In situ anterior vaginal wall sling formation with preservation of the endopelvic fascia for treatment of stress urinary incontinence.

The indications for sling procedures have evolved and encompass patients with either intrinsic sphincteric deficiency (ISD), anatomic incontinence or both. We have refined a technique that can be performed in a minimally invasive fashion with low attendant morbidity to provide a reproducible method of sling formation. Twenty patients with stress urinary incontinence underwent the in situ sling (ISS) with bone fixation. Subsequent evaluation at 24-29 months (mean = 26.2 months) revealed that 95% of patients were cured. No recurrent cystoceles, paravaginal defects or significant detrusor instability have been noted. Urinary retention appeared transiently in only 3 patients and resolved in under 3 weeks. We feel the in situ sling with bone fixation provides a safe and effective means of management for stress urinary incontinence. Furthermore, the reduced surgical dissection may minimize the incidence of postoperative ISD and recurrent paravaginal defects that may accompany more traditional needle suspension procedures.