Transurethral injection of bulking agent for treatment of failed mid-urethral sling procedures

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis: We evaluated the efficacy of transurethral injection (TUI) for the treatment of recurrent or persistent stress urinary incontinence after mid-urethral sling (MUS) procedures.

Methods: A retrospective study was conducted among 23 women who had undergone TUI for failed MUS using bulking agents, Macroplastique® and Durasphere®. The Sandvik questionnaire, Subjective Symptom Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Incontinence Quality of Life (I-QOL) assessment, and Benefit, Satisfaction, and Willingness to Continue questionnaire were used to evaluate the efficacy of TUI.

Results: The cure rate was 34.8% for a median follow-up of 10 months. Subjective symptom VAS, total, and all domains of I-QOL scores were significantly improved after TUI. Ninety-two percent of the patients reported a benefit and 77% of the patients were satisfied with the treatment.

Conclusions: TUI for failed MUS demonstrated a low cure rate but high patient satisfaction, and the procedure was minimally invasive with no significant complications.