Needle suspension of the bladder neck for stress urinary incontinence: objective results at 11 to 16 years.

We analyzed the objective and subjective long-term outcomes of women who underwent needle suspension of the bladder neck 11 to 16 years previously. A total of 132 women underwent a needle suspension procedure at our institution between 1986 and 1991. In a retrospective cohort study, 63 of these women were evaluated by clinical examination, urodynamic testing, cough stress test, and standardized personal interview. Objective continence was defined as no loss of urine either during cystometry or during coughing with the bladder filled to 300 ml. The objective continence rate was 56% (25/45) and the subjective continence rate was 41% (26/63). With regard to patient satisfaction, only 38% (24/63) of the studied patients considered themselves completely cured, and an additional 30% (19/63) improved. The objective and subjective long-term results of needle suspension of the bladder neck are modest. Long-term complications such as urinary retention and overactive bladder syndrome are rare.