The laparoscopic Burch procedure. A preliminary report.

Laparoscopic retropubic colposuspension (Burch procedure) is now being performed in our department as the treatment for genuine stress urinary incontinence. This study presents the first eight cases. Our experience with the laparoscopic approach seems promising. The operative technique has been developed, and the method provides better visualization of the space of Retzius, the patients experienced minimal blood loss and a shorter hospital stay than with the laparotomy approach. Although short follow-up, all the patients except one were continent after three months. This preliminary report demonstrates that laparoscopic Burch procedure may be a valuable addition to the new procedures in 'minimal invasive surgery'.