Long-term durability of pubovaginal fascial slings in women who then become pregnant and deliver

Introduction and hypothesis: Pubovaginal fascial slings are commonly performed after childbearing is completed. Limited data is available regarding women who become pregnant following a sling procedure. Methods: Three hundred forty-one women of childbearing age underwent pubovaginal sling surgery at our institution from July 1993 to December 2005. All patients were sent a questionnaire regarding their incontinence and health status. Results: Nine women who delivered following surgery were identified (seven vaginal and two cesarean sections). Overall, five remained dry, three had no change in continence, and one noted worsening incontinence. Four women completed questionnaires (two vaginal and two caesarean sections). One patient who delivered vaginally reported high symptom scores and dissatisfaction while the remaining three reported low symptom scores and satisfaction. Conclusions: The pubovaginal fascial sling is a durable option for women with reproductive potential. Given our results, both vaginal delivery and cesarean section appear to be acceptable modes of delivery in this patient population. © 2010 The International Urogynecological Association.

Duke Scholars

Author Gary Joseph Faerber Urology