Comparative analysis of the efficacy and complications of mid-urethral slings when inserted either in isolation or in conjunction with pelvic organ prolapse surgery.

Abstract

Introduction: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a highly prevalent condition that affects between 20 and 50% of the female population. Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) can coexist with SUI and both can be addressed through a vaginal approach. However, it is unclear whether simultaneous surgery for these two conditions can influence the outcome of incontinence treatment.

Objective: To evaluate the objective and subjective effectiveness of the transobturator suburethral (TO) band by comparing two groups: group A, of patients undergoing surgery for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) by insertion of TO mesh, and group B, formed for patients requiring simultaneous correction of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) in addition to TO mesh insertion.

Materials and methods: This is an observational, descriptive and retrospective study in which 91 patients participated: 33 (group A) underwent surgery for SUI and 58 (group B) underwent corrective surgery for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and TO band simultaneously. Variables included: total urinary continence, objective urinary continence, subjective urinary continence (satisfaction levels and two validated questionnaires (PGI-1 and ICIQ-SF)) and complications.

Results: Regarding total continence, from the seventh to the ninth year, statistically significant differences were observed, with total continence being higher in group A. Objective continence decreased in both groups during the follow-up period. No significant differences were found between the two groups regarding subjective urinary continence (ICIQ-SF) and the degree of improvement after surgical treatment (PGI-1). The level of satisfaction after surgery was high in both groups. Regarding complications, there were no statistically significant differences.

Conclusions: Isolated surgery for SUI could be considered more effective in achieving total and objective continence. However, the insertion of the TO band in both cases improves subjective urinary continence and quality of life with great safety and without differences regarding complications.