Use of synthetic material in sling surgery: a minimally invasive approach.

Traditionally, autologous material has been favored over synthetic material in the construction of pubovaginal slings for the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence (SUI). This preference arose largely because of concern about an increased incidence of infection or sling erosion when synthetic materials are used. However, when care is taken to minimize the amount of synthetic material, reduce total operative time, and limit exposure of the material to the operative field, female SUI can be treated effectively with synthetic material with an acceptably low complication rate. Furthermore, utilization of slings constructed with artificial graft material can be minimally invasive, cost effective, and well tolerated.