Laparoscopic colposuspension using mesh reinforcement.
BACKGROUND
For patients with stress urinary incontinence, surgical reestablishment of the bladder neck has proved amenable to a laparoscopic approach, which shortens hospitalization and reduces tissue trauma. The use of mesh reinforcement to improve the durability of colposuspension can refine this proven procedure even further.


METHODS
We performed laparoscopic Burch colposuspension on 54 patients with stress urinary incontinence and compared our results with those of other investigators.


RESULTS
All patients reported resolution of incontinence postoperatively: 83.3% received no supplementary medication while 16.7% took antispasmodic-anticholinergic medications. Two cases required conversion to an open procedure. Hospital stay declined from 2.7 days (first quartile) to 1.9 days (last quartile) (average, 2.3 days). Complications were rare, and in a 28-month follow-up, no reoperations were required.


CONCLUSIONS
Laparoscopic Burch colposuspension using mesh reinforcement provides durable resolution of stress incontinence with low risk of conversion, short hospitalization, and few complications.
Birken
R A
RA
Houston Northwest Medical Center, 710 FM 1960 West, and Tops Surgical Specialty Hospital, 17080 Red Oak, Houston, TX 77090, USA.
Leggett
P L
PL
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D008875:Middle Aged; D013526:Surgical Mesh; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative; D013536:Suture Techniques; D001743:Urinary Bladder / Q000601:surgery*; D014550:Urinary Incontinence, Stress / Q000601:surgery*