Results of pubovaginal sling for the treatment of intrinsic sphincteric deficiency determined by questionnaire analysis.

Abstract

We evaluated by questionnaire analysis the success rate and overall patient satisfaction after pubovaginal sling surgery. A total of 40 women (mean age 65.7 years, range 45 to 79) underwent pubovaginal sling surgery for stress urinary incontinence due to intrinsic sphincteric deficiency. Patients completed a detailed questionnaire to assess voiding symptoms, urinary control and satisfaction. Of 40 patients 37 (92.5%) returned the questionnaire, with a mean postoperative followup of 48.2 months (range 24 to 60). Patients with preoperative stress urinary incontinence alone were more likely to be dry than were patients with preoperative mixed incontinence (67% versus 36%, p < 0.001). Ten patients (27%) reported stress urinary incontinence recurrence. Of the patients 23 (62.2%) reported urgency symptoms at followup, with de novo urgency occurring in 4 patients. Permanent retention was noted in 3 patients, including 2 with sacral arc denervation. Overall patients reported 86% postoperative improvement in urinary continence, and 81% would recommend the operation. At mean 4-year followup after pubovaginal sling surgery, this outcome study using a self administered questionnaire confirms high patient satisfaction despite significant postoperative urgency symptoms.