Long-term outcomes of autologous fascia lata sling for stress incontinence secondary to intrinsic sphincter deficiency in women

Objective To report our long-term pubovaginal sling (PVS) outcomes using fascia lata for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) secondary to intrinsic sphincteric deficiency (ISD). Methodology and methods Following Institute Review Board approval, charts from women undergoing PVS with fascia lata, with at least 6 months of follow up, were reviewed. Preoperative and postoperative data collected included demographics, validated questionnaires, prior anti-incontinence procedures, associated repairs, urodynamic findings, and reoperation procedures for SUI. Success was defined as cure of SUI (no pad, UDI-6 Question 3 related to SUI at ≤ 1, and no SUI reoperation). Results Between 1997 and 2013, 22 women met the inclusion criteria with mean age of 73 (52–88) years, mean BMI 29 (17–38) and mean parity 2.7 (1–4). Mean follow up was 96 months (8–190). Indication for fascia lata sling included obesity (13) and prior abdominal procedures (9), including abdominoplasty. Fifteen women had received one or more prior antiincontinence procedures and five a prior injectable agent. No perioperative complications were noted. Overall, 14 of 22 women met success criteria [UDI-6 Question 3 at 0 (10) and at 1 (4)]. Three women underwent a subsequent procedure for residual SUI with periurethral bulking agent and one is awaiting an artificial urinary sphincter. Conclusion At long-term follow-up of over 8 years after fascia lata sling, women who underwent fascia lata sling had acceptable continence outcomes with minimal complications.