Where do Women go for Revision Surgeries? Geographic Migration Patterns after Urethral Sling Placement in California

Although long-term rates of sling revision after urethral sling placement have been well studied, details of these revisions have not been addressed. In this study we explore the timing, location and migration of patients from one facility to another for revision procedures.

Using data from the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD) for the state of California (2005 to 2011), all females who underwent index outpatient urethral sling procedures at nonfederal facilities were identified (CPT 57288). Cases requiring eventual sling revision or urethrolysis were subsequently identified. Location, distance traveled and factors associated with seeking a new facility for revision were explored.

Of the 44,605 patients undergoing urethral sling surgery 842 (1.9%) underwent sling revision, with 178 (22.5%) at a new facility. Facilities in the top 10% of surgical volume placed 41% of the slings and performed more than 50% of revisions. Patient proximity to multiple facilities and increased time between procedures were associated with an increased odds of changing facilities for revision (OR 2.11, p <0.0001 and OR 1.05 per month, p <0.0001, respectively). Placement at a high volume center was associated with decreased odds of changing facilities for revision (OR 0.32, p <0.0001). Patients migrated toward larger centers in urban areas for revision.

Overall 78% of sling revisions are performed at the facility where the initial placement was performed. This suggests that the majority of facilities where urethral slings are placed also have the capability of sling revision surgery.