Long-term chronic complications from Stamey endoscopic bladder neck suspension: a case series

Purpose/objective Long-term complications from anti-incontinence surgical procedures are rarely reported. We report on delayed presentation of complications relating to the synthetic bolster placed for the Stamey bladder neck suspension.

Patients undergoing re-operative surgery following prior Stamey endoscopic bladder neck suspension were selected from a surgical database. Four women with lower urinary tract and/or vaginal symptoms following prior Stamey endoscopic bladder neck suspension were identified. All patients had undergone removal of the bolster material by a single surgeon (ESR) at re-operation. Preoperative, operative, and postoperative inpatient and outpatient records were reviewed.

Patients presented with a variety of symptoms including urinary incontinence, recurrent cystitis, vaginitis, and urinary frequency at 9, 11, 11, and 12 years after Stamey bladder neck suspension. In addition, two patients presented with recurrent, intermittent bloody vaginal discharge and two patients complained of recurrent urinary tract infections and irritative voiding symptoms. All patients underwent transvaginal excision of the Dacron bolster. Three patients also underwent placement of an autologous pubovaginal sling for symptomatic recurrent stress urinary incontinence. At a mean follow-up of 30 months all four patients were improved. There was no recurrence of vaginal discharge or urinary tract infections. Irritative voiding symptoms resolved.

Delayed complications from surgically implanted synthetic materials can present many years after initial implantation. The clinical findings are often subtle and require a high degree of suspicion. Vaginal discharge and irritative urinary symptoms in patients with even a remote history of Stamey bladder neck suspension should prompt a thorough vaginal exam and cystoscopy. Excision of the bolsters can be performed and is usually followed by symptomatic improvement.