Dyspareunia associated with paraurethral banding in the transobturator sling

OBJECTIVE: We sought to compare the development of paraurethral banding and subsequent dyspareunia in women undergoing either a transobturator (TO) or retropubic (RP) sling. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a retrospective cohort study comparing women treated with either a TO or RP sling during a 10-month period. RESULTS: A total of 25 TO sling patients and 28 RP sling patients were compared in the study. Paraurethral banding was observed in 13/25 (52%) of the TO group compared with none in the RP group (P < .001). Although no difference was noted in overall female sexual function index scores, de novo internal dyspareunia was reported in 4/17 (24%) of the TO group and none in the RP group (P = .04). Paraurethral banding was observed in all patients reporting dyspareunia. CONCLUSION: We have identified paraurethral banding as a previously unreported complication of the TO sling. Surgeons should be aware of paraurethral banding and subsequent internal dyspareunia as a potential complication.