Shore-Up, a Novel Technique with Tensor Threads in Women with Stress Urinary Incontinence: A Pilot Study.

Abstract

<p>Background: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) commonly affects women's quality of life. The widespread recommendation of using non-absorbable meshes has delayed a more definitive surgical solution. Newer, less invasive biomaterial treatments show promise.<h4>Objective</h4>Our aim was to describe and evaluate a new urethral suspension technique called "shore-up," performed with APTOS® resorbable tensor threads on an outpatient procedure.<h4>Design</h4>A pilot study was conducted.<h4>Participants</h4>32 SUI women, unresponsive to conservative treatment, participated in the study.<h4>Settings</h4>The study was conducted at the HM IMI Clinic, Toledo, Spain.<h4>Method</h4>Patients completed validated incontinence questionnaires (Sandvik and ISCQ SF) before and at 1, 2, 6, and 12 months post-procedure. A blinded analysis of results was conducted.<h4>Results</h4>Women with SUI of different degrees: mild (3/32), moderate (19/32), severe (8/32), and very severe (2/32) showed a significant improvement (p < 0.05) in scores on both tests. After 12 months, a success rate of 72% (23/32) without SUI was observed, 16% with mild (5/32) and 12% with moderate SUI (4/32). None of them required hospitalization or post-surgical assistance, and the most frequent complications were extrusion of the final thread end through the vagina in 33% (9/32), transient dyspareunia in 6% (4/31), and early suture dehiscence in 6% (2/32).<h4>Conclusion</h4>The shore-up technique is a promising, minimally invasive option for managing SUI, offering high efficacy, safety, and patient satisfaction.<h4>Limitations</h4>This is a small study, and further research is recommended to confirm these findings (ethic code 23.02.2155-GHM). </p>.