Long-term results of the Stamey bladder neck suspension: Direct comparison with the Marshall-Marchetti-Krantz procedure

Purpose: We performed followup of a cohort of women who underwent the Stamey endoscopic needle suspension (group 1) or the Marshall-Marchetti-Krantz vesicourethropexy (group 2) between 1975 and 1983. Materials and Methods: Telephone interviews were performed to assess current continence status and time to failure. Risk factors for recurrence of incontinence were correlated with long-term results. Results: Long-term data were obtained for 32 of 41 women (78%) in group 1 and 36 of 54 (67%) in group 2. Range of followup was 9.4 to 19.9 years (median 15.0, mean 15.2) in group 1 and 13.2 to 21.9 (median 16.8, mean 17.0) in group 2. Of group 1 patients 44% remained dry compared to 33% of group 2 patients. Persistent local side effects were reported by 9% of group 1 and 0% of group 2. Urinary urgency was present in 70% of group 1 patients and 23% of group 2. There was no relationship between long-term operative success and age at surgery, degree of preoperative incontinence, parity, obesity, prior incontinence surgery or prior hysterectomy for either procedure. Conclusions: The Stamey and the Marshall-Marchetti- Krantz procedures yield high initial cure rates with progressive, parallel declines in continence status with time.