Objective. To compare the results of retropubic and transobturator slings for surgical treatment of female stress urinary incontinence (SUI). MethOds. We randomized thirty patients with SUI, ten of whom underwent transobturator sling surgery and ten retropubic sling surgery. Patients were assessed before treatment and 1, 6 and 12 months after treatment on the basis of clinical history, physical examination, quality of life questionnaire (King's Health Questionnaire), pad test and urodynamic evaluation. The groups were homogenous prior to surgery. Results. One year after surgery, incontinence and quality of life parameters had improved significantly in both groups and there were no differences between them. There was a significant reduction in pad test weights in both groups. According to the urodynamic evaluation, 12 months after surgery cure rates were 84.2% for the transobturator group and 88.8% for the retropubic group. Subjective cure rates were 85% in the transobturator group and 88.8% in the retropubic group. No statistical difference was observed in complication rates. cOnclusiOn. Retropubic and transobturator slings were effective for treatment of women with SUI at 12-month follow-up. Both techniques had significant cure rates and improved quality of life with low complication rates.