The purpose of this study was to compare the surgical outcome and attendant complications of the suprapubic arc (SPARC) sling and tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) procedures. Sixty-two women with genuine stress incontinence (GSI) alone or combined with pelvic prolapse less than International Continence Society (ICS) stage II were randomly allocated to either SPARC or TVT groups. A routine suprapubic ultrasonography was performed for all patients 1 day after the anti-incontinence operation. A comparison of the peri- and postoperative results comprising surgical outcomes and complications revealed no significant differences between the two groups. Although the difference in the rates of bladder injury was not statistically significant (SPARC 12.9 vs TVT 0.0%, p = 0.112), it was clinically significant. Routine suprapubic ultrasonography revealed eight subjects had retropubic hematomas greater than 5 cm. The cure rate for SPARC was not significantly different from TVT (80.7 vs 87.1%, p = 0.706). We concluded that the SPARC sling and TVT procedures proved to be equally effective. Subsequent suprapubic ultrasonography, in particular for the symptomatic patients, was found to be of clinical merit.

The aims of this trial were to compare the attendant complications and postoperative voiding function of the Monarc and suprapubic arc (Sparc) suburethral sling procedures. This is the first article in English literature to compare different suburethral sling procedures using prosthesis of the same material and the same weave. Sixty women with urodynamic stress incontinence alone or combined with pelvic prolapse less than International Continence Society stage II were randomly allocated to either the Monarc or Sparc group. A comparison of the peri- and postoperative results comprising complications and symptoms of voiding function revealed no significant differences between the two groups in a follow-up ranged from 6 to 14 months (median, 9 months). However, the nonsignificant increase in tendency of inadvertent vaginal perforation and disability/pain of thigh (Monarc 12.9 vs Sparc 0.0%, p=0.112 and Monarc 12.9 vs Sparc 0.0%, p=0.112, respectively) has clinical significance. Based on the analyses of the comparison of Blaivas obstruction nomograms, postoperative voiding function was not significantly different between the two surgical groups. We concluded that Monarc and Sparc suburethral taping proved to be equally safe and posed no remarkable impact on voiding function in a short term postoperative follow up. However, intraoperative urethrocystoscopy is recommended for safety in both the Monarc and Sparc procedures.