LAPAROSCOPIC URETHRAL SLING FOR TREATMENT OF INTRINSIC SPHINCTER DEFICIENCY

The surgical treatment of intrinsic sphincter deficiency, or Type III genuine stress urinary incontinence, has traditionally been accomplish ed by sling cystourethropexy, the placement of an artificial urinary s phincter, or periurethral injection. We developed a laparoscopic appro ach for the performance of a sling cystourethropexy as an alternative to the open approach and herein describe our experience. We have found that a laparoscopic sling cystourethropexy is feasible, but at the pr esent time, we have been unable to demonstrate any significant advanta ges to the patient in terms of decreased cost or convalescence compare d with the open vaginal sling cystourethropexy.