Long-term results of Burch colposuspension.

The study included 220 women who had undergone Burch colposuspension. Group I (65 women) was studied prospectively and the mean follow-up was 1.5 years. Group II (155 women) was studied retrospectively and the mean follow-up was 4.5 years. The cure rate was 87.7% in group I and 77.4% in group II. The cure rate was significantly higher following the primary procedure than the secondary procedure. At follow-up, late complications in 220 women were: cystocele in 18; rectocele in 32; enterocele in 35; dyspareunia in 6, and groin or suprapubic pain in 15. In group I, of the 11 women with detrusor instability preoperatively, 10 were cured and in 1 detrusor instability persisted postoperatively. Two women had de novo detrusor instability. In conclusion, the cure rate of Burch colposuspension is satisfactory, although it declines a little with time. Women who had previous anti-incontinence surgery have a greater probability of recurrence. The procedure elevates the bladder neck into the abdominal cavity and stabilizes it. Surgical failure is related to inadequate elevation and stabilization of the bladder neck. Copyright 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel