Long-term results of Burch colposuspension

We aimed to determine the long-term results of Burch colposuspension.

Patients who had undergone Burch colposuspension due to stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in our department between 1991 and 1995 were asked to participate in the study by telephone or mail. Fifty of 78 patients (64%) responded and these formed the study group. Patients were evaluated by a detailed questionnaire, pelvic examination, uroflowmetry and postvoid residual urine determination. Provocative stress test and urodynamic evaluations were performed in those who claimed leakage. Additionally, follow-up charts were retrospectively reviewed from the patients' files.

Mean follow-up time was 50.6 months. The subjective cure rate was 52% and the surgical success rate was 84%. The patient satisfaction rate in terms of incontinence was 86%. No correlation was found between pre-operative patient characteristics (i.e. age, number of vaginal deliveries and pregnancies, menopause, previous anti-incontinence surgery and presence of detrusor instability) and outcome of surgery. Although no patient was performing clean intermittent catheterization in the long term, two patients had significant residual urine and obstructive flows. Three patients had severe pelvic prolapse that required surgical correction.

Our results indicate that Burch colposuspension operation is an effective and durable choice of treatment with low complication rates for the treatment of SUI.