Hypothesis / aims of study
Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a common problem worldwide. The aim of this study is to describe the surgical technique, and middle-term results of the adjustability single incision TOT sling (Altis) for the surgical treatment of stress urinary incontinence.
METHODS:
the patient-reported cure rate, objective cure rate, operative time, postoperative pain, lower urinary tract injuries, groin pain, postoperative voiding difficulties, de novo urgency, vaginal tape erosion, and other related data on both surgical methods were evaluated.
INCLUSION CRITERIA:
patients with genuine SUI and patients with SUI plus concomitant procedures as prolapse.
EXCLUSION CRITERIA:
patients with ISD and or neurogenic incontinence.
Study design, materials and methods
There are four components that make up the Altis Single Incision Sling System: the introducers, the sling, the anchors and the tensioning suture. The anchors are placement into the obturator membrane with the introducers as a set for the inside-out approach. The sling is 7.75cm and spans from obturator to obturator. Extending from the sides of the sling is a size 1 PP monofilament suture that is attached to the sling body.
The suture extending from the sling and through the dynamic anchor or the movable anchor is designed for two way adjustability. The dynamic anchors holding force and suture design prevents sling movement during the tissue in-growth period. This also eliminates the need for a locking mechanism. Following the procedure, the excess suture is cut and discarded.
Interpretation of results
SIMS-Altis is safe and effective in the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence. The results of the study suggest that the adjustability single incision sling (Altis) can be considered a minimally invasive TOT with no-needles and maintaining the same cure rate than our TOT cases at 2 years follow up.
Compared with TVT-O/TOT surgery, SIMS-Altis surgery has the same high objective cure rate and patient-reported cure rate and low incidence of perioperative complications, in addition to its short operative time and low incidence of groin pain. Its long-term efficacy needs further observation.