may provide stronger urethral support and better contributes to continence in this group of patients.

Non-compliance with randomised allocation and missing outcome data in randomised controlled trials evaluating surgical interventions: a systematic review

Background

Randomised controlled trials are widely acknowledged as the gold standard in medical research although their validity can be undermined by non-compliance with the randomly allocated treatment and missing data. Due to the nature of the intervention, surgical trials face particular threat to compliance and data collection. For example, ineligibility for the intervention may only become apparent once the operation has commenced. It is unclear how such cases are reported and handled.

Objective

The objective was to assess non-compliance and missing data in reports of trials of surgical interventions.

Methods

Searches for reports of trials involving at least one surgical procedure and published in 2010 were carried out in the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE^®). Data on missing data, non-compliance and methods of handling missing data were extracted from full texts. Descriptive data analyses were carried out on the data.

Results

Forty-five (55 %) studies reported non-compliance with treatment allocation and 52 (63 %) reported primary outcome missing data. The median levels of non-compliance and missing data were 2 % [IQR (0, 5), range (0–29)] and 6 % [IQR (0, 15), range (0–57)], respectively. Fifty-two (63 %) studies analysed as randomised, 17 (21 %) analysed per protocol and 3 (4 %) analysed as treated. Complete case analysis was the most common method used to deal with missing data, 35/52 (67 %).

Conclusions

The reporting of non-compliance to allocation and the handling of missing data were typically suboptimal. There is still room for improvement on the use of the CONSORT statement particularly in accounting for study participants. Transparency in reporting would facilitate evidence synthesis.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13104-015-1364-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Single incision slings: Past, present, and future

Pubovaginal slings have become the gold standard to treat stress urinary incontinence. Traditionally, the sling referred to a suspensory that was placed under the urethra and brought through the retropubic space and anchored on either side of the midline. Since this original concept, there have been many materials used for the sling, and there have been many different anchoring approaches. Most agree that one of the best materials is polypropylene mesh. However, the means of anchoring the device and where best to have this anchorage placed is debatable. The options for anchoring simply include using darts vs not to hold the sling in place. The location of this anchorage, on the other hand, is much more controversial. The main locations are retropubic, transobturator, and via a single incision. The obturator and retropubic slings have become the standard of care over time. The single incision sling, on the other hand, is starting to be more acceptable which has resulted in it being used more frequently. The single incision relies on mainly anchoring the sling through the obturator internus muscle with possible inclusion of the obturator membrane. The purpose of this review article is to present the data that exists for the use of the single incision sling.

Sling surgery for stress urinary incontinence in women: a systematic review and metaanalysis

OBJECTIVE

Understanding the long-term comparative effectiveness of competing surgical repairs is essential as failures after primary interventions for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) may result in a third of women requiring repeat surgery.

STUDY DESIGN

We conducted a systematic review including English-language randomized controlled trials from 1990 through April 2013 with a minimum 12 months of follow-up comparing a sling procedure for SUI to another sling or Burch urethropexy. When at least 3 randomized controlled trials compared the same surgeries for the same outcome, we performed random effects model metaanalyses to estimate pooled odds ratios (ORs).

RESULTS

For midurethral slings (MUS) vs Burch, metaanalysis of objective cure showed no significant difference (OR, 1.18; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.73-1.89). Therefore, we suggest either intervention; the decision should balance potential adverse events (AEs) and concomitant surgeries. For women considering pubovaginal sling vs Burch, the evidence favored slings for both subjective and objective cure. We recommend pubovaginal sling to maximize cure outcomes. For pubovaginal slings vs MUS, metaanalysis of subjective cure favored MUS (OR, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.18-0.85). Therefore, we recommend MUS. For obturator slings vs retropubic MUS, metaanalyses for both objective (OR, 1.16; 95% CI, 0.93-1.45) and subjective cure (OR, 1.17; 95% CI, 0.91-1.51) favored retropubic slings but were not significant. Metaanalysis of satisfaction outcomes favored obturator slings but was not significant (OR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.52-1.13). AEs were variable between slings; metaanalysis showed overactive bladder symptoms were more common following retropubic slings (OR, 1.413; 95% CI, 1.01-1.98, P = .046). We recommend either retropubic or obturator slings for cure outcomes; the decision should balance AEs. For minislings vs full-length MUS, metaanalyses of objective (OR, 4.16; 95% CI, 2.15-8.05) and subjective (OR, 2.65; 95% CI, 1.36-5.17) cure both significantly favored full-length slings. Therefore, we recommend a full-length MUS.

