Laparoscopic colposuspension versus vaginal suburethral slingplasty: a randomised prospective trial. Comparative results of two techniques to treat stress urinary incontinence: synthetic transobturator and aponeurotic slings. Functional results after the suburethral sling procedure for urinary stress incontinence: a prospective randomized multicentre study comparing the retropubic and transobturator routes. A prospective randomized study comparing modified Burch retropubic urethropexy and suburethral sling for treatment of genuine stress incontinence with low-pressure urethra. Endoscopic retropubic colposuspension: "Retziusscopy" versus laparoscopy--a reasonable enlargement of the operative spectrum in the management of recurrent stress incontinence? Randomized comparison of the suprapubic arc sling procedure vs tension-free vaginal taping for stress incontinent women. Autologous fascial sling vs polypropylene tape at short-term followup: a prospective randomized study. Comparison of pubovaginal sling and burch colposuspension procedures in type I/II genuine stress incontinence. Comparison of the efficacy of Burch colposuspension, pubovaginal sling, and tension-free vaginal tape for stress urinary incontinence. Comparison of Burch and lyodura sling procedures for repair of unsuccessful incontinence surgery. Suburethral slingplasty evaluation study in North Queensland, Australia: the SUSPEND trial. Efficacy, safety and hospital costs of tension-free vaginal tape and pubovaginal sling in the surgical treatment of stress incontinence. Laparoscopic Burch colposuspension: a randomized controlled trial comparing two transperitoneal surgical techniques. Prospective randomized comparison of transobturator suburethral sling (Monarc) vs suprapubic arc (Sparc) sling procedures for female urodynamic stress incontinence. Randomized prospective comparison of needle colposuspension versus endopelvic fascia plication for potential stress incontinence prophylaxis in women undergoing vaginal reconstruction for stage III or IV pelvic organ prolapse. The Continence Program for Women Research Group. Laparoscopic Burch colposuspension versus tension-free vaginal tape: a randomized trial. A three-armed randomized trial comparing open Burch colposuspension using sutures with laparoscopic colposuspension using sutures and laparoscopic colposuspension using mesh and staples in women with stress urinary incontinence. Tension-free vaginal tape and laparoscopic mesh colposuspension for stress urinary incontinence. Randomized clinical trial comparing suprapubic arch sling (SPARC) and tension-free vaginal tape (TVT): one-year results. Prospective randomised controlled trial comparing laparoscopic and open colposuspension. Cost-analyzes based on a prospective, randomized study comparing laparoscopic colposuspension with a tension-free vaginal tape procedure. Prospective multicentre randomised trial of tension-free vaginal tape and colposuspension as primary treatment for stress incontinence. Prospective comparison of laparoscopic and traditional colposuspensions in the treatment of genuine stress incontinence. Comparison of J-pouch and coloplasty pouch for low rectal cancers: a randomized, controlled trial investigating functional results and comparative anastomotic leak rates. A randomised trial comparing open Burch colposuspension using sutures with laparoscopic colposuspension using mesh and staples in women with stress urinary incontinence. One-year follow-up of tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) and trans-obturator suburethral tape from inside to outside (TVT-O) for surgical treatment of female stress urinary incontinence: a prospective randomised trial. Comparison of tension-free vaginal taping versus modified Burch colposuspension on urethral obstruction: a randomized controlled trial. A midurethral sling to reduce incontinence after vaginal prolapse repair. Comparative study of autologous pubovaginal sling and synthetic transobturator (TOT) SAFYRE sling in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence. Tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) and intravaginal slingplasty (IVS) for stress urinary incontinence: a multicenter randomized trial. Tension-free vaginal tape and autologous rectus fascia pubovaginal sling for the treatment of urinary stress incontinence: a medium-term follow-up. Cadaveric fascia lata versus intravaginal slingplasty for the pubovaginal sling: surgical outcome, overall success and patient satisfaction rates. Burch colposuspension versus stamey endoscopic bladder neck suspension: a urodynamic appraisal. Laparoscopic versus open Burch colposuspension: a randomised controlled trial. Randomized trial of low-pressure carbon dioxide-elicited pneumoperitoneum versus abdominal wall lifting for laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
This study aimed to determine if laparoscopic colposuspension (LC) was as effective as vaginal suburethral slingplasty (SPARC).
                Ninety-seven women with urodynamic stress incontinence were prospectively randomised to LC (n=48) or SPARC (n=49). Outcome measures were measured at, baseline, six months (n=87) and two years (n=58), and comprised leakage episodes per week and visual analogue scale (VAS) of incontinence severity. The LC and SPARC groups at baseline had similar leaks per week (8.8 vs 9.8) and VAS (5.6 vs 5.9).
                Laparoscopic colposuspension took longer to perform (48 vs 30 mins, P<0.001), had a slightly higher blood loss (104 vs 82 mL, P<0.01), had a longer hospitalisation (4.0 vs 1.5 days, P<0.001) and had a longer time to resumption of normal activities (3.6 vs 2.8 week, P<0.01). At six months there were no significant differences between LC and SPARC with regard to leaks per week (1.1 vs 2.6) and VAS (1.3 vs 0.7). The success rates were similar (88.3 vs 81.8%). These results again had no significant differences at two years (leaks per week 2.1 vs 3.5, and VAS 1.7 vs 2.2). At two years, the cure/improved rates again found no significant difference (81.5 vs 77.4%)
                Laparoscopic colposuspension is as effective as vaginal suburethral slingplasty after two years' follow-up. This study aims to analyze comparatively the efficacy and safety of synthetic transobturatory and aponeurotic retropubic slings, in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in women.
                Patients were separated in a randomized way. Twenty-one patients were submitted to the operatory correction by the transobturatory sling technique, whereas 20 patients were operated by the retropubic sling technique. All patients were submitted to complete physical exam and urodynamic test. The "T" test and the Mann-Whitney U test were applied to establish comparisons between the two groups. Patients were followed-up for 12 months.
                Healing rate was 90.5% (19/21) and 95% (19/20), respectively after 12 months. The transobturatory group presented lesser complications rate than the retropubic group.
                The transobturatory and the aponeurotic slings techniques were equally effective for the treatment of SUI. The transobturatory sling has shown fewer complications and lesser surgical time than the aponeurotic sling technique. To compare short-term functional outcomes, urodynamic parameters, and quality of life of transobturator and retropubic routes in the cure of urinary stress incontinence.
