:: Laparoscopic Hysterectomy :: Laparoscopic Supracervical Hysterectomy
:: Laparoscopic Burch Procedure :: Laparoscopic Vault Suspension
:: Microscopic Tubal Reversal :: Operative Hysteroscopy :: Endometrial Ablation
:: Tension-Free Vaginal Tape Sling

Laparoscopic Burch Procedure

In the laparoscopic Burch procedure, a laparoscope (a telescope like instrument with a video camera) is introduced through the navel and two other incisions about a 1/2 inch long are placed in the lower abdomen.

The space between the bladder and the pubic bone is opened, and permanent stitches are used to anchor the neck of the bladder to behind the pubic bone.

Often extra stitches are used to secure the rest of the bladder into position. This step is called a paravaginal vault suspension.

General anesthesia is required. If not performed with other procedures, patients may go home the same day or the next morning.

Benefits include:

• Less invasive
• Less pain
• Quicker recovery
• Durable results
• Small incisions
• Same day or overnight surgery stay
• Return to work 2 - 3 weeks

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Laparoscopic Burch Procedure?

Laparoscopic Burch (retropubic urethropexy or colposuspension) is a modification of the traditional Burch procedure. Designed to treat stress urinary incontinence, both procedures use permanent stitches to anchor the neck of the bladder and urethra (uv junction) to Cooper's ligament (a ligament that attaches behind pubic bone).

Who is a candidate for a laparoscopic Burch procedure?

• Women with demonstrated stress urinary incontinence
• Women healthy enough for surgery
• Women with no local infection

How well does a laparoscopic Burch procedure work?

Approximately 80 to 95% of women will be continent of urine.

(Zullo, et al, "Laparoscopic Burch colposuspension: a randomized controlled trial comparing two transperitoneal surgical techniques", Obstet Gynecol 2001 Nov;98(5) :783-8.

Demirci F, et al, "Long term results of Burch colposuspension", Gynecolo Obstet Invest 2001;51(4):243- 7.

Fatthy, et al, "Modified Burch colposuspension: laparoscopy or laparotomy", J Am Assoc Gynecol Laparosc 2001 Feb;8(1)99-106.)

Why Laparoscopic instead of traditional Burch procedure?

While both procedures have similar cure rates, the laparoscopic procedure causes less post op pain and up to 475% less blood loss. Mean hospital stay is 36 hours and average return to work is 8 days compared to 76 hours in the hospital and 32 days to return to work for the traditional procedure.