Retropubic urethropexy (Burch colposuspension)

Many varied procedures have been described for the surgical treatment of female stress incontinence. Over the years these have had enthusiastic proponents, but not until the recent publication of two systematic literature reviews did their relative efficacies become apparent. At present it would appear that open suprapubic urethropexy is the current 'gold standard' procedure. Many new minimal-access techniques aimed at reducing the morbidity of a Burch colposuspension have been proposed. However, careful analysis of the medium- to long-term success of these procedures and their associated complications is needed before they are adopted universally.