Laparoscopic retropubic colposuspension (Burch procedure). A review of 58 cases

Fifty-eight patients underwent laparoscopic retropubic colposuspension (Burch procedure) for the treatment of genuine urinary stress incontinence. Of these 58 patients, 3 developed postoperative detrusor instability, and another 2 had bladder injuries. The overall complication rate was 8.5%, and the success rate was 94.83%. Our limited experience has shown many advantages of laparoscopic retropubic colposuspension over the traditional abdominal retropubic colposuspension; they include easy access to the space of Retzius, better visibility in the operative field, minimal intraoperative blood loss and postoperative need for pain medication, and shortened hospital stay and recovery period. Most patients were discharged from the hospital within 24-36 hours and resumed normal activities within seven days. Previous major pelvic surgery is not a contraindication to this procedure. Based on our initial experience, laparoscopic retropubic colposuspension appears to be a viable alternative to abdominal retropubic colposuspension.