Retropubic versus transobturator slings--are the outcomes changing with time?

The purpose of this review is to review the most current patient reported (subjective) and physician reported (objective) outcomes and adverse events associated with retropubic (RMUS) and transobturator (TMUS) mid-urethral slings. Since the two landmark meta-analyses published in 2010, four new RCT have been published and five have reported long-term outcomes comparing RMUS versus TMUS. Both RMUS and TMUS are safe and have efficacious longer-term outcomes. There is no difference between these slings' subjective outcomes. There is still debate regarding whether RMUS is slightly superior when assessing objective outcomes. Although three trials showed no difference in objective outcomes, results from the largest trial show that RMUS is superior. Further analysis suggests that women with poor urethral function have less favorable outcomes with TMUS and may do better with RMUS. Adverse events are common, and they differ depending on the surgical approach. These new trials confirm previous reported adverse events.