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01-04-2022 | Stress Incontinence | Original Article

Telemedicine follow-up is safe and efficacious for synthetic midurethral slings: a randomized, multi-institutional control trial

Authors: Laura L. Giusto, Samir Derisavifard, Patricia M. Zahner, Jessica J. Rueb, Luo Deyi, Li Jiayi, Fang Weilin, Raphael de Jesus Moreira, Alexander Gomelsky, Matteo Balzarro, Howard B. Goldman

Published in: International Urogynecology Journal | Issue 4/2022

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

The objective was to assess whether telemedicine-based follow-up is equivalent to office-based follow-up in the early postoperative period after routine synthetic midurethral sling placement.

Methods

This is a prospective, international, multi-institutional, randomized controlled trial. Patients undergoing synthetic midurethral sling placement were randomized to 3-week postoperative telemedicine versus office-based follow-up. The primary outcome was the rate of unplanned events. Secondary outcomes included patient satisfaction, crossover from telemedicine to office-based follow-up, and compliance with 3- to 5-month office follow-up.

Results

We included 238 patients (telemedicine: 121 vs office: 117). No differences in demographics or medical comorbidities were noted between the study groups (p = 0.09–1.0). No differences were noted in unplanned events: hospital admission, emergency department visit, or unplanned office visit or call (14% vs 12.9%, p = 0.85) or complications (9.9% vs 8.6%, p = 0.82). Both groups were equally “very satisfied” with their surgical outcomes (71.1% vs 69%, p = 0.2). Telemedicine patients were more compliant with 3- to 5-month office follow-up (90.1% vs 79.3%, p = 0.04).

Conclusions

After synthetic midurethral sling placement, telemedicine follow-up is a safe patient communication option in the early postoperative period. Telemedicine patients reported no difference in satisfaction compared with office-based follow-up but had greater compliance with 3- to 5-month follow-up.

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Title: Telemedicine follow-up is safe and efficacious for synthetic midurethral slings: a randomized, multi-institutional control trial
Authors: Laura L. Giusto
Samir Derisavifard
Patricia M. Zahner
Jessica J. Rueb
Luo Deyi
Li Jiayi
Fang Weilin
Raphael de Jesus Moreira
Alexander Gomelsky
Matteo Balzarro
Howard B. Goldman
Publication date: 01-04-2022
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Keywords: Stress Incontinence
Care
Telemedicine
Published in: International Urogynecology Journal / Issue 4/2022
Print ISSN: 0937-3462
Electronic ISSN: 1433-3023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-021-04767-1

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Telemedicine follow-up is safe and efficacious for synthetic midurethral slings: a randomized, multi-institutional control trial

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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