The autologous pubovaginal fascial sling: An update in 2019.

The contemporary management of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) has seen renewed interest in the use of autologous fascia for the formation of a retropubic suburethral sling. Traditionally, it has been used in only the most severe of incontinence cases, such as those women with intrinsic sphincter deficiency, or in patients requiring concomitant reconstructive procedures. In the current climate surrounding transvaginal mesh, many doctors and patients are shying away from the less morbid synthetic midurethral sling. International literature has demonstrated that the fascial sling is a safe and efficacious procedure for all patients with SUI, adequately treating both urethral hypermobility and intrinsic sphincter deficiency. This paper will discuss the indications, technique, and outcomes of autologous fascial slings. We will explore the use of fascial slings following failed synthetic slings and also the troubleshooting of commonly encountered issues intra- and postoperatively.

Lower urinary tract symptoms. 2019 Aug 13 [Epub ahead of print]

Sophie Plagakis, Vincent Tse

Department of Surgery, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, Australia., Department of Surgery, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, University of Sydney and Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.