Long-term durability of pubovaginal fascial slings in women who then become pregnant and deliver.
OBJECTIVE
Pubovaginal fascial slings are commonly performed after childbearing is completed. Limited data is available regarding women who become pregnant following a sling procedure.


METHODS
Three hundred forty-one women of childbearing age underwent pubovaginal sling surgery at our institution from July 1993 to December 2005. All patients were sent a questionnaire regarding their incontinence and health status.


RESULTS
Nine women who delivered following surgery were identified (seven vaginal and two cesarean sections). Overall, five remained dry, three had no change in continence, and one noted worsening incontinence. Four women completed questionnaires (two vaginal and two caesarean sections). One patient who delivered vaginally reported high symptom scores and dissatisfaction while the remaining three reported low symptom scores and satisfaction.


CONCLUSIONS
The pubovaginal fascial sling is a durable option for women with reproductive potential. Given our results, both vaginal delivery and cesarean section appear to be acceptable modes of delivery in this patient population.
Department of Urology, The University of Michigan Health System and Medical School, 3875 Taubman Center, 1500 E Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5330, USA. hjtan@med.umich.edu
Hung-Jui
HJ
Tan
Wendy
W
Siu
Gary J
GJ
Faerber
Edward J
EJ
McGuire
Jerilyn M
JM
Latini
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002585:Cesarean Section / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications; D012008:Recurrence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D053825:Suburethral Slings; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014550:Urinary Incontinence, Stress / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D055815:Young Adult