                This prospective, multicentre study involved 88 women undergoing suburethral sling procedure for stress urinary incontinence (SUI). The retropubic route (RPR) and the transobturator route (TOR) were used in 42 and 46 women, respectively. No difference in epidemiologic and preoperative urinary functional status (SUI stage, and pollakiuria, nocturia, and urgency rates) was found between the groups. Functional results and quality of life were evaluated before surgery and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 mo postoperatively. Urodynamic examinations were performed before and 3 mo after surgery.
                The mean follow-up was 10 mo. No difference in the rate of de novo urge incontinence and immediate and late voiding dysfunction was noted between the groups. No difference in the cure rate was observed between the groups (89.3% in the RPR group and 88.6% in the TOR group). RPR was associated with a significant decrease in maximum urinary flow and an increase in residual urine volume. Quality of life was significantly improved after surgery without difference between the groups.
                Retropubic and transobturator routes for treatment of female SUI have similar high cure rates and quality of life improvement. Because of advantages in the rate of complications and postoperative pain previously demonstrated on the same population, the transobturator route appears to be the best option for the treatment of urinary incontinence. The aim of this study was to compare a modified Burch procedure with a suburethral sling for the treatment of stress incontinence complicated by a low-pressure urethra.
                Thirty-six women with stress incontinence, low-pressure urethra, and urethral hypermobility (straining cotton swab angle >/=30 degrees ) were randomly assigned to undergo either a modified Burch procedure (n = 19) or a suburethral sling (n = 17). Objective and subjective cure rates at 3 months after the operation were the primary outcome measures. Comparisons of group means were performed with the Student t test for independent groups, and proportions were compared with the Fisher exact test.
                After the operation the 2 groups had statistically similar cure rates and voiding function. Urethral closure pressure, pressure transmission ratios, and maximum detrusor pressure during voiding were significantly higher in the sling group.
                At 3 months there were no clinically significant differences between the groups treated with suburethral sling and modified Burch procedures. The technical feasibility of the laparoscopic and extraperitoneal approach to the Burch colposuspension for treatment of grade II and III (moderate to severe) stress incontinence was examined in a randomised prospective study. Irrespective of the endoscopic access, two suspension techniques, namely conventional suture and stapler fixation of alloplastic materials, were compared. A total of 20 patients entered this preliminary evaluation. Three complications occurred; a bladder perforation (during laparoscopic dissection of the space of Retzius), a postoperative detrusor instability and transient urinary retention. Both the endoscopic approaches and the suspension procedures employed proved feasible and safe, and presented the advantages of a "minimal access" procedure, with short hospitalisation and rapid recovery. Short-term follow-up (6-12 months) showed subjective and objective results comparable to those of the conventional abdominal Burch colposuspension. Detailed evaluation of the subgroups is not yet feasible, as the number of patients in this preliminary evaluation was too small and follow-up too short. Final evaluation of the entire study population and long-term follow-up will be necessary before these procedures can be generally offered as a therapeutic alternative. The purpose of this study was to compare the surgical outcome and attendant complications of the suprapubic arc (SPARC) sling and tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) procedures. Sixty-two women with genuine stress incontinence (GSI) alone or combined with pelvic prolapse less than International Continence Society (ICS) stage II were randomly allocated to either SPARC or TVT groups. A routine suprapubic ultrasonography was performed for all patients 1 day after the anti-incontinence operation. A comparison of the peri- and postoperative results comprising surgical outcomes and complications revealed no significant differences between the two groups. Although the difference in the rates of bladder injury was not statistically significant (SPARC 12.9 vs TVT 0.0%, p = 0.112), it was clinically significant. Routine suprapubic ultrasonography revealed eight subjects had retropubic hematomas greater than 5 cm. The cure rate for SPARC was not significantly different from TVT (80.7 vs 87.1%, p = 0.706). We concluded that the SPARC sling and TVT procedures proved to be equally effective. Subsequent suprapubic ultrasonography, in particular for the symptomatic patients, was found to be of clinical merit. The incidence of urinary incontinence in women of childbearing age is about 30%. Around half have stress incontinence. Many treatment modalities have been elucidated to treat stress incontinence, and among the most popular are rectus fascia sling and tension-free vaginal tape (TVT). The introduction of TVT to the urological armamentarium put a multiplicity of synthetic materials into use in the correction of stress urinary incontinence. A comparison of the impact of these 2 commonly used techniques is needed.
                A total of 53 female patients older than 21 years (mean age 45.09) were randomized, using closed envelopes, to undergo TVT or rectus fascia sling. Randomization was performed after patients received spinal anesthesia. One surgeon performed the 2 types of treatment. Associated grade 2 cystocele was simultaneously corrected. Patients with bladder or urethral pathology, as well as those with cystocele greater than grade 2, were excluded from analysis.
                All 53 patients completed 6 months of followup and all had stress urinary incontinence. There were 15 patients who underwent sling surgery and 17 who underwent TVT who had concomitant grade 1 or 2 cystocele. No statistically significant difference was found between the 2 groups at baseline. Cure was accomplished in 23 of 25 (92%) with sling and in 26 of 28 (92.9%) with TVT at first followup visit (1 week). There were 7 patients who needed at least 1 extra week of catheterization in the sling group and 3 in the TVT group. No significant difference was detected in terms of post-void residual urine, symptom score, and filling and voiding parameters. At 6 months 1 patient had de novo detrusor overactivity and 7 had wound pain. Compared to those with TVT, 2 cases of sling were considered treatment failures, none had de novo overactivity and 2 had wound pain. None of the patients had symptoms suggestive of urethral erosion.
                Rectus fascia sling and TVT seem to be equally effective regarding primary outcome measure (ie cure of stress incontinence). Symptom score related to incontinence surgery as well as simultaneous correction of cystocele are comparable in the 2 groups. Fascial sling is a longer treatment process yet it is more economical. Longer followup is vital before rigorous conclusions can be drawn. We compared morbidity and success rate of pubovaginal sling with Burch colposuspension operations in Type I/type II genuine stress urinary incontinence (GSI). The study included patients who had no preoperative detrusor instability (DI), no recurrent GSI, no severe pelvic prolapsus and whose Valsalva leak point pressure (VLPP) values were higher than 90 cm water. Twenty three of free-rectus fascial sling and 23 of Burch colposuspension operations were performed randomly on the patients by a single surgeon. There was no statistical difference between patients in terms of age, BMI, parity, number of daily pads used and preoperative bladder neck mobility. Operation time, change in hematocrit, spontaneous voiding time, length of hospitalization and urinary infection were not different in 2 procedures. 17 patients from both groups could be compared after one year. The bladder neck mobility of both groups were similar. One surgical failure, 1 DI, 1 severe cystocele and 1 enterocele were found in the Burch group while only 1 DI was found in the pubovaginal sling group. When pubovaginal sling operation was performed as the primary surgery on the patients with type I/II GSI, the morbidity, complications and 1 year success rate are the same as Burch procedure. To compare the cure rate and confirm the clinical efficacy of the 3 most frequently performed surgical procedures for stress urinary incontinence (SUI).
