USE OF SYNTHETIC MATERIAL IN SLING SURGERY - A MINIMALLY INVASIVE APPROACH

Traditionally, autologous material has been favored over synthetic mat erial in the construction of pubovaginal slings for the treatment of f emale stress urinary incontinence (SUI). This preference arose largely because of concern about an increased incidence of infection or sling erosion when synthetic materials are used. However, when care is take n to minimize the amount of synthetic material, reduce total operative time, and limit exposure of the material to the operative field, fema le SUI can be treated effectively with synthetic material with an acce ptably low complication rate. Furthermore, utilization of slings const ructed with artificial graft material can be minimally invasive, cost effective, and well tolerated.