A 2-year observational study to determine the efficacy of a novel single incision sling procedure (Minitape) for female stress urinary incontinence.

Abstract

Assessment of the 2 year outcome of the Minitape procedure. A prospective observational study of women undergoing the Minitape procedure for urodynamic stress incontinence. Setting Two tertiary referral urogynaecology units in the north of England. Sixty women between November 2002 and March 2006. Women attended a research clinic where they completed a standardised 1 hour pad test and were examined. Women were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively at 6 months, 1 year and 2 years. Success was determined by a negative 1 hour pad test (gain of <1 g) and no desire for further treatment for stress urinary incontinence. All procedures were completed with local anaesthesia, with no additional sedation in 82% of cases. Intra-operative and immediate postoperative complications were rare. Twelve women (20%) experienced mesh complications, half of which were considered to be serious adverse events requiring exit from the study. At 2 years following Minitape insertion, six women (10%) were defined as cured. Although feasible to perform, this procedure is associated with a substantially lower cure rate than that published previously for other procedures. Cure rates decline over the 2 year follow-up period, especially during the first 6 months.