Functional outcomes of polypropylene midurethral sling resection for treatment of mesh exposure/extrusion: Does it lead to a relapse of incontinence?

OBJECTIVES: The Burch colposuspension, which was regarded as the gold standard treatment for stress urinary incontinence for several years, has been replaced by minimally invasive sling devices. Although these procedures are simple and minimally invasive, they are associated with complications such as infection, mesh erosion, chronic pain, and de novo detrusor overactivity, which may necessitate surgical resection or tape removal. The aim of the study was to assess urinary function outcomes including continence, after partial resection of suburethral tapes.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients were admitted for resection of tape due to extrusion/exposure, between 2011 and 2014. Patients were evaluated with physical examination, transvaginal ultrasound, cough stress test, 24-hour bladder diary, Incontinence Impact Questionnairre-7 form and Urogenital Distress Inventory-6 form.

RESULTS: Minimum follow-up time was 2 months after treatment of the tape complication (mean 20, range 2 to 38). Recurrence of incontinence after partial tape resection was observed in 9% (3/32) cases. In two patients due to stress urinary incontinence recurrence repeat anti-incontinence surgery was necessary. Although one patient had suffered from incontinence after resection of tape, she did not desire operation.

CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicated that preservation of the anti-incontinence effects of slings might not be dependent on the intactness of the sling. Recurrence of incontinence after partial tape resection is uncommon and in the majority of cases this stress incontinence is minimally and does not require repeat operation.