BACKGROUND: Pubovaginal sling is being currently used for the treatment of type III Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) and for recurrences after previous procedures. Success rates vary from 73 to 89%. Many autologous and allogênic materials have being used with a variable rate of complications. Our objective was to compare the vaginal wall sling to the rectus fascia pubovaginal sling concerning effectiveness and complications. METHOD: Twenty seven patients submitted to pubovaginal sling between 04/98 and 09/00 were divided into two groups: Group I includes 9 patients submitted to vaginal wall sling while Group II with 18 patients submitted to rectus fascia pubovaginal sling. All patients underwent a complete urodinâmic study. They were classified according to the type of SUI and followed at the urology clinic where complications and patient satisfaction index were registered. RESULTS: Group I: The mean age was of 51.4 years. The a mean follow-up period was 14,3 months. The Valsalva leak point pressure (VLPP) varied from 50 to 100cmH2O, with a mean pressure of 81.1cmH2O. Six patients (66%) presented postoperative complications. Curative rate was 88.8% and patient satisfaction index was 85 points. Group II: The mean age was of 54.2 years; the mean follow-up period was 19,3 months. The VLPP varied from 45 to 92cmH2O, with a mean pressure of 65,5cmH2O. Thirteen patients (72%) presented postoperative complications. The curative rate was 88.8% and the patient of satisfaction index was 74 points. CONCLUSIONS: Both techniques have a comparable effectiveness during a short follow-up period. The use of rectus fascia pubovaginal sling was associated with more postoperative complications, longer urethral catheterization and lawer patient satisfaction index.
Pubovaginal sling; Urinary incontinence; Complications
