The Autologous Fascial Pubovaginal Sling for Recurrent Stress Incontinence: A Retrospective Study

ABSTRACT Aim This study aimed to analyze the clinical efficacy and safety of autologous fascial pubovaginal sling (AFPVS) surgery in treating recurrent stress urinary incontinence (SUI) following the failure of mid‐urethral sling procedures. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of SUI patients who underwent AFPVS at our hospital between 2008 June and 2024 June following the failure of mid‐urethral sling procedures. The analysis included basic information, surgical parameters, and postoperative complications. Additionally, telephone interviews using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire‐Short Form (ICI‐Q‐SF) and the Incontinence Quality of Life Questionnaire (I‐QOL) was conducted at 6‐month follow‐up. Results Thirty‐four patients with the mean age of 54.8 ± 15.7 years old were reviewed, and the median disease duration was 3 (2–10) years. Of the 34 patients, 20 (58.8%) were cured, 8 (23.5%) showed improvement, resulting in an overall effectiveness rate of 82.3%. Three cases experienced bladder injury, which resolved after 2 weeks of catheterization, but no patients had urethral or vaginal injuries intraoperatively. Postoperative scores on the ICI‐Q‐SF significantly decreased ( p < 0.001), and postoperative I‐QOL scores significantly increased ( p < 0.001) compared to preoperative scores. Conclusion AFPVS is a safe and effective salvage procedure for recurrent SUI following the failure of mid‐urethral sling procedures.