Simple release of pubovaginal sling

Overcorrection of bladder stress urinary incontinence is an infrequent result of a commonly performed procedure, the pubovaginal sling operation. Obstructive voiding symptoms and frank urinary retention may persist until the sling is partially or completely released. Transection of the sling material on either side of the urethra should correct retention while preserving continence. A simple procedure using a Lowsley retractor is described that achieves spontaneous voiding.