CONCLUSION

Surgical procedures for SUI differ for success rates and complications, and both should be incorporated into surgical decision-making. Low- to high-quality evidence permitted mostly level-1 recommendations when guidelines were possible.

Single-incision sling operations for urinary incontinence in women

BACKGROUND

Urinary incontinence has been shown to affect up to 50% of women. Studies in the United States have shown that up to 80% of these women have an element of stress urinary incontinence. Colposuspension and now mid-urethral slings have been shown to be effective in treating patients with stress incontinence. However, associated adverse events include bladder and bowel injury, groin pain and haematoma formation. This has led to the development of third-generation single-incision slings, also referred to as mini-slings.It should be noted that TVT-Secur (Gynecare, Bridgewater, NJ, USA) is one type of single-incision sling; it has been withdrawn from the market because of poor results. However, it is one of the most widely studied single-incision slings and was used in several of the trials included in this review. Despite its withdrawal from clinical use, it was decided that data pertaining to this sling should be included in the first iteration of this review, so that level 1a data are available in the literature to confirm its lack of efficacy.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effectiveness of mini-sling procedures in women with urodynamic clinical stress or mixed urinary incontinence in terms of improved continence status, quality of life or adverse events.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Incontinence Group Specialised Trials Register, which contains trials identified from the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE and MEDLINE in process; we handsearched journals and conference proceedings (searched 6 February 2013) and searched ClinicalTrials.gov (searched 20 September 2012), the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) (searched 20 September 2012) and the reference lists of relevant articles.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials in women with urodynamic stress incontinence, symptoms of stress incontinence or stress-predominant mixed urinary incontinence, in which at least one trial arm involves one of the new single-incision slings. The definition of a single-incision sling is "a sling that does not involve either a retropubic or transobturator passage of the tape or trocar and involves only a single vaginal incision (i.e. no exit wounds in the groin or lower abdomen)."

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Three review authors assessed the methodological quality of potentially eligible trials and independently extracted data from the individual trials.

MAIN RESULTS

We identified 31 trials involving 3290 women. Some methodological flaws were observed in some trials; a summary of these is given in the 'Risk of bias in included studies' section.No studies compared single-incision slings versus no treatment, conservative treatment, colposuspension, laparoscopic procedures or traditional sub-urethral slings. Also no data on the comparison of single-incision slings versus retropubic mid-urethral slings (top-down approach) were available, but the review authors believe this did not affect the overall comparison versus retropubic mid-urethral slings.The types of single-incision slings included in this review were TVT-Secur (Gynecare), MiniArc (American Medical Systems, Minnetonka, MN, USA), Ajust (C.R. Bard, Inc.,Covington, GA, USA), Needleless (Mayumana Healthcare, Lisse, The Netherlands), Ophira (Promedon, Cordoba, Argentina), Tissue Fixation System (TFS PTY Ltd, Sydney, Australia) and CureMesh (D.Med. Co., Inc., Seoul, Korea).Women were more likely to remain incontinent after surgery with single-incision slings than with retropubic slings such as tension-free vaginal tape (TVT(TM)) (121/292, 41% vs 72/281, 26%; risk ratio (RR) 2.08, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04 to 4.14). Duration of the operation was slightly shorter for single-incision slings but with higher risk of de novo urgency (RR 2.39, 95% CI 1.25 to 4.56). Four of five studies in the comparison included TVT-Secur as the single-incision sling.Single-incision slings resulted in higher incontinence rates compared with inside-out transobturator slings (30% vs 11%; RR 2.55, 95% CI 1.93 to 3.36). The adverse event profile was significantly worse, specifically consisting of higher risks of vaginal mesh exposure (RR 3.75, 95% CI 1.42 to 9.86), bladder/urethral erosion (RR 17.79, 95% CI 1.06 to 298.88) and operative blood loss (mean difference 18.79, 95% CI 3.70 to 33.88). Postoperative pain was less common with single-incision slings (RR 0.29, 95% CI 0.20 to 0.43), and rates of long-term pain or discomfort were marginally lower, but the clinical significance of these differences is questionable. Most of these findings were derived from the trials involving TVT-Secur: Excluding the other trials showed that high risk of incontinence was principally associated with use of this device (RR 2.65, 95% CI 1.98 to 3.54). It has been withdrawn from clinical use.Evidence was insufficient to reveal a difference in incontinence rates with other single-incision slings compared with inside-out or outside-in transobturator slings. Duration of the operation was marginally shorter for single-incision slings compared with transobturator slings, but only by approximately two minutes and with significant heterogeneity in the comparison. Risks of postoperative and long-term groin/thigh pain were slightly lower with single-incision slings, but overall evidence was insufficient to suggest a significant difference in the adverse event profile for single-incision slings compared with transobturator slings. Evidence was also insufficient to permit a meaningful sensitivity analysis of the other single-incision slings compared with transobturator slings, as all confidence intervals were wide. The only significant differences were observed in rates of postoperative and long-term pain, and in duration of the operation, which marginally favoured single-incision slings.Overall results show that TVT-Secur is considerably inferior to retropubic and inside-out transobturator slings, but additional evidence is required to allow any reasonable comparison of other single-incision slings versus transobturator slings.When one single-incision sling was compared with another, evidence was insufficient to suggest a significant difference between any of the slings in any of the comparisons made.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

