Long-term durability of the distal urethral polypropylene sling procedure for stress urinary incontinence: minimum 5-year followup of surgical outcome and satisfaction determined by patient reported questionnaires.
OBJECTIVE
We report on the long-term outcomes of the distal urethral polypropylene sling.


METHODS
We performed a prospective study of all consecutive patients who underwent a distal urethral polypropylene sling procedure between November of 1999 and April of 2000 for treatment of SUI. Surgical outcome was determined by patient self-assessment, and included symptom, bother and quality of life questionnaires. Physicians were blinded to patient responses. All patients had a minimum 5-year followup. Every patient treated was included in reporting outcomes in the intent to treat analysis.


RESULTS
There were 69 patients treated a minimum of 5 years before the analysis. Cases lost to followup were defined as treatment failures. At a minimum followup of 5 years patient determined subjective success rate was 88%. More than 5 years after surgery 72% of patients reported no symptoms of SUI and 74% reported never being bothered by SUI. Patients reported an overall mean improvement of symptoms of 81%, and quality of life due to urinary symptoms between pleased and mostly satisfied.


CONCLUSIONS
The distal urethral polypropylene sling procedure has low morbidity and excellent durability in treating patients with SUI.
Rutman
Matthew
M
Department of Urology, The Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA.
Itano
Nancy
N
Deng
Donna
D
Raz
Shlomo
S
Rodríguez
Larissa V
LV
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011126:Polypropylenes; D011446:Prospective Studies; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D014550:Urinary Incontinence, Stress / Q000601:surgery*
D011126:Polypropylenes