Purpose: We sought to establish whether colpocystourethropexy creates
bladder outlet obstruction, as evaluated by pressure-flow studies. Mat
erials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the records of 50 wome
n. Preoperative evaluation included a detailed questionnaire, physical
examination, urine culture, cystourethroscopy and multichannel urodyn
amic testing. Every patient underwent retropubic colpocystourethropexy
according to the Tanagho modification of the original Burch technique
. An average of 3 months after the operation clinical evaluation and i
dentical multichannel urodynamic testing were repeated. Preoperative a
nd postoperative urodynamic parameters were compared for each patient
and statistical differences were established using Student's 2-tailed
t test. Results: No statistically significant difference was demonstra
ted in static urethral pressure profile parameters and in parameters d
uring the filling phase of the cystometrogram except for cystometric c
apacity, which decreased after surgery (p = 0.02). In contrast, all 5
pressure-flow parameters analyzed (minimum urethral opening pressure,
detrusor pressure at maximum flow, maximum flow, theoretical cross-sec
tional area and theoretical diameter of the flow rate controlling zone
) showed statistically significant differences induced by surgery. Pre
ssure-flow data reported on Schafer's diagram and on the Abrams-Griffi
ths nomogram failed to demonstrate urodynamically significant obstruct
ion created by surgery. Conclusions: Our data suggest that colpocystou
rethropexy does not create obstruction but, rather, restores pressure-
flow conditions to a normal or nearly normal level.