Outcome in 104 pubovaginal slings using freeze-dried allograft fascia latafrom a single tissue bank

We describe our experience with the use of allograft fascia lata for the tr eatment of stress urinary incontinence. One hundred and four patients under went allograft fascia lata pubovaginal slings. Preoperatively,all were eval uated by a detailed urogynecologic evaluation, voiding diary, and pelvic ex amination. The pubovaginal sling was performed using a 2x15-cm freeze-dried nonirradiated cadaveric fascia lata specimen. Outcome measures were assess ed by a urogynecologic questionnaire, pad usage, and disease-specific quali ty-of-life questionnaires. Eighty-eight percent (91 of 104) responded to a mailed urogynecology and disease-specific quality-of-life questionnaire wit h an average follow-up period of 19.4 +/- 10.3 months. The mean preoperativ e daily pad usage was 4.6 +/- 5.0, postoperatively pad usage was 1.1 +/- 1. 4 (P < 0.0001). Urge incontinence resolved in 41% (n = 24) of the 59 patien ts who complained of this preoperatively. Eighty-seven percent of the respo nders indicated that urinary incontinence was not substantially affecting t heir daily life. As in our preliminary report, the use of freeze-dried allo graft pubovaginal sling continues to provide good results without adverse o utcomes. A prospective, randomized comparison of autologous versus allograf t slings and a review of preparation techniques used by tissue banks are ne eded. UROLOGY 56 (Suppl 6A): 2-8, 2000. (C) 2000, Elsevier Science Inc.