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Published in: International Urogynecology Journal 2/2022

Open Access 01-02-2022 | Stress Incontinence | IUJ Video

Modified autologous fascial sling technique (‘sling on a string’) for stress incontinence

Authors: Victoria Asfour, Kostis I. Nikolopoulos, Giuseppe Alessandro Digesu, Simon Emery, Zainab Khan

Published in: International Urogynecology Journal | Issue 2/2022

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Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

Describe the modified autologous fascial sling procedure that has been employed in the largest randomized controlled trial comparing autologous slings, mesh slings and xenografts.

Methods

The video aims to demonstrate the modified Aldridge technique. The surgical procedure is demonstrated. A 6-cm suprapubic incision is made to harvest the rectus sheath fascia. Loop-0-PDS sutures are attached on either end of the sling. A marking suture is placed in the middle of the graft to facilitate tension-free adjustment. A vaginal incision is made at the mid-urethra. Paraurethral dissection is performed to create a tunnel for the fascial graft to be passed through (in the same manner as with transvaginal mesh slings). The ends of the graft PDS sutures are passed through the paraurethral tunnel. One hand is placed abdominally below the rectus muscles to palpate the pelvic floor from above. The graft sutures are passed through the pelvic floor with control on either side. A cystoscopy is performed to check the bladder integrity. The graft placement is adjusted to be tenson-free. The incisions are closed. The short- and long-term outcomes of this technique have been investigated and published.

Results

The cure rates and complication rates were no different in the mesh and autologous slings. The xenograft had inferior outcomes.

Conclusion

Autologous fascial slings can be used in the surgical management of urodynamic stress incontinence. The technique demonstrated in this video is the technique employed in the largest randomized controlled trial investigating the efficacy of autologous fascial slings to xenografts and tapes.
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Metadata
Title
Modified autologous fascial sling technique (‘sling on a string’) for stress incontinence
Authors
Victoria Asfour
Kostis I. Nikolopoulos
Giuseppe Alessandro Digesu
Simon Emery
Zainab Khan
Publication date
01-02-2022
Publisher
Springer International Publishing
Published in
International Urogynecology Journal / Issue 2/2022
Print ISSN: 0937-3462
Electronic ISSN: 1433-3023
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-021-04815-w

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