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Management of stress urinary incontinence in female patients with spinal cord injury by autologous fascial sling: time for a revival?

Pannek J, Wöllner J

Spinal cord series and cases, 2022

17 participants

Abstract

STUDY DESIGN: This study is a retrospective chart analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Surgical treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in women with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD) is a challenge, as minimally invasive procedures do not seem to be effective, whereas synthetic implants are associated with substantial risks. Thus, we evaluated the results of an autologous sling procedure in this group of patients SETTING: This study was performed at a spinal cord injury rehabilitation center in Switzerland.

METHODS: In this retrospective analysis, we evaluated the objective, subjective, and urodynamic results in women undergoing autologous sling insertion for SUI due to NLUTD at our institution.

RESULTS: The data of 17 women who underwent fascial sling surgery were analyzed. After a median follow-up of 40 months, 8 women (47%) were continent, and another 8 patients (47%) significantly improved (1 pad/day). Median video-urodynamic parameters remained unchanged after sling insertion, but two women developed de novo detrusor overactivity. Postoperative complications occurred in 6 of the 17 patients (35.3%), which required surgical interventions in 2 women (12%) (urethral erosion by the sling and complete occlusion of the urethra after removal of the catheter), which could be resolved without loss of continence.

CONCLUSION: In our case series, autologous fascial slings were effective in the treatment of SUI in women with NLUTD. As they are more effective than minimally…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a case series, done in people. Its evidence level is 5 of 5 (Very low · case / narrative / animal / in vitro / in silico). Case reports, narrative reviews, and animal, cell or computer-model studies give the weakest evidence for human health. Reported size: 17 participants or records.

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