Purpose
To evaluate the single-incision suburethral mini-sling (SIMS) versus the transobturator tapes (TOT) procedure in the management of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) regarding safety, efficacy, postoperative pain, and the time to return to daily activity.
Patients and methods
A total of 40 female patients with SUI were included in our study and were divided into two equal groups: group A was managed by TOT, whereas group B was managed by SIMS. Patients were evaluated from day 1 till 6 months after surgery for postoperative pain, early return to daily activity, dyspareunia, and continence after surgery. Moreover, also any perioperative complications were recorded.
Results
Patients’ demographics data were similar in both groups. We reported a success rate of 85% for patients of group A versus 80% success rate for patients in group B, with no statistically significant difference. A lower pain score in favor of group B was reported; these results were significant starting from day 1 till 1 month postoperatively, whereas at 3 and 6 months, the results were not statistically significant. Moreover, there was an earlier return to daily activity with group B compared with group A. We reported three cases of dyspareunia in group A compared with two cases in group B. No cases of vaginal erosions, as well as bladder, vascular, or vaginal injuries were encountered in our study.
Conclusion
The use of SIMS in the treatment of SUI is as effective and safe as TOT, with significantly lower postoperative pain and analgesic requirement and earlier return to daily activity.