LAPAROSCOPIC RETROPERITONEAL NEEDLE SUSPENSION URETHROPEXY

Recent advances in laparoscopic surgery have allowed urologists to per form laparoscopic bladder suspension; however, laparoscopic suturing t echniques have a steep learning curve and make the procedure more diff icult and time consuming. We describe a new technique that combines ex traperitoneal laparoscopic bladder neck mobilization through a single port with the ease of a needle suspension urethropexy in order to avoi d the need for vaginal incisions and the use of laparoscopic suturing techniques. The procedure has been performed in four patients, all of whom are continent and voiding with complete bladder emptying. Postope rative pain was minimal, allowing most patients to be discharged the d ay after surgery. In the future, the procedure may be performed on an outpatient basis.