A Minimally Invasive Technique for Harvesting Autologous Fascia Lata for Pubo-Vaginal Sling Suspension

Abstract

Objective: To access donor site morbidity associated with harvesting of autologous fascia lata for pubovaginal sling suspension in treating stress urinary incontinence. Methods: A retrospective study was performed of 25 female patients who underwent pubovaginal sling suspension for stress urinary incontinence. Autologous fascia lata strip was harvested in all patients with a minimally invasive approach using a fascial stripper. Demographic, intraoperative, and immediate postoperative data were recorded to determine the incidence of complications. Follow-up data was reviewed for documentation of long-term complications. Results: Adequate length of fascia lata was harvested in all of our patients. Ten patients required a single 2 cm incision just above lateral femoral epicondyle to harvest fascia lata. Twelve patients needed two incisions and remaining three required three incisions. There were no intraoperative complications. There was no incidence of wound related infection or hematoma in the immediate post-operative period. On follow-up no patient had bothersome problems pertaining to the site of graft harvesting. Conclusions: Harvesting fascia lata with fascial stripper is a minimally invasive which is easy to learn and provides an excellent fascial strip with minimal morbidity.