Long-term effectiveness of the Burch colposuspension in female urinary stress incontinence

Of 91 women who underwent Burch colposuspension, 86 were available for clinical, urodynamic and isotope renographic follow-up examinations 5 years after surgery for evaluation of late complications and long-term effectiveness in urinary stress incontinence. A repeat urodynamic examination was accepted by 76 patients. Stress incontinence was cured in 71% of the patients with a stable bladder preoperatively, and in 57% with stress incontinence and detrusor instability (non-significant difference). Cure rate was not significantly related to age, hormonal status or previous anterior vaginal repair. The urodynamic measurements at follow-up showed a significant increase in the functional urethral length in the cured group, as compared with the improved group. The mean maximum urethral closure pressure was reduced in both groups. Symptomatic detrusor instability was found in 18% of the preoperative stable bladders, while 67% of the unstable bladders had become stable. Only 29% of the patients with a preoperative unstable bladder had a normal lower urinary tract function at follow-up. Late voiding difficulties were observed in 3% of the study group; enterocele, requiring surgical repair, developed in 7%. One patient suffered a damaged kidney due to undetected ureteral obstruction after surgery. Irritative bladder symptoms such as urgency, frequency, stranguria and nocturia represent a long-term problem after colposuspension. At the 5-year follow-up, only 52% of the study group were completely dry and free of complications, and about 30% needed further incontinence therapy. This may be due to some neurogenic factor which is not corrected by surgery.