Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is usually treated with mid-urethral slings. The best approach is still debated and the relationship between slings and pelvic structures is not completely understood. The aim of this study is to identify any difference between trans-obturator tape (TOT) and single incision sling (minisling).
Patients submitted to TOT or minisling were included in the study. Q-tip and stress test, ICIQ-SF questionnaire, PGI-I validated score, and 2D/3D transvaginal ultrasound parameters were collected at 1- and 6-month follow-up. Correlations between ultrasound parameters and clinical outcomes, PGI-I and ICIq-SF, were performed.
61 patients were included in the study. PGI-I score was significantly lower in the minisling group than in TOT group at 1-month (p = 0.016) and 6-month follow-up (p = 0.076). The median distance between the sling and the lumen of urethra was significantly higher and the angle between the branches of the sling was significantly narrower in the minisling group. There were significant differences in distances between the sling and the bladder neck at 1-month and 6-month follow-up. An inverse correlation between angle of the branches and the Q-tip test was observed (p = 0.059 Pearson's Rho - 0.578). PGI-I correlated also with angle of the branches (p = 0.009, Pearson's Rho 0.503).
Patients undergoing TOT or minisling are similarly satisfied but show differences at ultrasound exam at 1- and 6-month follow-up. Pelvic floor ultrasound could be used in a short-term follow-up to visualize the sling position and to plan the most appropriate follow-up strategy.
World journal of urology. 2022 Aug 18 [Epub ahead of print]
Daniela Caramazza, Giuseppe Campagna, Francesca Moro, Lorenzo Vacca, Monia Marturano, Sara Pizzacalla, Ilaria Nausica Trivellizzi, Giovanni Panico, Giovanni Scambia, Alfredo Ercoli, Antonia Carla Testa
Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute della Donna e del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli-IRCCS, UOC Uroginecologia e Medicina e Chirurgia Ricostruttiva Pelvica Femminile, Rome, Italy., Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute della Donna e del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli-IRCCS, UOC di Ginecologia Oncologica, Rome, Italy. ., Polo Ospedaliero "G.Mazzini" Teramo, ASL Teramo, UOC Ginecologia e Ostetricia, Teramo, Italy., Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute della Donna e del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli-IRCCS, UOC di Ginecologia Oncologica, Rome, Italy., PID Ginecologia Oncologica e Chirurgia Ginecologica Mininvasiva, Università degli Studi di Messina, Policlinico G. Martino, Messina, Italy.