Functional and anatomical differences between continent and incontinent men post radical prostatectomy on urodynamics and 3T MRI: a pilot study.

AIMS: There are competing hypotheses about the etiology of post prostatectomy incontinence (PPI). The purpose of this study was to determine the anatomical and functional differences between men with and without PPI. METHODS: Case-control study of continent and incontinent men after radical prostatectomy who underwent functional and anatomic studies with urodynamics and 3.0 Tesla MRI. All men were at least 12 months post prostatectomy and none had a history of pelvic radiation or any prior surgery for incontinence. RESULTS: Baseline demographics, surgical approach, and pathology were similar between incontinent (cases) (n = 14) and continent (controls) (n = 12) men. Among the cases, the average 24 hr pad weight was 400.0 ± 176.9 g with a mean of 2.4 ± 0.7 pads per day. Urethral pressure profiles at rest did not significantly differ between groups; however, with a Kegel maneuver the rise in urethral pressure was 2.6 fold higher in controls. On MRI, the urethral length was 31-35% shorter and the bladder neck was 28.9° more funneled in cases. There were no differences in levator ani muscle size between groups. There was distortion of the sphincter area in 85.7% of cases and in 16.7% of controls (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Men with PPI were not able to increase urethral pressure with a Kegel maneuver despite similar resting urethral pressure profiles. Additionally, incontinent men had shorter urethras and were more likely to have distortion of the sphincter area. All suggesting that the sphincter in men with PPI is both diminutive and poorly functional.

SIU/ICUD Consultation On Urethral Strictures: Epidemiology, etiology, anatomy, and nomenclature of urethral stenoses, strictures, and pelvic fracture urethral disruption injuries.

This committee reviewed and evaluated published data, and recommended standardized terminology relating to the epidemiology, etiology, anatomy, and nomenclature of urethral stenoses, urethral strictures, and pelvic fracture urethral disruption injuries, as well as their surgical management. A literature search using Medline, PubMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health), Embase, online acronym databases, and abstracts from scientific meetings was performed from 1980-2010. Articles were evaluated using the Levels of Evidence adapted by the International Consultation on Urological Diseases (ICUD) from the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine. Recommendations were based on the level of evidence and discussed among the committee to reach a consensus. There is expert opinion to support standards regarding the epidemiology, anatomy, and nomenclature of urethral stenoses, urethral strictures, and pelvic fracture urethral disruption injuries. There is level 3 evidence regarding the epidemiology and etiology of urethral stenoses, urethral strictures, and pelvic fracture urethral injuries. The literature regarding the epidemiology, anatomy, and nomenclature of urethral stenoses, urethral strictures, and pelvic fracture urethral disruption injuries are sparse and generally of a low level of evidence. The proposed ICUD system does not readily apply to these areas. Further research is needed so that stronger levels of evidence can be developed leading to recommendations regarding the accuracy of the data. To improve future research and promote effective scientific progress and communication, a standardized nomenclature and anatomy regarding the urethra and urethral surgery is detailed herein.

Urethrocutaneous fistula after use of Tegress bulking agent: Case report and review of the literature.

We report a case of a 68-year-old man who presented with a urethrocutaneous fistula after off-label use of Tegress (C. R. Bard, Inc., Murray Hill, NJ) Urethral Implant for post-prostatectomy incontinence. He was treated for prostate cancer with an open radical retropubic prostatectomy and adjuvant external beam radiation therapy. He was treated unsuccessfully for stress incontinence with a Tegress Urethral Implant and presented to our clinic initially with extrusion of the material urethrally. Four years later he re-presented with a large bullous skin lesion on his suprapubic area. Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging and retrograde urethral cystogram demonstrated a urethrocutaneous fistula. Subsequent cystoscopy revealed the calcified extruded material in the same location as the site of Tegress injection. The patient underwent simple cystectomy with ileal diversion. He recovered well postoperatively. This appears to be the first reported case of urethrocutaneous fistula after use of a Tegress Urethral Implant for post-prostatectomy stress urinary incontinence.

Long-term outcomes after primary failures of artificial urinary sphincter implantation.