                Between January 2001 and May 2003, 92 women with SUI were randomly assigned to undergo the Burch colposuspension (n=33), pubovaginal sling (n=28), or tension-free vaginal tape (n=31) at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yonsei Medical Center, Seoul, Korea. Patient characteristics, urodynamic study results, cure rates at 3, 6, and 12 months, and complication rates were compared using the chi2 test.
                There were no statistically significant differences in the cure rates initially, but after 12 months the cure rate of the pubovaginal sling procedure was found to be significantly higher than those of the tension-free vaginal tape or Burch colposuspension procedures.
                The cure rate of the pubovaginal sling procedure was significantly higher after 1 year, but no difference in efficacy was observed between the 2 other procedures. A randomized prospective study of a larger population should be conducted. To assess the effectiveness and late postoperative morbidity of the Burch procedure and the sling procedure for the treatment of recurrent urinary stress incontinence after vaginal hysterectomy and anterior repair.
                Clinical, urodynamic, and sonographic examinations were done on 77 women suffering with recurrent urinary stress incontinence. The women were randomized to two groups, modified Burch colposuspension and lyophilized dura mater sling surgery; 72 women were reexamined 32-48 months after these procedures.
                The cure rate at 32-48 months' follow-up was 86% for the Burch procedure and 92% for the sling. Women who had had the sling procedure demonstrated a clear decrease in maximal bladder capacity, from 330 to 240 mL (P < .05). In both groups, stress profiles demonstrated a shift of maximal pressure point toward the proximal urethra and a significant improvement in pressure transmission (P < .05). The post-operative patients who had persistent incontinence were found to have insufficient elevation of the bladder neck (less than 10 mm). The uroflow examination showed an increase of urination time in both groups. The incidence of bladder problems was 10% with the Burch procedure and 29% with the sling procedure; however, 13% of the Burch group developed rectoceles.
                Both procedures offer a high rate of success. We believe that the sling surgery should be used only in certain special cases because of its higher rate of complications, but that posterior vaginal repair should be considered after modified Burch colposuspension because of the possibility of rectocele and enterocele. To compare the safety and efficacy of three types of suburethral slings for the treatment of urodynamic stress incontinence.
                Following ethics approval, 195 (3 x 65) patients with urodynamic stress incontinence were randomly assigned to undergo suburethral slingplasty with the Tension-free Vaginal Tape (TVT; Gynecare, Ethicon, Somerville, NJ, USA), Intravaginal Sling (IVS; Tyco Healthcare, Mansfield, MA, USA), or Suprapubic Arc Sling (SPARC; American Medical Systems, Minnetonka, MN, USA). The patients were blinded to the type of sling implanted. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES WERE: (1) operative and short-term complications; (2) pre- and postoperative symptomatology; and (3) pre- and postoperative urodynamic findings.
                There was a statistically significant increased rate of sling protrusion (13.1% vs. 3.3% and 1.7%; P = 0.04) in the SPARC group when compared to TVT and IVS. Otherwise, there were no significant differences between the groups with respect to the incidences of other operative complications, patients' main subjective outcomes, satisfaction rates, or postoperative urodynamic findings. The overall objective stress incontinence cure rates were 87.9%, 81.5% and 72.4% for the TVT, IVS, SPARC groups respectively (P = 0.11).
                All three slings appear quite successful for the treatment of stress incontinence. The SPARC tapes showed more sling protrusion complications and a trend towards lower objective cure rates; probably as a result of the insertion method used in this study which favoured a loose SPARC sling placement. The authors recommend that the SPARC slings be left tighter than TVT, or for the cough test to be carried out. The efficacy, safety and hospital costs of the tension-free vaginal tape procedure were compared with the pubovaginal sling operation.
                A total of 60 women urodynamically diagnosed as having stress or mixed urinary incontinence were operated on using either the tension-free vaginal tape or pubovaginal sling operation in a prospective manner. Preoperative characteristics of the women were not significantly different for the groups. The women were followed for up to 24 months.
                In the tension-free vaginal tape group, the operation time was shorter, numbers of analgesics postoperatively required were less and hospital charges were less expensive compared to those in the pubovaginal sling operation (P < 0.01). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed a marginal significant difference (P = 0.059) in the objective cumulative cure rates at 24 months between the groups receiving the former (70.3%) and latter (48.3%) procedures. Subjective cure rates were not significantly different (P = 0.101). In both groups, an improvement in quality of life was significant and surgical complications were identical. De novo urge incontinence developed in 6% and 10% in the former and latter, respectively.
                The tension-free tape was significantly superior to the pubovaginal sling in terms of operation time, postoperative pain, and hospital charges, but not in cure rates. A longer follow up with a larger sample size is necessary to draw definite conclusions. To compare the effectiveness of two transperitoneal laparoscopic Burch procedures.
                The sample size required was 30 subjects per group to detect a statistically significant estimated difference of 15% between two surgical procedures with an alpha = 0.05 and a power of 0.7. Sixty women affected by genuine stress incontinence (GSI) were enrolled and randomly assigned to two groups of 30 women each. All women were treated with the transperitoneal laparoscopic Burch procedure using nonabsorbable sutures (group A) or Prolene mesh (Ethicon, Somerville, NJ) fixed with tacks or staples (group B). The failure rate was defined subjectively and objectively. The subjective evaluation was performed by asking the women to rate their urine loss on a visual analog scale. The objective evaluation was a clinical evaluation using multichannel urodynamic studies.
                The subjective failure rate was not significantly different between the two groups at 3 months (0% for both groups), 6 months (3.7% versus 3.8% for groups A and B, respectively), and 12 months (7.4% versus 15.4% for groups A and B, respectively) after surgery. At 3 months (3.7% versus 3.8% for groups A and B, respectively) and 6 months (7.4% versus 15.4% for groups A and B, respectively) follow-up, the objective failure rate was not significantly different between the two groups. However, at 12 months after the surgical procedure, the objective failure rate was significantly lower in group A than in group B (11.1% versus 26.9%, respectively; P <.05).
