Genuine stress incontinence: colpocystourethropexy versus sling procedures

Both colpocystourethropexy (colposuspension) and sling operations have been shown to be effective in treating female stress incontinence. The present review discusses the literature available and compares the results and complications of both procedures. Colposuspension can give excellent results as both primary and secondary surgery. Slings also give excellent results, but are prone to complications relating to the sling material and postoperative voiding difficulties. Slings are arguably best reserved for women in whom vaginal scarring makes colposuspension impossible. Colposuspension remains the gold standard operation against which new techniques should be compared. (C) 2000 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.