Long-Term Durability of the Distal Urethral Polypropylene Sling Procedure for Stress Urinary Incontinence: Minimum 5-Year Followup of Surgical Outcome and Satisfaction Determined by Patient Reported Questionnaires

Abstract

We report on the long-term outcomes of the distal urethral polypropylene sling. We performed a prospective study of all consecutive patients who underwent a distal urethral polypropylene sling procedure between November of 1999 and April of 2000 for treatment of SUI. Surgical outcome was determined by patient self-assessment, and included symptom, bother and quality of life questionnaires. Physicians were blinded to patient responses. All patients had a minimum 5-year followup. Every patient treated was included in reporting outcomes in the intent to treat analysis. There were 69 patients treated a minimum of 5 years before the analysis. Cases lost to followup were defined as treatment failures. At a minimum followup of 5 years patient determined subjective success rate was 88%. More than 5 years after surgery 72% of patients reported no symptoms of SUI and 74% reported never being bothered by SUI. Patients reported an overall mean improvement of symptoms of 81%, and quality of life due to urinary symptoms between pleased and mostly satisfied. The distal urethral polypropylene sling procedure has low morbidity and excellent durability in treating patients with SUI.