TVT-Secur is inferior to standard mid-urethral slings for the treatment of women with stress incontinence and has already been withdrawn from clinical use. Not enough evidence has been found on other single-incision slings compared with retropubic or transobturator slings to allow reliable comparisons. Additional adequately powered and high-quality trials with longer-term follow-up are required. Trials should clearly describe the fixation mechanism of these single-incisions slings: It is apparent that, although clubbed together as a single group, a significant difference in fixation mechanisms may influence outcomes.

Short-term outcomes of Altis single-incision sling procedure for stress urinary incontinence: a prospective single-center study

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Data on Altis® (Coloplast), a new adjustable single-incision sling (SIS) procedure for the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence (SUI), are scarce. Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy and complication rates of this procedure.

METHODS

In this prospective observational study, a total of 52 women with SUI were implanted with an Altis sling in an ambulatory setting. Before and after intervention (3, 6, and 12 months), women completed the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form (ICIQ-SF). In addition, patients underwent a cough stress test at each evaluation and a post-voiding residual urine volume estimation at 3 months. The main outcomes measured were subjective cure (ICIQ-SF = 0), subjective improvement (ICIQ-SF >0 and < preoperative ICIQ-SF), and objective cure (negative cough stress test and no pad usage) rates. De novo overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms, changes in voiding habits and adverse events were also analyzed.

RESULTS

The subjective cure rate at 12 months was 84.0%, with an additional improvement rate of 8.0%. The objective cure rate was 90.2%. Later postoperative complications included 1 case of vaginal extrusion (requiring surgical removal of the eroded mesh segment), 3 cases of vaginal exposure of the adjustment thread (managed conservatively), de novo urgency in 3 patients, and mild dyspareunia in 2 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The Altis sling is a safe and effective SIS procedure for the treatment of SUI with a short-term follow-up.

New surgical approaches for urinary incontinence in women

Urinary incontinence (UI) is highly prevalent and common complaint. A large proportion of women with UI can be correctly diagnosed by their symptoms alone. First line of treatment should follow conservative route in a form of pelvic floor muscle training for stress UI and bladder training for the urgency UI. If conservative management is ineffective, medical and surgical treatment is the next considered. For the treatment of over-active bladder and urgency UI, intra-vesical injections of botulinum toxin A, utilising a flexible or rigid cystoscope has become an established treatment. An alternative to the use of onaBoNTA is sacral nerve stimulation (SNS). Vaginal tapes/slings procedures have become treatment of choice for stress UI. Different approaches of introduction of vaginal tape can be used, including retropubic 'bottom-up' (TVT), and transobturator 'inside-out' (TVT-O), or 'outside-in' (TOT). TVT and TVT-O/TOT seem comparable although there are differences in complications (bladder injury with TVT vs. leg pain with TVT-O/TOT). Recently single incision approaches have been introduced whereby the vaginal tape is inserted via a single vaginal incision. Based on current evidence, single incision slings are not recommended. Individual clinicians should decide which to use based on expertise and experience, nevertheless, bladder injuries are probably less of an issue than leg pain.

