Long-term results of the bulbourethral sling procedure.
OBJECTIVE
We evaluated the long-term efficacy of the male bulbourethral sling procedure in the treatment of post-radical prostatectomy urinary incontinence.


METHODS
Between October 1994 and June 2000, 95 patients with post-radical prostatectomy incontinence underwent bulbourethral sling placement with tetrafluoroethylene bolsters at our hospital. Ultimately 71 of these patients responded to our questionnaire and they were classified into 2 groups. Group 1 consisted of 62 patients who had not undergone prior radiation therapy and group 2 consisted of 9 who had undergone radiation therapy before the sling procedure. Patients were asked to respond to questions regarding continence status as well as the validated Incontinence Quality of Life and International Prostate Symptom Score questionnaires.


RESULTS
Mean followup from the most recent sling procedure was 4 years (range 0.27 to 6.55). Average patient age at questionnaire response was 74 years. A total of 86 procedures were performed on 71 patients. Of the 71 patients 7 underwent either sling removal or artificial urinary sphincter placement and were excluded from questionnaire analysis. Including retightening procedures 68% of the patients (72% of group 1, 43% of group 2) required 2 or less pads daily. Of the patients 36% (42% of group 1 and 14% of group 2) required 0 pads.


CONCLUSIONS
The male bulbourethral sling procedure remains an effective treatment for post-prostatectomy incontinence at 4-year followup.
Stern
Jeffrey A
JA
Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA.
Clemens
J Quentin
JQ
Tiplitsky
Scott I
SI
Matschke
H Merrill
HM
Jain
Pankaj M
PM
Schaeffer
Anthony J
AJ
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011468:Prostatectomy / Q000009:adverse effects; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D014521:Urethra; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D013521:Urologic Surgical Procedures, Male / Q000379:methods