                Transperitoneal laparoscopic Burch colposuspension performed using sutures was more effective than the mesh technique. The aims of this trial were to compare the attendant complications and postoperative voiding function of the Monarc and suprapubic arc (Sparc) suburethral sling procedures. This is the first article in English literature to compare different suburethral sling procedures using prosthesis of the same material and the same weave. Sixty women with urodynamic stress incontinence alone or combined with pelvic prolapse less than International Continence Society stage II were randomly allocated to either the Monarc or Sparc group. A comparison of the peri- and postoperative results comprising complications and symptoms of voiding function revealed no significant differences between the two groups in a follow-up ranged from 6 to 14 months (median, 9 months). However, the nonsignificant increase in tendency of inadvertent vaginal perforation and disability/pain of thigh (Monarc 12.9 vs Sparc 0.0%, p=0.112 and Monarc 12.9 vs Sparc 0.0%, p=0.112, respectively) has clinical significance. Based on the analyses of the comparison of Blaivas obstruction nomograms, postoperative voiding function was not significantly different between the two surgical groups. We concluded that Monarc and Sparc suburethral taping proved to be equally safe and posed no remarkable impact on voiding function in a short term postoperative follow up. However, intraoperative urethrocystoscopy is recommended for safety in both the Monarc and Sparc procedures. Severe prolapse may mask potential genuine stress urinary incontinence in women. Some have suggested that a suspending urethropexy be performed in women who have potential genuine stress incontinence demonstrated by barrier reduction of the prolapse preoperatively. Our aim was to compare outcomes after prolapse surgery that included a formal bladder neck suspension with those operations that did not.
                This prospective randomized clinical trial assigned 32 women with bladder neck hypermobility and stage III or IV pelvic organ prolapse to receive either a needle colposuspension or bladder neck endopelvic fascia plication as part of the vaginal reconstructive surgery. Twenty-nine subjects underwent detailed clinical, anatomic, urodynamic, and quality-of-life evaluations before and 6 weeks and 6 months after surgery; 23 completed urinary diary and quality-of-life evaluations after a mean of 2.9 years.
                Needle colposuspension increased short-term complications without providing additional protection from de novo stress incontinence. Barrier testing before surgery predicted urethral sphincteric resistance after surgery; however, such testing neither predicted a patient's function after surgery nor indicated the need for a suspending urethropexy. The combination of a needle colposuspension with a sacrospinous ligament suspension predisposed to the early development of support defects of the upper anterior vaginal segment and to failure of bladder neck support.
                Preoperative barrier testing in women with severe prolapse is not useful in identifying individuals who require a suspending urethropexy. Needle colposuspension increases short-term complications, lacks durability, and may predispose to early and severe recurrent anterior prolapse when performed with a sacrospinous ligament vault suspension. To compare the laparoscopic Burch colposuspension with the tension-free vaginal tape procedure (TVT) for efficacy.
                Seventy-two women from 2 institutions were randomized: 36 to laparoscopic Burch colposuspension and 36 to TVT. Multichannel urodynamic tests were performed preoperatively and 1 year after surgery. A research nurse administered the Urogenital Distress Inventory, Incontinence Impact Questionnaire, and pelvic examinations using the pelvic organ prolapse quantification system preoperatively, and at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years after surgery. Voiding diaries were collected at 1 and 2 years. Primary outcome was objective cure, which was defined as no evidence of urinary leakage during postoperative urodynamic studies. Secondary outcomes included subjective continence, perioperative and postoperative data, and quality of life.
                Thirty-three laparoscopic Burch colposuspension and 33 TVT patients were analyzed with a mean follow-up of 20.6 +/- 8 months (range 12-43). Mean operative time was significantly greater in the laparoscopic Burch colposuspension group compared with the TVT group, 132 versus 79 minutes, respectively (P = .003). Multichannel urodynamic studies in 32 laparoscopic Burch colposuspension and 31 TVT patients showed a higher rate of urodynamic stress incontinence at 1 year in the laparoscopic Burch colposuspension group, 18.8% versus 3.2% (P = .056). There was a significant improvement in the number of incontinent episodes per week and in Urogenital Distress Inventory and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire scores in both groups at 1 and 2 years after surgery (P < .001). However, postoperative subjective symptoms of incontinence (stress, urge, and any urinary incontinence) were reported significantly more often in the laparoscopic Burch colposuspension group than in the TVT group (P < .04 for each category).
                The TVT procedure results in greater objective and subjective cure rates for urodynamic stress incontinence than does laparoscopic Burch colposuspension. To compare open Burch colposuspension using sutures (OC) with laparoscopic colposuspension using sutures (LCS) and laparoscopic colposuspension using mesh and staples (LCM) in women with stress urinary incontinence.
                Prospective randomized trial. Setting: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden.
                Women with genuine stress urinary incontinence or mixed incontinence with a predominantly stress component attending the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden.
                The women were assessed objectively using a 48-h frequency-volume chart, a 48-h pad test and a standardized stress test. Subjectively, the women were assessed by a questionnaire including influence on quality of life. The women were randomized to OC using sutures (n = 79), LCS (n = 53) or LCM (n = 79). Anaesthesia/operation time, blood loss, complications and other related surgical parameters were compared. Main outcome measures. Objective and subjective cure rate.
                Objective cure rates 1 year after surgery were significantly higher in the OC and LCS groups compared to the LCM group analyzed by a standardized stress test. Subjective findings were in concordance with the objective results. Performing an OC was less time consuming than performing a LCS and resulted in more blood loss compared to the two laparoscopic techniques. Patients in the LCM group had a shorter duration of catheter use and hospital stay.
                The use of sutures, irrespective of whether the surgical approach was laparoscopic or open surgery, was superior to the laparoscopic mesh and staple technique. To compare objective and subjective outcomes after the tension-free vaginal tape procedure (TVT) with laparoscopic mesh colposuspension as a primary treatment for female stress urinary incontinence. Objective outcome measures were stress test and 48-hour pad test.
