Synthetic vs nonsynthetic slings for female stress and mixed urinary incontinence: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Tweetable StatementIn the medium term, objective and reoperation outcomes were similar between synthetic and non-synthetic slings, in both retropubic and transobturator approaches, with some subjective outcome and complication differences. Short titleSystematic review of synthetic versus non-synthetic slings for urinary incontinence AJOG at a glance:A. Why was this study conducted?• We systematically compared medium term outcomes of slings for female urinary incontinence by material (synthetic/non-synthetic) for corresponding insertion route (retropubic/transobturator). B. What are the key findings?• Synthetic and non-synthetic slings have comparable objective and subjective success, with differences in operative outcomes and complications generally in favour of synthetic material use.• Subjective satisfaction was better in synthetic transobturator slings, compared with autologous transobturator slings.• Retropubic synthetic slings were faster to perform, associated with less intraoperative blood loss, shorter hospital stay, and less urinary retention than retropubic autologous fascial slings.