Retropubic urethropexy (Burch colposuspension)

Many varied procedures have been described for the surgical treatment of fe male stress incontinence. Over the years these have had enthusiastic propon ents, but not until the recent publication of two systematic literature rev iews did their relative efficacies become apparent. At present it would app ear that open suprapubic urethropexy is the current 'gold standard' procedu re. Many new minimal-access techniques aimed at reducing the morbidity of a Burch colposuspension have been proposed. However, careful analysis of the medium- to long-term success of these procedures and their associated comp lications is needed before they are adopted universally.