                In 6 departments of gynecology in Finland, including 4 university teaching hospitals and 2 central hospitals, 128 women with urodynamic stress incontinence were randomly allocated to 2 treatment groups. Seventy were treated with TVT and 51 by means of laparoscopic mesh colposuspension. There were 7 dropouts. Inclusion criteria were history of stress incontinence, positive stress test, and urodynamic conformation of stress incontinence. Exclusion criteria were age older than 70 years, previous incontinence surgery, more than 3 episodes of urinary tract infection within the last 2 years, coincident other gynecological surgery, body mass index more than 32 kg/m(2), urethral closure pressure less than 20 cm H(2)O, and residual volume more than 100 mL in preoperative urodynamic evaluation. Assessment took place before treatment and at 12 months postoperatively with the cough stress test, Urge Score, 48-hour pad test, King's College Health Questionnaire, Visual Analog Scale, and Urinary Incontinence Severity Score.
                When negative stress test was used as criteria for cure, 85.7% of women in the TVT group and 56.9% in the laparoscopic mesh colposuspension group were objectively cured. Subject satisfaction was significantly better after the TVT procedure than after laparoscopic mesh colposuspension.
                Treatment with TVT results in higher objective and subjective cure rates at 1 year than treatment by means of laparoscopic mesh colposuspension. Suprapubic Arch sling (SPARC) has been initially presented as being comparable to Tension-free Vaginal Tape (TVT) without published trials. To test the safety and efficacy of this new product, we designed a prospective, randomized clinical trial with a minimum follow-up of 1 year.
                84 women presenting with Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) were randomly assigned to SPARC or TVT as a minimally invasive mid-urethral sling procedure. All patients were re-evaluated at 1, 6, and 12 months. Symptom assessment, Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ), physical examination, Uro-Dynamic Studies (UDS) and 1-hour pad test were repeated at 1-year follow-up.
                41 patients were randomized to SPARC and 43 to TVT. The two groups had similar baseline characteristics. Both procedures resulted in similar peri-operative complications: bladder perforation (24% vs. 23%), median estimated blood loss (0-50 ml), median hospital stay (1-night), post-operative analgesia, and persistent urinary retention necessitating tape resection (2 patients in each group). There were three other complications in the SPARC group: tape erosion, infected pelvic hematoma, and urinary tract infection. At 12 months, there was no statistically significant difference between SPARC and TVT, in terms of objective cure rates as determined by 1-hour pad test of less than two grams (83% vs. 95%; p< or =0.1; 12% difference, 95% CI: 25.4% to -1.4%) and subjective cure rates as determined by IIQ scores (49.9+/-25.6 vs. 45.3+/-18.4; p=0.46).
                At 1-year follow-up, there is no statistically significant difference between SPARC and TVT. Longer follow-up is needed to confirm these results. To compare the efficacy, safety, complications, and short-term outcome of laparoscopic and open colposuspension in women with genuine stress incontinence.
                Randomised controlled trial.
                Urogynaecology unit in a public hospital, Hong Kong.
                Ninety patients with urodynamically proven genuine stress incontinence. Forty-three patients were randomly allocated to receive open colposuspension and 47 to undergo laparoscopy. All patients had reassessment within 1 year of the operation.
                Objective and subjective measures and complication rates.
                There was no significant difference in the duration of stress incontinence, mean preoperative pad test results, or proportion with pre-existing detrusor instability. Among patients in the laparoscopic group, the mean operating time was significantly longer (42.0 minutes versus 29.3 minutes; P<0.0001), while the mean blood loss was significantly less (124.7 mL versus 326.9 mL; P=0.001). Subjective and objective success rates within 1 year were similar for patients in the open and laparoscopic groups (86.0% versus 80.9%; P=0.58, and 86.0% versus 85.1%; P=1.00, respectively). There was no significant difference in the rate of complications, including de novo detrusor instability and an obstructive voiding pattern, enterocele, or dyspareunia.
                Laparoscopic colposuspension is a feasible alternative to the open approach. The operating time is longer but the short-term cure rate is comparable with that of the open approach. The aim of this study was to compare laparoscopic colposuspension with tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) in terms of costs to the county.
                In a prospective, randomized study, we approached 270 consecutive women presenting for evaluation of stress urinary incontinence symptoms at one university hospital. Preoperatively, and at 1-year follow-up, the women underwent urodynamic evaluation, an ultra-short pad-test and completed a lower urinary tract symptoms questionnaire. We randomized 79 consenting, eligible women to either procedure; a 1-year follow-up examination was performed on 68/71 (96%) women that were available. The procedures were performed as described previously. Main outcome measures were all relevant costs for goods and services associated with the procedures.
                The baseline characteristics of the two groups were similar. The TVT procedure was performed significantly faster than the laparoscopic colposuspension, i.e. 44.9 +/- 14.2 min compared with 60.5 +/- 13.4 min (p < 0.0001). Even so, procedural costs were significantly lower for laparoscopic colposuspension than for TVT (euro 1273.4 compared with euro 1342.8 p < 0.001). At the 1-year follow-up visit, three women operated on with TVT and one operated on with laparoscopic colposuspension required re-operation for continuous stress urinary incontinence. One women operated on with TVT had her sling cut for bladder-emptying problems. Total costs, including re-operations were euro 1462.6 for a TVT procedure andeuro; 1314.5 for a laparoscopic colposuspension.
                In our hands, the laparoscopic colposuspension was less expensive to the county than the TVT procedure. To compare tension-free vaginal tape with colposuspension as primary treatment for stress incontinence.
                Multicentred randomised comparative trial.
                Gynaecology or urology departments in 14 centres in the United Kingdom and Eire, including university teaching hospitals and district general hospitals.
                344 women with urodynamic stress incontinence; 175 randomised to tension-free vaginal tape and 169 to colposuspension
                Assessment before treatment and at six months postoperatively with the SF-36, the Bristol female lower urinary tract symptoms questionnaire, the EQ-5D health questionnaire, a one week urinary diary, one hour perineal pad test, cystometry, and, in some centres, urethral profilometry.
                23 women in the colposuspension group and 5 in the vaginal tape group withdrew before surgery. No significant difference was found between the groups for cure rates: 115 (66%) women in the vaginal tape group and 97 (57%) in the colposuspension group were objectively cured (95% confidence interval for difference in cure -4.7% to 21.3%). Bladder injury was more common during the vaginal tape procedure; postoperative complications, in particular delayed resumption of micturition, were more common after colposuspension. Operation time, duration of hospital stay, and return to normal activity were all longer after colposuspension than after the vaginal tape procedure.
