Retropubic Versus Transobturator Midurethral Slings at Time of Colpocleisis

Urogynecology (Phila). 2024 Dec 1;30(12):968-975. doi: 10.1097/SPV.0000000000001509. Epub 2024 May 15.

Abstract

Importance: This study aimed to evaluate if there is a difference between outcomes when retropubic or transobturator midurethral sling surgery is performed at the time of colpocleisis.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare the surgical outcomes of the retropubic midurethral sling (RP-MUS) versus the transobturator midurethral sling (TO-MUS) in women who underwent concomitant colpocleisis, specifically 2-year MUS failure and 1-year lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTSs). A secondary aim was to identify factors associated with these surgical outcomes.

Study design: All cases of concomitant MUS and colpocleisis within a closed, integrated health care delivery system were reviewed between April 1, 2010, and March 31, 2020. Postoperative MUS failure was defined as (1) postoperative stress urinary incontinence symptoms and/or (2) additional anti-incontinence surgery. Postoperative LUTSs were defined as (1) MUS lysis and/or (2) overactive bladder requiring management with a new treatment.

Results: Of the 558 women included, 454 (81%) received RP-MUS and 104 (19%) received TO-MUS. Cohort demographics were similar. Neither MUS failure (7% RP-MUS and 9% TO-MUS, P = 0.450) nor LUTSs (7% RP-MUS and 12% TO-MUS, P = 0.171) were significantly different between RP-MUS and TO-MUS. In multivariable analysis, age was found to be significantly associated with LUTSs (odds ratio 0.29, 95% confidence interval 0.09-0.93, P = 0.038 among 70-74-year-olds; odds ratio 0.28, 95% confidence interval 0.09-0.83, P = 0.022 among 75-79-year-olds).

Conclusions: At the time of colpocleisis, both RP-MUS and TO-MUS were highly successful and associated with a low incidence of LUTSs, including MUS lysis. The findings of this large study support RP-MUS and TO-MUS as similarly effective anti-incontinence options at time of colpocleisis.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Female
  • Gynecologic Surgical Procedures* / methods
  • Humans
  • Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms* / epidemiology
  • Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms* / etiology
  • Middle Aged
  • Pelvic Organ Prolapse* / complications
  • Pelvic Organ Prolapse* / surgery
  • Postoperative Complications* / epidemiology
  • Postoperative Complications* / etiology
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Suburethral Slings* / adverse effects
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Urinary Incontinence, Stress* / surgery
  • Vagina / surgery