OBJECTIVES: To assess our institutional outcomes after primary artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) failures. METHODS: From 1985 to 2010, a total of 149 patients underwent 318 primary and additional AUS procedures. We classified additional procedures as revisions, replacements, or explantations. RESULTS: At a median of 52 months (range, 6-250 months), 53% of patients had required at least 1 additional procedure beyond their initial implantation. These included 106 (63%) revisions, 42 (24.9%) explantations, and 21 (12.4%) replacements. The most common revision was reservoir upsizing (37/106). Reasons for first revision included recurrent incontinence (56.7%), mechanical malfunction (22%), and infection or erosion (18.6%). Explantations were performed primarily for infection and erosion (64.3%). Median time to first revision was 20.1 months (range, 0.1-173 months) after implantation, with a median of 9.5 months (range, 1-102 months) between revisions. Explantation occurred at a median of 22 months (range, 1-221 months) after implant, and subsequent replacement at a median of 33.6 months (range, 2-138 months). At 5 years, 28/83 (33.7%) patients had undergone no additional procedures. Patients with previous radiation were more likely to experience infection (P = .03; OR 3.99; 95% CI 1.03-15.42). Patients with previous myocardial infarction were more likely to experience erosion (P = .04; OR 2.29; 95% CI 1.05-5.02), and obese patients were more likely to experience mechanical malfunction (P = .04; OR 2.62; 95% CI 1.07-6.4). CONCLUSIONS: More than half of patients with an AUS will require additional procedures, most likely revision. Radiation, previous myocardial infarction, and obesity are linked to complications. Median time to first revision or explantation is slightly less than 2 years, indicating that long-term follow-up is required after initial implantation.

Risk factors and quality of life for post-prostatectomy vesicourethral anastomotic stenoses.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the difference in vesicourethral anastomotic stenosis (VUAS) rates after open radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) vs robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP), and to analyze associated factors and effect on quality of life. METHODS: From 2001 to 2009, a total of 1038 patients underwent RARP and 707 patients underwent open RRP. Perioperative factors and Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC) quality of life scores were compared between patients who did and did not develop a VUAS. Independent significant predictors of VUAS development were identified using multivariable modeling. RESULTS: The incidence of VUAS in open RRP cases was higher (53/707, 7.5%) than for RARP (22/1038, 2.1%) (P<.0001). Intervention consisted of dilation in 34 of 75 cases (45.3%), internal urethrotomy in 8 of 75 (10.7%), and multiple procedures in 30 of 75 (40%). Open technique (P<.0001, odds ratio [OR]=3.0, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.8-5.2), prostate-specific antigen (PSA) recurrence (P=.02, OR=2.2, 95% CI=1.2-4.1), postoperative hematuria (P=.02, OR=3.7, 95% CI=1.2-11.3), urinary leak (P=.002, OR=6.0, 95% CI=1.9-19.2), and urinary retention (P=.004, OR=3.5, 95% CI=1.5-8.7) were significant independent predictors of VUAS development. EPIC incontinence scores were similar between VUAS and non-VUAS patients, whereas irritative voiding scores were worse initially with VUAS but became similar by 12 months. CONCLUSION: There is a higher rate of VUAS after open RRP vs RARP. Most cases of VUAS require endoscopic intervention. Predictors include open surgery, PSA recurrence, and postoperative hematuria, urinary leak, and retention. There is no diminution of quality of life scores at 12 months.

Simple cystectomy: outcomes of a new operative technique.

