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Research Articles| July 08 2026

Women’s Surgical Preferences in Stress Urinary Incontinence: Sling or Bulking Agent?

Subject Area: Further Areas

Ester Illiano

0000-0001-5660-1815

;

Raffaele Balsamo;

Giulia Vacilotto;

Francesco Trama;

Giordano Polisini;

Elisabetta Costantini

0000-0001-9639-2886

[email protected]

Urol Int (2026)

https://doi.org/10.1159/000553149

PubMed:

42418359

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of the study was to evaluate which treatment women with mild-to-moderate stress urinary incontinence (SUI) chose after failure of conservative treatment. Methods: It is an observational study evaluating the choice of the type of second-line treatment in women with SUI who are nonresponsive to rehabilitation. The women had careful counselling with all the characteristics of both bulking agent and sling regarding: technique, hospitalization time, recovery time, long-term outcomes, complications, failure. Results: Eighty women were evaluated. Women, who choose to perform a bulking agent live alone, have no help at home, do jobs from which they cannot be absent for a long time, and also are exposed to unavoidable physical exertion. Women who choose to perform a sling instead do jobs that do not involve physical exertion and thus can start again quickly, are married, and have help with household chores. Sixty-five percent choose a bulking agent to avoid complications. A total of 74.6% of women who choose slinging are for good long-term results. Conclusion: Careful counselling can be instrumental in deciding on the most appropriate level II treatment, taking into account each patient’s needs and expectations.

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© 2026 S. Karger AG, Basel

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2026

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