Laparoscopic implantation of artificial urinary sphincter in women with intrinsic sphincter deficiency: Mid-term outcomes.

Objectives: To analyze the safety and the mid-term continence rates of laparoscopic implantation of artificial urinary sphincter in women.

Methods: A total of 52 women with intrinsic sphincter deficiency underwent a laparoscopic artificial urinary sphincter implantation from 2005 to 2015 at Surgical Clinic Du Pré, Le Mans, France. The artificial urinary sphincter was implanted around the bladder neck by a transperitoneal laparoscopic approach to the Retzius space. Urodynamic assessment was carried out. Postoperative functional outcome was defined as success (no leaking, no pad use), improvement (>50% decrease in number of leakages, >50% decrease in number of pads used or use of light protection) or failure (<50% improvement, persistent or increased leaking). Outcome measures also included perioperative and long-term complications.

Results: The mean age of the patients was 69.1 years (range 64-82 years). After a mean follow up of 37.5 months (median 24 months; range 1-125 months), 38 (77.6%) patients were considered to be continent (no leakage, no pads), and eight (16.3%) improved their grade of incontinence. Three patients abandoned the follow-up schedule and were excluded. There was no perioperative severe complication. Artificial urinary sphincter revision was needed in 11 (22.4%) patients, requiring a total of seven redo procedures and four permanent sphincter removals. The main reasons for redo procedures were six (11.2%) mechanical problems and one vaginal erosion (2%).

Conclusions: Herein we report one of the largest series with the longest follow up evaluating the outcomes of laparoscopic artificial urinary sphincter implantation in female patients. This approach seems to be a safe and effective treatment option for patients with intrinsic sphincter deficiency.