A modified Raz bladder neck suspension operation: Results of a one to three years follow-up investigation

Objective: Long term follow-up study of stress incontinence operations shows a declining success rate in time, especially for the needle suspension technique. We evaluated the long term results of a modified bladder neck suspension operation. Methods: From 01-12-87 till 01-12-89 a total of 42 modified Raz bladder neck suspensions for stress incontinence were performed. Early evaluation at three months had shown a cure rate of 93%. Long term (mean 27 months) results were evaluated using a questionnaire. Results: Follow-up of 41 patients showed that ten patients (24%) were cured. Fourteen (34%) considered their situation improved and acceptable, despite mild incontinence. Seventeen patients (40%) considered their situation still unacceptable, half of them (nine patients, 21%) had another operation for incontinence done within two years. Conclusions: We conclude that this one to three years follow-up shows that the modified Raz bladder neck suspension, in our hands, has, in spite of a good short term result, a relatively low long term success rate.