Comparison of midurethral tape with autologous rectus fascial sling surgery for stress urinary incontinence: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Objectives To compare the success rates of autologous fascial mesh (sling and transobturator tape [TOT]) with midurethral synthetic meshes (tension-free vaginal tape sling [TVT] and TOT) for stress urinary incontinence. Materials and methods A literature search for studies published in English was conducted from May 10, 2022, to June 1, 2022. The search included MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and ProQuest, using the terms{“Autologous fascial slings”}OR {“AFS”} AND{“TOT”} OR {“Transobturator tape”} OR{“TVT”} OR{“Transvaginal tape”}. A total of 20 studies, including 10 randomized controlled trials, were selected for the review. RevMan software (version 5.3) was used to calculate the pooled effect estimates for operative and postoperative variables. Results In the systemic review, 20 studies, including 10 randomized controlled trials, were assessed. In the TVT versus autologous pubovaginal sling (A-PVS) groups, the effect estimates for the surgical duration, catheter duration, success, and complication rates were more advantageous for TVT. However, in comparison to autologous transobturator tape groups, TOT provided better operative time and a shorter hospital stay. Moreover, in comparison to the A-PVS group, the TOT group was superior in terms of operating time, urethral catheterization, hospital stay, amount of residual urine, and wound complications. The A-PVS group had significantly more groin and thigh pain. Conclusions During medium- and long-term follow-ups, the use of autologous rectus fascia grafts using a A-PVS or TOT provided similar complication rates and urinary continence results as using midurethral synthetic meshes (TVT and TOT).