[Suburethral sling urethropexy: a vaginal approach].

Considering the poor long term results with the bladder neck suspensions, the poor results with the retropubic approach in obese or intrinsic sphincter deficiency and the complexity of the classical retropubic sling procedure, a simple vaginal sling urethropexy approach was developed. The vaginal mucosa is opened at 12 o'clock under the urethra. Dissection of the endopelvic fascia is undertaken. Polypropylene sutures are placed at the 4 corners of a free 2 x 4 cm rectus abdominis muscle flap which is suspended under the bladder neck transvaginally. Polypropylene sutures are tied at the rectus muscle through a 3 cm suprapubic incision. 25 patients were operated by one single surgeon. 7 had previous uretropexies. Previous hysterectomies: 8. Average age: 57. Average weight: 67.6. Severe stress incontinence was demonstrated in 23 patients. 9 patients had mixed incontinence. Average protective pads per day pre-op: 4.1. OR time: 93.8 min. Blood loss was minimal. 10 patients had transient post op retention (24 days average). 1 bladder perforation. 2 incisional hernias. 6 suprapubic wound infections. Average hospital stay: 5.95 days. The average follow up was 22 months. All patients were either cured (76%) or improved. 73% were satisfied (questionnaire). Despite a longer OR time, and the incidence of transient post op retention, this vaginal sling urethropexy approach is a simple and efficient procedure. It can be useful in previously operated or obese patients. It is easier to perform than the more conventional retropubic or combined (retropubic and vaginal) sling urethropexy.