A re-adjustable sling for female recurrent stress incontinence and sphincteric deficiency: Outcomes and complications in 125 patients using the Remeex sling system.

AIMS: To evaluate the outcomes, complications, and quality of life of patients after a Remeex re-adjustable sling for recurrent stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and intrinsic sphincteric deficiency (ISD) indications.

METHODS: One hundred twenty-five patients with SUI were prospectively evaluated following a re-adjustable sling in a single tertiary academic Center. Patients were classified by Q-tip, urodynamic and clinical criteria into ISD (70) and recurrent SUI (55). All patients underwent a re-adjustable sling placement. Outcome measures included pad-test, urodynamics, and the King's Health Questionnaire.

RESULTS: After a mean follow-up of 38 months (26-72), 109 patients (87%) are cured of SUI based on pad-test, clinical, and urodynamic criteria. Sixteen patients (13%) remain incontinent. Nine of those (7%) are satisfied to the point that they decline re-adjustment of the sling, and seven (6%) are on the waiting list for re-adjustment. Nineteen patients show urge incontinence (9 with previous urodynamic mixed incontinence, 10 (8%) with de novo detrusor overactivity). Twenty-one patients benefited from a re-adjustment of the sling during the follow-up. The tension was increased in 17 cases (continent at discharge) due to recurrence of SUI, and reduced in 4 due to obstruction. The Varitensor was removed in 1 case due to infection. No other complications were seen.

CONCLUSIONS: The Remeex re-adjustable sling system provides a good cure rate for recurrent SUI and ISD with a low complication rate. The ability to increase or decrease sling tension allowed us to achieve cure in patients who were not initially dry, and to relieve obstruction in every case attempted.