Laparoscopic Burch colposuspension for stress incontinence: preliminary results.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the safety, effectiveness and potential benefits of laparoscopic Burch colposuspension.


METHODS
Non-randomised prospective study.


METHODS
Fifteen women, presenting consecutively with urodynamically confirmed urinary stress incontinence.


RESULTS
The operation was successfully completed with no perioperative morbidity in 14 women. One woman subsequently underwent laparotomy after injury to the inferior epigastric artery. The average duration of surgery was 110 minutes, postoperative catheterisation 30 hours, and hospital stay 2.3 days. There was little postoperative discomfort. Most women were able to return to normal activities within one to two weeks. At follow-up (6 weeks-9 months) all the women were continent.


CONCLUSIONS
Laparoscopic Burch colposuspension is a safe and feasible alternative to the open technique. Early results show the benefits of easy access to the cave of Retzius, a clear view of the operating field, minimal intraoperative blood loss, shortened postoperative catheterisation and hospitalisation times, little postoperative pain and early return to normal lifestyle.
Strathfield Private Hospital, Sydney, NSW.
A M
AM
Lam
G J
GJ
Jenkins
R S
RS
Hyslop
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013536:Suture Techniques; D013997:Time Factors; D001743:Urinary Bladder / Q000601:surgery*; D014550:Urinary Incontinence, Stress / Q000601:surgery*; D014621:Vagina / Q000601:surgery