A cohort study comparing a single-incision sling with a retropubic midurethral sling

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Despite established comparable efficacy between retropubic midurethral (RMUS) and transobturator slings, there are conflicting data regarding single-incision mini-slings (SIMS). This study tests the null hypothesis that the MiniArc® Single-Incision Sling is equivalent to the ALIGN® Urethral Support System for treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

METHODS

Women who underwent a sling for SUI from 1 January 2008 through 31 December 2009 were identified (N = 324). A follow-up survey was mailed. Primary outcomes were treatment failure, defined as International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire (ICIQ) score >0 or additional anti-incontinence procedure, and stress-specific incontinence (SSI). Secondary outcomes included Patient Global Impression of Severity and Improvement (PGI-SI), satisfaction, de novo urge, and complications.

RESULTS

The study included 202 women who returned the survey. The SIMS group had higher body mass index (BMI) (30.7 ± 6.5 vs 28.9 ± 6.0 kg/m(2), P = 0.052) and shorter follow-up (18.6 ± 11.5 vs 22.9 ± 14.6 months, P = 0.019). Treatment failure was higher in SIMS compared with RMUS (76.3 % vs 64.2 %) with adjusted odds ratio of 1.84 (95 % CI, 1.0, 3.5). The SIMS group was more likely to have postoperative SSI, with adjusted OR of 2.4 (95 % CI; 1.3-4.5). The RMUS group reported more improvement and satisfaction. Incidence of de novo urge and complications were similar between groups. Reoperation for mesh erosion was more likely in the RMUS group, while the SIMS had a higher reoperation rate for SUI.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with retropubic ALIGN® Slings, MiniArc® Single-Incision Slings are less effective, with more postoperative incontinence, less patient-reported improvement, satisfaction, and higher reoperation rates for SUI.

Single incision mid-urethral slings: impact of obesity on outcomes

OBJECTIVES

To assess the potential impact of obesity on the success rate of single incision slings (SIS).

STUDY DESIGN

This was a retrospective cohort study of women who underwent the SIS procedure for primary stress urinary incontinence. Women were divided into three different groups by body mass index (BMI) according to the WHO classification. The International Consultation on Incontinence-short form (ICIQ-SF), Women Irritative Prostate Symptoms Score (W-IPSS), Patient Global Impression of Severity (PGI-S) and Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I) questionnaires were used. Objective and subjective outcomes were the primary outcome measures of the study. SPSS software was used for data analysis.

RESULTS

206 patients who underwent the SIS procedure were reviewed. At 1 year follow-up there were 196 women available for the analysis: 69 were normal weight subjects, 91 overweight and 36 obese. Patients in all BMI groups reported a significant improvement in their condition. Nevertheless there was a trend towards lesser objective efficacy of SIS with increasing body weight, with a significant difference between obese women and normal subjects: 75% vs 91.3%, p=0.049; OR 3.74 (95% CI 1.19-11.76). Analysis of the ICIQ-SF and PGI-I showed significant lower mean ± SD improvement in obese women when compared with their normal or overweight counterparts, together with a significantly lower number of obese patients reporting themselves as very much improved or much improved.

CONCLUSIONS

Single incision slings seem to be an effective treatment regardless of BMI, but obese women had nearly 4 times the odds of objective failure as compared to normal weight women.

Three-year results from a randomised trial of a retropubic mid-urethral sling versus the Miniarc single incision sling for stress urinary incontinence

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

There are limited long-term efficacy data on single-incision slings. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the success rate of a single-incision sling versus a retropubic mid-urethral sling for cure of SUI at 3 years' follow-up, in order to assess whether there is a deterioration in efficacy over time. The secondary aims were to assess re-operation rates for each procedure and to evaluate any differences in disease-specific quality of life.

METHODS

This study was a 3-year questionnaire-based follow-up of a randomised controlled trial of the Miniarc single-incision sling versus the Advantage retropubic mid-urethral sling. Patients were considered failures if they documented stress incontinence on the symptom domain of the King's Health questionnaire (KHQ) or had undergone repeat surgery for stress incontinence.