OBJECTIVE: To present an efficient technique for simple cystectomy. Urinary diversion for benign indications is a relatively rare procedure. However, diversion alone without accompanying cystectomy results in a significant risk of complications, such as pyocystis, hematuria, pain, and secondary carcinoma. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed our institutional experience with this simple cystectomy technique, which included 23 patients from 2007-2010 performed by 3 surgeons. There were 14 females and 9 males. All patients had exhausted all other possible conservative therapies. Indication for the procedure included neurogenic bladder and resulting complications in 9 patients, complications from prostate radiation therapy in 5 patients, refractory interstitial cystitis in 5 patients, and refractory incontinence in 4 patients. RESULTS: The average patient was 63.3 years old and had undergone 2.7 prior abdominal or pelvic surgeries and 3.6 prior urinary operations. The average operative time was 27.5 minutes for the simple cystectomy portion of the case (recorded in 19 cases) and average blood loss was 46.7 mL (recorded in 12 cases). For the entire procedure, including diversion with bowel segment, the average blood loss was 231.5 mL. The mean entire operative time was 318.5 minutes. There were no complications noted intraoperatively or postoperatively specifically attributed to the cystectomy portion. All pathology specimens revealed no evidence of malignancy. Mean follow-up was 8 months (range 1-33). CONCLUSION: This simple cystectomy technique, in most cases of urinary diversion for benign indications, can be performed quickly with minimal blood loss and complications.

The impact of urethroplasty on voiding symptoms and sexual function.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of urethroplasty for urethral stricture disease on both voiding symptoms and sexual function through the use of validated patient questionnaires. METHODS: Pre- and post-operative scores for the American Urological Association Symptom Index (AUASI), Incontinence Symptom Index (ISI), and Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) were obtained and compared for adult male patients undergoing urethroplasty. Score differences were then stratified by age. Relevant clinical and demographic characteristics were also examined. RESULTS: Over the 15-year study period, 183 patients underwent 222 urethroplasties. Median age at the time of surgery was 45 years. Urethroplasties were performed for 207 anterior and 15 posterior urethral strictures. The most common approaches were primary anastomotic (36.5%), staged (23.9%), and buccal graft augmented (21.6%). Overall, 63% of men had a clinically meaningful (≥4 point) improvement in AUASI total score and 69% had improvement in their quality of life (QOL) score after urethroplasty. In aggregate, AUASI total scores improved by 7 points (P<.001), and QOL scores improved by 2 points (P<.001). There was no significant difference in ISI or SHIM scores before and after urethroplasty. AUASI total scores improved more dramatically in younger patients. Half of patients with improved AUASI QOL scores did not have a corollary improvement in their total score. CONCLUSIONS: As measured by validated questionnaires, patients of all ages can expect a meaningful improvement in bothersome voiding symptoms after urethroplasty for urethral stricture disease, with minimal impact on continence or erectile function.

Bone-anchored sling for male stress urinary incontinence: assessment of complications.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the complications associated with the male bone-anchored sling (BAS) to determine the appropriate preoperative counseling for men considering surgery. The BAS is a surgical option for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) due to intrinsic sphincter deficiency. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 119 men who had undergone 140 BAS procedures for SUI from May 2000 to May 2009 at our institution. All complications were recorded during the follow-up visits. Pad test and questionnaire results were recorded, as available. RESULTS: BAS was performed in 140 cases for 119 men with SUI. Mean patient age was 65.8 years (range 23-89). Main etiologies for SUI included previous treatment of prostate cancer (82.4%), neurologic dysfunction (12.6%), and previous transurethral resection of the prostate (3.6%). Recurrent SUI, de novo urge incontinence, and wound infection were the most frequent complications encountered (25.2%, 17.6%, and 16%, respectively). The 3 most common reasons for reoperation included bulking agent injection for recurrent SUI (5.9%), sling revision for bone screw dislodgement (5.9%), and sling revision for recurrent SUI (5.0%). Overall complication and reoperation rate for the index cases was 58.8% and 26.9%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of complications after male BAS placement might be greater than previously reported. Patient counseling before surgery regarding the potential complications is important. Men treated for prostate cancer should be informed of the risk of recurrent SUI. In appropriately selected patients, we believe the BAS is a reasonable surgical option; however, the risk of postoperative complication is not equivocal.

