The Autologous Fascial Pubovaginal Sling for Recurrent Stress Incontinence: A Retrospective Study

Low Urin Tract Symptoms. 2025 Jan;17(1):e70000. doi: 10.1111/luts.70000.

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to analyze the clinical efficacy and safety of autologous fascial pubovaginal sling (AFPVS) surgery in treating recurrent stress urinary incontinence (SUI) following the failure of mid-urethral sling procedures.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of SUI patients who underwent AFPVS at our hospital between 2008 June and 2024 June following the failure of mid-urethral sling procedures. The analysis included basic information, surgical parameters, and postoperative complications. Additionally, telephone interviews using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICI-Q-SF) and the Incontinence Quality of Life Questionnaire (I-QOL) was conducted at 6-month follow-up.

Results: Thirty-four patients with the mean age of 54.8 ± 15.7 years old were reviewed, and the median disease duration was 3 (2-10) years. Of the 34 patients, 20 (58.8%) were cured, 8 (23.5%) showed improvement, resulting in an overall effectiveness rate of 82.3%. Three cases experienced bladder injury, which resolved after 2 weeks of catheterization, but no patients had urethral or vaginal injuries intraoperatively. Postoperative scores on the ICI-Q-SF significantly decreased (p < 0.001), and postoperative I-QOL scores significantly increased (p < 0.001) compared to preoperative scores.

Conclusion: AFPVS is a safe and effective salvage procedure for recurrent SUI following the failure of mid-urethral sling procedures.

Keywords: autologous fascial pubovaginal sling; mid‐urethral sling procedure; stress urinary incontinence.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Fascia / transplantation
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology
  • Quality of Life*
  • Recurrence*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Suburethral Slings*
  • Transplantation, Autologous
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Urinary Incontinence, Stress* / surgery
  • Vagina / surgery