RESULTS

Follow-up was available from 35 out of 38 women in the single-incision sling group (92.1 %) and from 26 out of 33 in the retropubic mid-urethral sling group (79.0 %). The overall 3-year failure rate was 20 out of 38 (52.6 %) in the single-incision sling group and 3 out of 33 (9.0 %) in the retropubic mid-urethral sling group (odds ratio 10.0, 95 % confidence interval 2.6-38.4). In the single-incision sling group, the failure rate increased from 40.5 % at 6 months to 52.6 % at 3 years with corresponding figures of 3 to 9 % in the retropubic mid-urethral sling group.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, there was a significantly higher 3-year failure rate for the single-incision sling versus the retropubic mid-urethral sling. Both procedures had reduced efficacy over time.

A multicentre prospective randomised study of single-incision mini-sling (Ajust®) versus tension-free vaginal tape-obturator (TVT-O™) in the management of female stress urinary incontinence: pain profile and short-term outcomes

OBJECTIVES

To compare the postoperative pain profile, peri-operative details, and short-term patient-reported and objective success rates of single-incision mini-slings (SIMS) versus standard mid-urethral slings (SMUS).

STUDY DESIGN

In a multicentre prospective randomised trial in six UK centres in the period between October 2009 and October 2010, 137 women were randomised to either adjustable SIMS (Ajust®, C. R. Bard Inc., NJ, USA), performed under local anaesthesia as an opt-out policy (n=69), or SMUS (TVT-O™, Ethicon Inc., Somerville, USA) performed under general anaesthesia (n=68). Randomisation was done through number-allocation software and using telephone randomisation. Postoperative pain profile (primary outcome) was assessed on a ten-point visual analogue scale at fixed time-points. Pre- and post operatively (4-6 months) women completed symptom severity, urgency perception scale (UPS), quality of life and sexual function questionnaires. In addition, women completed a Patient Global Impression of Improvement Questionnaire and underwent a cough stress test at 4-6 months follow up. Sample size calculation was performed and data were analysed using SPSS 18. Descriptive analyses are given and between-group comparisons were performed using chi-square, Fischer exact test and Mann-Whitney test as appropriate. Significance level was set at 5%.

RESULTS

Women in the SIMS Ajust® group had a significantly lower postoperative pain profile up to 4 weeks (p=<0.001, 95% CI 1.151, 2.480). There was no significant difference in peri-operative complications between groups. All 137 women completed the 4-6 months follow-up. Patient-reported and objective cure rates were not significantly different: 85.5% versus 91.2% (p=0.443) and 90% versus 97% (p=0.165) between the SIMS Ajust® and TVT-O™ groups respectively. There was a trend towards higher rates of de novo urgency or worsening of pre-existing urgency in the SIMS Ajust® group (21.7% versus 8.8%) but this did not reach statistical significance (p=0.063). Women in the SIMS Ajust® group had shorter hospital stay (median (IQR) 3.65 (2.49, 4.96)) compared to (4.42 (3.16, 5.56)) the TVT-O™ group 95% CI (-0.026, 1.326), with significantly earlier return to normal activities (p=0.025) and to work (p=0.006).

CONCLUSION

The adjustable single-incision mini-sling (Ajust®) is associated with a significantly improved postoperative pain profile and earlier return to work when compared to standard mid-urethral slings (TVT-O™), with encouraging results in patient-reported and objective success rates at short-term follow-up.

A prospective randomized controlled trial of the transobturator tape and tissue fixation mini-sling in patients with stress urinary incontinence: 5-year results

PURPOSE

We present the 5-year results of a randomized controlled trial comparing the efficacy of a transobturator tape operation with an adjustable mini-sling (tissue fixation system) for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This prospective randomized controlled trial comprised 80 female patients with only urodynamically proven stress urinary incontinence. The participants were randomly allocated to the transobturator tape group or the tissue fixation system group according to a computer program at a maternity research hospital. The patients were reassessed 5 years after surgery. Primary outcome measures were objective and subjective cure rates as well as total failure rate.

RESULTS

Total followup was 64 months (range 58 to 70). The objective cure, subjective cure and failure rates in the tissue fixation system group were 83% (30 cases), 6% (2) and 11% (4), respectively. The objective cure, subjective cure and failure rates in the transobturator tape group were 75% (27 cases), 3% (1) and 22% (8), respectively. The difference in objective cure rates was statistically significant in favor of the tissue fixation system (p = 0.029). The difference in decreased cure rates between 5 and 3 years was 7% (90% to 83%) for the tissue fixation system vs 9% (84% to 75%) for the transobturator tape. The relative decrease in cure rates between the 2 groups was not statistically significant (p = 0.16).

