Unilateral J-cut division versus partial and subtotal removal techniques in female patients with mesh-related urethral obstruction: Multicentric comparative study.

Objective: To compare the functional (obstruction relieving) outcomes and complications of unilateral J-cut division, partial and subtotal vaginal removal techniques were performed for mesh-related urethral obstruction (MRUO) in females.

Methods: Patient review included demographics, a medical history and proforma with details of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), physical and urodynamic findings, detailed surgical reports and follow-up data. Variables were compared between the three groups.

Results: Out of 130 patients with sling revision surgery (SRS), 54 women underwent SRS for MRUO with a median follow-up of 48 (17-96) months. Unilateral J-cut division, partial and subtotal vaginal removal techniques were performed in 12, 31 and 11 patients with a median duration of surgery of 30 (25-34), 40 (35-56) and 60 (60-70) minutes, respectively ( = 0.001). Statistically significant increase in median maximum free urine flow rate and decrease in median post-void residual urine volume were found after SRS in the three groups, while de novo stress urinary incontinence (SUI) developed in 10%, 44% and 60% of the patients in the unilateral J-cut division, partial and subtotal removal groups, respectively ( = 0.007).

Conclusions: The unilateral J-cut division technique was as effective as the partial and subtotal vaginal removal techniques in relieving MRUO with a shorter duration of surgery time ( = 0.001) and lower risk of de novo SUI ( = 0.007). Comparative studies with a larger number of patients are needed.