Age
In a retrospective analysis of 188,454 women aged ≥18 years who underwent an index sling between 2001 and 2010, the youngest age group (18–29 years) was most likely to undergo repeat surgery, while older-aged individuals were more likely to suffer from impaired detrusor contractility and a higher risk of urinary retention after sling surgery.32 In contrast, in our study, the average age of patients with 5-year surgical complications was higher than those without complications (60.3 vs 53.1 years, p<0.0001) and, furthermore, 40.9% of patients with 5-year surgical complications were aged over 65 years. It is worth mentioning that the study authors of that retrospective analysis speculated that the strong effect of age upon the risk of sling revision/removal for mesh erosion may be because younger women are more sexually active and because sexual activity could be a risk factor for mesh erosion.32 The study authors also suggested that younger women who are sexually active may be more likely to detect mesh erosion and request surgical management.32