Comparative analysis of bladder neck suspension using Raz, Burch and transvaginal Burch procedures: A 3-year randomized prospective study

Ever since Pereyra described needle suspension of the bladder neck for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence in women, numerous modifications have been presented. There were variations in the success reported by different authors. We report 3-year follow-up results in 146 women operated on for stress urinary incontinence using Raz, Burch and our own new procedures. During a 5-year period, 146 women were operated on for genuine stress urinary incontinence. Using the method of Raz, and transvaginal Burch as well as the Burch retropubic urethropexy, a modified bladder neck suspension was performed in 46 (32%), 44 (30%) and 56 (38%) patients, respectively. In all patients a prior gynecological or urological operation for urinary incontinence and a clear neuropathic condition had been excluded before surgery. The routine diagnostic procedure consisted of multichannel cystometry, voiding cystourethrography, infusion urography and cystoscopy. A pressure-flow electromyography study was done in patients with a residual volume greater than 50 ml following voiding. The operations were performed by the same surgeon (I.G.). Initial follow-up was done after 12 months and then every year. Urodynamic testing did not reveal significant differences between Burch and Raz (p = 0.2652), Raz and transvaginal Burch (p = 0.5745) as well as between Burch and transvaginal Burch procedures (p = 0.7602; Fisher's exact test). Three years after surgery, 50 of 56 (89.3%; Burch procedure), 37 of 46 (80.4%; Raz modification) and 38 of 44 patients (86.4%; transvaginal Burch) were continent. There is no reason (except patient condition) to prefer any of the numerous modifications of bladder neck suspension. We believe that the success of the operation lies in adequate mobilization of the bladder neck and urethra as well as in a surgeon's familiarity with the procedure.