I-STOP Sling Tape: Is It Associated With Reduced Exposure Rates in Apical Prolapse and Urinary Incontinence Procedures?

Abstract

Background: Type 1 polypropylene synthetic mesh has been the preferred mesh material used for reconstructive surgery in the female pelvis in the past. I-STOP is an inelastic monofilament macroporous polypropylene mesh tape with looped edges. Our primary aim was to assess the incidence of mesh complications, including exposure/erosion in women who underwent I-STOP suburethral sling or apical sling suspension procedures. Methods: This study was a retrospective review of a comprehensive urogynecological database at the Cleveland Clinic Florida of who underwent I-STOP suburethral sling procedures or apical sling suspension between 2009 and 2018. A total of 165 apical slings and 476 suburethral slings were collected at predetermined follow-up visits at 6 weeks, 6 months, and then yearly. Results: Of the apical slings, 86 (52%) had a follow-up for 6 months or longer, with the maximum patient follow-up of 99 months (mean of 19 months). Zero of the 86 patients that were followed up in the review developed mesh erosion/exposure. A total of 307 (64%) patients who underwent I-STOP suburethral slings had follow-up for 6 months or longer with the maximum patient follow-up of 158 months (mean of 36 months). Two patients developed mesh erosion/exposure with a calculated complication rate at 0.42%. No patients in either group developed clinically evident mesh contraction. Conclusions: Our study demonstrated lower mesh erosion/exposure and complication rates with the use of the I-STOP tape both in apical sling and suburethral sling procedures compared to complication rates reported with the use of other mesh products. J Clin Gynecol Obstet. 2020;9(1-2):12-16 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jcgo643