The MiniArc sling system in the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence

Abstract

Aims: To assess the technical feasibility of a new mini-invasive sling procedure (MiniArc) and present short-term results in the treatment of female urinary incontinence.

Materials and methods: A total of 97 women with mixed or stress urinary incontinence (SUI) were treated by placement of the new single-incision sling. Pelvic organ prolapse was graded using the POP-Q system (pelvic organ prolapse quantification system). Preoperative workup included urodynamic evaluation, cough stress test and introital ultrasound. Postoperatively, introital ultrasound was performed to determine residual urine and check tape position. Quality of life was measured using King's Health Questionnaire. A voiding diary and pad count served to verify the patients' subjective complaints.

Results: The MiniArc single-incision sling procedure was the initial intervention in 37 (38.2%) patients and the second intervention in 60 (61.7%) patients with recurrent incontinence. The cough stress test was negative in 79 (83.1%) women 6 weeks after the sling procedure and in 74 (77.8%) at 12 months. De novo urge occurred in 32 (36.8%) women. Quality of life was significantly improved at 12-month follow-up in 65 (69.1%) patients (p < 0.001). The number of pads decreased significantly from 2.2 to 0.6 (p < 0.001) after the procedure. One patient developed an hematoma and bladder perforation occurred in another.

Conclusions: Our short-term clinical results suggest that the MiniArc is a safe and effective minimally invasive sling procedure for treating female SUI. Randomized comparative controlled trials and long-term results are still required to define the role of the new sling system in comparison to established mid-urethral tape techniques for treating incontinence.