Methods and results of urethrolysis

Abstract

Although occurring with somewhat less frequency now than historically reported, outlet obstruction after incontinence surgery continues to be a source of postoperative patient dissatisfaction and therapeutic dilemma. Several techniques have been described that fall under the rubric of urethrolysis, including sling incision, sling lysis with explantation, and formal vaginal or retropubic urethrolysis (incision and disruption of bladder neck and urethral fibrosis). Surgical approaches have included vaginal, retropubic, or combined techniques with or without the use of adjunctive steps such as graft interposition. However, evidence emanating from reports of these varied techniques has been incomplete due to variability in outcomes presentation, lack of longevity of follow-up, or problematic study design. Nonetheless, the bulk of clinical evidence supports the efficacy of urethrolysis as an intervention for outlet obstruction after stress incontinence surgery. However, persistent irritative bladder symptoms remain bothersome for some women and, in addition, the recurrence of stress incontinence also may complicate the technique of urethrolysis. Management of these potential adverse outcomes also has been inconsistent, with some authorities routinely performing repeat incontinence surgery at the time of urethrolysis and others preferring to assess continence status after convalescence from urethrolysis. The differences among the types of urethrolysis and the results of each type are reviewed in this article in light of evolving definitions of outlet obstruction, diagnosis, and definition in women.