Long-term results of Burch colposuspension

The study included 220 women who had undergone Burch colposuspension. Group I (65 women) was studied prospectively and the mean follow-up was 1.5 years. Group II (155 women) was studied retrospectively and the mean follow-up was 4.5 years. The cure rate was 87.7% in group I and 77.4% in group II. The cure rate was significantly higher following the primary procedure than the secondary procedure. At follow-up, late complications in 220 women were: cystocele in 18; rectocele in 32; enterocele in 35; dyspareunia in 6, and groin or suprapubic pain in 15. In group I, of the 11 women with detrusor instability preoperatively, 10 were cured and in 1 detrusor instability persisted postoperatively. Two women had de novo detrusor instability. In conclusion, the cure rate of Burch colposuspension is satisfactory, although it declines a little with time. Women who had previous anti-incontinence surgery have a greater probability of recurrence. The procedure elevates the bladder neck into the abdominal cavity and stabilizes it. Surgical failure is related to inadequate elevation and stabilization of the bladder neck.