CONCLUSIONS

Contrary to reports in the literature of poor results with mini-slings, the tissue fixation system mini-sling demonstrated a higher cure rate and lower complication rate than the transobturator tape.

A randomized controlled trial comparing three vaginal kits of single-incision mini-slings for stress urinary incontinence: surgical data

OBJECTIVE

Single-incision mini-slings (SIMS) are new minimally invasive devices used for female stress urinary incontinence (SUI). To date, several SIMS are available, but few and uncontrolled comparative data have assessed their safety and feasibility. The aim of the present clinical study was to compare three different SIMS in an ambulatory setting.

STUDY DESIGN

One hundred and twenty patients with SUI were randomized to receive three SIMS: Ajust, MiniArc, and TVT Secur System. Surgical data were compared.

RESULTS

Significantly (P<0.05) lower surgical difficulty and higher patient satisfaction were detected in the MiniArc group when compared to the Ajust and TVT Secur System groups. A significantly (P<0.05) higher feasibility under local anesthesia and in ambulatory setting was also detected for the MiniArc group. The overall complication rate was significantly (P<0.05) lower in the MiniArc group than in the TVT Secur System group.

CONCLUSIONS

MiniArc is simpler to insert under local anesthesia and in an ambulatory setting. It is safer than the TVT Secur System, and is related to higher patient satisfaction.

Miniarc single-incision sling for treatment of stress urinary incontinence: 2-year clinical outcomes

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

We report 2-year data on the effectiveness and safety of the MiniArc single-incision sling in women with stress urinary incontinence.

METHODS

This multi-center, prospective, single-arm, industry-sponsored study measured the effectiveness of the MiniArc sling via quantitative (cough stress test and 1-h pad weight test) and qualitative (Urogenital Distress Inventory-Short Form and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-Short Form) measurements. The objective efficacy rate was defined as the number of patients with a negative cough stress test or 1-h pad weight test ≤ 1 g at 2 years. The subjective efficacy rate was determined by patient responses to the UDI-6 question # 3, "Do you experience, and if so, how much are you bothered by urine leakage related to physical activity, coughing, or sneezing?" Secondary objectives were to evaluate procedural variables of implantation and long-term safety.

RESULTS

One hundred and eighty women with a mean age of 51.1 years were implanted in the study. Mean procedure time, blood loss, and length of stay were 11.0 min, 41.7 mL and 9.5 h respectively. At 2 years, 142 patients were available for analysis. The objective efficacy rates for the cough stress test (CST) and pad weight test (PWT) were 84.5 % and 80.1 % respectively and the subjective efficacy rate was 92.9 %. Median Urogenital Distress Inventory-Short Form and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-Short Form scores showed statistically significant improvement (p < .001). The most common adverse events included UTI (4.8 %), constipation (3.7 %), and temporary urinary retention (3.2 %).

CONCLUSION

MiniArc is a safe and effective surgical procedure for the treatment of SUI in women with follow-up through 2 years.

Prospective multi-centre study of adjustable single-incision mini-sling (Ajust(®) ) in the management of stress urinary incontinence in women: 1-year follow-up study

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether an adjustable single-incision mini-sling (SIMS, Ajust(®) ) is safe and effective in the management of female stress urinary incontinence (SUI) at 12 months follow-up. To determine whether it is feasible to be performed under local anesthesia (LA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The present study is a multicentre prospective cohort study in which 90 female patients underwent SIMS-Ajust(®) using a standardized insertion technique. The last 45 women were offered the procedure under LA. All patients completed their 12-month follow-up.

RESULTS

The patient-reported success rate, using Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I), was 80% at 12 months follow-up and a further 6% (n= 5) reported themselves to be 'improved'. In all, 32/45 (71%) patients agreed to undergo the procedure under LA while one patient required conversion to general anaesthetic. There was no organ damage or requirement for blood transfusion. Significantly lower rates of blood loss (P= 0.025) and postoperative voiding difficulties (P= 0.026) were seen in the LA group. The re-operation rate for SUI was 6% at 12 months.

