Post-operative tension adjustment—A simple technical modification in mid-urethral slings (MUS) for stress urinary incontinence (SUI)

Introduction: Mid-urethral sling (MUS) surgeries have revolutionized the management of stress urinary incontinence (SUI). However, MUS is a delicate balance of tension on the mid urethral segment with a 12 % risk of failure to achieve complete continence; and up-to 20 % chance of post-operative voiding dysfunction. We propose a simple technical modification in which the long ends of the tape at suprapubic or groin area are not cut immediately and are covered with a sterile dressing. After 48−72 h post-surgery the patient is checked for continence and voiding difficulties. Following this an ultrasonographic assessment of post-void residual urine is performed. Keeping in mind these 3 criteria the tape is adjusted. After complete subjective as well as objective satisfaction the long ends of tape are cut. Material and methods: This is a retrospective analysis of women who underwent MUS surgery for the management of SUI, with our simple technical modification of tape adjustment in the postoperative period. A total of 17 patients operated by single surgeon in one year were included. Results: Our results show that 58.8 % of our patients who underwent MUS procedures required post-operative tape adjustment. The number was significantly higher in the MUS – Retropubic group (85.7 %) as compared to the MUS – Obturator group (40 %). Three patients in the MUS – Retropubic group required a second time tape adjustment. Following tape adjustment all patients had complete continence (subjective and objective), with no voiding dysfunction. Conclusion: The incidence of postoperative voiding dysfunction is significant following MUS surgery for SUI. A simple technical modification of delaying the cutting of the tape for two to three days gives the opportunity for perfect tension adjustment.