Long-term durability of pubovaginal fascial slings in women who then become pregnant and deliver.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Pubovaginal fascial slings are commonly performed after childbearing is completed. Limited data is available regarding women who become pregnant following a sling procedure. METHODS: Three hundred forty-one women of childbearing age underwent pubovaginal sling surgery at our institution from July 1993 to December 2005. All patients were sent a questionnaire regarding their incontinence and health status. RESULTS: Nine women who delivered following surgery were identified (seven vaginal and two cesarean sections). Overall, five remained dry, three had no change in continence, and one noted worsening incontinence. Four women completed questionnaires (two vaginal and two caesarean sections). One patient who delivered vaginally reported high symptom scores and dissatisfaction while the remaining three reported low symptom scores and satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: The pubovaginal fascial sling is a durable option for women with reproductive potential. Given our results, both vaginal delivery and cesarean section appear to be acceptable modes of delivery in this patient population.

Ileovesicostomy for adults with neurogenic bladders: complications and potential risk factors for adverse outcomes.

AIMS: Risk factors for complications following ileovesicostomy have not been well defined. This study's purpose was to examine outcomes following ileovesicostomy in adults and identify possible risk factors that may contribute to post-operative complications. METHODS: Retrospective database review identified ileovesicostomy procedures from August 1999 to September 2003. Demographic, pre-operative, and post-operative data were extracted. Statistical analysis determined whether risk factors influenced outcomes of urethral continence, re-operation, and post-operative complications. Factors included age, tobacco use, diabetes, neurogenic bladder etiology, body mass index, pre-operative indwelling catheterization, or simultaneous procedures including pubovaginal sling/urethral closure. RESULTS: 50 adults status-post ileovesicostomy were identified. At last follow-up, 36 patients (72%) were continent per urethra. The incidence of complications decreased significantly from 3.38 per patient to 1.16 post-operatively (P < 0.0001). Twenty-seven averaged 1.52 inflammatory or infectious post-operative complications per patient, 19 averaged 1.47 stomal complications, and 11 averaged 2.09 ileovesicostomy mechanical obstructions. Overall, 27 required 2.85 re-operations or additional procedures following ileovesicostomy. Sub-group analysis identified BMI (P = 0.0569) as a possible risk factor. Differences in outcomes based on age, tobacco use, diabetes, neurogenic bladder etiology, pre-operative indwelling catheterization, or urethral closure were not significant. CONCLUSIONS: Ileovesicostomy is a valuable management option for adults with neurogenic bladder unable to perform intermittent catheterization. The incidence of urinary tract comorbid events significantly decreased following ileovesicostomy though the onset of other complications should be considered. The morbidity associated with ileovesicostomy requires careful patient selection, close long-term follow-up, and potential subsequent interventions to address post-operative complications.

Urethral diverticulum after endoscopic urethrotomy: case report.

Diverticula of the male penile urethra are rare clinical entities. Urethral diverticula in males may be associated with trauma, infection, impacted calculi or stricture disease. Herein, we present an unusual case of a 57-year-old man with erectile dysfunction and a symptomatic urethral diverticulum after endoscopic urethrotomy for a pendulous urethral stricture. One year after surgical repair involving urethral stricture excision, end-to-end primary urethroplasty, and closure of the diverticular neck, the patient is voiding well but has persistent erectile dysfunction unresponsive to phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors.

Early urinary retention after catheter removal following radical prostatectomy predicts for future symptomatic urethral stricture formation.

OBJECTIVES: Urinary retention after urethral catheter removal is a well-established complication of radical prostatectomy (RP). Its effect on subsequent urethral stricture formation has not been established. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between post-RP early urinary retention (EUR) and subsequent symptomatic urethral stricture formation. METHODS: A total of 1289 patients who underwent RP from January 1998 to November 2004 at our tertiary medical center were included in a prospective database project. EUR was defined as that which occurred 7 days or earlier after urethral catheter removal and was identified by retrospective chart review. Multivariate logistic regression models were constructed to evaluate the association between EUR and symptomatic urethral stricture formation. RESULTS: Of the 1289 patients, 44 (3.4%) experienced EUR, and 16 of these patients (36.4%) developed symptomatic urethral strictures. The stricture rate for patients without EUR was 9.0% (112 of 1245). Compared with the patients without EUR, the patients with EUR had a greater rate of bladder neck contracture (94% versus 68%, P = 0.04) and exhibited a significantly decreased time to stricture formation (1.6 months versus 3.0 months, P = 0.002). After adjusting for patient age, clinical stage, surgeon, and Gleason score, the odds of developing a symptomatic urethral stricture were 4.7 times greater in the patients with EUR (95% confidence interval 2.3 to 9.6). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study have shown that patients with EUR after RP are at a significantly greater risk of developing symptomatic urethral strictures, tend to form bladder neck contractures instead of more distal strictures, and to form strictures sooner after surgery. EUR might be a previously unrecognized risk factor for the development of post-RP urethral stricture.

