A retrospective review of perioperative complications in 360 patients who had burch colposuspension

This retrospective study reviews intraoperative and early complications of Burch colposuspension of 360 patients. Ten patients had massive haemorrhage and 8 of them had a blood transfusion. Three patients had a haematoma. Bladder injuries were noticed in 10 patients, 3 of whom were diagnosed postoperatively. One patient had unilateral ureteral kinking. Urinary retention occurred in 20 patients for more than 10 days and 2 required catheterization for 26 and 32 days respectively. Eighteen patients had a wound infection and 4 had a wound abscess. Twenty nine patients had a urinary infection. Urinary tract injury, haemorrhage and blood transfusion were significantly more common in women having secondary surgery than those having primary surgery. Deep venous thrombosis was diagnosed in 3 patients who had a Burch colposuspension with concomitant abdominal hysterectomy. Knowledge of possible risks and complications of Burch colposuspension may help plan a better preoperative work-up of patients and may minimize the intraoperative complications and increase surgical success and patient satisfaction.