The 1 year outcome of the transobturator retroluminal repositioning sling in the treatment of male stress urinary incontinence

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a transobturator retroluminal repositioning sling suspension in the treatment of male stress urinary incontinence (SUI) after prostate surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS In 118 men with SUI after prostatic surgery, a transobturator retroluminal repositioning sling suspension was implanted. Patients were evaluated including: complete history and physical examination, 24-h pad test, a questionnaire (International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire, Short-Form), urodynamic evaluation and endoscopy. The surgical technique was described previously. The findings before and at 1 year after sling placement were compared. RESULTS At the 12-month follow-up, 73.7% of the men were cured, 16.9% were improved, and 9.3% were still incontinent. After sling placement the daily pad use decreased significantly (P < 0.001), while the ICIQ-SF improved significantly (P < 0.01). The detrusor voiding pressure, postvoid residual urine volume and maximal flow rates remained unchanged, while the Valsalva leak-point pressure improved significantly (P < 0.01). In 19.5% of the men, there was transient scrotal pain or perineal discomfort. In 5.1% of the men, postoperative urinary retention occurred but resolved spontaneously after a few weeks of catheter placement. In 1.7% of the men adductor pain was reported, which resolved spontaneously. There were no major complications. CONCLUSION The transobturator retroluminal repositioning sling suspension for the treatment of male SUI is effective and safe with a low complication rate after 1 year of follow-up.