Fascia lata suburethral sling vs. Burch retropubic urethropexy. A comparison of morbidity.

OBJECTIVE

To compare morbidity from the fascia lata sling to that from the Burch procedure.

STUDY DESIGN

The charts of 64 consecutive patients undergoing the two procedures were reviewed for perioperative, immediate postoperative and delayed postoperative complications.

RESULTS

Mean age was significantly older and prior surgery more common in the sling group, but parity and weight were comparable for the two groups. Operative time, estimated blood loss, change in hematocrit, incidence of transfusion, use of narcotics and hospital stay were not statistically different. Duration of catheter use was 2.2 days longer in the sling group (8.96 vs. 6.75 days, P = .387). Comparison of the sling vs. Burch, respectively, showed persistent urge incontinence in 42.8% and 40.0%, new urge incontinence in 22.2% and 16.6%, and cystotomy in 11% and 0%.

CONCLUSION

The fascia lata sling procedure has morbidity comparable to that of Burch retropubic urethropexy. Urge incontinence needs to be specifically addressed preoperatively in both groups of patients.