Long-term results of suprapubic bladder neck closure for treatment of the devastated outlet

Objectives. To assess the long-term success of suprapubic bladder neck closure in patients with irreparably damaged bladder outlets. Methods. A cohort of 35 patients with intractable urinary incontinence secondary to severe posterior urethral/bladder neck damage underwent suprapubic bladder neck closure. Patients were assessed with regard to the success of procedure, as well as early and late complications. Results. With a mean follow-up of 79 months (range 12 to 164), suprapubic bladder neck closure was successful in 29 (83%) of 35 patients. One revision of the bladder neck improved the success rate to 94% (33 of 35). Early and late complications, excluding bladder neck fistula, were reported in 3 (9%) and 5 (14%) of 35 patients, respectively. Conclusions. High success and acceptable complication rates can be achieved with suprapubic bladder neck closure for the treatment of severe urinary incontinence secondary to a devastated bladder outlet.