Transvaginal subfascial synthetic mesh sling in female stress urinary incontinence: A Novel technique

The object of this paper is to assess the treatment outcome and overall efficacy of a novel technique of transvaginal subfascial synthetic mesh for female stress urinary incontinence. The study included 53 patients of female stress urinary incontinence managed at our institution between March 2005 and December 2015. Preoperative evaluation included a detailed history, base-line investigations and cystoscopic examination including stress test, uroflometry with residual urine was done in all cases. Lower urinary tract imaging and urodynamic evaluation was done in selected cases . patients with concomitant pelvic organ prolapse and severe BMI were excluded from the study. All patients underwent a transvaginal subfascial sling procedure under regional anesthesia. Urethral catheter was removed the day after procedure. Post procedure results were assessed in terms of improvement in stress urinary incontinence, procedure related complications, and overall satisfaction of the patient. Mean age of the patients was 43.5 years (25-63 years). All patients were multiparous. Complete resolution of symptoms in 49 patients (92.4%) while in 4 patients (7.5%) had some degree of SUI. Urinary retention in 3 (5.6%), increased frequency in 5 (9.4%) patients and urge incontinence in 2 (3.7%) One (1.8%) had mesh erosion at 3 months after the procedure. None of the patient had any sexual dysfunction on follow up. Overall success rate of the procedure was around 93%.However patients with preoperatively urge incontinence needs anticholinergics in post operative period for 1-2 months. Operative time was 30-45 minutes. Three patients (5.6%) who experience transient postoperative retention had no symptoms of SUI on follow up. Transvaginal subfascial sling is a modification of the original mid urethral sling procedure with an advantage of being less invasive, simpler to learn and achieve similar results compared to other sling procedures.