Evaluation of transvaginal slings using different materials in the management of female stress urinary incontinence

Purpose: To evaluate tailored polypropylene (prolene) mesh, anterior rectus sheath, and vaginal wall slings positioned under the mid-urethra, to treat stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in women, as SUI is a common pathological condition causing considerable distress and compromising social, physical, psychological, and sexual health, and for which surgical treatment remains controversial.

Patients and methods: This prospective randomised study included 32 patients with SUI, evaluated by SEAPI (Stress, Emptying, Anatomy, Protection, and Instability) symptom score and urodynamics. According to sling material, 12 patients had tailored prolene mesh, 12 had anterior rectus sheath and eight had anterior vaginal wall slings. Operative variables (intraoperative bleeding, duration, complications and hospital stay) were documented, and postoperative complications and continence status were assessed. The follow-up was 12–18 months.

Results: Patients who received tailored prolene mesh slings had a lower operative duration and hospital stay, and less intraoperative bleeding. Postoperative complications, e.g. urinary retention and urgency, were <12%, with no significant differences. There was no significant difference among the three studied groups in the success rate (75%, 67% and 75%).

Conclusions: Tailored prolene mesh, anterior rectus sheath and the vaginal wall sling are good alternatives to treat SUI in women, with comparable results in a short-term follow up. The surgeon’s experience and the patient’s clinical circumstances should be considered when choosing a sling material, as success rates are comparable, being slightly better for the prolene sling in operative duration, bleeding and hospital stay.