Comparison of late complications of retropubic and transobturator slings in stress urinary incontinence

To compare the late complication profiles between retropubic and transobturator slings used for stress urinary incontinence was the objective of the study.

Between the years 2003 and 2010, 338 complications of midurethral slings were surgically managed in a tertiary referral center. For the purpose of study, we excluded slings that had materials other than monofilament polypropylene, patients with previous anti-incontinence surgeries, and patients who were suspected of having a neurologic bladder condition. This is a prospective and retrospective study of the complications of midurethral slings. The characteristics of complications in retropubic and transobturator routes were compared and analyzed.

Two hundred eighty cases with midurethral sling complications were suitable for analysis. Of these, retropubic slings constituted 210 and transobturator 70. The time interval between the insertion of tape and onset of complications was similar in both groups. Within the two groups, obstructive symptoms were seen more frequently in the retropubic tapes group. Compared to the retropubic tapes group, the transobturator group had more number of complications related to persistent pain (10% tension-free vaginal tapes vs. 32% transobturator tapes), dyspareunia (3% vs. 18%), and tape-related infections (4% vs. 18%). There were no significant differences among the complication rates pertaining to de novo overactive bladder (49% vs. 44%), obstructive symptoms (48% vs. 30%), and contraction of sling material (5% vs. 8%).

Obstructive complications were seen more commonly in the retropubic tapes compared to the transobturator tapes. Transobturator tapes were more frequently associated with persistent pain, dyspareunia, and tape-related infections as compared to retropubic tapes.