[The treatment of female stress urinary incontinence (SUI) using fascia lata in a rural hospital].

OBJECTIVES

Pubovaginal sling has been the treatment of choice for female SUI over the last two years. Those made with autologous materials have demonstrated a lower rate of complications. We present our experience using autologous fascia lata.

METHODS

Between May 2005 and July 2006 we performed 10 procedures through a suprapubic approach. In eight cases they were ascended to the retropubic space using needles, and in 2 cases we employed the vaginal tunneler (Tyco). In the 8 initial cases both sling branches were anchored to the Cooper's ligament. In the remainder two cases they were anchored to the fascia of the obliquus externus muscle.

RESULTS

Mean age was 57.7 years; mean follow-up time was 14.8 months (6-20). In 6 cases cystocele was simultaneously corrected. Hospital stay was 72 hours. In two cases, section of the autologous sling was required due to excessive correction. Four patients keep using pads; nevertheless, all 10 patients refer no SUI. Post-operative urine culture was positive in four patients, with negative controls. One case presented vaginal candidiasis.

CONCLUSIONS

Autologous fascia lata pubovaginal sling is an effective low cost treatment, with a low complication rate.