CONCLUSIONS

SIMS (Ajust) appears to be a safe procedure, which is feasible under LA. SIMS (Ajust) have an 80% patient-reported success rate at 12 months follow-up.

Single-incision mini-slings versus standard midurethral slings in surgical management of female stress urinary incontinence: a meta-analysis of effectiveness and complications

CONTEXT

Single-incision mini-slings (SIMS) have been introduced for the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence (SUI); however, concerns have been raised regarding their efficacy. No systematic reviews or meta-analyses have previously assessed these relatively new procedures.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the current evidence of effectiveness and safety of SIMS compared with standard midurethral slings (SMUS) (retropubic and transobturator tension-free vaginal tapes) in the management of female SUI.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

We conducted a literature search from 1996 to January 2011. Meta-analysis of all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing SIMS versus SMUS was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. Data were analysed using Rev-Man 5. Primary outcomes were patient-reported and objective cure rates. Secondary outcomes included perioperative complications, quality of life (QoL) changes, and costs to health services.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

A total of 758 women in nine RCTs with a mean follow-up of 9.5 mo were included. The mean age (52.3 vs 52.1 yr), body mass index (27.4 vs 27.7), and parity (2.4 and 2.4) were comparable for both groups. SIMS were associated with significantly lower patient-reported and objective cure rates at 6-12 mo compared with SMUS (risk ratio [RR]: 0.83; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.70-0.99, and RR: 0.85; 95% CI, 0.74-0.97, respectively). SIMS were associated with significantly shorter operative time (weighed mean difference [WMD]: 8.67 min; 95% CI, 17.32 to -0.02), lower day 1 pain scores (WMD: 1.74; 95% CI, -2.58 to -0.09), and less postoperative groin pain (RR: 0.18; 95% CI, 0.04-0.72). Repeat continence surgery (RR: 6.72; 95% CI, 2.39-18.89) and de novo urgency incontinence (RR: 2.08; 95% CI, 1.01-4.28) were significantly higher in the SIMS group. There was no significant difference in the QoL scores between the groups (WMD: 33.46; 95% CI, -20.62 to 87.55). No studies compared cost to health services.

CONCLUSIONS

SIMS are associated with inferior patient-reported and objective cure rates on the short-term follow-up, as well as higher reoperation rates for SUI when compared with SMUS.

Exploratory study assessing efficacy and complications of TVT-O, TVT-Secur, and Mini-Arc: results at 12-month follow-up

BACKGROUND

Contemporary surgical treatment of female stress urinary incontinence (SUI) includes retropubic and transobturator (TO) midurethral slings (MUS). Case series of single-incision slings (SIS) have shown similar outcomes with lower morbidity.

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to assess the cure rates, complications, and quality-of-life impact of one standard TO MUS and two SIS.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Ninety consecutive patients with clinically and urodynamically proven SUI were enrolled in an exploratory randomised phase 2 trial. Patients with previous SUI surgery, major pelvic organ prolapse, mixed incontinence, or detrusor overactivity were excluded.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients were treated randomly with TVT-O, TVT-Secur, or Mini-Arc.

MEASUREMENTS

Postoperative visits were scheduled at 6 and 12 mo. The King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ) was repeated at 6 mo. Cure was defined as the absence of urine leakage, no pad use, and a negative cough test at 12 mo. Pain and other complications were also investigated.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

Cure rate was 83% after TVT-O, 67% after TVT-Secur, and 87% after Mini-Arc. Improvement was found in 10%, 13%, and 7% of the patients, respectively. Failures were 7% after TVT-O and Mini-Arc and 20% after TVT-Secur. TVT-O and Mini-Arc improved at least 15 points in >80% of the patients in six KHQ domains, whereas TVT-Secur could only achieve improvement in three of the nine domains. The pain score was lower in the Mini-Arc group. Complications were more numerous after TVT-O. This study has the limitations inherent in a phase 2 trial with a follow-up limited to 12 mo.

CONCLUSIONS

Mini-Arc offers cure and improvement rates similar to TVT-O, whereas TVT-Secur may yield an inferior outcome. These findings recommend the urgent launch of large randomised phase 3 studies comparing conventional MUS with SIS, with Mini-Arc the advised option.