THE CORRECTION OF TYPE-2 STRESS-INCONTINENCE WITH A POLYTETRAFLUOROETHYLENE PATCH SLING - 5-YEAR MEAN FOLLOW-UP

Purpose: The durability of pubovaginal sling procedure for type 2 stre ss urinary incontinence was evaluated by a questionnaire survey. Mater ials and Methods: From 1989 to 1996, 48 patients with type 2 stress ur inary incontinence were treated with a polytetrafluoroethylene patch s ling. Tightness of the sling was adjusted by setting the posterior ure throvesical angle at about 90 degrees under ultrasound monitoring. Stu dy inclusion criteria were no urine leakage for at least 24 months con firmed by questionnaire and no recurrent urinary incontinence during f ollowup. Results: We received answers from 39 patients (81.3%), of who m 1 was excluded from study due to less than 24-month followup (18 mon ths) without urine leakage. Of the 38 patients 32 (84.2%) reported no leakage of urine, 4 (10.5%) were subjectively improved, 2 (5.3%) were the same and none was worse, for an overall cure or improved rate of 9 4.7%. Followup of the 32 patients maintaining urinary continence avera ged 65.9 +/- 29.4 months. Of the patients 6 (15.8%) had slight pelvic pain, 4 (10.5%) always and 10 (26.3%) sometimes had to strain to void, and 14 (36.8%) complained pollakisuria. Urge incontinence coexisted i n 5 of 6 patients reporting improved or the same status. Of all patien ts 31 (81.6%) were satisfied with the decision to undergo the operatio n. Conclusions: Durability and safety of our procedure for stress urin ary incontinence were confirmed by the survey questionnaire. Most of t he patients complained of no or little difficulty voiding.