✦ Stress Urinary Incontinence Treatment

Burch Colposuspension — Open / Laparoscopic

Q: Is Burch colposuspension better than a sling?

Long-term cure rates are similar; Burch is preferred when a mesh-free option is required or when performing laparoscopic pelvic surgery simultaneously.

Q: How long is recovery from Burch colposuspension?

Hospital stay is 2–4 days; return to light activities takes 4–6 weeks; heavy lifting should be avoided for 3 months.

Q: What is the risk of voiding difficulty after Burch?

Temporary voiding difficulty occurs in 5–10% of patients; this resolves within weeks in most cases. Your consultant will provide specific guidance based on your individual clinical situation and recovery.

Bladder Neck Suspension for Durable Stress Urinary Incontinence Correction

60–120 min PROCEDURE

2–4 Days HOSPITAL STAY

>80% SUCCESS RATE

4–6 Weeks RECOVERY

What is Burch Colposuspension — Open / Laparoscopic?

Burch Colposuspension is a proven surgical procedure for female stress urinary incontinence that elevates and supports the bladder neck and proximal urethra by suturing the paravaginal fascia to Cooper's ligament (iliopectineal line). It can be performed via open retropubic or laparoscopic approaches. Burch colposuspension has excellent long-term results and is preferred over mesh when a mesh-free option is required. The procedure is performed under general or spinal anaesthesia with a hospital stay of 2–4 Days. Success rates reach >80% in appropriately selected patients at experienced centres.

Women with urodynamically confirmed stress urinary incontinence, hypermobile urethra, those requiring mesh-free surgery, or those undergoing concomitant abdominal or laparoscopic pelvic surgery. Patients must be adequately fit for anaesthesia and free from active systemic infection before proceeding.

How the Procedure Works

Retropubic Access

A Pfannenstiel or lower midline incision provides access to the space of Retzius, or laparoscopic ports are placed for the minimally invasive approach.

Anatomical Landmark Identification

Cooper's ligament (iliopectineal ligament) is identified running along the superior pubic ramus bilaterally — the firm anchor point for suture fixation.

Suture Placement in Vaginal Wall

Two or three permanent sutures (Prolene or ethibond) are placed on each side through the full thickness of the paravaginal fascia.

Cooper's Ligament Fixation

Each vaginal wall suture is passed through Cooper's ligament on the same side and tied with appropriate tension to elevate the bladder neck.

Closure & Drainage

A retropubic drain is placed for 24 hours. The wound is closed in layers.

Outcomes

60–120 minDURATION

2–4 DaysHOSPITAL STAY

>80%SUCCESS RATE

4–6 WeeksFULL RECOVERY

Who Needs This Treatment?

→Women with urodynamically confirmed stress urinary incontinence from urethral hypermobility.
→Those undergoing laparoscopic or robotic pelvic floor reconstruction where colposuspension is added simultaneously.
→Patients with previous failed mid-urethral sling where a non-mesh alternative is needed.
→Women with concomitant anterior vaginal wall prolapse and stress incontinence.
→Those in whom mesh implantation is contraindicated — immunosuppression, prior mesh complications.
→Patients who are well-informed about Burch colposuspension and select it as their preferred option.

"Burch colposuspension has proven its worth over decades. It remains an excellent option for stress incontinence — particularly for patients who want a mesh-free solution or are undergoing laparoscopic pelvic surgery."

— — Dr. Vipin Reddy, Consultant Urologist, Andrologist & Renal Transplant Surgeon

Common Questions

Frequently Asked

Is Burch colposuspension better than a sling?+

How long is recovery from Burch colposuspension?+

What is the risk of voiding difficulty after Burch?+

Not sure which treatment is right for you?

Book a consultation with Dr. Vipin Reddy and get a personalised treatment plan.

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