Anatomic relationships of single-incision midurethral slings.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to evaluate the anatomic relationships of anchor points of single-incision midurethral slings with 2 common placement trajectories.

STUDY

DESIGN

In 30 female pelvic halves, a probe was introduced through a suburethral tunnel following 45° and 90° angle trajectories. The corresponding anchor points were tagged. Distances to the obturator canal, accessory obturator vessels, dorsal vein of clitoris, and external iliac vein were recorded.

RESULTS

Both suburethral tunnel trajectories and their respective anchor points remained caudad to the obturator internus muscle in 100% of dissections. The closest distance between either anchor point to the obturator canal was 1.6 cm. The closest distance from the 45° and 90° anchor points to the accessory obturator vessels was 1.6 and 1.5 cm, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The anchor points of single-incision midurethral slings are in close proximity to vascular structures that could be injured with inadvertent entry into the retropubic space.