Canadian Urological Association journal = Journal de l'Association des urologues du Canada
Analysis of urinary tract infections as a predictor of obstruction in women with a history of urethral sling surgery
By Wadhwa A, Gan AML, Ross J and 1 others.
Abstract
Introduction
Midurethral sling (MUS) remains a widely used and effective treatment for stress urinary incontinence, although complications such as voiding dysfunction and urinary tract infections (UTIs) may occur. Prior research has shown that up to 60% of women with chronic lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) after MUS surgery meet objective criteria for bladder outlet obstruction (BOO). This exploratory study aimed to assess whether UTI burden is associated with the presence of BOO in women with chronic LUTS following MUS. Secondarily, UTI patterns before and after urethral sling excision were descriptively evaluated.
Methods
A retrospective chart review was conducted examining women with a history of MUS and persistent LUTS for at least six months at a single tertiary care center. Obstruction was assessed using urodynamic studies according to Blaivas criteria or fluoroscopic evidence. UTIs were defined using a combination of culture-positive results and documented symptomatic episodes. Associations between UTI burden and obstruction were evaluated using exploratory regression analyses, and symptom outcomes were assessed before and after sling lysis.