Laparoscopic bladderneck suspension.

Nine consecutive patients with genuine stress urinary incontinence and without any other concomitant pathology, underwent laparoscopy for surgical correction of their condition. Besides the method of access to the space of Retzius, the procedure was identical to the one original described by Kranz. In 2 of the 4 first patients, a laparotomy had to be performed to complete the surgery. The 7 other patients could leave the hospital within 24 hours of the surgery and 6 of them without catheter. At follow up, one of the 7 patients complained of mild urgency symptoms which had not been present prior to surgery. Laparoscopic bladderneck suspension is feasible. This procedure offers the general advantages of the endosurgical approach and possibly entails additional improvements. However, there is a definite learning curve for the surgeon prior to mastering this technique.