                Surgery with tension-free vaginal tape is associated with more operative complications than colposuspension, but colposuspension is associated with more postoperative complications and longer recovery. Vaginal tape shows promise for the treatment of urodynamic stress incontinence because of minimal access and rapid recovery times; cure rates at six months were comparable with colposuspension. To compare prospectively the results of laparoscopic and traditional colposuspensions in the treatment of genuine stress incontinence and to evaluate the efficacy, technique, and functional and anatomical changes after these two procedures.
                Ninety-two patients with urodynamically proven genuine stress incontinence participated in this study, with 46 patients randomly allocated to laparoscopic colposuspension, and the other 46 patients to the traditional procedures. All patients had repeat studies at least 3 months after operation.
                The bladder neck position was significantly elevated after operation either at rest or during straining in both groups (all p < 0.001), but it was higher in the traditional group than the laparoscopy group during straining (p < 0.05). Comparison of urodynamics before and after operation in both groups showed significantly increased minimal urethral resistance and improved pressure transmission ratios at the proximal urethra (Q2). The blood loss was less in the laparoscopy group. The duration of bladder drainage after laparoscopic colposuspension was shorter, and was not affected by subsequent laparotomy. The operative time was almost the same. The success rate of the laparoscopy group was lower than that of the traditional group (80.4% vs. 95.6%, p = 0.044). The complication rates were 10.8% and 17.4% respectively.
                Laparoscopic colposuspension is an effective method for the treatment of GSI, as documented by anatomical and functional assessments. However, the success rate is still lower than for the traditional procedure. To assess the efficacy of a novel coloplasty colonic pouch design in optimizing bowel function after ultralow anterior resection.
                A colonic J-pouch may reduce excessive stool frequency and incontinence after anterior resection, but at the risk of evacuation problems. Experimental surgery on pigs has suggested that a coloplasty pouch (CP) may be a useful alternative. Although CP has recently been shown to be feasible in patients, there is no randomized controlled trial comparing bowel function with the J-pouch.
                After anterior resection for cancer, patients were allocated to either J-pouch or CP-anal anastomoses. Continence scoring, anorectal manometry, and endoanal ultrasound assessments were made before surgery. All complications were recorded, and these preoperative assessments were repeated at 4 months. The assessments were repeated again at 1 year, and a quality of life questionnaire was added.
                Eighty-eight patients were recruited from October 1998 to April 2000. Both groups were well matched for age, gender, staging, adjuvant therapy, and mean follow-up. There were no differences in the intraoperative time and hospital stay. CP resulted in more anastomotic leaks. At 4 months, J-pouch patients had 10.3% less stool fragmentation but poorer stool deferment and more nocturnal leakage. However, there were no differences in the bowel function, continence score, and quality of life at 1 year. There were no differences in the anorectal manometry and endoanal ultrasound findings.
                Coloplasty pouches resulted in more anastomotic leaks and minimal differences in bowel function. At present, the J-pouch remains the benchmark for routine clinical practice, and due care (including defunctioning stoma) should be exercised in situations requiring CP. To compare open Burch colposuspension using sutures with laparoscopic colposuspension using mesh and staples in women with stress urinary incontinence.
                Multicentre, prospective randomised trial.
                Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Borås County Hospital and Orebro University Hospital, Sweden.
                Women with genuine stress urinary incontinence or mixed incontinence with a predominantly stress component were included, and were randomised to either open colposuspension (n= 120) or laparoscopic colposuspension (n= 120).
                Women were randomised to open colposuspension with sutures or laparoscopic colposuspension with polypropylene mesh and staples. Anaesthesia/operation time, blood loss, complications and other related surgical parameters were compared.
                Objective and subjective cure rates from 48-hour frequency-volume chart, a 48-hour pad test and a subjective assessment of the woman's incontinence and quality of life performed one year after surgery.
                Objective and subjective cure rates were higher after open compared with laparoscopic colposuspension (P < 0.001). Quality of life was improved following surgery in both groups (P < 0.0001) and the improvement was significantly greater in the open colposuspension group (P < 0.05) with regard to physical activity. Performing an open colposuspension was less time consuming (P < 0.0001), resulted in more blood loss (P < 0.0001), longer catheterisation time (P < 0.01), greater risk of urinary retention (P < 0.01) and a longer hospital stay (P < 0.0001) compared with performing a laparoscopic colposuspension. The rate of serious complications was low in both groups.
                Open colposuspension had a higher objective and subjective cure rate one year after surgery but with a greater blood loss, greater risk of urinary retention and a longer hospital stay than laparoscopic colposuspension. To compare tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) and trans-obturator suburethral tape from inside to outside (TVT-O) for surgical treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) for complications (primary end point) and success rate (secondary end point).
                Seventy-two consecutive patients, with a mean age of 53.2 yr (range: 38-69 yr) and affected by SUI, were included in this randomised controlled trial. After preoperative assessment, patients were randomly allocated to the TVT or TVT-O procedure. Operative time, perioperative complications, and hospital stay were prospectively recorded. Cure of SUI was defined as no leakage of urine during the stress test at urodynamic testing at the 12-mo evaluation. The Wilcoxon signed rank sum test, Mann-Whitney U test, McNemar test, and Fisher exact test were used to verify statistical significance, set at p<0.05.
                All patients were evaluable at the 12-mo follow-up. The characteristics of patients were well balanced between groups after randomisation. The mean operative time was significantly shorter in the TVT-O group. Perioperative complications were significantly more common after the retropubic approach (5% and 27% in TVT-O and TVT groups, respectively, p<0.04). The groups did not differ significantly in intraoperative blood loss, hospital stays, and time to return to normal activities. Sixty-five patients (90%) were successfully treated for SUI 12 mo after the operation (89% and 91% for TVT-O and TVT groups, respectively).
                Both techniques appear to be equally effective in the surgical treatment of SUI. However, TVT-O had a shorter operative time and lower overall perioperative complication rate. To determine whether the tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) procedure affects the mechanics of voiding in women with genuine stress incontinence (GSI).
                Between July of 1997 and July of 1999, 116 women with GSI in the absence of pelvic prolapse underwent a randomized controlled study of TVT vs. modified Burch colposuspension. The trial was conducted by using a standardized protocol, including strict criteria for excluding preexisting bladder outlet obstruction (BOO). Urodynamic studies including free flowmetry, filling (provocative) and voiding cystometry, and 1-hour pad test were performed before and at least 1 year after the operation. The Blaivas and Groutz nomogram was used as another criteria to assess the pre- and postoperative BOO.