Objective and quality-of-life outcomes with bone-anchored male bulbourethral sling.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the success rates and quality-of-life outcomes with the male bulbourethral sling using the validated Male Urogenital Distress Inventory (MUDI) and Male Urinary Symptom Impact Questionnaire (MUSIQ). These validated incontinence questionnaires for men have not been reported in the sling population. METHODS: A total of 31 consecutive patients underwent placement of a male bulbourethral bone-anchoring sling from October 2002 through May 2005. The preoperative information included history and physical examination, pad history, urodynamic findings, and MUDI and MUSIQ results. Postoperatively, the patients were evaluated clinically and completed a MUDI and MUSIQ every 6 months. RESULTS: Of the 31 patients, 24 completed the questionnaires and follow-up protocol. Of the other 7 patients, 4 underwent sling removal and 3 were lost to follow-up. The average follow-up time was 15 months (range 9 to 21). After surgery, the pad use decreased from a median of 3.7 pads/day (range 1 to 12) to 1.3 pads/day (range 0 to 6). Of the 24 analyzed patients, 18 (75%) were dry or using 1 pad or less per day, and 9 (38%) no longer needed pads. Subjectively, 75% of the patients were satisfied. The mean MUDI and MUSIQ scores decreased from 56.8 and 29.9 preoperatively to 44.8 (P <0.0001) and 14.6 (P = 0.002) after sling placement, respectively. When all 31 patients were included, our clinical success rate of 1 pad/day or less decreased to 58%. CONCLUSIONS: Of the 24 patients with follow-up data, 75% were satisfied and were clinically cured. A significant improvement was seen after surgery in the MUDI and MUSIQ scores, severity of incontinence, and average pad use. The MUDI and MUSIQ scores paralleled patient satisfaction and clinical success after male bulbourethral sling placement.

Associated pelvic organ prolapse in women with stress urinary incontinence: when to operate?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review discusses recently published data concerning the indications for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgery in women who present with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). RECENT FINDINGS: POP can functionally mask SUI. Surgery for POP may unmask occult SUI in many women. Clinically continent women undergoing POP surgery are at risk for developing symptomatic SUI postoperatively. Preoperative identification of occult (and overt) SUI will facilitate the use of an appropriate prophylactic anti-incontinence procedure at the time of prolapse repair. Numerous studies on the preoperative prediction of SUI following repair of POP have been conducted in an effort to determine whether concomitant prophylactic measures should be taken at the time of POP repair to prevent the postoperative unmasking of SUI in women who do not have SUI preoperatively (with or without prolapse reduction). Although the literary evidence available is not sufficient for POP with occult SUI, there is some information available to guide clinicians in deciding when to perform concurrent POP surgery in women who are undergoing primary surgery for SUI. SUMMARY: The intended goal of surgical correction of SUI and POP is durable restoration of normal anatomy and function, with symptomatic relief and avoidance of morbidity. Recommendations regarding when to surgically intervene for POP in women who present with SUI are based on the available literature although contemporary studies are few and include small numbers of patients with no controls. Long-term, randomized, controlled prospective studies of large numbers of patients are indicated.

Complications following surgical intervention for stress urinary incontinence: a national perspective.

