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Robert Shapiro,1,2 Alec Sunyecz,3 Stanley Zaslau,1,2 Manuel C Vallejo,1,4 Tyler Trump,2 Omar Dueñas-Garcia1 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA; 2Department of Urology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA; 3West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA; 4Department of Anesthesiology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USACorrespondence: Robert ShapiroHealth Science Center North, West Virginia University, PO Box 9001A, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USATel +1 304-293-5631Fax +1 304-293-5160Email rshapiro@hsc.wvu.eduBackground: In this study, we aim to compare outcomes after cystotomy repair between standard sutures (910 polyglactin, poliglecaprone) versus barbed (V-LocTM 90) suture. As a secondary outcome, we analyzed factors for suture preference between the two groups.Methods: A retrospective chart review was undertaken for surgeries complicated by cystotomy, identified by ICD-9/10 codes from 2016 to 2019 at West Virginia University (WVU) Hospital. Comparisons were made between cystotomy repair using barbed suture versus standard braided suture. Injuries were categorized by procedure, surgical route, type of suture used in repair, and subsequent complications related to repair. Primary endpoints were examined by Pearson’s Chi-square test and interval data by t-test. A p < 0.05 was significant.Results: Sixty-eight patients were identified with iatrogenic cystotomy at WVU. Barbed suture was used for cystotomy repair in 11/68 (16.2%) patients. No significant difference was seen in postoperative outcomes between patients repaired with barbed suture versus standard braided suture. Barbed suture was significantly more likely to be used for cystotomy repair in minimally invasive surgery (p = 0.001). It was most often utilized in a robotic approach 7/11 (63.6%) followed by laparoscopic 3/11 (27.3%). Body mass index (BMI) was significantly higher in patients receiving a barbed suture repair (p = 0.005).Conclusion: Barbed suture may be comparable to standard braided suture for cystotomy repair. Barbed suture may offer a practical alternative to facilitate cystotomy repair in minimally invasive surgery, especially in patients with a high BMI.Keywords: barbed suture, cystotomy, minimally invasive surgery, obesity

Robert Shapiro,1,2 Omar Felipe Dueñas-Garcia,1 Manuel Vallejo,1 Tyler Trump,2 Makenzy Sufficool,3 Stanley Zaslau1,2 1Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA; 2Department of Urology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA; 3West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV 26506, USACorrespondence: Robert ShapiroDepartment of Obstetrics & Gynecology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV 26506, USAEmail rshapiro@hsc.wvu.eduIntroduction: Patients may develop recurrent urinary tract infections, pain syndromes, dyspareunia, and voiding difficulty after mid-urethral sling placement that can be treated by partial sling excision.Objective: The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the incidence of de novo incontinence and voiding difficulty after partial sling excision. A secondary objective was to assess risk factors associated with future incontinence surgery in this subset of patients.Methods: From 2009 to 2017, 95 female patients with subjective complaints of pelvic pain, dyspareunia, or voiding difficulty following synthetic mid-urethral sling placement for stress urinary incontinence underwent partial sling excision at a single institution. The incidence of urinary incontinence was assessed 6 months after partial sling excision. Patients were also assessed for resolution of voiding difficulty and future incontinence surgery. Primary endpoints were examined by Pearson’s Chi-square test and interval data by t-test. A p < 0.05 was significant.Results: About 72% of patients were more likely to be continent after partial sling excision irrespective of initial symptoms prior to surgery. No difference was seen in voiding difficulty between the continent and incontinent patients after partial sling excision (p=0.09). Patients with a retropubic mid-urethral sling were more likely to be continent after partial sling excision (p=0.03). Preoperative maximum flow rate > 16 mL/sec was associated as an independent variable to develop incontinence surgery after partial sling excision (p=0.009).Conclusion: In conclusion, partial sling excision poses a low risk for de novo urinary incontinence regardless of preoperative symptoms. Stress urinary incontinence may be less likely to reoccur in those patients having a retropubic approach. A preoperative maximum flow rate of > 16 mL/sec is a risk factor for future incontinence surgery after partial sling excision and should be taken into consideration when formulating a treatment plan.Keywords: sling excision, mesh, incontinence, mid-urethral sing