Genuine stress incontinence: colpocystourethropexy versus sling procedures

Both colpocystourethropexy (colposuspension) and sling operations have been shown to be effective in treating female stress incontinence. The present review discusses the literature available and compares the results and comp lications of both procedures. Colposuspension can give excellent results as both primary and secondary surgery. Slings also give excellent results, bu t are prone to complications relating to the sling material and postoperati ve voiding difficulties. Slings are arguably best reserved for women in who m vaginal scarring makes colposuspension impossible. Colposuspension remain s the gold standard operation against which new techniques should be compar ed. (C) 2000 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.