Multiple Endoclip Retraction Technique (MERT) in Laparoscopic Burch

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The multiple endoclip retraction technique (MERT) was developed based on our experience with suturing renal parenchyma in laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. In this study we prospectively evaluated the one-year results of cases treated by transperitoneal laparoscopic Burch with the MERT. METHODS: The patients were evaluated with stress test, one-hour pad test, and were requested to complete the International Continence Society Incontinence Questionnaire short form (ICIQ-SF) in the postoperative period. The follow-up periods were postoperative 3, 6, and 12 months. RESULTS: The primary outcome of this study was surgical success, defined as being cured of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) (no symptoms), experiencing improved symptoms of SUI in ICIQ-SF and negative stress test, and less than 2g urine leakage in a one-hour pad test. No statistically significant difference was found in terms of age, number of children, and body mass index (BMI) in patients according to the results of the 12 month postoperative stress test. We found statistically significant improvements at all control months in terms of stress test and pad weight. ICIQ-SF results showed a significant decrease at three months in patients who recovered after the operation. This rate has not changed in following control months. However, there was no statistical change in ICIQ-SF values in patients who did not recover after the operation. CONCLUSION: MERT seems to be one of the safe and effective modifications in the management of SUI with good one year outcomes when performed by suitably trained experienced surgeons.