Is modified Raz technique of midurethral sling a reliable and cost-effective method of treating stress urinary incontinence?

OBJECTIVES: We report our experience of pure stress urinary incontinence (SUI) treated by midurethral synthetic sling placement by modified Raz technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-three patients with pure SUI operated at our institute between June 2003 and December 2008 were included in this study. Midurethral sling tape, fashioned from commercially available large pore synthetic mesh, was placed using the modified Raz technique. The technique consisted of placing the tape within retropubic space using double-pronged needle, which is passed under finger control through the fascia and retropubic space. Outcomes were assessed on the basis of patient's interview in follow-up OPD. RESULTS: Mean age was 57.68 (28–69) years. Forty-five (85%) patients were totally dry and eight (15%) socially dry at the end of the follow-up. Mean operative time was 46.5 + 11.3 minutes (35–80 minutes). None of the patients required blood transfusion or had bladder/bowel injury. Mean duration of hospital stay was 2.17 days (2–4 days). Mean duration of follow-up was 46.1 months (12–78 months). CONCLUSIONS: Modified Raz technique is safe and cost-effective for placing midurethral sling for genuine stress incontinence.