Atlanta Center for Laparoscopic Urogynecology
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Urinary Incontinence Surgery
Laparoscopic Burch Urethropexy
Laparoscopic Burch Urethropexy
First described in 1961, by John Burch, Laparoscopic Burch Urethropexy procedure has stood the test of time and is currently considered one of the two most curative operations for the treatment of Stress Urinary Incontinence. Laparoscopic Burch Urethropexy is used for both primary and recurrent stress incontinence and has a cure rate of 80-90%, 5-15 years following surgery. Laparoscopic Burch Urethropexy procedure can be performed through a larger abdominal wall incision (i.e. Laparotomy) or through small abdominal incisions using cameras and TV screens (i.e. Laparoscopy). Despite the Laparoscopic Burch Urethropexy surgical approach, or size of incision, the operative technique for urinary incontinence should remain the same. In an attempt to support and stabilize the urethra, sutures are placed in the vaginal wall beside the urethra and anchored to the Coopers ligament of the pubic bone. Routinely, two sutures are placed on each side of the urethra, one at the mid-level of the urethra and one at the level of the urethra bladder junction (i.e. bladder neck).
Benefits of Laparoscopic Burch Urethropexy
Drs. Miklos and Moore prefer to use a laparoscopic approach to Burch urethral stabilization. Since 1993, Dr. Miklos has performed more than 500 of the Laparoscopic Burch operations with minimal complications or blood transfusion. Both physicians prefer the Laparoscopic Burch method for his patients because it is/has:
- Minimally invasive
- Minimal pain
- Cure rates 80-95%
- 23 hour hospital stay
- Operative time 30-40 minutes
- Minimal complications
- Allows for repair of other vaginal wall relaxation (cystocele, enterocele, uterine, vault prolapse)
- Allows direct access for paravaginal repair (cystocele repair) --- more than 90% of patients with Stress Urinary Incontinence have these defects that should be repaired thereby eliminating a second surgery.
For surgical treatment information for laparoscopic Burch, click here.
