Functional results after the suburethral sling procedure for urinary stress incontinence: a prospective randomized multicentre study comparing the retropubic and transobturator routes.

OBJECTIVES To compare short-term functional outcomes, urodynamic parameters, and quality of life of transobturator and retropubic routes in the cure of urinary stress incontinence. POPULATION AND METHODS This prospective, multicentre study involved 88 women undergoing suburethral sling procedure for stress urinary incontinence (SUI). The retropubic route (RPR) and the transobturator route (TOR) were used in 42 and 46 women, respectively. No difference in epidemiologic and preoperative urinary functional status (SUI stage, and pollakiuria, nocturia, and urgency rates) was found between the groups. Functional results and quality of life were evaluated before surgery and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 mo postoperatively. Urodynamic examinations were performed before and 3 mo after surgery. RESULTS The mean follow-up was 10 mo. No difference in the rate of de novo urge incontinence and immediate and late voiding dysfunction was noted between the groups. No difference in the cure rate was observed between the groups (89.3% in the RPR group and 88.6% in the TOR group). RPR was associated with a significant decrease in maximum urinary flow and an increase in residual urine volume. Quality of life was significantly improved after surgery without difference between the groups. CONCLUSIONS Retropubic and transobturator routes for treatment of female SUI have similar high cure rates and quality of life improvement. Because of advantages in the rate of complications and postoperative pain previously demonstrated on the same population, the transobturator route appears to be the best option for the treatment of urinary incontinence.