title: [A new approach to the transvaginal needle suspension technique after Raz. Technique and long-term results].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Our aim is to describe the surgical technique and to present a long-term evaluation of the results.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 53 patients with stress incontinence underwent a Raz transvaginal needle suspension operation with the introduction of a polypropylene mesh strip (15x1.5-2 cm) pulled under the suspension threads. The suspension threads occur on the endopelvic fascia in order to support the bladder neck and to permit the function of the polypropylene mesh strip, which, however, does not take part in supporting the bladder neck. The same urologist carried out 53 consecutive operations with clinical evaluation at 6 months, 1 and 5 years after surgery.
  
  
  RESULTS
  After 6 months, 51 of the patients (96.2%) reported remaining dry after increasing intra-abdominal pressure. Two (3.7%) still had stress incontinence symptoms. After 1 and 5 years, 47 (88.6%) were dry and urinated normally, with spontaneous disappearance of nightly enuresis in two and surgery for subvesicular obstruction in one.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The introduction of a polypropylene mesh strip in the suspension threads in cases using the trasvaginal suspension technique has good, long-term results for the treatment of patients with stress incontinence.
authors.affiliation: Abteilung für Urologie, Allgemeines Krankenhaus Heiliger Geist (Sveti Duh), Zagreb, Kroatien.
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Gilja
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Deban
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bokarica
authors.forename: Z
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Hrgovic
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Tomić
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Klobucar
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004775:Enuresis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008875:Middle Aged; D009339:Needles; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D020127:Recovery of Function; D013526:Surgical Mesh; D013536:Suture Techniques; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014550:Urinary Incontinence, Stress / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D013520:Urologic Surgical Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*