The modified Aldridge fascial sling (cruciate bladder sling) for genuine stress incontinence: a review of 50 patients.

We set out to assess the success rate and complications of the modified Aldridge sling for genuine stress incontinence (GSI). This was a retrospective study involving 50 women with urodynamically proven GSI who underwent the above procedure at a tertiary referral teaching hospital in Birmingham. The subjective cure rate at 2 years was 94%. Failures were apparent by 1 year and there were no recurrences by 2 years. Age, weight, parity and previous incontinence surgery did not make a statistical difference to the success rate. Postoperative retention and bacteriuria were the commonest complications. We conclude that the modified Aldridge sling procedure should be considered as an alternative to colposuspension in cases in which vaginal mobility is limited. Preoperative urodynamics is essential. The subjective cure rate at 2 years of 94% is respectable, especially when 26.8% of the patients had had at least two unsuccessful incontinence operations.