Extraperitoneal approach to laparoscopic Burch colposuspension.
STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate 3-year outcomes of extraperitoneal laparoscopic colposuspension in treating genuine stress incontinence. DESIGN: Retrospective review (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING: University-based, tertiary-level center for endoscopic surgery. PATIENTS: One hundred sixty women with genuine stress incontinence with bladder neck hypermobility. INTERVENTION: Extraperitoneal space was created with CO2 through a 10-mm midline port 2 cm above the pubic hairline. A pair of sutures was inserted at the level of midurethral and urethrovesical junction, fixing them to Cooper's ligament on each side with proper tension. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Of 160 women, 10 were lost to follow-up. On follow-up questionnaire sent to 150 patients, 148 (98.7%) were pleased with the results of surgery. Stress incontinence was cured in 136 women (90.7%) after a minimum of 3 years' follow-up. CONCLUSION: Cure rates for extraperitoneal colposuspension were similar to those reported for traditional laparoscopic or laparotomy Burch procedures; however, this is a more direct method to expose the space of Retzius, thus eliminating the need to open and close peritoneum.