Endoscopic Bladder Neck Suspension Revisited: Long–Term Results of Stamey and Gittes Procedures

Objective: To evaluate the long–term results of Stamey’s and Gittes’ procedures for genuine stress incontinence.Methods: 72 needle procedures (34 Stamey; 38 Gittes) performed by a single surgeon between 1988 and 1994 were retrospectively reviewed. All patients had genuine stress incontinence on preoperative video–urodynamics. Review was at 3 months and thereafter clinically determined. Update information was gained by a patient satisfaction questionnaire.Results: Data were available for 9 years for the Stamey group (mean 8.4 years) and 6 years for the Gittes’ (mean 5.3 years). At 3 months, 93% were dry. There was a gradual attrition with 38% of the Stamey and 14% of the Gittes patients remaining dry or improved at 5 years. At 9 years, only 28% of the Stamey patients maintained their improvement. 26% of the original cohort underwent a second procedure. All patients who had repeat needle operations have failed. 48 questionnaires (67%) were returned. Only 25% of patients expressed satisfaction with their operation.Conclusion: Early success rates with endoscopic bladder neck suspension are replaced by long–term failures. The durability is poor with an ongoing recurrent incontinence rate. Repeat procedures are not worthwhile. Gittes’ procedure appears to have an earlier failure rate compared to Stamey’s operation.