How to Use a Mesh Sling Safely After the Post-Vesicovaginal Fistula Repair Repair Patient With Stress Urinary Incontinence

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

4-2023

Publication Title

Journal of Urology

Abstract

NTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Patients with complicated obstetric fistulas may have stress urinary incontinence (SUI) after vesicovaginalfistula repair (VVF), especially if the urethra in involved. Various techniques to treat post-VVF SUI have low success rates or is technically challenging due to thin and scarred peri-urethral tissue. We describe a technique to place a midurethral mesh sling outside of the pre-existing vaginal mucosa. METHODS: With the patient in dorsal lithotomy under spinal anesthesia, a foley catheter is placed into the bladder and the labial majora is retracted for adequate exposure. A rectangular area of the same size as the mesh sling (3x1cm) at the midurethra is marked. A number 15 scalpel is used to incise the vaginal mucosa at the marked lines, and Metzenbaum scissors are used to dissect and mobilize the edges. The dissection is then carried out laterally to be behind the inferior pubic bone. This is done on both sides. The island of vaginal mucosa is then superficially scored using low power bovie cauterization to allow for mesh adhesion and tissue ingrowth. The mesh is sutured to the island of skin using a 3-0 Chromic or vicryl suture at the mesh edges in 4 areas. 0- prolen sutures are then placed on each lateral edge of the mesh in a running stitch. The Metzenbaum scissors are then used to enter into the endopelvic fascia behind the pubic bone to develop the retropubic space. Next, a suprapubic incision is made 1cm cranial to the pubic bone down to the rectus fascia. The Stamey needle is passed in atop-down approach approximately 2cm from midline and end delivered into the vaginal incision. To check for bladder perforation, a metal catheter is placed into the bladder and swept laterally to evaluate forany metallic noise indicative of contact. The prolene suture is passed up to the suprapubic incision and the same is done contralaterally. Bladder is backfilled with sterile saline with methylene blue by gravity and foley removed. Sutures are tied together midline with the sling tension adjusted while patient performs a Valsalva. Suprapubic incision is then closed in multiple layers. The vaginal incision is closed with mobilization of the proximal vaginal mucosa and reapproximation to the distal edge. For larger incisions, a Singapore flap can be done for adequate coverage. RESULTS: Successful management of SUI.CONCLUSIONS: For challenging cases of SUI after a post-VVFrepair, this technique can be an option. Further investigation is needed for clinical outcomes

Volume

209

Issue

4S

First Page

e839

Comments

American Urological Association Annual Meeting, April 28- May 1, 2023, Chicago, IL

DOI

10.1097/JU.0000000000003317.07

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