Retropubic mid-urethral slings and de novo urinary urgency and frequency: The role of retropubic hematomas

AIMS This is a prospective cohort study comparing de novo lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in subjects undergoing a retropubic mid-urethral sling who either did or did not develop a postoperative retropubic hematoma within 6 weeks of surgery. The secondary objective was to measure the incidence and prevalence of retropubic hematomas, and subject characteristics associated with retropubic hematomas. METHODS Eligible subjects were recruited before undergoing a retropubic mid-urethral sling with or without concurrent pelvic reconstructive surgery. Validated urinary symptom questionnaires were completed before surgery and at 6 weeks postoperatively. An abdominal ultrasound was used to establish baseline lower urinary tract imaging. Ultrasound was repeated immediately after surgery and 6 weeks later to assess for the presence of retropubic hematomas. RESULTS Ninety-four subjects were enrolled. Baseline urgency and frequency were measured in 35% (33/93) of subjects. At 6 weeks postoperatively, 2% (1/52) had de novo LUTS which were not associated with a retropubic hematoma at any time. Immediately after surgery, the incidence of retropubic hematomas was 17% (16/94) while the prevalence of retropubic hematomas 6 weeks after surgery was 4% (3/75). There was no significant difference in the change in hemoglobin before and after surgery between those with and without postoperative retropubic hematomas. CONCLUSIONS There is no significant association with de novo LUTS and retropubic hematomas. Though there is a 17% incidence of retropubic hematomas detected immediately after surgery, those with hematomas who were not lost to follow-up resolved by the 6-week postoperative visit and is of unclear clinical significance.