Long-term follow-up of polypropylene bone anchored slings

Abstract

Introduction: The transvaginal bone anchored polypropylene sling (BAS) has proven to be a successful treatment for patients with SUI. However, there is limited data on long- -term outcomes following BAS with polypropylene mesh. We report our series of patients who had at least 3 years of follow-up after placement of BAS. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of prospectively collected data of patients undergoing BAS for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) with minimum 3 year follow-up was performed. Outcomes and complications were determined from annual mailed post- -operative questionnaires. Results: 142 patients who had undergone BAS and had answered post-operative questionnaires at a minimum of 3 years were identified. Average follow-up was 58 months (range 36-97 months). The overall success rate was 71% with a dry rate of 27%. Complications occurred in 9% of patients, more commonly in patients without a history of anti-incontinence procedure. Conclusions: Although less commonly used, BAS with polypropylene mesh is associated with an acceptable success rate at long term follow-up but a low completely dry rate.