                Eighteen women were excluded from the study as a result of having preexisting BOO and an additional 8 were lost to follow-up. The comparison between pre- and postoperative variables for each procedure revealed that maximal flow rate of noninvasive uroflowmetry was significantly lower after operation in both groups (P = 0.009, P = 0.010, respectively). Detrusor pressure at maximal flow and urethral resistance were significantly higher and micturition volumes significantly lower after operation in the Burch group (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P = 0.029, respectively). The difference between pre- and postoperative distribution of the obstruction nomogram of the Burch group was significantly different (P = 0.023).
                Based on strict exclusion criteria for preoperative BOO, our findings strongly suggest that with a median 22 months (range, 12 to 36 months) of follow-up, a properly performed tension-free vaginal tape procedure does not cause urethral obstruction.
                Copyright 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Women without stress urinary incontinence undergoing vaginal surgery for pelvic-organ prolapse are at risk for postoperative urinary incontinence. A midurethral sling may be placed at the time of prolapse repair to reduce this risk.
                We performed a multicenter trial involving women without symptoms of stress incontinence and with anterior prolapse (of stage 2 or higher on a Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification system examination) who were planning to undergo vaginal prolapse surgery. Women were randomly assigned to receive either a midurethral sling or sham incisions during surgery. One primary end point was urinary incontinence or treatment for this condition at 3 months. The second primary end point was the presence of incontinence at 12 months, allowing for subsequent treatment for incontinence.
                Of the 337 women who underwent randomization, 327 (97%) completed follow-up at 1 year. At 3 months, the rate of urinary incontinence (or treatment) was 23.6% in the sling group and 49.4% in the sham group (P<0.001). At 12 months, urinary incontinence (allowing for subsequent treatment of incontinence) was present in 27.3% and 43.0% of patients in the sling and sham groups, respectively (P=0.002). The number needed to treat with a sling to prevent one case of urinary incontinence at 12 months was 6.3. The rate of bladder perforation was higher in the sling group than in the sham group (6.7% vs. 0%), as were rates of urinary tract infection (31.0% vs. 18.3%), major bleeding complications (3.1% vs. 0%), and incomplete bladder emptying 6 weeks after surgery (3.7% vs. 0%) (P≤0.05 for all comparisons).
                A prophylactic midurethral sling inserted during vaginal prolapse surgery resulted in a lower rate of urinary incontinence at 3 and 12 months but higher rates of adverse events. (Funded by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and the National Institutes of Health Office of Research on Women's Health; OPUS ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00460434.). To compare short-term results of autologous pubovaginal sling and synthetic transobturator (TOT) SAFYRE sling in the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence (SUI).
                Twenty women referred for surgical treatment of SUI were assigned randomly to autologous pubovaginal sling or synthetic TOT sling. Inclusion criteria were primary treatment of SUI and urodynamic study showing SUI without detrusor overactivity. Pre- and postoperative quantification of the severity of incontinence was done by pad test and a validated questionnaire (King's Health Questionnaire).
                There were no differences in patients' mean age, parity, body mass index, rate of postmenopausal state, pelvic floor defects and mean Valsalva leak point pressure in the preoperative urodynamic study. Mean operating time (21.1 +/- 3.8 vs. 69.5 +/- 23.7 min; P < 0.001) and hospital stay (28.8 +/- 8.4 vs. 44.4 +/- 5.8 h; P < 0.001) was shorter in the TOT than the autologous group. The postoperative pad test (39.4 +/- 12.5 vs. 8.4 +/- 5.2 g; P = 0.01) and the absent in the improvement in the quality of life were significantly higher in the TOT group.
                Our initial results suggest that the synthetic TOT technique had worse effectiveness for treating female SUI compared to autologous pubovaginal sling. This study was undertaken to compare the efficacy and morbidity of 2 minimally invasive procedures for stress urinary incontinence.
                This was a prospective randomized multicenter trial; 190 women with primary urodynamic stress incontinence were randomly assigned to tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) (n = 95) or intravaginal slingplasty (IVS) (n = 95). The primary and secondary outcome measures were rates of success and complications. SPSS software was used for data analysis.
                At 2 years 92 and 87 patients were available in the TVT and IVS group for outcomes analysis. Subjectively, 80 (87%) and 68 (78%) women were cured, respectively. Objectively, a 1-hour pad test was negative in 78 (85%) and 63 (72%) patients. Eight of the patients assigned to IVS (9%) had vaginal erosion/infection, compared with none in the TVT group (P < .01).
                Both procedures were effective for stress incontinence, but 9% of women treated with the IVS required removal of the tape for erosions. To compare two different procedures, tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) and autologous rectus fascia sling, according to their medium-term subjective and objective outcomes and satisfaction rates in the treatment of urinary stress incontinence in women.
                One hundred women with type II urinary stress incontinence were randomized to be treated with either TVT or autologous rectus fascia sling. They were evaluated by means of a cough-induced stress test, 1-hour pad test, Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ), and urodynamic study. They were reevaluated postoperatively every 6 months, and the collected data of more than 1 year's follow-up were compared with preoperative assessments.
                All patients completed the full 6-month postoperative assessment. However, of the 100 patients, only 61 (25 in the TVT and 36 in the sling group) were followed for more than 1 year. Mean follow-up time was 38.5 and 40 months in the TVT and sling group, respectively. Objective cure was achieved in 22 (88%) of the TVT group and in 30 (83%) of the sling group (p = 0.78) using a cough-induced stress test, and in 76 and 75% of the women in the TVT versus sling group (p = 0.83), respectively, using a 1-hour pad test. Postoperative mean IIQ scores were 44.3 (range 35.5-61.5) and 48.5 (range 38.5-69.7) in the TVT versus sling group (p = 0.46). Five (20%) and 11 (30%) of the TVT and sling group, respectively, reported some changes in the voiding pattern or posture at more than 1 year's follow-up.
                There is no significant difference between the TVT and autologous rectus fascia sling procedures in the treatment of urinary stress incontinence at medium-term follow-up. There were changes in the voiding pattern for patients in both groups at more than 1 year postoperatively, which were not evident at early follow-up.
                (c) 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel A wide variety of surgical procedures has been used to treat female stress urinary incontinence (SUI). The purpose of this study was to compare cadaveric fascia lata (CFL) sling with intravaginal slingplasty (IVS) in the surgical treatment of SUI.
