[Modified sacrocolpopexy combined with a Burch procedure for recurrent stress urinary incontinence]

Surgical procedures for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) due to pelvic organ prolapse have specific relapse rates, especially with regard to long-term results. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of a combined surgical technique: sacrocolpopexy combined with a Burch procedure - in particular as an option for previously operated patients.

From 9/2001 to 8/2004, 33 patients (mean age: 65 years) underwent a modified sacrocolpopexy combined with a Burch procedure. Thirty-six (93 %) patients had previous pelvic operations, nineteen (58 %) of them had failure of prior prolapse surgery. All women presented with urinary incontinence, cystocele and vault prolapse. SUI was classified grade II to III in 67 % (n = 22) cases. Grade II - III genital prolapse was associated in 88 % (n = 29) of the patients. They were screened by preoperative video-urodynamics. Surgery consisted of a Burch procedure and modified abdominal sacrocolpopexy. The mean follow-up was 18 months (range: 10 - 30 months). Follow-up investigations included a symptom score and an urogynaecological examination. A subgroup of ten patients had additional postoperative video-urodynamics.

In all cases the operative procedure was performed successfully. During the follow-up 73 % (n = 24) of the patients were dry, another 18 % (n = 6) showed significant improvement. The number of diurnal/nocturnal micturitions decreased significantly from 9.4 to 6.9 (p < 0.005) and 2.2 to 1.1 (p < 0.005), respectively. The daily use of incontinence pads, as well as the amount of residual urine, decreased significantly from n = 5.1 to n = 1.1 (p < 0.005) and 60 mL to 6.0 mL (p < 0.005). Postoperative urodynamics showed that the bladder function remained unaffected by the procedure regarding de novo detrusor overactivity.

After a mean follow-up of 18 months the modified sacrocolpopexy combined with a Burch procedure, as described above, is a promising technique for highly morbid and preoperated patients.