Do nonautologous biological slings have a future?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this paper is to review the literature published during 2005 on nonautologous biological slings for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence.

RECENT FINDINGS: Little has been done by the way of research to assess adequately whether nonautologous biological slings perform better or worse than other types of slings. Three cohort studies and two comparative studies have been reported, but no randomized controlled trials have been published during the last year comparing biological slings with synthetic slings. Sporadic reports of unexpectedly high recurrent stress incontinence rates with some biological slings have come into light.

SUMMARY: Nonautologous biological slings are safe and simple to implant. Long-term outcomes, however, remain uncertain. A risk of complete failure is possible.