AIMS: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) impacts many women. Treatment is primarily surgical. Post-operative morbidity considerably affects individuals and the health care system. Our objective is to describe complications following surgery for SUI and how they affect resource utilization. METHODS: Utilizing the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (a nationally representative dataset), 147,473 patients who underwent surgery for SUI from 1988 to 2000 were identified by ICD-9 codes. Comorbid conditions/complications were extracted using ICD-9 codes, including complication rates, length of stay (LOS), hospital charges, and discharge status. RESULTS: Overall complication rate was 13.0% (not equal to sum of complication sub-types, as each woman may have had = 1 complication), with 2.8% bleeding, 1.4% surgical injury, 4.3% urinary/renal, 4.4% infectious, 0.1% wound, 1.1% pulmonary insufficiency, 0.5% myocardial infarction, 0.2% thromboembolic. The "gold standard" surgical technique for SUI, the pubovaginal sling, had the lowest morbidity at 12.5%. Mean LOS increased with morbidity: from 2.9 to 4.1 to 6.1 days for those with 0, 1, and =2 complications respectively (P < 0.001). Similarly, inflation-adjusted hospital charges increased with morbidity: from 7,918 dollars to 9,828 dollars to 15,181 dollars for those with 0, 1, and =2 complications respectively (P < 0.001). The percentage of patients requiring post-discharge subacute or home care increased with morbidity: from 4.4% to 8.4% to 14.3% for those with 0, 1, and =2 complications (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A substantial percentage of women experience complications following surgery for SUI. Post-operative morbidity leads to dramatically increased resource utilization. Prospective studies are needed to identify pre-operative risk factors and intraoperative process measures to optimize the quality of care.

Autonomic response to stress in interstitial cystitis.

PURPOSE: Previous studies have documented elevations in indices of sympathetic activity in cats and humans with interstitial cystitis (IC). To examine potential autonomic dysregulation in IC we examined the effects of a laboratory mental stress challenge on blood pressure and heart rate (HR) in patients with IC and healthy controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 14 female patients with IC and 14 age matched controls participated in a laboratory session, including a 25-minute mental stress challenge. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and HR were measured at intervals before, during and following the stressor. The level of chronic stress, symptom severity and pain at voiding were assessed. RESULTS: Mean age was 49 years (range 32 to 66). The resting HR of patients with IC (82.02 bpm) was significantly higher than that of controls (63.31 bpm, p = 0.0001). There was also suggested evidence of elevated resting DBP in patients with IC (p = 0.07) but no significant difference in mean resting SBP. Autonomic arousal elicited by the laboratory stressor did not differ between the groups and subjects in each group perceived the task as equally stressful. Patients with IC had significantly elevated HR at each time point compared with controls (p <0.0001) with an average mean difference +/- SD between the groups of 19.5 +/- 4.0 (main effect for group p <0.0001). Although consistent increases in SBP and DBP were observed in patients after baseline, these differences were not significant. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with IC had an increased HR at baseline and throughout a laboratory mental stress challenge compared to healthy age matched women. No differences in HR or blood pressure reactivity were observed between the 2 groups.

Abdominal sacral colpopexy using autologous fascia lata.

PURPOSE: Numerous techniques and materials have traditionally been used to correct vaginal vault prolapse, including cadaveric fascia, synthetic materials and autologous rectus fascia. We report our experience with autologous fascia lata used for abdominal sacral colpopexy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review identified all women who underwent abdominal sacral colpopexy using autologous fascia lata for vaginal vault prolapse with at least 18 months of followup. Preoperative and postoperative pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP-Q) scores, relevant clinical and operative parameters, treatment efficacy, harvest site morbidity and patient satisfaction were assessed. RESULTS: Ten women underwent this procedure between 1999 and 2001. Mean patient age was 68.3 years (range 55 to 82). Followup was 19 to 42 months (mean +/- SD 30.5 +/- 7.78). Preoperatively POP-Q stages were II to IV in 3, 5 and 2 cases, respectively. Postoperative POP-Q scores improved to and remained at stage II or lower in all 10 patients. Mean operative time was 182 +/- 40.94 minutes (range 136 to 265). Mean blood loss was 107.5 +/- 50.07 cc (range 50 to 200). There was no morbidity associated with fascia lata harvest. Eight of the 9 women alive at review completed and returned the survey. When asked if they could return to how they were before surgery, would they still have the same procedure done and would they recommend the procedure to a friend, all respondents answered yes to each question. CONCLUSIONS: Autologous fascia lata compares favorably in efficacy to that reported for other materials in the contemporary literature and it is not associated with any significant morbidity.