Laparoscopic Burch colposuspension for stress incontinence: preliminary results.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety, effectiveness and potential benefits of laparoscopic Burch colposuspension.

DESIGN: Non-randomised prospective study.

SUBJECTS: Fifteen women, presenting consecutively with urodynamically confirmed urinary stress incontinence.

RESULTS: The operation was successfully completed with no perioperative morbidity in 14 women. One woman subsequently underwent laparotomy after injury to the inferior epigastric artery. The average duration of surgery was 110 minutes, postoperative catheterisation 30 hours, and hospital stay 2.3 days. There was little postoperative discomfort. Most women were able to return to normal activities within one to two weeks. At follow-up (6 weeks-9 months) all the women were continent.

CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic Burch colposuspension is a safe and feasible alternative to the open technique. Early results show the benefits of easy access to the cave of Retzius, a clear view of the operating field, minimal intraoperative blood loss, shortened postoperative catheterisation and hospitalisation times, little postoperative pain and early return to normal lifestyle.