Introduction: We evaluate the effectiveness of REMEEX® (readjustable sling) for the treatment of male urinary stress incontinence (SUI).
Materials and method: Between February 2007 and December 2009, 14 male patients with mild to severe SUI were operated with the use of REMEEX® system. The origin of incontinence was radical open prostatectomy (n=9), laparoscopic prostatectomy (n=4) and TUR (n=1). We evaluate postoperatively complications in three groups: intraoperatively, early complications (before 1 month) and late complications (after 1 month). Follow up was done at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after intervention.
Results: The mean age was 68,5 years (range: 62-71). The average follow-up time was 18,6 months (range: 10,1-35,2). The mean of readjustment was 3,7 (range: 1-6). Twelve patients were readjusted during the early period (24-72h after intervention). The mesh was removed in 3 cases (21,4%) owing to infection in one and the others because patients didn't want more system readjustment. There were four (28,5%) intraoperative bladder perforations. The early complication more frequent was acute urinary retention with five cases (35,7%). To the year of follow-up 41,7% of the patients are totally continent (5/12) and 33,3% presents light urinary incontinence (4/12).
Conclusions: The REMEEX® system for the treatment of male SUI presents (in our experience) a 75% of good results (continent patients or patients with light urinary incontinence) at the year of follow-up with a high rate of light complications. Readjustment are frequent at the first six months after intervention and it's necessary an intense follow-up. We need more studies that evaluate the long-term efficiency of this system.