[Burch's operation with laparoscopic modifications as an alternative method of surgical treatment for stress urinary incontinence in women].

The preferred therapy for genuine stress incontinence is surgery. The Burch procedure is considered by many to be the gold standard for surgical treatment of genuine stress incontinence. The Burch procedure requires the elevation of the anterior wall of the vagina to the level of the origin of the paravaginal fascia by suspension from Cooper's ligaments. The laparoscopic performance of the Burch procedure by suturing or by endoscopic stapler mesh technique results in a decrease in the length of hospital stay, faster recovery, much shorter catheterization and less scarring due to the smaller incisions. The laparoscopic procedure provides results similar to the open operation if a meticulous technique is used. Long-term follow-up will be necessary before these procedures can be generally offered as a therapeutic alternative.