Minimum 2-year follow-up of mid-urethral slings, effect on quality of life, incontinence impact and sexual function

Introduction and hypothesis: In this study, the impact of mid-urethral slings (MUS) on incontinence-related distress, quality of life and sexual function is assessed at a minimum 2 years. Methods: Patients received either a pubovaginal sling (PVS) or a tension-free vaginal tape (TVT). The Arabic translation of urogenital distress inventory (UDI)-6, incontinence impact questionnaire (IIQ)-7, and short form Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) were administered at baseline and 24 months. Results: Sixty three women with a mean age of 47.8 years were included in this study. A median follow-up was done after 54∈±∈21.9 months. Thirty nine women had PVS while 24 had TVT. Cure was defined as a significant decrease in UDI-6 and a negative stress test at 200 ml, which was found to be 93.65% and 95.2%, respectively. Overall, UDI-6 decreased from a mean preoperative value of 68.1∈±∈16.9 to 27.6∈±∈18.3 (p∈<∈0.0001). IIQ-7 decreased from 70∈±∈19 to 24∈±∈20.8(p∈<∈0.0001). The difference between pre- and postoperative values was insignificant. Conclusion: An MUS gives a cure rate of over 93% at a median follow-up of 54 months. A significant decline in UDI-6 and IIQ-7 is evident after surgery. Sexual function, as measured by the FSFI, was not significantly affected.