Minilaparotomy versus conventional laparotomy for Burchh’s colposuspension: A comparative study

Abstract

Objectives

To compare the safety, efficacy and cost effectiveness of minilaparotomy surgery for Burch’s colposuspension with standard laparotomy method.

Study Design

A retrospective study of 24 cases of genuine stress incontinence who were operated for Burch colposuspension by minilaparotomy (incision <6cm, n=16) and laparotomy (incision >6cm, n=8) in the two hospitals over the last seven years (June 1997 to December 2004) by the authors were evaluated.

Intervention

Patient’s history, clinical examination, investigations, preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative data were recorded and compared in minilaparotomy and laparotomy groups.

Results

Mean operative time was significantly less in minilaparotomy (35 min) than in laparotomy group (42 min). Mean blood loss was equal in the two groups. Postoperative complications were fever in three (18.8%) and two (25%) cases, wound infection in one (6.3%) and two (25%) cases respectively and were significantly less in minilaparotomy group. Mean hours of mobility, starting normal diet and discharge from hospital were 8 and 24 hours; 1, 5 and 3 days; 5 and 7 days respectively in the two groups. Complete cure rate was 87.5%, in both the groups.

Conclusion

Minilaparotomy Burch colposuspension appears to be a safe and feasible method for surgical management of genuine stress incontinence and is superior to conventional laparotomy as there are minimum perioperative and preoperative complications and the patients can be discharged early from the hospital without the need of expensive equipment.