                One hundred and thirty-nine women with SUI were randomly assigned to either CFL sling (n = 67) or IVS (n = 72). Concomitant urinary urge incontinence was present in 49 patients (73%) in the CFL sling and 44 patients (61%) in the IVS group. Daily mean pad usage was 4.1 +/- 3.5 in the CFL sling and 2.9 +/- 1.7 in the IVS group. The objective cure rate was evaluated by the pad test, and patient satisfaction rate was assessed by a subjective questionnaire.
                The surgical results of both procedures with a follow-up 12 months were documented. The overall success rate was 79% in the CFL sling and 70.8% in the IVS (p = 0.261). In contrast patient satisfaction rates were 82 and 87.5%, respectively (p = 0.210). Comparison of the CFL sling with IVS showed persistent urinary urge incontinence in 67 and 25% (p = 0.0001) and de novo urinary urge incontinence in 22 and 6.9%, respectively (p = 0.009). The groups did not differ significantly with respect to intraoperative and postoperative complications.
                There is no statistical difference in the overall success, satisfaction and complication rates in either group. In our series, both procedures were found to be effective, durable and significantly improved quality of life in patients with SUI but long-term results are awaited.
                (c) 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel. A total of 51 consecutive female patients with genuine stress incontinence who underwent a Burch or Stamey operation were clinically and urodynamically evaluated preoperatively at least 8 months postoperatively. Our study group consisted of 27 women who underwent the Burch colposuspension and 24 who had the Stamey endoscopic bladder neck suspension. The urodynamic parameters which were studied pre- and postoperatively were the maximum flow rate (Qmax), the residual urine (Vres), the first sensation (FS), the bladder capacity (BC), the maximum vesical pressure (Pves max), the detrusor pressure at maximum flow (Pdet/Qmax), the functional urethral length (Lfun) and the maximum closure pressure (Pclos max). The successful results of the operations were 89% for Burch and 83% for the Stamey procedure. As for differing objective urodynamic findings, the Qmax, Pclos max, Vres and Lfun for both groups were the only parameters which showed statistically significant difference after surgery. The statistical comparison of the postoperative urodynamic parameters of the two operative techniques showed that Lfun, Pves max and Pclos max had difference in favor of Burch colposuspension. There were not statistical differences in the other studied parameters. In conclusion, according to the differentiation in the values of Pclos max, Lfun and Pves max, the Burch technique seems to result in a higher increase of patient's urethral resistance. To compare perioperative characteristics, short-term, and long-term outcomes for laparoscopic Burch colposuspension (LBC) and open Burch colposuspension (OBC) for the treatment of urinary stress incontinence.
                Randomised surgical trial with single blinding.
                Three tertiary level teaching hospitals involving seven surgeons of varying skill levels.
                Two hundred women with urodynamic stress incontinence (USI).
                The two groups were treated in identical fashion, except for the laparoscopic or open approach to surgery. Attempts were made to blind the subjects and the observers obtaining outcome data to treatment group. Analyses were adjusted for surgeon experience.
                Absence of USI 6 months following surgery, postoperative pain, time spent in hospital, and time to return to activities of normal daily living.
                There were no significant differences in objective and subjective measures of cure and in patient satisfaction at 6 months, 24 months, or 3-5 years of follow up between laparoscopic and open colposuspension groups. Laparoscopic colposuspension took longer time to perform (87 versus 42 minutes, P< 0.0001) but was associated with less blood loss (P = 0.03), less pain (P = 0.02), and quicker return to normal activities (P = 0.01).
                LBC has significant advantages over traditional OBC, without any apparent compromise in short-term and long-term outcomes. To compare perioperative characteristics, short-term, and long-term outcomes for laparoscopic Burch colposuspension (LBC) and open Burch colposuspension (OBC) for the treatment of urinary stress incontinence. Randomised surgical trial with single blinding. Three tertiary level teaching hospitals involving seven surgeons of varying skill levels. Two hundred women with urodynamic stress incontinence (USI). The two groups were treated in identical fashion, except for the laparoscopic or open approach to surgery. Attempts were made to blind the subjects and the observers obtaining outcome data to treatment group. Analyses were adjusted for surgeon experience. Absence of USI 6 months following surgery, postoperative pain, time spent in hospital, and time to return to activities of normal daily living. There were no significant differences in objective and subjective measures of cure and in patient satisfaction at 6 months, 24 months, or 3-5 years of follow up between laparoscopic and open colposuspension groups. Laparoscopic colposuspension took longer time to perform (87 versus 42 minutes, P < 0.0001) but was associated with less blood loss (P= 0.03), less pain (P= 0.02), and quicker return to normal activities (P= 0.01). LBC has significant advantages over traditional OBC, without any apparent compromise in short-term and long-term outcomes. Two alternative surgical techniques for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), low-pressure insufflation of the peritoneal cavity and abdominal wall lifting (AWL), have been developed over time to minimize the disadvantages associated with CO2-elicited pneumoperitoneum. To the best of our knowledge, the 2 methods have seldom been compared as regards their relative advantages and disadvantages.
                Eighty patients scheduled for elective LC were randomized into either a low-pressure (8 mmHg) CO2 insufflation method (LPLC) group, or a gasless technique using a subcutaneous abdominal wall lifting device (GLC group). The duration of the surgical procedure, the surgical results including level of postoperative pain, and perioperative cardiopulmonary function changes experienced by the members of both groups were compared.
                Laparoscopic surgery was completed for all but 1 patient from each group due to an inadequate surgical-site exposure. There was no mortality for study participants, and no major complications were noted for members of either group. The LPLC group evidenced a shorter surgical duration as compared to the GLC group (77 +/- 28 minutes vs. 98 +/- 27 minutes, respectively; p < 0.01) and a lower incidence of postoperative shoulder pain (2/38 vs. 8/39, respectively; p < 0.05), although significant differences in intraoperative pulmonary function were noted (an increased PaCO2, Pet CO2 and peak-airway pressure and decreased arterial blood pH; p < 0.01) for the LPLC group compared to the GLC group.
                Both alternative methods for this type of surgery appeared feasible and safe for LC. Low-pressure CO2 pneumoperitoneum had a shorter surgical duration and less postoperative shoulder pain compared to the GLC technique, but did not feature any other advantage over the AWL technique with regard to impact on cardiopulmonary function.
The current evidence base suggests that minimally invasive synthetic suburethral sling operations are as effective as traditional suburethral slings, open retropubic colposuspension and laparoscopic colposuspension in the short term but with less postoperative complications. Objective cure rates are higher with retropubic tapes than with obturator tapes but retropubic tapes attract more complications. Most of the trials had short term follow up and the quality of the evidence was variable.